What should I do if I receive a subpoena, summons or a request for documents under the Open Records Act?
You should email Georgia Tech's Open Records Office, a part of Institute Communications. Requests should be sent to openrecords@gatech.edu and, if the request is in writing, send a copy of the request to the Open Records Office immediately. If a Georgia Tech department or employee is forwarding the request and there are responsive records, the department or employee should identify any such documents or other records in their possession that might be responsive to the request.
Does a request for documents under the Open Records Act have to be in writing?
No, it does not. While you may encourage those who request records to submit their request in writing in order to avoid any misunderstanding, it is not required by the law. Further, the requestor does not have to mention the Open Records Act or give a reason for the request.
What are my obligations or rights with regard to the confidentiality of student records?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guarantees students access to their educational records and, with some exceptions, prohibits disclosure of educational records. The exceptions include consent by the student and subpoenas. The Institute may also release directory information without a student's consent, unless the student has specifically requested that directory information be withheld. Directory information is defined on the Registrar's web page at Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
If a request for student records does not fall within one of the exceptions to FERPA you must obtain the student's written consent prior to disclosure. The consent should be signed and dated by the student, must specify what records may be disclosed, provide the purpose of the disclosure and the party/parties who the disclosure may be made.
If you have specific questions regarding FERPA, please contact Legal Affairs.
What should I do if I want to issue a press release about my work at Georgia Tech?
All press releases are handled by Institute Communications. Please contact that office for assistance.
