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Access to Information and Protection of Privacy

Collecting personal info

What is personal information?

Personal information is recorded information about an identifiable individual, including but not limited to the following:

  • birthdate
  • address
  • grades
  • student/employee number

Personal information may be collected from students and used to provide education, administer UFV activities, and provide student services. Additional uses of personal information require the authorized consent of the individual(s) concerned. 

How is UFV authorized to collect personal information?

The university collects personal information that relates directly to and is necessary for an operating program or activity of the university, fulfilling its mandate under the University Act. The personal information the university collects may only be used for the stated purpose which it was collected, or a consistent purpose. Consent is typically required where the information may be used for a different purpose. Employees should access and use only the personal information necessary for their roles, responsibilities, and the task at hand. 

What is UFV's standard wording for a collection notice?

Below is a sample collection notice that can be used on a form, whether paper or online, and/or on other types of UFV signage which communicates to the individual the personal information is about. The notice must include:

  • the legal authority
  • the uses of the personal information collected
  • a contact position of someone who can answer questions

Collection Notice: The personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of the University Act, and in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The information will only be used for the purpose of [enter purpose]. Direct any questions about this collection to [insert name] at [insert department] at UFV at (604) 851-xxxx or see www.ufv.ca/informationprivacy.

What information do UFV's web servers collect?

Visitors to the UFV website should be aware that our web servers automatically collect information that is essential to operating and maintaining the site's security. Information collected includes:

  • Browser type
  • Internet service provider (ISP) name
  • IP address

The extent of information collected by UFV's web servers depends on the standards followed by your internet service provider (ISP). You may wish to contact your ISP to determine their policies and practices in this regard.

UFV's website contains links to third-party sites; UFV is not responsible for the privacy provisions of other websites.

Some portions of the UFV website may distribute small pieces of information (called "cookies") to web browsers to assist you when you return to specific areas on the site. If you have concerns about cookies, you can change your web browser settings so as not to accept this information, or to display warning messages before doing so.

When you voluntarily send email to UFV or complete an electronic form that includes identifying information about you, UFV will keep a record of this information so that we can respond to you.