The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents the world of higher education with an unprecedented set of challenges that will likely persist for years to come. During the pandemic and beyond, colleges and universities will be forced to re-evaluate fundamental aspects of their operations, all while facing financial shortfalls, declining enrollment, new government regulations, and novel health and safety concerns. These challenges will be particularly acute for institutions already facing thin margins and a fierce competitive environment.

Successful navigation of the current crisis will require good judgment, informed decision-making, and a practical knowledge of the relevant legal issues. This White Paper provides a practical, high-level overview of the key legal issues confronting institutions of higher education. Whether seeking to minimize litigation risks, to access needed liquidity, or to prepare to reopen, colleges and universities can use this document as a starting point to steer a course through the current COVID-19 pandemic and into the future.