What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and what should I do if I receive a FOIA request?
Illinois State University is a public body subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates public bodies to provide “full and complete information” about the actions of government to the public without violating individual privacy, disrupting the work of a public body, or furthering a commercial enterprise. FOIA does not require a public body to create new records or to summarize existing ones. In addition, there may be some University records that are exempt from disclosure. All requests for information pursuant to FOIA must be in writing, and directed to the Freedom of Information Act Officer. FOIA requires disclosure of requested information within seven (7) working days, if an extension is not requested prior to that time. Therefore, if an employee receives such a request, it should immediately be forwarded to the Freedom of Information Act Officer. A copy of the University’s Freedom of Information policy is located at http://www.policy.ilstu.edu/policydoc
