College Catalogs: Avoid Mistakes and Legal Claims in 2025-26 School Year

04-07-2025 2:00 PM EST or 06-16-2025 12:00 PM EST

A catalog is a legal document that informs students about college and academic policies and lists course offerings. Counselors and other staff also use them to help students decide how to further their education. Colleges and universities underestimate catalogs' importance. Your course catalog must be precise, transparent, and legally sound. Course catalogs aren't just guides; they help shape students' futures. Students rely on them for planning semesters and careers, and they are the basis of contractual agreements between institutions and students.

During this presentation, Dr. Jim Castagnera will explore the practical and legal aspects of a document that is taken for granted by too many higher education institutions. By publishing and monitoring an effective course catalog, you will manage students' expectations and reduce your institution's risks and liabilities.

What You'll Learn

During this highly informative webinar Dr. Castagnera will discuss:

• When and why a college catalog is a binding contract
• How you can effectively use disclaimers and reservations of rights
• The potential consequences of inaccuracies
• The legal implications of using an online course catalog
• Lessons you can  learn from recent court cases
• What information should be included in the catalog. What you should exclude
• Other documents which may define your contractual relationship with students
• Damages and remedies that are available to students for inaccuracies