Frequently Asked Questions

FIPPA

The University of Toronto is committed to protection of privacy and transparency, and like other publicly funded Ontario universities, is covered by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).


Key purposes of FIPPA are to:

  • Provide the public a right of access to university records subject to limited exemptions;
  • Protect the privacy of personal information about individuals held by universities;
  • Provide individuals with a right of access to their own personal information.

Most University records are subject to FIPPA and the majority will be available if requested.

Making a Request under FIPPA

What is a request?

You will find much University information online, and much more is available if you contact the University department or faculty that may have the information that you are seeking.

You can also make a formal request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) for University records.

Making an access request is explained here.
Any person can make a request under FIPPA. 
You can submit a formal request for records under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act electronically or by mailing your request and payment to our office. Please visit this page for more information.  
You can pay the $5.00 request fee and any search and preparation fees that are later required  electronically, by cheque (payable to the University of Toronto), or in cash.
 
Please mail cheques to:
 
FIPP Office, University of Toronto,
McMurrich Building, Rm 104
12 Queen's Park Crescent W, Toronto, ON   M5S 1A8. 
 
To pay fees in cash, please visit the FIPP Office during regular business hours.

Most requests are processed in 30 days. FIPPA provides more time to notify affected parties, and for large records or searches. The University will notify you of processing times in writing.
Access decisions may grant access to all requested records, some, portions of some, or none. Some record(s) are not releasable, or not available through FIPPA. For example, the University is required to protect personal and third party information, and most employment-related and research records are not covered by FIPPA.
You may appeal a FIPPA decision to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. 

PRIVACY

HOW DOES THE UNIVERSITY PROTECT PRIVACY?

The University is committed to protecting the personal privacy of students, faculty and staff.  For more information, please see our resources.
The University only collects personal information that is needed for official University functions and tasks. For more information, please click here.

The University provides notices of collection, including the principal purpose or purposes for which personal information is intended to be used, on Acorn, in calendars, in course materials, and in offer and program description materials.

An expanded notice of collection provides more detail.

The University only uses personal information consistent with its notices and as required or authorized by law.
 
Personal information is only shared within the University on a need-to-know basis with officials who need it for official University tasks. How the University Uses, Collects, and Protects Your Student Information.

The University only uses personal information consistent with its notices and as required or authorized by law.
 
You will find more information in our resources, or contact the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office, and we would be happy to answer your questions.