The University routinely makes large amounts of its institutional information publicly available on the University’s website. Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), you have the right to request access to, and correction of, your own personal information if the desired information is not available on the University’s website.

Your right to make an information request

Complete the Access Request Form [PDF, 489KB]or write a letter stating that you are requesting information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Be as specific as possible in describing the records you need: the more specific your request, the more quickly and accurately we can respond to it.

Be sure to check the personal information banks before filling out the Access Request Form [PDF, 489KB] to request personal information.

Pay the $5 application fee by cash, cheque (payable to the University of Ottawa), or money order.

If you are being represented by a third party, be sure to include a signed copy of the  Authorization Request Form for Representation [PDF, 489KB] when you submit the completed Access Request Form and the application fee.

Send the Access Request Form, Authorization for Representation form (if applicable), and application fee to the Chief Privacy Officer. 

The Access to Information and Privacy Office (AIPO) will make every reasonable effort to respond to your request within 30 calendar days of receipt of your request, as prescribed by FIPPA. However, the Director may extend this deadline in accordance with FIPPA.

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How the university handles access information requests

To learn more about how the university handles access information requests, read the university’s procedure.
Procedure 20-5 – Handling Access to Information Requests

Your right to file an appeal

If you are not satisfied with the University’s decision with regard to your request for access to information or for a correction of your personal information (i.e. you are denied access to records, the fees charged are incorrect, etc.), you may appeal the decision of the Chief Privacy Officer's 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  

Payment of fees

This section contains information on payment of fees for access to information requests under Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

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
  • Online through our eStore — see the eStore AIPO FAQ.

If you’re paying your Application fees online, submit your Access Request Form (PDF, 489 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, contact our office by email at [email protected] or by phone at 613-562-5800 ext. 1851.

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Retention of your personal information

The University may no longer have a copy of the information you are seeking because it may have been retained and disposed of in accordance with the University’s records and retention schedule.
Learn more about the university’s record and retention schedule