Virginia
How Dyer v. The University of Maryland applies in Virginia: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Contracts.
Virginia law supports the notion that contractual relationships between universities and students involve an implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. Courts look at both the express terms of the contract and the expectations of the parties.
In Virginia, universities and students have a contractual relationship characterized by both express terms and implied conditions of good faith, requiring universities to adhere to established policies and procedures.
The court held that universities owe a duty to act in good faith regarding the enforcement of their disciplinary policies.
This case reaffirmed that students are entitled to the protections of contractual expectations set forth in the university's handbook.
The court held that George Mason University must provide due process before dismissing a student, thus indicating the enforceability of implied obligations within student contracts.
Virginia courts typically apply contract principles similar to federal common law regarding implied covenants. However, Virginia's specific focus on university-student relationships emphasizes not only explicit contractual terms but also the context of educational policies.
Understanding the principles from Dyer v. The University of Maryland is critical for the Virginia bar exam, especially regarding contracts in the context of education law.