Common FOIA Exemptions

Commonly used Exemptions

The Code of Virginia allows any public body to withhold certain records from public disclosure. The University commonly withholds records subject to the following exemptions:

• Personnel records (§ 2.2-3705.1 (1) of the Code of Virginia)
• Records subject to attorney-client privilege (§ 2.2-3705.1 (2)) or attorney work product (§ 2.2-3705.1 (3))
• Tests or examinations (§ 2.2-3705.1 (4))
• Records created for use in closed meetings of the Board of Visitors (§ 2.2-3705.1 (5))
• Vendor proprietary information (§ 2.2-3705.1 (6))
• Computer software created for the university (§ 2.2-3705.1 (7))
• Appraisals for real property (§ 2.2-3705.1 (8))
• Records concerning claims against the university (§ 2.2-3705.1 (9))
• Records relating to the negotiation and award of a contract, prior to a contract being awarded (§ 2.2-3705.1 (12))
• Scholastic records containing information concerning identifiable individuals (§ 2.2-3705.4 (1))
• Admissions and employment letters and recommendations (§ 2.2-3705.4 (2))
• Research data (§ 2.2-3705.4 (4))
• Fundraising records (§ 2.2-3705.4 (7))
• Threat Assessment records (§ 2.2-3705.4 (8))
• Health records (§ 2.2-3705.5 (1))
• Working papers and correspondence of the President of the University (§ 2.2-3705.7 (2))
• Library records (§ 2.2-3705.7 (3))
• Criminal investigative files (§ 2.2-3706 (2)(a),(b),(e),(h),(j))