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[zeegirl]

In another thread on the fora, someone suggested that a Dean or Chair should have personal liability insurance.  I'm currently considering applying for a Dean position (I'm chair now), and this advice concerned me.

Does this sound like something that would be advisable for all Chairs or Deans?  Are there that many problems in any individual position that someone would need such insurance? Or is it just good policy to be prepared for the unexpected?

[stickball]

Do you feel that...?   It's your leg being pulled...

[minor_t]

If you do your job, your employer will cover you.  For example, if you deny a grade appeal but follow campus procedure, the campus - and likely its lawyers - will defend you if there's a lawsuit.  If you deny the grade appeal by telling the student that hu is a funny-looking git that reminds you of your hated second-grade teacher and then hit the student over the head with a baseball bat, then you will need personal liability insurance.

Ok, that might have been a step too far.  It's been a tough day and, yes indeedy, I'm dealing with a grade appeal.

Seriously, I have never heard of a dean or chair needing personal liability insurance.

[anthroid]

Me either.  It just is not an issue.  Don't fret!  More importantly, don't buy.  Talk with your current University attorney.  Odds are she'll say you wouldn't need such a thing.

[icurhere2]

I've been provided O&D-type coverage (I do come from the private sector) in my highest level roles by the states in which I've worked.  However, I still carry umbrella liability insurance (less than $200/year for over $1m in coverage) for things that may happen elsewhere. 

One thing to note is that my state reimburses legal fees (in certain types of cases) after being found not liable - generally, "in discharge of duties" only requires good faith attempts to follow law and policy.

[mickfed]

I carry professional liability insurance, which is very inexpensive.  My motivation for doing this is the assumption is that in litigation my institution’s interests and my own may not be compatible.  Having once been joined to a suit in a third-party complaint by my employer’s insurance company’s attorney, I learned how quickly your employer’s insurer may be to turn on you and your employer has little recourse (small print in policy about participation with the insurance company in defense of claims or voiding coverage).

I was never really in any jeopardy but it cost $15K to get me untangled.  No Rule 11 claim to recover against since the legal brotherhood views no cause of action too frivolous.