Accessing information

The FOIP Act provides the right of access to any record in the custody and control of a public body. In many cases, it is not necessary to apply under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act ( FOIP Act) to obtain information. Contact the office responsible for the records and request access. If the requested information is not normally made available to the public, a request for the information can be made under the FOIP Act.

Request to access information

A request must be in writing and can be made using the Request to Access Information form or by written letter indicating that you are making the request under the FOIP Act and send to foip@athabascau.ca.

When making a written request:

• Clearly identify the specific information you want to access
• Provide your name, address and telephone number where the Director, Policy, Privacy and Records Management can contact you
• Sign the letter
• Enclose any initial fees, if required. See the Fees section for fee information

If possible, the university must make a reasonable effort to respond to your request within 30 days of receiving it. If more time is required, you will be advised as to when a response will be available.

If you are requesting your personal information, there are no initial fees, but you may be charged for copying the record(s).

Fees

It is the policy of Athabasca University to charge fees for access to information under the FOIP Act as allowed under the Alberta Regulation 200/95.

Fees for general information

This section applies to requests for access to records that are not the personal information of the applicant. While personal information is protected by the FOIP Act, an individual can still request access to any records under the control and/or custody of the university. The FOIP Act allows for some limited and specific exceptions to prevent disclosure.

An applicant is required to pay:

• An initial $25 when a non-continuing request is made
• An initial fee of $50 when a continuing request is made

Processing of a request will not commence until the initial fee has been paid.

In addition to the initial fee, fees in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Alberta Regulation 200/95 may be charged if the amount of the fees, as estimated by the university, exceeds $150. Where the amount estimated exceeds $150, the total amount will be charged.

If there are additional charges, you will be informed of the estimated costs and you must advise the university whether or not you want to proceed with the request.

Fees for personal information

Only copying fees, in accordance with item 6 of Schedule 2 of the Alberta Regulation 200/95, may be charged if the amount of the copying, as estimated by the university, exceeds $10.

Where the amount estimated exceeds $10, the total amount will be charged.

If there are additional charges, you will be informed of the estimated costs and you must advise the university whether or not you want to proceed with the request.