Public Record Requests

What is a public record?

Many records of Cal Poly Humboldt are available for public inspection under the California Public Records Act, as well as those of its auxiliaries under the McKee Transparency Act (Cal. Ed. Code section 89913 et seq.). For Auxiliary Records requests for the Sponsored Programs Foundation, University Center, Associated Students or the University Foundation, please email auxiliarypublicrecords@humboldt.edu

The records may be in writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, card, tape recording, or other material that is created, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency and must contain information relating to the conduct of the public's business.

This includes any record generated on paper, paper substitutes, photographic media, magnetic or machine readable media, or any other material, regardless of form or characteristics, including e-mail, voice-mail, databases, instant messaging and text messages.

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act and McKee Transparency Act (Cal. Ed. Code section 89914(a)). Humboldt may redact purely personal and private information from public records. The Public Records Act also does not require Humboldt to create documents that do not already exist.

How is a public records request made?

We prefer that all requests are made in writing and via e-mail. If you are unable to write, please contact us by telephone or in person and we will assist you with this task. Your request should include the following information:

1. Contact information – your name, mailing address and telephone number. Feel free to include any other information you may feel to be useful, such as your e-mail, fax or cell phone number. 
2. A description of the specific records being requested. The request must be specific enough for the university to be able to identify the records being requested.
3. Please let us know if you would like copies of the records or if you would like to come to our office to review them. Only the Public Record Request Coordinator is authorized to receive, grant, or deny any request for access. If a Humboldt University or Auxiliary employee receives a request, it must be promptly forwarded.

Only the Public Record Request Coordinator is authorized to receive, grant, or deny any request for records under the Public Records or McKee Transparency Acts . If a Humboldt University or Auxiliary employee receives a request, it must be promptly forwarded.

Are public records requests confidential?

No, public records requests are not confidential records. The request is itself a public record. It can be requested by others and the office forwards public records requests to the departments holding records and to third parties who have an interest in the records that were requested.

How much does it cost to obtain public records?

Free to view and twenty cents a page for copies. Requesters will be notified in advance of any non-standard charges. These shall not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse the agency. 

Where is the Public Records Request Office Located and How Can it be Contacted?

The Public Records Request Office is located at: Cal Poly Humboldt, 1 Harpst St, Student Business Services Building, Room 345F, Arcata, CA 95521.

• Mail: Send to the above address
• E-Mail: Send to: publicrecordsrequest@humboldt.edu
• In-Person: Visit the above address

Media inquiries about campus policies, decisions, changes, and similar should be directed to Humboldt's Marketing and Communications department at 707-826-3390 or news@humboldt.edu.