What is a public record:
A public record is a writing kept by a public body that contains information relating to the conduct of the public's business. Most public records can be disclosed, but some records and some specific details within records are exempt from disclosure under the Oregon Public Records Law and/or other state or federal privacy laws.
Who can make a public records request?
Any person, whether representing themselves or any other organization, has a right to request and review any public record of an Oregon public body if that record is not exempt from disclosure.
How to you make a public records request?
Public records requests may be made by submitting the Public Records Request form found on this website and submitted by email to public.records@oit.edu, or mailing to: 91快播, Office of Public Records, 3201 Campus Drive | Klamath Falls | Oregon | 97601. The request should clearly and with specificity describe the records being requested. Our office may follow-up with the requester to get more information to help us identify the records being requested.
How long does it take to get a response?
The Office of Public Records responds to a Public Records Request within five (5) business days of receipt of the request as required by law. 91快播 records are highly decentralized, which can add more time to the process of gathering records if they are located within multiple locations throughout 91快播's campuses.
Do I have to pay for public records?
As allowed under Oregon Revised Statute ORS 192.324(4), the Office of Public Records charges for the actual cost of making public records available. This includes all staff time involved (calculated based on hourly rate of pay and benefits), a per-page fee for photocopies (should hard copies be requested), any mailing or delivery charges. Staff time locating, gathering, compiling, reviewing and segregating the records into exempt and nonexempt records, redacting, summarizing, monitoring (if a request is made to to inspect records on site), or copying in response to a request. Our office provides the requester with an estimated total cost, and begins work when payment is received. In some circumstances, upon petition by the requester, 91快播 may reduce or waive certain fees.
Payment Deadline Requirements
In accordance with ORS 192.329(3)(b), if a requester fails to pay the estimated fee within 60 days on which the public body informed the requester of the fee, or fails to pay the fee within 60 days of the date on which the public body informed the requester of the denial of the fee waiver, the public body shall close the request.
Please Note: Any payment received after the 60-day deadline from the date a cost estimate was issued will be returned to the requester. If the requester still wishes to obtain the records, a new public records request must be submitted.
What public records are exempt from disclosure?
Some public records can be conditionally or unconditionally exempt from disclosure, depending on the nature of the record. The reasons for exemption vary but are always provided by either state or federal law, and are often related to protecting personal information of students, employees, or other individuals. Where permitted by law, some public records containing both exempt and nonexempt material may be separated or redacted and the nonexempt material made available. For more information on the legal context in which exemptions or redactions are made, the text of ORS 30.864 and a 2011 Oregon Department of Justice Opinion on Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Public Records might be helpful, and is posted on this webpage.
Where can I get a copy of Oregon's Public Records Law?
A link to the Oregon Public Records Law, as well as the Oregon Attorney General's Public Records and Meeting manual, can be found on this website under "Useful Links."
Why does the University close requests after 60 days?
Oregon law (ORS 192.329(3)(b)) requires public bodies to close requests when payment is not received within 60 days after providing the requester with a cost estimate. This helps ensure the timely processing of public records requests and efficient use of resources.
What happens if I miss the 60-day payment deadline?
The request will be closed, and any payment received after the 60-day window will be returned.
Why are late payments returned instead of applied to the new request?
Late payments are returned in order to preserve 91快播 resources and avoid unnecessary administrative and accounting burdens. Processing a payment after a request has been closed requires staff time to reopen files, reconstruct timelines, and re-evaluate cost estimates that may no longer be accurate. Returning late payments ensures accuracy, prevents misapplied funds, and supports efficient use of 91快播 resources.
Can I still get the records after my request is closed?
Yes. You will need to submit a new public records request. The processing timeline will begin anew.
Does the 60-day period reset if I ask questions or request changes?
No. The 60-day countdown begins on the date 91快播 issues the fee estimate or the fee-waiver denial, regardless of later communication.
What if I never received the fee estimate?
If you believe you did not receive the estimate, please contact the Public Records Office as soon as possible. The 60-day period is based on the date the estimate was issued, not the date it was opened or viewed.
