FOIA Request to Clark State College regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Clark State College by Buckeye Reporter, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request seeks access to a comprehensive list of course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 academic semester. This includes syllabi from all departments, schools, and colleges at the institution, regardless of whether the courses were conducted in-person, online, or in hybrid formats.
The request specifically asks for additional metadata related to each course. This includes the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the delivery format of the course. The requester emphasized that access to these public records is crucial for fulfilling their professional duties as members of the media, which include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency.
The Buckeye Reporter has requested this information under the Ohio Open Records Law and has expressed a preference for receiving it in electronic format. Additionally, they have requested a fee waiver based on their role as media professionals. The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, an organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government agencies through FOIA requests.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
