Formal Requests

When an informal request for access to information (or to correct your personal information) is not possible, you can make a formal request to the Office of General Counsel. You can download the request form by clicking on the following link (Request form (PDF). Sheridan will not accept oral or e-mail formal FIPPA requests.

Please note: If a department or faculty is unable to grant your informal request, making a formal request does not necessarily mean that you will be given access to the information. For example, if the department or faculty refused your informal request because you are requesting access to information respecting third-party information then making formal request may not change the outcome.

Three requirements of a formal request for access

Sheridan will only process your request if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The request is received in writing (Request form (PDF);
2. The $5.00 applicable fee for your written request (made by cheque or money order) has been received by the Office of General Counsel/Information and Privacy (please make cheques payable to "The Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning" (do not send cash payments by mail); and
3. You have provided sufficient detail to enable an experienced employee of Sheridan, with a reasonable amount of effort, to identify the information/record you are requesting.

Please mail all requests for access to information to the attention of the Office of General Counsel/Information and Privacy. An implementation authority will contact you if your request is deficient or it needs clarification of the information requested. Your identity will need to be verified before processing requests.

Typically, every reasonable effort is made to respond to your request within 30 calendar days from the date Sheridan receives your request. However, there are circumstances under FIPPA where Sheridan is permitted to extend the time limit beyond the 30 days.

There are additional fees authorized by FIPPA (Regulation 460) that you will be asked to cover for searching, reproducing, severing and otherwise preparing a record for disclosure as outlined here.

Sheridan will notify you in writing regarding whether or not your request will be granted.

If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal the decision to the Information and Privacy Commissioner.