FOIA Request to Shawnee State University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A request for public records was submitted to Shawnee State University by South Ohio News under the Ohio Open Records Law. The request seeks a comprehensive list of course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 semester. This includes syllabi from all departments, schools, and colleges at the university, regardless of whether the courses were delivered in-person, online, or through hybrid formats.
The request specifically asks for relevant metadata accompanying each syllabus. This metadata includes the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the course delivery format (online/in-person/hybrid). The requester emphasizes that access to these public records is crucial for fulfilling their role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable.
Additionally, as a member of the media involved in news dissemination, South Ohio News has requested a fee waiver. They assert that this waiver is justified given their professional responsibilities and their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. This organization aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
For more information about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, visit 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.
