Misrepresentation and the Liability of Universities

This article focuses on misrepresentation and the exposure of universities to legal liability for innocent, fraudulent or negligent statements by academics or administrative staff made to students or prospective students. A greater public awareness of consumer rights through media coverage of damage awards, speculative actions by lawyers, and a changed perception of universities by students have led to litigation against universities where defects in the provision of services have occurred. This article seeks to highlight the importance of oral and written statements made by universities and staff and the legal consequences resultant on inaccurate or careless misrepresentations