FOIA Request to University of Pittsburgh regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University of Pittsburgh by a representative from the Pittsburgh Review, seeking access to a comprehensive list of course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 academic semester. The request, made under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, aims to obtain these records in an electronic format.
The requested information includes syllabi from all departments, schools, and colleges within the university, regardless of whether the courses were conducted in-person, online, or through hybrid formats. Additionally, the request specifies that relevant metadata should be included with each syllabus. This metadata encompasses details such as course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit affiliation, and the course delivery format.
The requester emphasized their role as a media professional in gathering and disseminating news to the public. They highlighted the importance of accessing public records to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency. In light of their media affiliation, they have requested a fee waiver for this FOIA request.
Furthermore, it is noted that the requester is associated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization 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.
