Hands looking through file folder.

Your access rights

While the University makes considerable information publicly available on the uOttawa website, you have the right to request access to general information not available on the site, under Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Under FIPPA, you also have the right to request access to your own personal information.

Your right to make an information request

How to submit a request for information

You have two ways to submit your request:

  • Option 1: Through the Access to Information and Privacy Office (AIPO) web portal
  • Option 2: By email or letter mail

Option 1: Access to Information and Privacy Office (AIPO) web portal

  1. Submit an Access Request Form via the online forms page  
  2. Be as specific as possible in describing the records you need. The more specific your request, the faster and more accurately we can respond to it.  
  3. If you’re being represented by a third party, complete our Authorization for Representation Form (PDF, 387 Kb).. Go to the Upload Documents / Identification section  of the Access Request Form to insert the authorization form.  
  4. Select Submit.
  5. Pay the $5 application fee through our eStore.  
    • For more information on how to pay electronically, see our eStore AIPO FAQ.
    • You can also send a cheque or money order (payable to the University of Ottawa), or bring cash, to our office.  

Access to Information and Privacy Office
Tabaret Hall
550 Cumberland Street, Room M407
Ottawa, ON
K1N 6N5

 

Option 2: Email or letter mail

 

  1. Complete our Access Request Form (PDF, 858 Kb).
  1. Be as specific as possible in describing the records you need. The more specific your request, the faster and more accurately we can respond to it. 
  1. If you’re being represented by a third party, complete our Authorization for Representation Form (PDF, 387 Kb)
  1. Send the Access Request Form (PDF, 858 Kb). and Authorization for Representation Form (PDF, 387Kb)(if applicable) to our office.  
    • Email your form to [email protected], send it by letter mail (see address below) or bring it directly to our office.  
  1. Pay the $5 application fee through our eStore. 
    • For more information on how to pay electronically, see our eStore AIPO FAQ.
    • You can also send a cheque or money order (payable to the University of Ottawa), or bring cash, to our office. 

Access to Information and Privacy Office 
Tabaret Hall
550 Cumberland Street, Room M407
Ottawa, ON
K1N 6N5

 

Access request timeline

We will make every reasonable effort to respond to your request within 30 calendar days of receipt of the request and application fee, as prescribed by FIPPA. However, the chief privacy officer can extend this deadline in accordance with FIPPA.

Hand holding letters that make up "info".

How the University handles access to information requests

See the University’s Procedure 20-5 – Handling Access to Information Requests.

Payment of fees

You can pay your fees in the following ways:

 

  • Cash (exact amount required)
  • Certified cheque or money order made payable to the University of Ottawa

 

To pay the $5 application fee through our eStore, email your Access Request Form (PDF, 858 Kb) to [email protected] before making a payment. For all other fees, wait until we’ve issued an interim or final decision to you before making a payment.

 

If you have any questions or require additional assistance, email our office at [email protected] or call 613-562-5800 ext. 1851.

Your right to appeal

If you’re not satisfied with the University’s decision with regard to your request for access to information or for a correction of your personal information (for example, you’re denied access to records or the fees charged are incorrect), you can appeal the decision of the chief privacy officer by filing an appeal with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

 

You must file an appeal with the Commissioner no later than 30 calendar days after receiving notice of the decision you wish to appeal.

Information and Privacy Commissioner / Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400 
Toronto, Ontario 
M4W 1A8
Telephone: 1 (800) 387-0073 
Fax: (416) 325-9195  

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Retention of your personal information

The University may no longer have a copy of the personal information you’re seeking if it’s been disposed of in accordance with the University’s records and retention schedule.