Jonathan Gerhardson v. University of Massachusetts - Amherst (SPR 20241614)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records June 7, 2024 SPR24/1614 Christine M. Wilda Associate Chancellor for Compliance University of Massachusetts Amherst 340 Whitmore Building 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 May 12, 2024, Mr. Gerhardson requested “[a] full copy of every public records request sent to the University of Massachusetts Amherst between March 12, 2024 and May 12, 2024” [1.] the original request [2.] all communications between the requestor and UMass [3.] internal, inter-departmental, and inter-agency communications relating to the request [4.] all responsive documents provided, and in cases where documents were withheld, a list of the withheld documents, the exemption cited, and an explanation for why this exemption applies, to the extent required under the public records law [5.] any appeals filed, all correspondences etc as described above regarding the appeal, and the outcome of the appeal including any records released then. Claiming to not yet have received responsive records, Mr. Gerhardson petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR24/1614, was opened as a result. Subsequently, I learned that the University provided Mr. Gerhardson with a response on May 30, 2024. Where this appeal was opened as a result of the Department’s lack of a written response, I will now consider this administrative appeal closed. Mr. Gerhardson may appeal the substantive nature of the University’s response within ninety (90) days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). 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

Christine M. Wilda SPR24/1614 Page 2 June 7, 2024 Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Jonathan Gerhardson