Universities operating under ministerial consent in the province of Ontario are covered by the www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90f3 1_e.htm, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act), which supports access to university records and protection of privacy.

Some key purposes of the Act are:

1. To provide the public a right of access to university information subject to limited exemptions; and
2. To protect the privacy of individuals with respect to personal information about themselves held by universities and to provide individuals with a right of access to that information.

Niagara University in Ontario values and has long-standing practices associated with respect to access and privacy of information which are consistent with FIPPA principles.

What Information is Covered by the Act?

Most records in the custody or under the control of the university are subject to the Act and the great majority of these will be available if requested. Some types of records, however are specifically excluded under the Act. A few other types are covered by the Act but exempt from disclosure to protect public concerns, privacy, university operations or other important interests.