Public Records and Information

Requesting Information

Whether you have a general question or are seeking specific information about the University of Arkansas, University Relations can help by directing your inquiry to the appropriate person or unit for a timely response.

Media Inquiries

Questions and requests from members of the media should be directed to the following contacts:

  • University of Arkansas: John F. Thomas, manager of university communications
  • University of Arkansas Police Department:  Lt. Michael Oakes 
  • Razorback Athletics: Ke,vin Trainor associate athletic director
  • University of Arkansas System: Nate Hinkel, director of communications 
  • University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture: Mary Hightower, director of communications

Requesting Public Records

Like other public entities in Arkansas, the University of Arkansas is subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and works to provide requested non-exempt public records in a timely manner. The university’s responsibilities under the open records and open meetings provisions of the state’s Freedom of Information Act as well as procedures for compliance are summarized in this policy.

Please note that the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act applies only to citizens of Arkansas.

Some public records and specific types of information are exempt from disclosure. Records gathered by the university in response to an Arkansas FOIA request are reviewed for possible exemptions including personal email or home addresses, non-published telephone numbers and similar information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. 

Common Exemptions

  • Education Records - The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)  defines these as records that are directly related to a student and maintained by the university or a party acting for the university.
  • Personnel Records - Applied on a case-by-case basis, the Arkansas FOIA exempts these to the extent that their disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Most records relating to current or former employees are personnel records, whether or not they are kept in a personnel file.
  • Employee Evaluation and Job Performance Records - The Arkansas FOIA maintains these records are not available for public inspection unless there has been a final administrative resolution of a proceeding to suspend or terminate an employee, the records formed a basis for the decision, and there is a compelling public interest in disclosure.
  • Law Enforcement Records - With the exception of routine police records such as arrest reports, records related to ongoing criminal investigations conducted by the campus police are exempt. Additional information is available from the U of A Police Department. 
  • Competitive Advantage - This exemption applies to records which, if disclosed, would give an advantage to competitors or bidders. It protects trade secrets and other proprietary information.
  • Library Records - Documents or information in any format retained by a University library that identify a patron as having requested, used, or obtained services, books or other library materials are exempt.

Public Records Inquiries

For public records requests in these specific areas, contact:

  • University of Arkansas: Rebecca Morrison, public information officer
  • University of Arkansas Police Department:  Lt. Michael Oakes
  • Razorback Athletics: Kevin Trainor, associate athletic director
  • University of Arkansas System: Nate Hinkel, director of communications
  • University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture: Barbara Batiste, civil rights compliance officer