Chesapeake College and the Maryland Public Information Act

Enacted in 1970, Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA), grants the public a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. The PIA covers public agencies and officials in Maryland and includes all branches of state government (legislative, judicial, and executive). Chesapeake College is also covered by the PIA. The PIA is similar in purpose to the Federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  For more information, go to http://www.oag.state.md.us/Opengov/pia.htm (Maryland’s Public Information Act) or http://www.fcc.gov/foia/ (Federal Freedom of Information Act).

What are public records?

Public records are records made by or received by a covered public agency in connection with the transaction of public business. A public record is defined as the original or copy of any documentary material in any form, to include written materials, e-mails, books, photographs, photocopies, films, microfilms, records, tapes, computerized records, maps and drawings created or received by the college in connection with the transaction of public business. Personal information, trade secrets and certain financial information are not public records. Additionally, there is no obligation to create records to satisfy a PIA request.

Who may request public information?

Anyone – citizens, corporations, associations, public interest groups, private individuals, and universities – can submit PIA requests.

How do I request public information?

  1. Complete the form below and submit as instructed.
  2. Chesapeake College will contact you within thirty (30) days, approving or denying your request.
  3. If the request is denied, a letter will be sent to you stating the reason for the denial of the request.
  4. If the request is approved, you will be sent a letter stating the fees associated with fulfilling your request.
  5. If you wish to proceed with the request, you must send a check or money order, made payable to Chesapeake College, to the college’s Director of Public Information, P.O. Box 8, Wye Mills, MD 21679.
  6. If you decide not to proceed, simply return the approval form stating the retraction of the request to the college’s Director of Public Information.

 

Maryland Public Information Act Request Form
Name
Name
First
Last
Address
Address
Street address
(P.O. box, Apt. #, etc.)
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Please submit a detailed description of the records you're requesting.