Institutional Effectiveness
Assessment Plan- Department/Unit
Department/Unit:
College/Division:
Date:
Office of Legal Affairs
Mission Statement:
The Office of Legal Affairs provides professional quality legal services to the University on all
matters having legal significance to the management and operation of the institution. While
providing counsel toward sound decision-making in all areas of instruction, research and service,
we strive to minimize legal risks and costs, reduce litigation, and ensure compliance with state
and federal laws, as well as University policies and procedures. We are committed to act with
integrity, reason, and knowledge of the law in support of the educational environment at Georgia
State University.
Intended Outcome #1:
Contracts submitted by University departments are reviewed, drafted and negotiated in a timely
and legally sufficient manner.
Effectiveness Indicators:
A. Number of contracts reviewed per month.
B. Average length of time contract is in review process.
C. Number of lawsuits/settlement related to contracts per year.
Success Criteria
A. Success = 90% of all contracts are processed within 14 days.
B. Success = two (2) or fewer lawsuits related to contracts per year.
Data Collection:
A log tracking the above information for all contracts reviewed by the Office of Legal Affairs
will be maintained by the office administrative assistant. Reports of the effectiveness indicators
will be prepared and analyzed by the Office of Legal Affairs.
Utilization of Results:
The Office of Legal Affairs will analyze this information to determine whether the contract
review process is timely and sufficient. If it is determined that it is not, the Office of Legal
Affairs will consider hiring additional staff and utilizing more template agreements.
Intended Outcome #2:
The University community understands the role of Legal Affairs and utilizes our services
appropriately.
Effectiveness Indicators:
Number of visitors to Office of Legal Affairs website.
Success Criteria:
The number of hits on the website increases by 5% a year.
Data Collection:
The hit counter on the website will be monitored monthly.
Utilization of Results:
If the success targets are not met, it may indicate that we need to increase our informational and
advocacy activities.
Intended Outcome #3:
Provide legal advice to managers and other decision-makers that reduce institutional liability.
Effectiveness Indicators:
Number of lawsuits/settlements per year compared to other similar Board of Regents universities.
Success Criteria:
Georgia State ranks the lowest, or next to lowest, among the four research institutions in the
number of lawsuits/settlements.
Data Collection:
A log tracking the number and types of lawsuits/settlements per year will be maintained by the
office administrative assistant.
Utilization of Results:
If the number of lawsuits/settlements per year increases in relation to those of the other
institutions, the Office of Legal Affairs will offer more education and training to the University
community.
J:leg/legal institutional effectiveness plan draft 2