It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia that personal information about citizens will be collected only to the extent necessary to provide the service or benefit desired; that only appropriate information will be collected; that the citizen shall understand the reason the information is collected and be able to examine any personal record maintained by a public body. This website:
- Collects information, including email addresses, only when additional information about VCCS colleges or courses is requested. This information is used solely to provide the information or services requested and is not shared with other organizations or used in any other way.
- Uses temporary "cookies" only in specific applications that allow for registering for programs or requesting additional information about programs or courses. These temporary cookies, designed to enhance the user's experience, are automatically removed when you exit the site and do not remain on your computer.
- The IP address, pages browsed and date and time of your visit is collected for internal statistical purposes only.
- The VCCS web site links to individual community college web sites, which are governed by their own policies and procedures, and may link to external sites that are not controlled by the policies of the VCCS.
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located § 2.2-3700 et. seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.
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 -- that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.
The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.
You have the right to request to inspect or receive copies of public records, or both.
You have the right to request that any charges for the requested records be estimated in advance.
If you believe that your FOIA rights have been violated, you may file a petition in district or circuit court to compel compliance with FOIA.