Article 17 – Legal Representation

17. LEGAL REPRESENTATION

The University recognizes the obligation not only to provide a harassment-free environment and conditions under which academic freedom can flourish, but also, to provide legal advice, representation and/or indemnification to members of the bargaining unit who encounter problems as a result of carrying out in good faith their responsibilities as defined in 1.3.

This article does not apply to legal action initiated by a member. Also, it does not apply to internal proceedings initiated by the University against a member except that an investigator(s) may recommend payment of reasonable legal expenses when a member is exonerated.

Eligibility for coverage under this article will be treated as a question of interpretation as outlined in 14.1 when the parties cannot agree.