General Counsel

Vice President Darron C. Farha leads the Office of General Counsel at Valparaiso University, overseeing legal affairs and providing expert guidance on university operations, compliance, and policy matters.

Office of the General Counsel

With decades of legal experience and service in higher education, Farha plays a vital role in shaping institutional strategy and supporting the University’s mission. Vice President and Valpo’s first General Counsel since 2009. Previously General Counsel at Pittsburg State University and attorney at Wheeler & Mitchelson. Licensed in Indiana and U.S. District Court (Northern IN), he’s active in NACUA, serving as Treasurer and on multiple committees. Farha holds a BBA (Pittsburg State), MBA (Washburn), and JD (University of Kansas).

First Things First

Let’s Explore

General Counsel

EthicsPoint Reporting

President’s Office

Provost

General Counsel

Reports Prepared for the Provost

From time to time, the Provost appoints several key faculty and staff members to various task forces. These task forces are charged with conducting extensive research and investigation into important campus issues. The reports of nine of these task forces can be browsed by clicking on the report links below.

Overview

Vice President and General Counsel Darron C. Farha works closely with the president, Board of Directors, and University administrators on law-related and policymaking issues affecting the institution. In addition to providing legal advice and representation to the University through its board members and administrators, Farha has supervisory responsibilities over compliance, risk management, and the University Police Department.

Manage legal matters handled by outside legal counsel.

Serve as a member on the University President’s Cabinet and Council.
Serve as secretary for The Lutheran University Association, Inc., d/b/a Valparaiso University.
Draft, review, edit, and maintain University policies and procedures.
Serve as legal counsel for The Lutheran University Association, Inc.
Investigate and aid in the resolution of grievances and complaints.
Manage and assist with litigation brought against the University.
Represent the University in administrative matters filed with regulatory agencies.
Draft, edit, and negotiate contracts on behalf of the University.

Protocol

Our office gives legal advice to the University by and through its administration. The relevant vice president, dean, director, or any superiors should be made aware of any issue before it is brought directly to our office and our office may disclose any issues or communications with a University employee to the relevant administrator or administrators.

Handbooks

Student Handbook

Faculty Handbook (PDF)

Faculty Evaluation Flow Chart (PDF)

Staff Employee Handbook (PDF)

Bylaws

The Lutheran University Association, Inc. d/b/a Valparaiso University Bylaws (PDF)

An Instrument for the Internal Governance of Valparaiso University (PDF)

University Council Bylaws (PDF)

Faculty Senate Bylaws (PDF)

Policies

Policies Overview