FOIA Request to University Of Maine At Farmington regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University Of Maine At Farmington by a representative from Maine Lakes News. The request seeks information concerning Chinese National students currently enrolled at the university. This inquiry is part of an effort to obtain data under the Maine Freedom of Access Act § 402 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.
The request outlines several specific items:
1. Documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their department of study. If this information is protected, the total number of such students and a breakdown by department is requested.
2. Details about scholarships received by these students, including amounts and sources.
3. A list of scholarship recipients affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless already covered in the previous request.
4. Policies or procedures related to how the university monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and confidential information.
The FOIA request emphasizes that if certain student names are protected, redaction should be applied where necessary. It also suggests grouping information when feasible to minimize burden without losing essential details.
This request is made on behalf of both Maine Lakes News and The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization focused on transparency in government actions. The requester has also sought a fee waiver based on their role as a media professional involved in public reporting.
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.
