FOIA Request to Indiana University-South Bend regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by the South Bend Times to Indiana University-South Bend. 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 metadata associated with each course syllabus. This metadata includes the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the delivery format of the course. The information is requested under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3-1 et seq., with a preference for receiving it in electronic format.
The South Bend Times emphasizes its role as a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. They assert that access to public records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. As such, they have requested a fee waiver due to their status as a media professional.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through 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.
