Emergency Contact Notification Protocol

Conestoga College supports a student’s right to confidentiality of their records in accordance with the
Ontario Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

One exception to FIPPA enables Colleges & Universities to notify parents, legal guardians or identified
emergency contacts under specific compelling circumstances related to student health and safety.
Conestoga recognizes that partnering with families and parents, especially during challenging
circumstances, can often yield increased positive outcomes for students.

Conestoga will only exercise the health and safety exception to FIPPA in rare and specific circumstances
where it has been determined to be necessary, typically by Safety and Security, or the Student Affairs
Office. Such a determination considers the totality of information known to the College (excluding
personal health records which are protected), and carefully considers information where it may be
harmful or imprudent to notify the student’s emergency contact or family.

Where notification is deemed necessary, staff within Safety and Security or Student Affairs will initiate
contact. Time and circumstances permitting, students will be encouraged to make the initial call to their
emergency contact.

Compelling circumstances that may warrant emergency contact notification include:

• Concern about imminent threat to self or others

• Serious, critical or potentially life-threatening injury or medical situation
• Concern for a student’s personal safety resulting from criminal charges, eviction from
residence or suspension
• A student is reported missing and is unable to be located