Free access to informations

What information am I entitled to?

Everyone has the right to request from AFAD information that the school, as a public higher education institution, has at its disposal—particularly information on the management of public funds and the handling of property.
The Act is based on the principle “what is not secret is public” and precisely defines categories of information that cannot be disclosed in order to protect state interests, trade secrets, personal data, or the rights of others.

Who may submit a request?

A request for access to information (an “FOI request”) may be submitted by any natural or legal person.

How and where can a request be submitted?

Requests may be addressed to AFAD in the following ways:

• In writing by post to: Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, Hviezdoslavovo námestie 18, 814 37 Bratislava
• By e-mail to: infozakon@vsvu.sk
• Via the electronic mailbox (through the slovensko.sk portal)
• In person (orally, recorded) at the AFAD registry office
• By telephone (in the case of simple information)

What must a request contain?

For a request to be valid, it must clearly state:

1. The addressee (that it is addressed to AFAD),
2. The applicant’s identification (name, surname, and permanent address of a natural person; or the name, registered office, and company ID of a legal entity),
3. The information requested (specification of the requested information),
4. The preferred method of access (e.g., by e-mail, by post, personal collection).

If a request does not meet the prescribed requirements, AFAD will invite the applicant to complete it within a specified time limit.

What are the time limits for processing?

Requests are processed without undue delay, no later than 12 working days from the date of submission or from the date when deficiencies in the request are remedied.

• In the case of providing information to a visually impaired person, the time limit is 15 working days.
• For serious reasons (e.g., searching for a larger volume of information), AFAD may extend the time limit by up to 8 additional working days (or 15 working days in the case of a visually impaired person). The applicant must be informed of any extension.

Is access to information free of charge?

Information provided by e-mail or by telephone is free of charge. Costs are charged only if material expenses arise in connection with making copies, obtaining technical data carriers (CD, USB), or sending information by post. Details are governed by the Schedule of Fees for the Provision of Information by AFAD, which is an annex to the internal regulation detailing the exercise of the right to information.

Remedies (Appeal)

If AFAD does not grant the request (even partially), it will issue a written decision. An appeal against a decision refusing access to information may be filed within 15 days from the delivery of the decision or from the ineffective expiry of the statutory time limit for processing the request.

The appeal is submitted to AFAD (addressed to the Rector). The Rector of AFAD decides on the appeal.