Inquiries from Government and Regulatory Authorities

Like all large organizations, the College occasionally receives requests for information or site visits from government regulatory or investigative agencies. Sometimes, the inquiry involves a matter in which the College is directly involved (e.g., an inspection of Dartmouth's facilities by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration). In other instances, the College is not directly involved but possesses relevant information (e.g., a request by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for information concerning an employee, regarding a criminal investigation unrelated to the employee's work at Dartmouth). In either case, it is important that the Office of the General Counsel be notified immediately of all non-routine requests for information or site visits by government agencies. In addition to determining whether the request is legally valid, the Office can assist in assuring that the institution responds satisfactorily and in notifying the appropriate people at Dartmouth. You should also refer all attorneys representing regulatory authorities or the government to the Office of the General Counsel.