FOIA Request to University of Maryland Baltimore County regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by the North Baltimore Journal to the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) on August 6, 2025. 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, regardless of whether the courses were conducted in-person, online, or in hybrid formats.
The request specifically asks for additional 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. The North Baltimore Journal has requested this information under the Maryland Public Information Act Title 4 and prefers to receive it in an electronic format.
As part of their professional duties in gathering and reporting news to the public, representatives from the North Baltimore Journal emphasize that access to these public records is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability within public institutions. The requester also highlights their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting transparency through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
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.
