The University is represented by the Office of General Counsel (OGC). Subpoenas, search warrants, and other information requests come in different forms and require OGC review to determine the appropriate University response. In all cases, OGC must evaluate these documents before the University responds.

The OGC can be reached by phone at 319-335-3696 or email at general-counsel@uiowa.edu during the business day. 

If this occurs after hours or you cannot reach the OGC for any reason, call UIPD at 319-335-5022 instead of OGC. UI Health Care staff members may also call the hospital operator at 319-356-1616 and ask for the attorney on call or Safety and Security at 319-356-2658.

Government Subpoenas

Subpoenas issued by government agencies are generally treated as court orders. Such subpoenas may command you to appear at a specified date, time, and location to testify or produce certain documents. The appropriate response depends on the form of the subpoena and the agency that issues it. Many University records are confidential and may be released only in certain circumstances, even to government officials. Please contact the OGC if you receive a government subpoena so the University can review and respond appropriately. If a government official tries to serve you with documents, please note that you are not authorized to accept service for the University. 

Do not ignore a subpoena, even if it addresses something you are unfamiliar with or asks for documents you don't have. Failure to respond to a subpoena could result in court sanctions against you or the University.

Private Subpoenas

In addition to government subpoenas, private entities may also request information from the University through a subpoena.  As with government agency subpoenas, contact the OGC to review the document and coordinate the University’s response.

Warrants

Warrants generally authorize a government official to search a physical space or records. As with subpoenas, if you are served with or otherwise receive a warrant, please immediately contact the OGC (or UIPD if OGC is unavailable) for assistance in reviewing the documentation. UI Health Care staff members may also call the hospital operator at 319-356-1616 and ask for the attorney on call or Safety and Security at 319-356-2658.

Law Enforcement Presence

The University’s campus is largely open to the public. Law enforcement officers from different agencies may be present in public campus spaces like any other member of the community. 

However, some spaces (such as a residence hall room, patient care area, or other spaces that are typically locked during business hours), are generally private and not open to the public. Also, as stated above, some records may be confidential and require the University to follow specific processes prior to producing them. If a law enforcement officer requests access to records or a space that is private, ask them to wait while you consult with OGC (or UIPD if OGC is unavailable) for guidance. UI Health Care staff members may also call the hospital operator at 319-356-1616 and ask for the attorney on call or Safety and Security at 319-356-2658.

Personal Legal Resources

As a reminder, the OGC represents the University. OGC can provide legal advice related to your employment responsibilities but is not authorized to provide personal legal advice. For personal legal advice, contact a private attorney. The Iowa State Bar Association (515-243-3179 or isba@iowa.org) may be helpful in connecting you to legal resources.

Alternatively, The University of Iowa College of Law Clinical Law Program’s immigration practice group (319-335-9023 or law-legal-clinic@uiowa.edu) may be able to provide referrals to local attorneys and non-profit legal service providers. 

For students, the Student Legal Services office also provides free legal services to university students.