Springfield Standard

FOIA Request to Ozarks Technical Community College regarding Chinese National students on June 16, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Ozarks Technical Community College by the Springfield Standard, seeking detailed records concerning Chinese National students. The request was made under the Missouri Sunshine Law § 610.023 et seq., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.

The Springfield Standard requested several specific pieces of information. Firstly, they asked for documents or lists showing all current students who are Chinese Nationals and their respective departments of study. If this information is protected, they requested a total number of such students and a breakdown by department.

Secondly, the request sought documents detailing any scholarships received by these students, including the amount and source of each scholarship. Additionally, they requested information on scholarships affiliated with the Chinese Scholarship Council.

Thirdly, they asked for policies or procedures that describe how the university monitors its students, including Chinese Nationals, to protect intellectual property and other confidential information.

The Springfield Standard emphasized their role in gathering and reporting news to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency. They also mentioned their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which assists media companies in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA requests.

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.