Guidelines for Requesting and Accessing Public Information 

• Any member of the public is allowed to view public information without charge.
• Viewing of public information will be at reasonable times and places.
• Viewing does not include receiving copies of information unless providing a copy is the only way for us to provide viewing.
• Viewing includes remote access and the ability of the public to download the data on the public?s own computer, but in some cases, we may charge for such access.
• We will provide access to public data as soon as we reasonably can, but we may not be able to provide the requested information immediately because it takes time to locate and/or copy the information.
• We cannot provide data that we do not keep.
• Upon request, we will provide copies of public data. We may charge for those copies.
• You are not required to identify yourself unless it is needed to send the data or to clarify your request. You are not required to tell us why you want the information.
• Upon request, we will explain the content and meaning of the data.
• If the public data you want is stored on a computer, you may ask that we provide a copy to you electronically, and we will do so if possible. We are not required to provide the data in a format or program that is different from how we store it, but if we agree to do so, we will charge you the cost of providing the copy.
• If we determine the data you requested is not public information, we will notify you verbally or in writing as soon as we reasonably can, and the law which applies will be noted. If requested, we will provide our decision in writing.

• Data practice requests must be in written form. If it is information regarding student data, there are forms available in the Student Services department.
• Please state that you are making a request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Make your request as specific as possible, describing the information you want as clearly as you can. We may need some time to locate the information you are requesting and by clearly stating your request, it will help us to respond more efficiently.
• Send your requests to the appropriate person/department.