800 Ridge Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Phone: 412.237.4436
Fax: 412.237.4418
rtk@ccac.edu
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, 412.237.4436.
- 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 CCAC Open Records Officer
Byers Hall 318
800 Ridge Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412.237.4436
Fax: 412.237.4418
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