Requesting a Public Record

Need to make a public record request? Follow the steps outlined on this page to get started!

How to Request a Public Record

1. Complete an online request on the University’s public records portal

  1. Visit GovQA
  2. Click on the “Submit a Record Request as a Guest” link.
  3. Or…if you intend to submit multiple requests, you may prefer to create an account. In that case, click “Create an Account to Submit a Request.”

2. By mail to address:

Public Records Office
OM 409
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

3. By phone, fax or email

Phone: 360-650-2728
Fax: 360-650-4228
Email: publicrecordrequests@wwu.edu

Responding to a Public Records Request

  1. The Public Records Officer will respond to a request within five business days of receipt of the request in the Public Records Office. The response may take one of the following forms:
    • Acknowledge the request and give a reasonable date for providing the records. This date may be extended as necessary to accommodate the collection and processing of the records
    • Provide the requested records
    • Deny the request and provide an explanation for the denial. Request a clarification about the request where the request is unclear or does not sufficiently identify the requested records
  2. Provide an installment schedule for provision of the records.
  3. The Public Records Officer locates and requests records from departments.
  4. The Public Records Officers reviews and redacts records which fall under legal exemptions.
  5. Documents that do not fall under any exemptions are released to the requester.
  6. Documents that are exempt from disclosure based on applicable laws and federal statutes are redacted and an exemption log attached to the records.
  7. Requester pays for records provided.
  8. The Public Records Officer provides record to requester.