National Association of College and University Attorneys

The National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) is a nonprofit organization founded in the 1960-1961 period by a group of attorneys specializing in legal services for colleges and universities in the United States. The association was established to enhance legal assistance to higher education institutions by educating attorneys and administrators about campus legal issues.

Purpose and Mission

NACUA's primary purpose is to advance the effective practice of higher education attorneys for the benefit of the colleges and universities they serve. This involves promoting core values such as quality, civility, service, collegiality, diversity, inclusiveness, and respect among its members.

Membership and Structure

NACUA's membership includes over 1,650 institutional campus members, along with more than 5,000 attorney representatives. These members are primarily from non-profit, regionally accredited institutions of higher education across two-year and four-year, public and private sectors. Each member institution is represented by a primary attorney, with additional attorney representatives also participating. Associate Institutional and Individual memberships are available for eligible non-profit organizations and attorneys with shared interests.

NACUA operates under the governance of a Board of Directors and maintains volunteer participation through various committees.

Activities and Resources

The association provides multiple resources and activities to support its mission, including:

• Continuing Legal Education (CLE): NACUA offers CLE programming to educate university counsel about emerging legal issues in higher education.
• Publications and Legal Resources: It produces publications and maintains a clearinghouse for sharing knowledge and work products related to current legal concerns.
• NACUANET Listserv: A listserv for members to communicate and collaborate on legal matters.
• Conferences: NACUA hosts annual conferences to explore legal hot topics affecting higher education, such as tax implications, scientific research regulations, and AI governance.
• Committees and Task Forces: Members can participate in committees focused on various legal issues, such as forming task forces to address emerging topics like AI.

Impact and Role

NACUA plays a significant role in the legal and administrative aspects of college and university operations, particularly in addressing complex legal landscapes surrounding scientific research, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. By providing a platform for attorneys and administrators to share insights and best practices, NACUA enhances the legal capacity of its member institutions to navigate modern challenges in higher education.