FOIA Request to Salem State University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
Bay State News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Salem State University seeking access to course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 semester. The request was made under the Massachusetts Public Records Act § 66-10 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.
The requested records include syllabi from all departments, schools, and colleges at Salem State University, regardless of whether the courses were delivered in-person, online, or through hybrid formats. Additionally, Bay State News has asked for relevant metadata associated with each course syllabus. This includes details such as the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the course delivery format.
Bay State News emphasizes its role in providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs and asserts that access to these public records is vital for maintaining transparency and accountability within public institutions. The organization has also requested a fee waiver based on its status as a media professional entity.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating state and federal governmental agencies using 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.
