California Public Records Act
What is a public record?
Many records of Sonoma State University are available for public inspection under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code section 6250 et seq.), as well as those of its auxiliaries under the McKee Transparency Act (Cal. Ed. Code section 89913 et seq.).
The records may be in writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, card, tape recording, or other material that is created, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency and must contain information relating to the conduct of the public's business.
This includes any record generated on paper, paper substitutes, photographic media, magnetic or machine readable media, or any other material, regardless of form or characteristics, including e-mail, voice-mail, databases, instant messaging and text messages.
Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under the California Public Records Act (See e.g., Gov. Code section 6254 et seq.) and McKee Transparency Act (Cal. Ed. Code section 89914(a)). SSU may redact purely personal and private information from public records. The Public Records Act also does not require Sonoma State University to create documents that do not already exist.
How is a public records request made?
We prefer that all requests are made using the webform located on our website. Additionally, requests can be made in writing via email to pra@sonoma.edu(link sends e-mail). If you are unable to write, please contact us by telephone or via email and we will assist you with this task. Your request should include the following information:
Contact information – your name, mailing address and telephone number. Feel free to include any other information you may feel to be useful, such as your e-mail, fax or cell phone number.
A description of the specific records being requested. The request must be specific enough for the university to be able to identify the records being requested.
Please let us know if you would like copies of the records or if you would like to come to our office to review them.
Only the Records Access Officer is authorized to receive, grant, or deny any request for records under the Public Records or McKee Transparency Acts . If a Sonoma State University or Auxiliary employee receives a request, it must be promptly forwarded to pra@sonoma.edu(link sends e-mail).
Are public records requests confidential?
No, public records requests are not confidential records. The request is itself a public record. It can be requested by others and the office forwards public records requests to the departments holding records and to third parties who have an interest in the records that were requested.
How much does it cost to obtain public records?
Responsive records are free to view at Sonoma State University and twenty cents a page for records depending on format. Requesters will be notified in advance of any non-standard charges. These shall not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse the agency.
Where is the Public Records Access Office is Located and How Can it be Contacted?
Risk Management and Safety Services oversees the public records access office. Current Records Access Officers are Megan Varnadore, Missy Brunetta, and Tyson Hill. Find more information about how they help on Contact Us page.
Mail/In-Person: Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Salazar Hall, Room 2050B, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
E-Mail: Send to: pra@sonoma.edu
Phone: Call (707) 664-3087
Media inquiries about campus policies, decisions, changes, and similar should be directed to Sonoma State's Strategic Communications department at 707-664-2057 or news@sonoma.edu.