What is a public record:
A public record is a writing kept by a public body that contains information relating to the conduct of the public's business. Most public records can be disclosed, but some records and some specific details within records are exempt from disclosure under the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Public Records Law and/or other state or federal privacy laws.
Who can make a public records request?
Any person, whether representing themselves or any other organization, has a right to request and review any public record of an Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ public body if that record is not exempt from disclosure.
How to you make a public records request?
Public records requests may be made by submitting the Public Records Request form found on this website and submitted by email to public.records@oit.edu, or mailing to: Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, Office of Public Records, 3201 Campus Drive | Klamath Falls | Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ | 97601. The request should clearly and with specificity describe the records being requested. Our office may follow-up with the requester to get more information to help us identify the records being requested.
How long does it take to get a response?
The Office of Public Records responds to a Public Records Request within five (5) business days of receipt of the request as required by law. Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech records are highly decentralized, which can add more time to the process of gathering records if they are located within multiple locations throughout Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech's campuses.
Do I have to pay for public records?
As allowed under Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Revised Statute ORS 192.324(4), the Office of Public Records charges for the actual cost of making public records available. This includes all staff time involved (calculated based on hourly rate of pay and benefits), a per-page fee for photocopies (should hard copies be requested), any mailing or delivery charges. Staff time locating, gathering, compiling, reviewing and segregating the records into exempt and nonexempt records, redacting, summarizing, monitoring (if a request is made to to inspect records on site), or copying in response to a request. Our office provides the requester with an estimated total cost, and begins work when payment is received. In some circumstances, upon petition by the requester, Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech may reduce or waive certain fees.
What public records are exempt from disclosure?
Some public records can be conditionally or unconditionally exempt from disclosure, depending on the nature of the record. The reasons for exemption vary but are always provided by either state or federal law, and are often related to protecting personal information of students, employees, or other individuals. Where permitted by law, some public records containing both exempt and nonexempt material may be separated or redacted and the nonexempt material made available. For more information on the legal context in which exemptions or redactions are made, the text of ORS 30.864 and a 2011 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Department of Justice Opinion on Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Public Records might be helpful, and is posted on this webpage.
Where can I get a copy of Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ's Public Records Law?
A link to the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Public Records Law, as well as the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Attorney General's Public Records and Meeting manual can be found on this website under "Useful Links."