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University Relations

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act?

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides public access to government documents and records. As a state institution, 春雨直播 Illinois University is subject to the Illinois FOIA ().

What should my office do when it receives a FOIA request?

Fax (298-1993), e-mail (wiufoia@wiu.edu) or mail the request to Chief FOIA Officer, 208 Sherman Hall, Macomb, IL 61455. Read through the request to become familiar with the documents and information that the requestor is seeking. The FOIA Officer will contact you to discuss the request and any documents you need to provide.

How long do we have to respond to a FOIA request?

As soon as the request comes to a University employee, the University must respond within five working days from receipt of a request; therefore, if your office receives a FOIA request, it must be forwarded to the FOIA officer immediately.

How can a FOIA request be submitted to WIU?

Request can be e-mailed, faxed or sent via U.S. mail, and must include the requestor's name, contact information, and a description of the document(s) sought. Requests can be submitted by mail to:

Chief FOIA Officer
208 Sherman Hall
1 University Circle
Macomb IL 61455-1390

贰尘补颈濒:听wiufoia@wiu.edu听
Fax: (309) 298-1993

Requests may also be submitted in person at 208 Sherman Hall.

Are there charges associated with a FOIA request?

Black and white copies may be obtained for 15 cents per page after the first 50 pages.

Who has the right to inspect public records?

The Freedom of Information Act requires public bodies to make public records available "to any person."

What types of records are exempt from public inspection?

Public records that are exempt from inspection and copying include: information specifically prohibited from disclosure by federal and state law; files and personal information about students; personnel files and personal information about employees; test questions, scoring keys, and other academic examination data; information received by a college or university related to the evaluation of faculty members by their academic peers; course materials or research materials used by faculty members; and much more.

  • Private information 鈥� 鈥淧rivate information鈥� is exempt from disclosure under FOIA. FOIA defines 鈥減rivate information鈥� as 鈥渦nique identifiers, including a person鈥檚 social security number, driver鈥檚 license number, employee identification number, biometric identifiers, personal financial information, passwords or other access codes, medical records, home or personal telephone numbers, and personal e-mail addresses.鈥� Under FOIA, 鈥減rivate information also includes home addresses and personal license plate numbers, except as otherwise provided by law or when compiled without possibility of attribution to any person.鈥�
  • Personal information that, if disclosed, would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, unless the disclosure is consented to in writing by the person who is the subject of the information. Under FOIA, the 鈥渦nwarranted invasion of personal privacy鈥� means the 鈥渄isclosure of information that is highly personal or objectionable to a reasonable person and in which the subject鈥檚 right to privacy outweighs any legitimate public interest in obtaining the information.鈥� Disclosing information that relates to the public duties of public employees is not considered an invasion of personal privacy.
  • Law enforcement records that, if disclosed, would interfere with a pending or reasonably contemplated proceeding or that would disclose the identity of a confidential source.
  • Information that, if disclosed, might endanger anyone鈥檚 life or physical safety.
  • Preliminary drafts or notes in which opinions are expressed or policies are formulated, unless the record is publicly cited and identified by the head of the public body.
  • Business trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential and disclosure would cause competitive harm to the person or business.
  • Proposals and bids for any contract, until a final selection is made.
  • Requests that are 鈥渦nduly burdensome.鈥�

Can denials be appealed?

Appeals of a decision to redact information from, or deny access to, public records should be submitted to:

Public Access Counselor听
Office of the Attorney General听
500 South 2nd Street听
Springfield, IL 62706

Fax: (217) 782-1396
贰尘补颈濒:听publicaccess@atg.state.il.us