Please direct your requests for public records to BSU's Records Access Officer Laura Machado at RAO@smxjjl.com, who will coordinate Bridgewater State University’s response. The university responds to these requests in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
Note: Direct your general media inquiries to Eva Gaffney, at egaffney@smxjjl.com or (508) 531-1337.
What is a "public record"?
The Massachusetts Public Records Law defines public records as “all books, papers, maps, photographs, recorded tapes, financial statements, statistical tabulations, or other documentary materials or data, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by any officer or employee” of any Massachusetts governmental entity. Some exemptions do exist. For more information about the public records law and information that may be exempt from disclosure, view A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (PDF).
Frequently Requested Records
- Invitations to bid and winning bids for public contracts (Procurement Services)
- Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFRE)
- Enrollment, Degrees, Admissions and other Institutional Data (BSU Factbook)
- Campus Safety Report (Clery Act)
- Board of Trustee meeting agendas and minutes
- Payroll Information
- Information for military recruiters/Solomon Amendment
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- University Policies
- Prevailing Wages - Please contact Procurement Services at (508) 531-1211.
What is the difference between a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Massachusetts Public Records Law?
The Freedom of Information Act is a statute that applies to federal records. The Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records created by or in the custody of a state or local agency, board or other government entity.
How do I request public records?
While you may request records in-person or in writing, requests via email to Records Access Officer Laura Machado at RAO@smxjjl.com are preferred.
We encourage you to be as specific as possible when making requests, providing dates and specific types of records you may be seeking, which will help the Records Access Officer fulfill your request as quickly as possible.
Suggestions:
- Consider how you might narrow the scope of your request in order to enable us to respond efficiently and affordably.
- Include the preferred format of the records in your request. Whenever possible, the Records Access Officer will provide the information in a digital format.
- Consider excluding record that contain personally identifiable information, as BSU must adhere to laws regarding the protection of this type of information and any records containing personally identifiable information will require redaction, increasing the time that employees must work to comply with the request and potentially the fee assessed for the records.
Is there a cost involved with my records request?
Under Massachusetts Public Records Law, BSU may assess a fee to search and segregate requested records. The Records Access Officer will notify you and provide an estimate of any costs involved to complete the request.
When will BSU respond to my request?
The University responds to requests for public records as soon as is practical and within 10 business days of receipt of the request. In the case of voluminous requests, the Records Access Officer may request an extension (not to exceed 20 business days).
Records Access Officer
Laura Machado
Staff Associate
Office of the President
131 Summer Street
Bridgewater, MA 02325
(508) 531-1791
RAO@smxjjl.com