Holland Reporter

FOIA Request to Grand Valley State University regarding recent course syllabi on August 6, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Grand Valley State University by a representative from Holland Reporter, seeking detailed information about the course syllabi for all undergraduate and graduate courses offered during the Spring 2025 semester. The request aims to obtain records in an electronic format under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq.

The requested information includes a comprehensive list of syllabi across all departments, schools, and colleges at the university. This encompasses courses conducted in-person, online, or through hybrid formats. Additionally, the request specifies that relevant metadata should be included with each syllabus. This metadata comprises the course title and number, instructor name, department or academic unit, and the course delivery format.

The individual submitting this request is affiliated with Holland Reporter, a media organization dedicated to delivering thorough news coverage on local governmental affairs. As part of their professional responsibilities in reporting news to the public and ensuring transparency within public institutions, they have requested a fee waiver for accessing these records.

Furthermore, the requester is associated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that supports media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government agencies through FOIA requests. 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.