FOIA Request to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
On August 6, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Shenango by Shenango Valley News. 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 through hybrid formats.
The requested information also includes relevant metadata such as course titles and numbers, instructor names, department or academic unit affiliations, and the delivery format of each course. The request emphasizes the need for these records in an electronic format to facilitate reporting efforts.
Shenango Valley News has invoked the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law to obtain these records. As a media organization dedicated to providing accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, they argue that access to public records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. The organization has also requested a fee waiver due to their role in disseminating information as part of their professional responsibilities.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government 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.
