Higher Education

The law of higher education in Michigan is complex and multi-faceted. Michigan's state public universities enjoy unique constitutional status and powers. Michigan community colleges may be established under state or federal laws. Michigan's private higher education institutions may be residential or commuter, religious or sectarian, or liberal arts, science, business, or research-focused. These variables affect each higher education institution's authority, governance, legal relationships, and obligations. Thrun Law Firm understands the complexities of higher education law. Our higher education attorneys have significant experience advising Michigan's colleges, universities, and community colleges in a broad range of legal matters. We also are approved panel counsel for the Michigan Universities Self Insurance Corporation (M.U.S.I.C.), comprised of eleven of Michigan's thirteen 4-year public universities. Our unparalleled breadth of knowledge and years of experience representing educational institutions from K-12 to colleges and universities make us uniquely qualified to address the challenging legal issues facing Michigan's higher education institutions today.

Areas of Expertise

• Academic Affairs
• Academic Freedom
• Business Contracts
• Civil Rights Compliance
• Clery Act
• Community College Act
• Charter School Authorization
• Dual Enrollment/Early Middle College
• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Free Speech Rights
• Freedom of Religion and Establishment Clause
• Governance
• Labor and Employment
• Section 504/Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Student Conduct and Discipline
• Student Organizations
• Title IX/VAWA