Third-Party Subpoenas for University Records

Purdue University and its employees are subject to the subpoena powers of state and federal courts. Through the issuance of subpoenas, third parties involved in claims and lawsuits may seek to obtain University records that they consider relevant, even when the University is not a party to the claim or lawsuit. These third-party subpoenas may present confidentiality issues or be objectionable for other valid reasons related to the files or records requested. Therefore, the Office of Legal Counsel must review all subpoenas before responding to them.

Questions about these procedures may be directed to the Office of Legal Counsel at legalcounsel@purdue.edu.

Receipt of a Third-Party Subpoena

Faculty and staff members who receive a subpoena that requires their attendance at a legal proceeding because of their employment with the University or requires the production of any University record must contact the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) the same day as receiving the subpoena.  Please email a copy of the subpoena to legalcounsel@purdue.edu. Faculty and staff members are advised not to attempt to comply with or respond to the subpoena until they receive instructions from OLC.

Response to a Third-Party Subpoena

The OLC will coordinate the University’s timely response to third-party subpoenas and ensure that all legal obligations are met and all appropriate objections are preserved.

Responsibility for these Procedures

The OLC is responsible for maintaining these procedures.