FOIA Requests

Under the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records in the possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon request. The Act defines a public record as, "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of, or under the control of any public body."

Some records are, however, not subject to release via the FOIA process. These types of records are described under 5 ILCS 140, Sections 2.15, 7, and 7.5. Some records may also be subject to provisions imposed by other state statutes. The FOIA process for disclosure of information does not supersede other applicable statutory and judicial mandates. 

Pertinent records and communications stored in the personal devices and personal email accounts of public body officials and employees are considered public records and are therefore producible under FOIA. Section 7(1)(c) of FOIA specifically states that "disclosure of information that bears on the public duties of public employees and officials shall not be considered an invasion of personal privacy."

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) function is housed in, funded by, and overseen as part of the Legal Affairs and General Counsel's Office at Northeastern Illinois University. The University's General Counsel and Associate General Counsel provide legal guidance for FOIA requests, when needed. Most requests received by the University under the banner of FOIA are made by email, however requesters may also mail and hand deliver written requests as permitted by the statute. The University endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for all information requests.

Quick links to university information:

Freedom of Information Act (and ferpa directory information) requests should be directed to:

By email: foia@neiu.edu

By US Mail or Hand Delivered:

Karl Voigt, FOIA Officer
Legal Affairs Department
c/o Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue | C Building, Room 218
Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: (773) 442-5416

*** The University does not accept FOIA requests by telephone ***

Charges for FOIA requests

Pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Illinois FOIA statute, NEIU may charge reasonable fees associated with production of responsive records in fulfillment of records requests.

Paper Records
The first 50 pages of responsive records are provided at no charge. Every black-and-white page thereafter is $.15 per page. Color copies are charged at their actual cost per page. Color copy charges are not fixed by statute and are set by each public body. Please check on this cost prior to requesting color copies. Charges apply to both non-commercial and commercial requests.

Other Media
Records produced using other media, such as CDs or flash drives, are charged to the requester at their actual cost. Electronic documents may be produced by email or via a Google folder at no charge.

Mail Charges
There are no additional charges for records mailed to requesters.

News Media Requests
Charges/fees are waived for records requested by members of the media.

Certification Charges
Certification of a record is $1 per record.

Personnel Charges
Fees for personnel time spent collecting and reviewing records in response to requests will be up to $10 per hour after the first 8 hours.

Questions about fees and charges: please contact the FOIA Office at the email or phone number listed above.