FOIA Request to University of Maine regarding University Board Member Information on October 22, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the University of Maine by a representative from Maine Highlands News. The request seeks specific records under the Maine Freedom of Access Act § 402 et seq., with a preference for receiving these documents in electronic format.
The requested records include a current list of members of the University’s governing board or board of trustees. This list should detail each member’s full name, title or position, and term of service. Additionally, the request asks for any official headshots, portraits, or photographs maintained by the University for use in official publications, directories, or on its website. Lastly, it seeks any official biographies or biographical summaries prepared or maintained by the University that are used for press releases, board directories, or public profiles.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. This affiliation supports their role in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given this context, they have requested a fee waiver as a media professional.
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.
