Importance of Records Management

Why Records Management is Important

Proper records management ensures compliance with institutional policies along with local, state and federal laws that include the Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA), the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).  Additionally, various accrediting or professional organizations impose requirements on various functions of the University.  By following properly constructed and maintained records management practices, the University will abide by and meet the various requirements set forth.

Additionally, legal requirements specifies documents that must be kept for set periods of time or permanently.  Other documents should not be kept beyond a required amount of time, and doing so can open the University to increased risks of litigation should that happen.  Proper records management increases administrative efficiency and frees limited space as well as server storage.  These benefits are achieved through the application of approved records retention schedules.