The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE


Media contact: Susan McKinsey, 277-1807
Karen Wentworth, 277-5627

August 12, 2008

UNM Regents Approve Changes to University’s Public Records Policies

The Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico today unanimously approved the recommendations of President David J. Schmidly to changes in the university’s public records policies. The Board had approved changes to Regents policies on public records at its regular meeting last May.

Following the May meeting, President Schmidly appointed a task force to help develop appropriate university policies consistent with the Inspection of Public Records Act that would also protect the interests of the university and its employees. In formulating his recommendations, the President reviewed the changes suggested by the task force as well as 179 comments submitted by faculty, staff and other concerned stakeholders.

“These revisions represent a compromise,” said Schmidly. “It is one I believe provides the maximum protection to employees while keeping UNM in compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the law.”

The major changes to university policies include the following:

  • A recognition of the philosophy of the law in New Mexico on this subject, that all government records are public under the Act, but that some records are exempt from production pursuant to the Act itself, because of other state or federal law such as HIPAA and FERPA, pursuant to the Attorney-Client privilege, or because disclosure might involve trade secrets.
  • Employees would be able to "opt out" of releasing their current home address, telephone numbers and personal email addresses.
  • Social Security numbers, personal financial account numbers, medical professionals' DEA and BNDD numbers and personnel evaluations are always to be exempt, as well as any other documents that might be protected under federal law, such as personal medical records.
  • Job application materials submitted by candidates are generally public records, but to protect the integrity of the job application process, all parties have agreed that UNM will withhold disclosure of those materials until after the closing date for submission of applications.

The policy changes go into effect immediately.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
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