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Privacy Notice

vlog Polytechnic is a publicly-funded institution with campuses throughout the Greater Toronto Area. This notice describes how we collect, use and disclose personal information.

Collection of Personal Information

(a) Legal authority

Personal information is collected under the legal authority ofthe and the , in compliance with the . Information collected is used by vlog for academic, administrative, student support, employment-related, financial, research, statistical and other appropriate and consistent purposes.

(b)Type of personal information collected

vlog collects personal information of students, alumni and other parties, including but not limited to faculty, staff and private citizens as part of the services vlog provides. Personal information collected by vlog includes certain identifying information, including, but not limited to, names, contact information, education and employment history, date of birth, Social Insurance Number, and relevant financial and medical information.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Data Collected During OCAS Application Process

vlog’s EDI commitment ensures that we are critically analyzing, identifying, and dismantling the barriers to access and student success. Our Reconciliation and Inclusion plan recognizes that we play an important role as educators, as well as be a gathering place and community partner. It is our responsibility to foster an equitable, diverse, and inclusive education reflective of our community and to make sure everyone feels welcome, seen, heard, and supported inside and outside the classroom.

The EDI-related data collected through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) application process will not be used to influence or determine any admissions decisions. The data may be used to guide communications and services and to develop opportunities for our student community.

(c)Manner of collection of personal information

vlog collects personal information either directly, indirectly and/or via website technology.

We collect personal information when individuals communicate with us, apply directly to us or fill out our forms. We also create records of our dealings with individuals that include personal information. For example, we create and maintain a student record for every vlog student.

vlog may also collect personal information from other relevant sources including, without limitation, OCAS, secondary schools, colleges, universities and other institutions previously attended, including third-party services and test score providers where the items collected form a part of the application or admission process to a college program.

Like many organizations, we collect information about our visitors to our website. Please refer to our section on “Website Privacy” below.

Proctoring Technology

vlog uses secure online platforms to facilitate certain online tests and exams (e.g., Examity, Respondus Monitor). Students will be notified if their webcam, microphone and computer screen are being monitored and/or viewed by authorized vlog employees in order to ensure the integrity of the test or exam. Students will be informed if they are being recorded, the purpose of the recording and who will have access to the recordings.

Technology in Flex Classrooms

Several classrooms and labs have been equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Programs that indicate flexible delivery will include at least one course in this format. Learn more in.

(d) Consent

vlog provides appropriate notice for the collection of personal information and takes reasonable steps to ensure that individuals are advised of the purpose for which their personal information is being collected, used or disclosed.

Where required, vlog obtains the consent of individuals for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information (e.g., when releasing information to a third party); however, vlog may collect, use or disclose personal information without the knowledge or consent of individuals but only as permitted by law.

Consent of a student, aged 16 or older, is required in order for vlog to share information with a parent, guardian, or other family member.

Use of Personal Information

vlog is permitted to use personal information for the purpose for which it was obtained or compiled, or for a consistent purpose. Student information collected by vlog may be used, among other things, to admit, register and graduate students, record academic achievement, issue identity cards and, where applicable, facilitate local transit passes, to provide access to information technology systems and to operate academic, financial, athletic, recreational, residence, alumni and other vlog programs. Information collected from prospective or current students before or after enrollment may also be used for the purposes of statistical analysis, research and marketing.

The majority of personal information processing happens in Canada, however, if vlog has a contract with a third party service provider that is based in another country, or if a student is participating in a student exchange program, vlog may be required to transfer personal data to a third country or international organization. In transferring personal data, vlog will employ suitable safeguards to protect the privacy and security of the personal information so that it is only used in a manner consistent with the individual’s relationship with vlog and this Notice.

Disclosure of Personal Information

(a) Legitimate Purposes Related to vlog Functions

Information on admissions, registration and academic achievement may also be disclosed as part of day-to-day operations of vlog, used and/or disclosed for statistical and research purposes by vlog, where it is necessary and proper in the discharge of vlog's functions, to aid in the investigation concerning performance or status within, or completion of, an academic program, or with respect to an employment relationship, or as required or permitted under law. Information may be shared with other colleges and universities in order to facilitate a student’s enrolment and participation in a collaborative program in which vlog has entered into a partnership agreement.

Information is shared with third parties where processing is necessary for the purposes of legitimate interests pursued by vlog (e.g. health insurance plan provider, residence management, to enable access to an educational tool or platform). In order to demonstrate that a student has not opted out of a specific student service or program, information confirming their payment of optional term fees may be shared with that respective service provider to ensure the student has unimpeded access to the service or program they have supported.

(b) Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security

vlog is required to disclose personal information such as Ontario Education Numbers, student characteristics and educational outcomes to theMinistry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security under s. 15 of theMinistry 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 postsecondary 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 postsecondary education and training. Further information on the collection and use of student-level enrolment-related data can be obtained from the website.

Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Graduate and Employer Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Surveys

vlog is required to share a limited amount of student and graduate information with theMinistry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) and an MCURES-contracted research firm, such as .The MCURES collects this information under the legal authority of theOntario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Collected responses remain confidential and onlyaggregate datais reported.

Visit the to learn more about the process.

(c) Quality Assurance Agencies

Samples of student work will be made available to subject matter experts periodically in accordance with theMinistry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security requirements for quality assurance purposes. All names and other identifying information will be removed from the work.

