Public Records and Open Meetings
In 1972, Washington state enacted both the public records law and the open public meeting act to assure citizens of our state transparency and access to government.
The staff of the Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings oversees the university’s compliance with these two important laws:
Submit a public record request
As of July 28, 2020, Governor Inslee has indefinitely paused Washington’s phased re-opening due to an increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the state. University of Washington classes will be held in a hybrid model for autumn, winter, and spring quarter, and those employees that can effectively execute their duties remotely are directed to do so. As a result, the Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings is currently operating as a virtual office and will continue to do so through at least June 30, 2021. The Office’s business hours remain the same: Monday-Friday from 9 am – noon and 1-4 pm, exclusive of holidays and University closures.
You may request public records via email at pubrec@uw.edu. If you do not have access to email you may call our office and we will take your request verbally. To do this please call (206) 543 -9180 and leave us a message with your name and telephone number. A staff member will return your call and assist.
Any public records request left in person at the Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings or mailed to the office will be considered received by the UW as of the date the office resumes operation in this location. The office will provide additional information to these requesters on the status of their request and an estimate of further time the office needs to respond within 5 business days from the date the physical office re-opens. If needed due to a backlog or volume of new requests, this notice also serves as the initial 5 business day acknowledgment under RCW 42.56.520.
Public Records requests received by email or phone will continue to be received and processed in the normal course.
This notice is provided to give the fullest assistance to requestors. We all appreciate your patience during this time and hope you stay well.