Standard Privacy Statement for Student Related Forms/Publications/Websites
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Privacy legislation
The University of Melbourne has a statutory obligation to comply with the Information Privacy Act 2000 (VIC) and the Health Records Act 2001 (VIC) when collecting, using or handling personal information or health information (“information”).
What we collect and why
The University collects information about a student for a number of purposes. In the main, such purposes relate to the proper administration of an individual's course of study at the University, the University’s internal planning requirements, and the organisation of relevant health and welfare programs. Student information is also collected for the purposes of fostering alumni relations and promoting University activities and under Commonwealth or State Government legislation for the purposes of government reporting and for the administration of, but not limited to, the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) and the Youth Allowance (Austudy and Abstudy).
The University will collect information directly from the student him or herself wherever possible.
Accuracy, security and storage of information
The University holds information in both computer, and paper based records. It takes all reasonable steps to ensure that the information it holds is accurate and complete and that it is protected from misuse, loss, unauthorised access or disclosure.
Use and Disclosure of information
The Office of the Provost is responsible for maintaining the information of currently enrolled students.
The University will not use or disclose your information for purposes other than that for which it was collected, or for related purpose which you might reasonably expect without your permission, unless it is permitted or required to do so by law.
The following are examples of instances where the University may be required by law or permitted to disclose your information:
- informing Centrelink of your enrolment details if you are in receipt of Centrelink payments;
- releasing statistical information to relevant government bodies such as the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Office of Training and Tertiary Education;
- releasing relevant information to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations DEEWR);
- informing the Australian Taxation Office of your taxation liabilities;
- assisting the police in their investigation if you are alleged to have been involved in a criminal offence; and
- releasing your academic details to another tertiary institution or tertiary admission centre if you apply to transfer studies.
Access to personal information
Access to and correction of your information are handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic). Data obtained via the Enrolment Questionnaire that is reported to the Commonwealth Government can be viewed (and, if necessary, corrected) at http://sis.unimelb.edu.au.
University Privacy Officer/Privacy policy
The University's Privacy Officer is the University Secretary, Ms Janet White. The Privacy Officer's website, contains the University's Privacy Policy and provides detailed information about the contact details, complaints procedures and other aspects of the University's privacy regime.
Questions
If you have an enquiry about your privacy rights in relation to the collection of information from students, please contact the University's Privacy Officer.