North Baltimore Journal

FOIA Request to University of Maryland Baltimore County regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) by the North Baltimore Journal. The request seeks detailed information about Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university. The request was made under the Maryland Public Information Act Title 4 and aims to obtain the records in an electronic format.

The request includes several specific inquiries:

1. A list or documents showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If this information is protected, a total number of such students broken down by department is requested.

2. Documents or lists detailing scholarships received by current Chinese National students, specifying the amount and source of each scholarship.

3. A list of recipients of any scholarships granted by entities affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, if not already covered in the previous request.

4. Policies or procedures that outline how UMBC monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.

The North Baltimore Journal emphasizes its role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable through access to public records. The publication has requested a fee waiver based on its status as a media organization involved in news gathering and reporting. Additionally, the requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using FOIA 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.