New York State’s Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law §87 et. seq. ) allows members of the public to access records of governmental agencies; and provides a process for the review and copying of an agency’s public records. A listing of Records Access Officers at each of SUNY’s 64 campuses can be found on our Campus FOIL officers page.
To submit a FOIL request to SUNY System Administration, complete the email form for F.O.I.L. Request
Each state-agency must maintain a "subject matter list." The list is not a compilation of every record an agency has in its possession, rather is a list of the subjects or file categories under which records are kept at SUNY. It must make reference to all records in possession of an agency, whether or not the records are readily available. You have a right to know the kinds of records a state agency maintains.
The subject matter list must be compiled in sufficient detail to permit you to identify the file category of the records sought. The subject matter list of agency records at SUNY is comprised of:
Requests for records of the State University of New York should be in writing, but may, in certain circumstances, be accepted verbally. You must “reasonably describe” the record in which you are interested. If possible, you should supply dates, titles, file designations, or any other relevant information that may help staff to locate requested records.
The law also provides that agencies must accept requests and transmit records requested via email when they have the ability to do so.
Copies of records must be made available on request. Except when a different fee is prescribed by statute, an agency may not charge for inspection, certification or search for records, or charge in excess of 25 cents per photocopy up to 9 by 14 inches (section 87(1)(b)(iii)). Fees for copies of other records may be charged based upon the actual cost of reproduction.
Records are available for public inspection and copying at the State University of New York located at:
State University of New York
FOIL Officer
353 Broadway
Albany, NY 12246
Phone: (518) 320-1311
Email: FOIL@suny.edu
Requests for public access to records will be accepted, and records produced during regular business hours.
To arrange for an inspection of records, please contact the SUNY Freedom of Information Law Officer.