FOIA Request to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Syracuse Sun to the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry. 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 request specifically asks for metadata related to each course syllabus, including the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the delivery format of the course. The information is requested in an electronic format under the New York Freedom of Information Law.
Syracuse Sun emphasizes its role as a media organization dedicated to providing accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. They argue that access to public records is crucial for their responsibility to hold public institutions accountable and ensure transparency. As part of their professional duties in disseminating information to the public, they have requested a fee waiver typically available to media professionals.
The FOIA request also highlights that Syracuse Sun is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government actions through Freedom of Information laws. More details 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.
