Access To University Records (D-1)
Original Implementation: 1975
Last Revision: January 31, 2012
Access to documents or records in the custody or control of Stephen F. Austin State University is determined by the provisions of state law. In general, the records of the university are open to public inspection during normal business hours, upon written request. However, various exceptions to the public's right to examine university documents exist under law. These include, but are not limited to, information in personnel files, the disclosure of which would clearly be an unwarranted invasion of privacy; documents relating to litigation or settlement negotiations; information relating to the possible purchase of real property; student records; interagency or intra-agency memoranda or letters not available by law except in the context of litigation; and rare books or original manuscripts held for the purpose of research.
The Office of the General Counsel has been designated by the Board of Regents as the public information coordinator responsible for processing public information requests. Requests for public information by outside entities and vendors are to be immediately referred to the Office of the General Counsel. The requests must be in writing and may be submitted by mail, fax, e-mail or in person. The requestor must include enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the governmental body to accurately identify and locate the information requested. The requestor must also cooperate with the governmental body's reasonable efforts to clarify the type or amount of information requested. The university may charge for copies of public information in accordance with the fee schedule set out in 1 Tex. Admin. Code § 70.3.
Requests by student organizations that are for organizational use only should be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs. Requests for alumni information should be submitted to the Alumni Association.
This policy does not prevent either students or employees from examining university records applying to themselves.
Cross Reference: Public Information Act, Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 552
Responsible for Implementation: General Counsel
Contact for Revision: General Counsel
Forms: None
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs