Freedom of Information Requests
College of the Rockies is committed to openness, transparency, and accountability, while protecting personal privacy. As a public post‑secondary institution in British Columbia, the College is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
FIPPA gives individuals a legal right to request access to records in the custody or control of the College, subject to limited and specific exceptions set out in the Act.
Before Making a Formal FOI Request
Many College records are routinely available without making a formal Freedom of Information request. We encourage you to first check the College website for published information:
If the information is not available through routine access, you may submit a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request under FIPPA.
What You Can Request
You may request access to:
- Your own personal information, or
- General College records (non‑personal information), including administrative and operational records
FOI requests apply to existing records. FIPPA does not require public bodies to create records or answer questions.
How to Make a Freedom of Information Request
College of the Rockies accepts FOI requests by email only.
Submit your written request to: [email protected]
Your request must include:
- Your full name and contact information
- A clear and specific description of the records you are requesting
- A relevant date range, if possible
- An indication of whether you are requesting:
- Your own personal information, or
- General (non‑personal) records
Being as specific as possible helps us locate records efficiently and reduces delays and potential fees.
Requests for Personal Information
If you are requesting access to your own personal information, no application fee is charged.
You may be asked to provide proof of identity before personal information is released, to protect your privacy.
If you are requesting personal information about another individual, written authorization or proof of legal authority will be required, as set out in FIPPA.
Fees for FOI Requests
Under FIPPA, the College:
- Does not charge fees for requests for your own personal information.
- Does charge fees for FOI requests for general (non‑personal) records.
If fees apply, you will receive a fee estimate before processing continues. You may choose to proceed, narrow your request, or withdraw it.
In some circumstances, you may request that fees be waived in accordance with FIPPA.
Exceptions and Severing of Information
While FIPPA promotes access, some information may be withheld or severed where the Act requires or permits the College to do so (for example, to protect personal privacy or confidential third‑party information).
Where information is withheld, this will be explained in the College’s response.