Athabasca University

Accessing information

Thecame into effect on June 11, 2025. It supports can open, accessible, and responsible university structure. The purpose of the Act is to allow individuals the right of access to the records in the custody and control of the university (with some limited and specific exceptions), and to have an independent review of decisions made by the university by the Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner.

According to the ATIA, Athabasca University's responsibilities include:

Working with people in their search for information, including a duty to make every reasonable effort to assist applicants and to respond to each applicant openly, accurately, and completely; and
Dealing with applications for information in a timely way

The Access to Information Act (ATIA) provides the right of access to any record in the custody and control of a public body. In many cases, it is not necessary to apply under ATIA to obtain information. Contact the office responsible for the records and request access. If the requested information is not normally made available to the public, a request for the information can be made under the ATIA.

Request to access information

A request must be in writing and can be made using the Request to Access Information form or by written letter indicating that you are making the request under the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and send to auprivacy@athabascau.ca .

When making a written request:

Clearly identify the specific information you want to access
Provide your name, address and telephone number where the Policy, Privacy, and Records Management (PPR) Team can contact you
Sign the letter
Enclose any initial fees, if required. See the Fees section for fee information

If possible, the university must make a reasonable effort to respond to your request within 30 days of receiving it. If more time is required, you will be advised as to when a response will be available.

If you are requesting your personal information, there are no initial fees, but you may be charged for copying the record(s).

Fees

It is the policy of Athabasca University to charge fees for access to information under the ATIA as allowed under the Access to Information Regulation.

Fees for general information

This section applies to requests for access to records that are not the personal information of the applicant. While personal information is protected by the Protection of Privacy Act, an individual can still request access to any records under the control and/or custody of the university. The ATIA allows for some limited and specific exceptions to prevent disclosure.

An applicant is required to pay:

An initial $25 when a non-continuing request is made
An initial fee of $50 when a continuing request is made

Processing of a request will not commence until the initial fee has been paid.

In addition to the initial fee, fees in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Access to Information Regulation may be charged if the amount of the fees, as estimated by the university, exceeds $150. Where the amount estimated exceeds $150, the total amount will be charged.

If there are additional charges, you will be informed of the estimated costs and you must advise the university whether or not you want to proceed with the request.

Fees for personal information

Only copying fees, in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Access to Information Regulation, may be charged if the amount of the copying, as estimated by the university, exceeds $10.

Where the amount estimated exceeds $10, the total amount will be charged.