Public Records Request

North Carolina Public Records law states the records of any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are public records available upon request by any citizen’s unless otherwise protected. A list of exceptions to this rule are listed in Chapter 132 of the N.C. General Statutes.

Public records include all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business. It is the policy of the State of North Carolina to allow public access to the activities of government, including public documents, for residents, members of the media and other organizations. The North Carolina Community College System Office (NCCCS) aims to uphold this policy.

What to Expect When You Submit a Public Records Request

Public records requests once received will be processed as outlined below. The scope, complexity, and review of the records request will have an impact on the time it takes to respond to the records request.

1. Receipt of Records Request – NCCCS will notify the requester that their request has been received. Requests are processed in the order in which they are received.
2. Search for and Compilation of Records – Records are collected, any necessary clarifications are requested from the requestor to complete the search for and compilation of records.
3. Review and Redaction of Records – NCCCS will review the requested records to ensure that information that is exempt or confidential under public records law is not released. If only part of the record is exempted, the document will be provided with any necessary redactions as required by State law.
4. Release of Records – The records are provided to the requester usually via electronic means.

Submitting a Public Records Request

To submit a request, use the online public records request form below.

Frequently Asked Questions