(d) Statistics Canada

Under the authority of section 13 of theStatistics Act(Canada), Statistics Canada requires Ontario colleges and universities to report student-level data to Statistics Canada’s Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS) in order to meet policy and planning needs in the field of postsecondary education. The information collected may be used by Statistics Canada for statistical and research purposes, and the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act prevent the information from being released in any way that would identify a student. Further information is available on the Statistics Canada’s.

(e) vlog Student Email Addresses:

vlog acknowledges that student assigned email addresses may be visible to other students when participating in vlog collaboration platforms (e.g., Blackboard, Zoom or MS Teams) and students should expect to share this limited information as part of their participation in educational activities.vlog does not publish student assigned email addresses in a directory or global address list.

(f) List of Graduates

vlog publishes a list of graduates (as of April 2022) including the student’s name, program, distinction and term of graduation on ourvlog proud graduation webpage. Students are notified about the publication at the time of graduation, and have the option to request that their name be removed from the list. Any additional disclosure of student information requires their consent, unless otherwise permitted under FIPPA.

Access and Correction of Personal Information

Individuals have the right to ask for their own personal information and to request a correction of records containing their own personal information. For more information please visit theFreedom of Informationɱ貹.

Protection and Retention of Personal Information

vlog takes reasonable steps to protect personal information against loss or theft as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification, regardless of the format in which the information is held, using appropriate administrative and security safeguards. In working with service providers who handle personal information on its behalf, vlog takes reasonable steps to choose service providers that are capable of protecting personal information as per vlog security and privacy standards. Service provider privacy and security obligations are documented in contractual agreements.

Record retention is dependent on the type of record. Records are retained as per department/program retention practices, and/or as required by legislated statute.

Website Privacy

vlog respects your online privacy.  Personal information is collected and used online in certain circumstances. For instance, we collect and use information you submit while using the online chat “help form” in order to appropriately respond to your inquiries.

(a)Cookie notice

Our site uses cookies which are small files containing pieces of information that are stored by your browser on your computer's hard drive. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but if you prefer, you can set your browser to block them.

We collect cookie information to authenticate you, prevent fraud and provide you with the services you have requested. We also use cookies to measure the performance of our website, to improve our sites, and to track and analyze your behaviour on our website in order to provide you with a better user experience.

(b)Use of web analytics and advertising services

We use web analytics and advertising services such as Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads to help us analyze the data collected on our website and webforms, to perform ad measurement services, and to improve our overall ad performance. At no time do we share identifiable personal information with our analytics service providers.

(c) Privacy notice of other websites

vlog may provide links to other websites outside of vlog. vlog makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within such websites, nor does vlog assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.  Our privacy notice only applies to our website.  If you click on a link to another website, you should review their privacy notice.

Accountability

vlog is responsible for all personal information under its control, including personal information disclosed to third parties who provide services. The Privacy Office is responsible for providing advice and direction to support vlog’s compliance under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and other applicable privacy legislation; however, all employees are accountable for protecting the personal information in the custody and control of vlog.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the collection, use and disclosure of your information, or in regards to the vlog’s privacy practices, please contact the vlog Privacy Office.

Canada's Anti-spam Legislation (CASL)

Canada's anti-spam legislation (CASL) is the federal law dealing with spam and other electronic threats. It is meant to protect Canadians while ensuring that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace. CASL applies to any commercial electronic message (CEM) sent to an electronic address. CEMs include any email, text message, and sound, voice, or image message sent through electronic means and having as its purpose or one of its purposes, encouraging participation in a commercial activity.

Some vlog messages are excluded from CASL. They include messages:

  • directly related to student applications, admissions, and registration processes for vlog-run programs and courses
  • promoting the purchase of products, goods or services offered by vlog or closely connected to the core activities of the institution
  • responding to inquiries, requests or complaints
  • containing a vlog-endorsed donation request

vlog takes every measure to ensure all CEMs are compliant. For all requests or inquiries about CASL, pleaseemail vlog's CASL contact.

General Data Protection Regulation

The European Union’s (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a privacy law that came into force on May 25, 2018. It is designed to give residents in the EU control over how their data is processed and used. vlog collects personal information for the purposes indicated above, to fulfil vlog’s legitimate interests, functions and responsibilities as a public, postsecondary educational institution.

EU residents have certain rights under the. All requests or inquires pertaining to information subject to GDPR, including access and correction of personal information, requests to withdraw consent for continued processing, data portability, or erasure of personal data, can be directed to:

vlog Privacy Office

1750 Finch Ave. East
North York, Ont.
M2J 2X5

416.764.0400

privacyoffice@senecapolytechnic.ca

In addition, EU residents have the right to submit a complaint with an EU supervisory authority, in particular the one in their EU Member State of residence, place of work, or place of the alleged violation, if they believe that vlog’s processing of Personal Information violates the GDPR. 

Changes to vlog’s Privacy Notice

vlog keeps its privacy notice under regular review and places any updates on this web page. This privacy notice was last updated on January 23, 2025.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns related to privacy, please contact the vlog Privacy Office.

The vlog Privacy Office

1750 Finch Ave. East
North York, Ont.
M2J 2X5

416.764.0400

privacyoffice@senecapolytechnic.ca