FOIA Request to University of California Merced regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
The Merced Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the University of California Merced. The request seeks access to the complete list of course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 academic semester. This includes syllabi for courses across all departments, schools, and colleges, regardless of whether they were conducted in-person, online, or in hybrid formats.
The request also asks for relevant metadata associated with these courses. Specifically, it seeks information on the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the delivery format of each course (online/in-person/hybrid).
As part of this request under the California Public Records Act § 6250 et seq., we have expressed a preference for receiving this information in electronic format. Additionally, given our role as a media organization committed to transparency and accountability in public institutions, we have requested a fee waiver as media professionals.
This request is made in collaboration with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More details about this coalition can be found on their website at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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.
