FOIA Request to University at Albany regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.
The Capital District Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the University at Albany seeking specific records related to Chinese National students. The request, made under the New York Freedom of Information Law, seeks information in electronic format concerning several aspects of the university’s engagement with these students.
The request is broken down into four main parts:
1. The media organization is requesting documents or lists that detail all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If such detailed information is protected, the request asks for the total number of current Chinese National students and a breakdown by department.
2. Additionally, the request seeks information on scholarships received by these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship.
3. A specific inquiry is made about scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, asking for details on recipients not covered in the previous point or clarification if they are included.
4. Lastly, any policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors its students, including those who are Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and confidential information are requested.
The Capital District Times emphasizes its role in gathering and reporting news to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions. As part of this process, they have requested a fee waiver citing their status as a media professional organization.
This FOIA request is also supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies through public records laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website here.
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.
