FOIA Request to Kent State University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A request for public records was submitted to Kent State University by Buckeye Reporter, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive news coverage of local governmental affairs. The request was made under the Ohio Open Records Law, §149.43 et seq., and 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 from all departments, schools, and colleges, regardless of whether the courses were delivered in-person, online, or through hybrid formats.
The request specifically asks for additional metadata related to each course syllabus, including the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the delivery format of the course (online/in-person/hybrid). The requester has emphasized that access to these public records is crucial for fulfilling their professional responsibilities as a member of the media. They also highlighted their eligibility for a fee waiver due to their role in disseminating information to the public.
Buckeye Reporter is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website at 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.
