Jonathan Gerhardson v. University of Massachusetts - Amherst (SPR 20230440)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records March 20, 2023 SPR23/0440 Christine M. Wilda Associate Chancellor for Compliance University of Massachusetts – Amherst 340 Whitmore Building 181 President’s Drive Amherst, MA 01003 Dear Ms. Wilda: I have received the petition of Jonathan Gerhardson appealing the nonresponse of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (University) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On February 13, 2023, Mr. Gerhardson requested “…all electronic correspondence to or from your office, and to or from the relevant information department technology department regarding the functionality of the public records search tool for the University of Massachusetts Amherst between August 1, 2022 and February 13, 2023.” Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Gerhardson petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/0440, was opened as a result. Despite being notified of the opening of this appeal, it remains unclear whether the University has provided a response. Accordingly, the University is ordered to provide Mr. Gerhardson with a response to his request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of the response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Mr. Gerhardson may appeal the substantive nature of the University’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jonathan Gerhardson One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us