Access to Public Information

Public Information Requests

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is committed to openness and public access to university records under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13).

Use the form below to request public university data or records. Complete the form below with as much detail as possible so the Office of Institutional Research and Reporting can locate the correct records. We will review each request and respond as required by law. Examples of public data requests include:

• Institutional reports and summaries

• Public financial or administrative records

• Aggregate institutional statistics

• Other university records that are designated as public under Minnesota law

Include a clear description of the records you are requesting. Relevant dates, department names, or report titles will help the office locate the right information.

Public Information Request Form

Student Records (FERPA)

Requests for student education records are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

FERPA protects student privacy and generally requires written consent before personally identifiable student information can be shared.

Students seeking access to their own records should contact the University office that maintains those records. More information is available on the university's FERPA information page. More information about FERPA and student record privacy can be found on the University’s student records policy page.

Other Record Requests

For institutional reports, datasets, or records not covered by the form above, contact the Office of Institutional Research and Reporting directly. The office can also answer questions about institutional data or more complex requests.