Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Request form for Access to VIU Records

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) gives individuals rights based on two principles:

1. that records in the custody or control of public institutions are available to individuals; and,
2. that personal information held by public institutions is protected from unauthorized collection, use and disclosure, unless consent for release is given.

The legislation affects the way faculty and employees deal with student records such as exams, grades, evaluations, appeals, etc. The Act also requires institutions to establish policies and procedures for retention and disposal of files.

There are two distinct aspects to the Act which have been arranged into issues of privacy and access to information.