About FOIA

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located in § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, grants citizens of the Commonwealth and certain representatives of the media access to the public records of public bodies, public officials and public employees, subject to the statutory exemptions of FOIA.

A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording or any other format — prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees, or agents in the transaction of public business. Va. Code § 2.2-3701. All public records are presumed to be open and may be withheld only if a statutory exemption applies.

The purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. FOIA requires the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption from public access be interpreted narrowly.

Contact Information

Bobbie Jean Norris,
FOIA Officer

Virginia Tech
315 Burruss Hall (MC0229)
800 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Phone: (540) 231-1614
Fax: (540) 231-8456
Email: foia@vt.edu

The Freedom of Information Advisory Council is also available to answer any questions you may have about how FOIA works. The Council was created in the legislative branch of state government to issue opinions on the operation and application of FOIA, to publish educational materials, and to provide training about FOIA.  The Council is not a records repository and does not process records requests on behalf of other public bodies, nor is the Council an investigative or enforcement agency.  The Council may be contacted by email at foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov, or by phone at (804) 698-1810 or toll-free at (866) 448-4100.

Records Requests

To request records from Virginia Tech, please submit your request in our FOIA portal after clicking the link below.