Freedom of Information (FOI)

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public university.  UConn is also considered a State Agency under the executive branch of the State of Connecticut.   As a public university and State Agency, UConn is subject to the requirements of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. This means that any record created or maintained by UConn faculty or staff is presumed to be available to the public, except under very limited circumstances.

The definition of a public record is found in Connecticut General Statute 1-200, which states that “any recorded data or information relating to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used, received or retained by a public agency whether such data or information be handwritten, typed, tape-recorded, printed, photostatted, photographed or recorded by any other method.”  Accordingly UConn employees should be aware that any e-mails or attachments shared between them and other colleagues or anyone outside the University are potentially public information.  This warning includes use of your office computer, lap top, home computer (if used for business purposes) Palm Pilot or Blackberry, or any other University device.

If you are asked to provide any information or documents in UConn’s possession under the Freedom of Information Act, please contact the University Privacy Officer, Rachel Krinsky Rudnick of the Office of Audit, Compliance and Ethics immediately for advice and direction before turning over any documents.  She may be reached by phone at 860-486-5256 or by fax at 860-486-4527. These matters are time sensitive and it is imperative that you forward these request to her as soon as you receive them.  In Rachel’s absence, please contact Liz Vitullo at 860-486-2530.