Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. As an Illinois public body, Elgin Community College is subject to and complies with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1-140/11.

All FOIA requests will be processed in accordance with the act. In an effort to best provide the requested information, all requests must include complete contact information and adequate details of the information being requested (e.g. type of records requested, including but not limited to dates/timeframe). Each request will be complied with or denied within five (5) working days after its receipt. The five (5) working day time limit may be extended to include an additional five (5) working days in some cases. When the college is closed for extended periods such as winter or spring breaks, FOIA requests will be responded to within five (5) business days upon the college re-opening. Each request for a commercial purpose will be complied with or denied within twenty-one (21) days after its receipt. Accordingly, if your request is for a commercial purpose, please indicate that it is for a commercial purpose as required under the act. Any attempt to procure a public record for a commercial purpose without disclosing that the use is for a commercial purpose constitutes a violation of the act warranting a fine. For documents related to the Board of Trustees, please visit the board's page.

The college has designated Marilyn Prentice, paralegal, and EEO/AA Officer, FOIA compliance officer, as its FOIA officer. FOIA requests for public records should be submitted in writing via regular mail, email or facsimile to:

There is no copying fee for the first 50 black and white standard-sized copies. The fee for additional copies is 15 cents per page. Actual cost will be charged for copies of documents not of standard size, and for the recording medium (e.g. compact disk, tape, DVD) when applicable.

You can learn more about the FOIA at the Illinois Attorney General’s website.