FOIA Request to Framingham State University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Framingham State University by Metro West Times, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request, dated August 6, 2025, seeks access to a complete list of course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 academic semester. This includes syllabi for courses across all departments, schools, and colleges at the university, regardless of whether they were conducted in-person, online, or in hybrid formats.
The request specifically asks for any relevant metadata associated with the syllabi. This includes details such as the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the course delivery format (online/in-person/hybrid). The information is requested under the Massachusetts Public Records Act § 66-10 et seq., with a preference for receiving it in electronic format.
Metro West Times has highlighted its role in gathering and reporting news to the public as part of its professional responsibilities. The organization emphasizes that access to public records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. In light of this role, Metro West Times has requested a fee waiver typically available to media professionals.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
