Public Information Requests
As a public institution of higher education, San Jacinto College is committed to transparency. Under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), the public is able to request existing documents in the possession of the College regarding its operations. Learn more about this process below. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.
Public Information Requests Overview
San Jacinto College (College) and its employees are required to follow state and federal laws regarding the management of information. The Texas Public Information Acts grants the public access to information regarding the official acts of:
- Public employees
- Elected Board members
- Government agencies
The College must make available for inspection and copying all information collected, assembled, or maintained by the College, unless the information is exempt from disclosure.
The Vice Chancellor, External Relations (VCER) acts as the Public Information Officer and is responsible for receiving public information requests. The VCER can also answer questions. The Manager, Records Management is responsible for maintaining records and setting the College Records Retention Policy.
Upon receipt of a public information request, the College will respond within 10 business days. Please note that a College closure for a holiday, inclement weather, or other reason will not be considered a business day. Fees may be charged for copies of and access to public information. Information about fees is located on a sample cost sheet.
How to Request Public Information
- Requests must be in writing and directed to the VCER. Only written requests that are directed to the VCER activate the College’s obligation under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Requests should be for documents or other information already in existence. The College is not required to answer questions, perform legal research, or comply with a continuing request to supply future information.
- The College is not required to create a document, report, or fill out a spreadsheet sent by the requesting party.
- The College will provide data requested, except where Federal Laws, College policy, or state statute requires the College to withhold information.
- Requests made in writing or by electronic mail must be addressed to the Public Information Officer in order to activate an obligation under the Texas Public Information Act.
- The College has 10 business days to respond to requests. This starts the next business day after the request is received. Please note, requests received outside of normal business hours will be officially received on the next business day. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Requests must be in writing and directed to the VCER. Only written requests that are directed to the VCER activate the College’s obligation under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Requests should be for documents or other information already in existence. The College is not required to answer questions, perform legal research, or comply with a continuing request to supply future information.
- The College is not required to create a document, report, or fill out a spreadsheet sent by the requesting party.
- The College will provide data requested, except where Federal Laws, College policy, or state statute requires the College to withhold information.
- Requests made in writing or by electronic mail must be addressed to the Public Information Officer in order to activate an obligation under the Texas Public Information Act.
- The College has 10 business days to respond to requests. This starts the next business day after the request is received. Please note, requests received outside of normal business hours will be officially received on the next business day. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christian Bionat
Vice Chancellor, External Relations
4624 Fairmont Parkway, Suite 210
Pasadena, TX 77504
christian.bionat@sjcd.edu
If sending your written request via email, please copy Eva Lux at SJC.TPIARequest@sjcd.edu.
For questions and more information, please call 281-998-6152. Please note that this number is for questions only. The College cannot process a verbal request.
Types of Information Requests
Student Directory Information:
San Jacinto College does not provide student emails or phone numbers as part of the student directory information due to a change in Board Policy related to student directory information. For more information related to the Board Polices, please visit the Policy and Procedure at these links:
Policy VI.6000.B Confidentiality of Student Records
Procedure VI.6000.b.a Confidentiality of Student Records
Student directory information related to FERPA can be found under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. To see a full list of available fields for student directory information, visit the FERPA Directory Information page.
For Military Recruiters
Please send your written requests to the Public Information Officer at SJC.TPIARequest@sjcd.edu. Find out more about the Solomon Amendment and FERPA
For External Colleges and Universities
Please send your written requests to the Public Information Officer at SJC.TPIARequest@sjcd.edu.
Enrollment Verification
Please see the Enrollment Verification page for instructions on how to request this information. Requestors can also email
the Center for Advising, Career and Transfer for further instructions at Advising@sjcd.edu.
Background Investigations
When requesting student information for the purpose of a background investigation,
please contact the Dean of Student Rights and Responsibilities at StudentRights@sjcd.edu.
Contracts
It is College policy to closely review requests for contracts. Please note that these
requests are typically subject to review by the Texas Attorney General for an opinion
on withholding proprietary or copyright information. This process may delay the response
to requests for contracts. Notification of the expected process will be issued when
the request is received.
Bid Tabulations
Previously awarded solicitations are available on the Business Partners page.
Subpoenas are not considered requests under the Texas Public Information Act. However, the Public Information Officer is the primary processor of subpoenas for students and employees at the College.
Subpoenas may be hand delivered or mailed to the External Relations Office at:
Christian Bionat
Vice Chancellor, External Relations
4624 Fairmont Parkway, Suite 210
Pasadena, TX 77504
Please note that subpoenas delivered elsewhere throughout the College will be delayed as subpoenas are process through the VCER Office and must be forwarded to the VCER office. If a subpoena is faxed somewhere in the College, that is not properly serving the subpoena and it will not be honored as having been delivered.
For most subpoenas, an Authorization to Release Records form, signed by the student or employee should be included with the request. This will ensure prompt processing.
More information about public records requests can be found in the College procedures.
Additional Texas Public Information Requests information is available on the Office of the Attorney General’s website.
