FOIA Request to Bowie State University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Bowie State University by Maryland State Wire, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. 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 from all departments, schools, and colleges, regardless of whether the courses were conducted in-person, online, or in hybrid formats.
The request specifically asks for relevant metadata associated with each course syllabus. This includes details such as the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the course delivery format. The requester has expressed a preference for receiving this information in an electronic format.
Maryland State Wire is pursuing this information under the Maryland Public Information Act Title 4. As a member of the media tasked with reporting news to the public and ensuring transparency from public institutions, they have requested a fee waiver for accessing these records. They are affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information laws.
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.
