FOIA Request to Auburn University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
Auburn Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Auburn University seeking access to course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 semester. The request was made under the Alabama Open Records Law § 36-12-40 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.
The requested records include syllabi from all departments, schools, and colleges at Auburn University, covering courses delivered in-person, online, or through hybrid formats. Additionally, the request seeks associated metadata such as course titles and numbers, instructor names, department or academic unit affiliations, and the delivery format of each course.
As a media organization dedicated to comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, Auburn Times emphasizes that access to these public records is crucial for fulfilling its professional responsibilities. The organization argues that such transparency holds public institutions accountable and informs the public effectively. Consequently, they have requested a fee waiver for this FOIA request due to their status as a media entity.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through 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.
