What is a subpoena? A summons?
A subpoena is a legal document that can command a person (1) to appear at a certain time and place to give testimony upon a certain matter, or (2) to produce, at a certain time and place, books, papers, and other documents regarding specific issues. A summons is a legal document used to begin a civil action or special legal proceeding.
Often a subpoena will call for the production of various kinds of University records. These records may have to be gathered from several University offices in order to comply with the subpoena. Records should only be collected and provided with the guidance of Campus Legal Counsel.
In some instances, a subpoena will command a person to appear at a certain time and place for trial or for a deposition. Campus Legal Counsel will review the subpoena and advise you on how to respond.
A summons can be served on the University itself or on specific individuals. If a process server attempts to provide you with a summons that is directed to the "University of Illinois", the server should be sent to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, located in 354 Henry Administration Building, Urbana or 414 Administrative Office Building, Chicago.
If the summons is addressed to a specific individual, in either his or her official or individual capacity, it must be accepted by that person. If the summons is related to the University work or if the University is a named party to the litigation, then you should report the service of the summons to Campus Legal Counsel as soon as possible after it has been served.