UP Gazette

FOIA Request to Michigan Technological University regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.

The UP Gazette has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Michigan Technological University. The request seeks detailed information about Chinese National students enrolled at the university. The request was made under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.

The FOIA request comprises several specific inquiries:

1. A list or documents showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals, including their respective departments of study. If names are protected, a total number of such students and their departmental distribution is requested.

2. Documentation detailing the scholarships received by these Chinese National students, including the amount and source of each scholarship.

3. A separate list of scholarship recipients associated with the Chinese Scholarship Council, unless this information is already covered in the previous request.

4. Policies or procedures that outline how the university monitors its students, including those who are Chinese Nationals, to safeguard intellectual property and other confidential information.

The request emphasizes that if certain details need redaction due to privacy concerns, they should be redacted appropriately or grouped where possible without losing essential information.

The UP Gazette, along with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization—seeks this information as part of its mission to ensure transparency and accountability in public institutions. The requester has also asked for a fee waiver, citing their role as media professionals involved in disseminating news to the public.

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.