3.0 Records and Communication
3.1 Student Record Information
3.1.1 Names
As the University is committed to the integrity of its student records, students are required to provide their complete, legal name on applications for admission or on personal data forms required for registration. Any requests to change a name, by means of alteration, deletion, substitution or addition, must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. Upon making application for graduation, students may be asked to provide proof of their legal name.
3.1.2 Addresses
Students are responsible for keeping their address and phone number information current. Students are required to maintain and update their address and phone number information through Carleton Central. Incorrect address information may delay the receipt of important academic information.
3.2 Records Retention Policy
The University's records retention policy provides for the destruction of physical student file folders and their contents after five years have elapsed since the last registration. Carleton University student academic history information is retained electronically in perpetuity. This policy applies to all students who are formally admitted and registered at the University. Students who go through the admissions process but do not accept an offer of admission will have their files destroyed at the end of the admissions cycle. Further information on the policy can be obtained by contacting the Registrar's Office.
3.3 Disclosure of Information
Carleton University is required to disclose personal information such as Ontario Education Numbers, student characteristics and educational outcomes to the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development under s. 15 of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter M. 19, as amended. The ministry collects this data for purposes such as planning, allocating and administering public funding to colleges, universities and other post-secondary educational and training institutions and to conduct research and analysis, including longitudinal studies, and statistical activities conducted by or on behalf of the ministry for purposes that relate to post-secondary education and training. Further information on how the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities uses this personal information is available on the ministry’s website.
Further information on the collection and use of student-level enrolment-related data can be obtained from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/
In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), all personal and academic information is considered confidential and will not be disclosed to a third party without the authorization of the person to whom the information pertains. In addition, the University will disclose at the time of collection of personal information the purpose for which that information will be used. For further information, see carleton.ca/privacy/policies
3.4 Use of Student Work in Program Assessment
All academic programs at Carleton University are reviewed cyclically under the mandate of the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance. Several programs at Carleton University are also accredited by professional bodies and must undergo review for continuing accreditation.
Student records and student work such as portfolios, exams, assignments, and theses may be used in the review and evaluation of academic programs. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that information and material used in the evaluation of a program is kept confidential and that the processes comply with applicable privacy regulations. These reviews may involve bodies external to the University, for example, in complying with reviews required by the government or professional accreditation bodies.
3.5 Student Status
When responding to a legitimate request from an external agency that has not supplied its own definition, the following definitions are used:
- A full-time undergraduate student is one who is registered in at least 1.5 credits per academic term.
- A full course load is the normal maximum course load as defined by the student's program and is evaluated term by term.
3.6 Electronic Communication
The University provides each student with an email address and uses this as an official channel of communication with the student. A message sent to a student's University-provided email address constitutes an official communication with the student. Students are responsible for monitoring their University email address on a regular basis for as long as they are active in the academic affairs of the University. Requests from students regarding academic or administrative issues must be sent from the student's University-provided email address.