University of Illinois

Illinois Freedom of Information Act

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides public access to government documents and records. The new Illinois FOIA notes that it is "the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees consistent with the terms of this Act. Such access is necessary to enable the people to fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest."

The Illinois Attorney General office website provides details about the act.

As a state institution, the University of Illinois is subject to the Illinois FOIA. Logs of all FOIA requests are maintained by University public information officers. Requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act, response letters, and responsive documents are themselves public records and subject to FOIA requests.

The University of Illinois provides countless documents and information without the requirement of filing a FOIA request. The FOIA process can be complicated and information can be provided without that step. However, some requestors -- or the University -- may determine that a formal request for records under FOIA is appropriate. In those instances, a thorough reading of the pages listed below will provide helpful information about the process, contact names, and how a request is handled.

For more detailed information, read:

• Available records, including immediately available information
• How to file a request and the appropriate office for a request
• Responses
• Charges
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• FOIA log (current and recent requests filed with University Administration)
• Learning more