Open Records

The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) is broad for affairs of governmental bodies and acts of public officials and employees but the Education Code’s application to private universities is narrow and limited to a university’s police department.

The Texas Education Code extends to the TPIA to the police departments of private universities under limited circumstances: A campus police department of a private institution of higher education is a law enforcement agency and a governmental body for purposes of chapter 552. Government Code, only with respect to information relating solely to law enforcement activities.

Open Records Requests

During the 86th Legislative Session, section 552.234 of the Government Code was amended. Thus, effective Sept. 1, 2019, the following methods are the only means of submitting a written request for records of St. .Mary’s University Police Department:

By email

By mail, specifically addressed to:

St. Mary’s University

Public Information Office, Campus Mail 065

One Camino Santa Maria St.

San Antonio, Texas 78228-5433

By hand delivery, to the University Police Department:

St. Mary’s University Police Department

Treadaway Hall

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. *

*Weekends, holidays and other campus closures do not apply as business days. See the University calendar for closures*

Learn more about TPIA or open records requests at the office of the Attorney General.

If you need a special accommodation for your request, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or have any questions regarding this policy, please contact the University Police Department at 210-436-3330.