Court Summons, Subpoenas, Complaints, Agency Requests, or Legal Notices Policy - Northern Michigan University

When possible, send individuals delivering a court summons, subpoena, or complaint directly to the NMU Police Department (open 24 hours/365 days) or Finance and Administration.  Immediately call or email PD /  F&A  to provide notice that the documents are in transit. Likewise, when a University employee receives any other kind of legal document, immediately inform NMU PD or Finance and Administration, who will provide delivery instructions on further handling of the document. Time is of the essence, therefore do not delay or send a legal document through interoffice campus mail unless instructed to do so.  

If any federal or state agency seeks access to University facilities, University personnel or students, or information concerning University personnel or students, the Northern Michigan University Police Department (open 24 hours/365 days) must be notified immediately. The NMU Police Department will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrative and/or legal offices. 

To comply with legal requirements, NMU employees must not respond to Court Summons, Subpoenas, Complaints, Agency Requests, or Legal Notices directly without explicit approval from NMU’s General Counsel. The NMU Police Department will route requests to the appropriate offices to ensure General Counsel’s involvement. For example, requests to release student records to a federal agency must be reviewed under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects student privacy. General Counsel will determine the appropriate response in such situations.  

Occasionally, NMU Faculty or Staff will receive a verbal notification that an individual intends to take legal action, such as to sue the University. When it is possible, immediately refer these individuals to the Finance and Administration Office. 

NMU Police Department, 100 Services Building, (906) 277-2151

Finance and Administration Office, 502 Cohodas Building, (906) 227-2200