Following are steps for accessing information, including personal information, in the University's records

Step 1

Before submitting a request in writing for access to information, contact the University department or office that has the record(s) to which you seek access. Discuss your request with a staff member to determine if the record(s) exist that respond(s) to your request and if the record(s) can be disclosed to you routinely through regular procedures. Most records are available through an informal process. Records, however, that contain confidential or third party personal information are subject to exemptions under the Act and are not disclosed routinely.

Step 2

If the department refuses access to the record(s) but you wish to continue seeking access, click on the "Access Request Form". Complete and print off the “Information Access Request Form,” and submit one signed copy in writing with the required $5 fee, either delivering it by hand or mailing it to: 

Director of Risk Management and Access to Information,
ATAC 4009,
Lakehead University,
955 Oliver Road,
Thunder Bay,
Ontario P7B 5E1

Make your check or money order payable to Lakehead University. Requests received by electronic mail are not accepted.

Step 3

When making a written request, be clear and identify the specific record(s) or personal information to which you seek access. Also, specify dates or a time period for the record(s)/personal information you request. Keep the scope of your request as narrow and specific as possible. A clearly defined request with a narrow scope will greatly assist the University to search, locate, and retrieve the record(s)/personal information and respond quickly to your request.

Step 4

Pursuant to section 24(1) of the Act, you must provide sufficient detail in your request to enable an experienced University employee, with a reasonable effort, to identify the record(s)/personal information sought. If you are unsure how to describe the record(s)/personal information, contact the Director of Risk Management and Access to Information for help in formulating your request.

Step 5

When your request is received, within 30 days the University will send you an acknowledgement letter and notify you of any time extensions or fees that may apply.

Step 6

If the record(s) you have requested exist(s) and no FIPPA exclusions or exemptions apply to disclosure, you will receive a copy of the record or you will be directed to a location or web site where you may read the record.

Step 7

Records to which FIPPA exclusions or exemptions apply may be withheld entirely or “severed” (i.e. portions will be blacked-out). A decision letter will explain in detail the exclusions/ exemptions applied and give reasons. If you request access to records containing personal information about yourself the University may ask you to present yourself in person to the appropriate department with one piece of picture ID before the records are disclosed to you.

Step 8

If you request continuing access to the record(s)/ personal information and access is granted, the decision letter will set out a schedule of dates during the period you specified on which your request will be deemed to have been received again. The University will explain why these dates were chosen.

Step 9

If you are not satisfied with the University’s decision on access to and disclosure of records or the schedule for continuing access, you have thirty days (30) from the date of the University’s decision letter to request a review by Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner.