Guidelines for Making Open Records Requests
Alabama Open Records Act Requests
The University of Alabama complies with the laws of the State of Alabama, including granting citizens the right to review and obtain copies of certain public writings in accordance with Alabama Code §36-12-40, et. seq. As such, The University of Alabama has adopted guidelines and a form for individuals requesting records from The University of Alabama, in compliance with the University of Alabama System Office guidance for Managing Open Records Requests.
SUBMITTING A REQUEST:
A records request form found here should be completed for each request made. All requests should describe in detail the records being sought, including the date and/or time frame of such records.
The University will devote as much of its resources to addressing public records requests as possible without interfering with the fulfillment of the normal job duties of its personnel.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:
Responses: The University will acknowledge all requests received. Depending on the number of requests received and the amount of time required to gather the relevant information, the length of time before a response is provided can vary tremendously.
Documents: When possible, all documents will be provided in electronic/digital form.
Exemptions: State law provides that some information may be exempted from production including, but not limited to, registration and circulation records and information concerning the use of university libraries; records concerning security plans, procedures, assessments, measures, or systems, and any other records relating to, or having an impact upon, the security or safety of persons, structures, facilities, or other infrastructures, including information concerning critical infrastructures and critical energy infrastructures the public disclosure of which may reasonably be expected to be detrimental to the public safety or welfare; records that the disclosure of which would otherwise be detrimental to the best interests of the public; or, records protected from disclosure by other state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA) law.
Costs: The University of Alabama, in accordance with the Alabama Open Records Act, will impose a reasonable fee to process open records requests. However, the University may waive this fee when a request does not require significant time or resources to process. This waiver is at the sole discretion of the University upon evaluation of the request.