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One pivotal tool for journalists — including student journalists covering campus news — is access to public records. 

Now, as part of the Student Press Freedom Initiative webinar series for college journalists, we’re bringing you “,” a workshop on the basics of requesting records and using them in your reporting.

for the webinar, which will take place on May 5 at 4 p.m. EST. The webinar will also be recorded and accessible on for those who can’t make the live event.

Public records can help student journalists track campus crime, find out about administrative decision making at public institutions, learn more about policies and procedures, and so much more.

If you’ve never filed a records request before, this webinar is for you! While the workshop will also benefit more experienced student journalists, we’ve crafted the curriculum to help those who are just getting started. 

SPFI is here to make navigating tricky legal subjects easy for college reporters.

will explain public records and how to request them in a practical way for both those involved with student newspapers or other publications, and those generally interested in government accountability. FIRElawyer and former student journalist Anne Marie Tamburro will walk participants through tips for submitting records requests, and explore ideas about how records can be useful for student journalists. 

SPFI is here to make navigating tricky legal subjects easy for college reporters. To stay in the loop about upcoming SPFI webinars, join the FIREStudent Network, and be sure to mark the “student journalism” box at the bottom of the form.

If you’re a college journalist facing censorship or a media law question, call the Student Press Freedom Initiative 24-hour hotline at 717-734-SPFI (7734).