Public Records

As a state agency, Bellevue College is subject to the provisions of the Washington state public disclosure laws (RCW 42.56) governing access to public records and will respond accordingly. There may be exemptions to disclosure that may prohibit the college from releasing certain documents. The College will provide a brief explanation for any exemption to disclosure.

BC's campus.

How do I make a request?

  • Submit a request online or
  • Send a written request to us which should include:
    • your  name, full mailing address, email address and telephone number;
    • a detailed description of the requested record(s); and
  • Indicate whether you will:
    • review records at the college; or
    • have paper copies mailed; or
    • receive documents mailed via DVD; or
    • have documents provided electronically, when appropriate.
  • Send your request by:

Records Officer
Bellevue College
3000 Landerholm Cir. SE
Room B125
Bellevue, WA 98007

Questions?

Megan Balka, Public Records Specialist
(425) 564-2477

What happens after you receive my request?

Generally, within 5 business days of receiving a request the college will:

  • provide copies or provide an estimate of when the records will be available; or
  • reply that no responsive documents exist; or
  • acknowledge the request and ask for additional clarification(s); or
  • provide applicable exemption(s).

Notification

Records not exempt may contain personal or other information which may require us to notify affected individual(s) of the request. We may provide affected individual(s) a reasonable opportunity to seek court protection from disclosure.

Are there costs?

Current costs for records are:

  • Photocopies: $.15 per page
  • Scanning: $.10 per page
  • Electronic file upload: $.05 per each four electronic files uploaded
  • Transmission of electronic files: $.10 per gigabyte
  • Digital storage device: Actual cost
  • Envelope for mailing: Actual cost
  • Postage/Delivery charge:  Actual cost

What are my options if a request is denied?

  • Provide a written request for review to the Records Officer.
  • The request will be reviewed by the college president or his/her designee.

Exemptions and Limitations

Some records are exempt from public disclosure law. Following are some examples:

  • Personal information, i.e., residential address or telephone number of any individual associated with the college.
  • Social Security Numbers.
  • Mailing lists of employees, volunteers and students to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Student education records as provided under FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
  • Library information about library users.
  • Health records.
  • ADA disability records.
  • All applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant.
  • Test questions, scoring keys and other examination data used to administer any examination.
  • Data or maps which identify locations of archaeological sites.
  • Internal drafts, notes, and recommendations where opinions are expressed or policies are formulated or recommended may be exempt from disclosure until a decision has been made. When a decision has been made, they are public documents.
  • Information regarding the infrastructure and security of computer and telecommunications networks to the extent they identify system vulnerabilities.