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Right-to-Know

Open Records Office


CCAC Right to Know Policies and Procedures

CCAC Right to Know Request Form

Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law took effect January 1, 2009. The law concerns public access to records at public institutions and government agencies. The most significant change is that the burden of proof is now on the institution or agency to show why a record should not be released; there are 31 categories of records exempted under this law. The new law does not overrule existing laws such as FERPA (the Buckley Amendment) that limit access to certain records.

Also, while many community colleges (including CCAC) have followed the spirit of the law in the past, they are explicitly required to comply with the new Right-to-Know Law.

What does this mean for you? You should know some of the most important provisions of the law before submitting a request.

  • How: Requests must be in writing via either hard-copy or email. Download the standard request form or request one through the Open Records office, 412.237.4413.
  • What: Requests for information must be specific as to the record(s) desired. You do not have to give a reason for the request.
  • Who: Requests must be submitted to the following:*
    CCAC Open Records Officer
    Byers Hall, Office of the President
    800 Ridge Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15233
    412.237.4413
    Fax: 412.237.4420
    rtk@ccac.edu
  • When: A response to the request will be issued within five business days from the time it is received by the Open Records Officer.
  • How much: You may be charged duplication and postage fees in keeping with standards set by the Office of Open Records. Prepayment may be required if fees are expected to exceed $100.
  • Where: For more information about the new Right to Know Law, visit http://openrecords.state.pa.us

*Special COVID-19 Notice:  Please note that College buildings and facilities are currently closed due to the current pandemic.  College mail and fax machines are checked periodically during this closure period; however, the College cannot guarantee a response to mailed or faxed requests within the normal time limits for providing a response.  Submission of requests through email is therefore strongly recommended.