James M. Smith President at Eastern Michigan University | Official website
James M. Smith President at Eastern Michigan University | Official website
FOIA Request to Eastern Michigan University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
The Ann Arbor Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Eastern Michigan University seeking access to the complete list of course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 semester. This request encompasses syllabi from all departments, schools, and colleges, regardless of whether the courses were conducted in-person, online, or through hybrid formats.
The requested information includes relevant metadata such as course titles and numbers, instructor names, department or academic unit affiliations, and the delivery format of each course. The aim is to obtain these records in an electronic format under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq.
As a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, Ann Arbor Times emphasizes the importance of access to public records for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. The organization has also requested a fee waiver for this FOIA request based on its role in disseminating information to the public.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More details about this coalition can be found on their website at 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.