The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) has two purposes:
- Freedom of Information: to make public bodies more open and accountable by providing the public with a legislated right of access to records; and,
- Protection of Privacy: to protect personal privacy by prohibiting the unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of personal information by public bodies.
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.
In accordance with Section 6.6 of FIPPA, the Board of Governors delegates the President and Vice-Chancellor of VIU as the head of the local public body. The President is ultimately responsible for VIU’s implementation and adherence to FIPPA but delegates the day-to-day operational matters to the VIU University Secretary (FIPPA Officer).