Online Privacy Statement

Purpose

This policy discloses the practices with respect to the gathering and dissemination of information the University obtains from users of the websites of Georgia Southern University.

This policy applies to those sites for which Georgia Southern University is the operator, although software, hosting and other functions may be provided by third parties (“Service Providers”).

This Online Privacy Policy describes the type of information Georgia Southern, and its Service Providers collect from visitors to our sites, what we do with that information, and how visitors can update and control the use of information provided on this Site. This policy does not necessarily describe information collection policies on other sites, such as separate sites operated by our Service Providers that we do not control.

Many of the resources linked from this Web site are not maintained by Georgia Southern. Georgia Southern cannot monitor all linked resources, only those pages which fall directly within the University’s world-wide web structure. Georgia Southern is in no way responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these linked resources and the statements, views, and opinions expressed therein are neither endorsed by nor do they necessarily reflect the opinion of the University.

This policy may be changed from time to time and without further notice. Continued use of university sites after any such changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms. If a visitor does not agree to abide by these new terms or any future terms, he or she should not use the sites.

These sites are not directed to children under 13 years of age, and children under 13 years of age shall not use these sites to submit any personal information about themselves.

Policy Statement

This policy is based upon standards published by the University System of Georgia Information Technology Handbook section 6.1 USG Privacy Standard which establishes that:

• Personally identifiable information may only be obtained through lawful means.
• The purposes for which personally identifiable data are collected shall be specified at or prior to the time of collection, and any subsequent use of the data shall be limited to and consistent with the fulfillment of those purposes previously specified.
• Personal data may not be disclosed, made available, or otherwise used for a purpose other than those specified, except with the consent of the subject of the data, or as required by law or regulation.
• Personal data collected shall be relevant to the purpose for which it is needed.
• The general means by which personal data is protected against loss, unauthorized access, use, modification, or disclosure shall be posted, unless the disclosure of those general means would compromise legitimate USG entity objectives or law enforcement purposes.

Information We Gather

Georgia Southern University may collect certain meta information that is automatically generated when a user visits a site, including, but not limited to, the Internet Protocol address of the originating Internet Service Provider, and information provided by “cookies” stored on your hard drive.

We may also collect aggregate information about the use of the sites, including, but not limited to, which pages are most frequently visited, how many visitors we receive daily, and how long visitors stay on each page.

A visitor may be prompted or required to provide certain personal information in order to access various features and information on the sites. Such information may include, among other things, name, address, and phone number. If a visitor does not want to provide such information, he or she may choose not to access those features of the sites. Any personal information provided through the sites will be protected in accordance with the provisions of this Policy.

Georgia Southern University also uses the Google AdWords remarketing service to advertise on third party websites (including Google) to previous visitors to our site. It could mean that we advertise to previous visitors who haven’t completed a task on our site, for example completing a form/application. This could be in the form of an advertisement on the Google search results page, or a site in the Google Display Network. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies. You can opt out of this at any time by updating the ad settings within your browser or by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.

Use of Information

Georgia Southern University uses the information it collects to maintain and improve the websites and in connection with marketing activities. Some information may be shared with third party vendors that the University contracts with to complete business transactions, provide services or conduct online marketing of the University. These websites or third-party vendors may also use cookies for tracking purposes.

We do not sell, share, or lease your mobile information or opt-in data with any third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

Georgia Southern University may disclose and publish aggregate information on an aggregate basis to any party through any means, but such aggregate information will not disclose any personal information. Any information collected through these sites may also be used in aggregate by system administrators in the administration of the sites.

The University strives to maintain the privacy and accuracy of personal information. We do not actively share personal information gathered from the Sites. However, some information collected from the Sites may be subject to the Georgia Open Records Act. This means that, while we do not actively share information, in some cases we may be required by law to release information gathered from the Sites.

Georgia public universities also comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the release of education records without student permission. For more details on FERPA, currently enrolled students at Georgia Southern should refer to the University catalog.

Accuracy and Security of Confidential Information

Georgia Southern cannot guarantee the personal information obtained from a visitor is accurate. If there is an error in collected information, the University will attempt to correct the information upon written request.

While the University strives to protect against the loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control through security measures we consider reasonable and appropriate, it cannot guarantee or warrant the security of the information, and if a visitor chooses to use the Sites, he or she does so at his or her own risk.

Information disclosed by visitors to the Sites in certain forums intended for public use (e.g. information, including personal information that is provided to others on bulletin boards, through blogs or in chat rooms, or social media that may be available on the Sites) can be collected and used by other visitors to the Sites.

Changes to This Policy

The University reserves the right to make changes to this Policy and/or the Online Privacy Statement as needed and in accordance with University and Board of Regents Policy. The current version will be made available on the University website(s).

If you have questions about this Policy or you believe your personal information has been released without your consent, please contact the Information Security Department at security@georgiasouthern.edu.

Questions and Enforcement

If there are questions about this Policy or you believe your personal information has been released without your consent, please contact the Information Security Department at security@georgiasouthern.edu.

European Union General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR) Privacy Notice

Lawful Basis for Collecting and Processing of Personal Data

Georgia Southern University is an institute of higher education involved in education, research, and community development. In order for Georgia Southern University to educate its students both in class and on-line, engage in world-class research, and provide community services, it is essential, necessary, and Georgia Southern University has lawful bases to collect, process, use, and maintain data of its students, employees, applicants, research subjects, and others involved in its educational, research, and community programs.

For more information regarding the EU GDPR, please review Georgia Southern University’s EU General Data Protection Regulation Compliance Policy.

Most of Georgia Southern University’s collection and processing of personal data will fall under the following categories:

1. Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by Georgia Southern University or third parties in providing education, employment, research and development, community programs.
2. Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract. This lawful basis pertains primarily but not exclusively to research contracts.
3. Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which Georgia Southern University is subject.
4. The data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes. This lawful basis pertains primarily but not exclusively to the protection of research subjects, providing medical and mental health services.

Types of Personal Data Collected and Why

Georgia Southern University collects a variety of personal and sensitive data to meet one of its lawful bases, as referenced above. Most often the data is used for academic admissions, enrollment, educational programs, job hiring, provision of medical services, participation in research, development and community outreach. Data typically includes name, address, transcripts, work history, information for payroll, research subject information, medical and health information (for student health services, or travel), and donations.

If you have specific questions regarding the collection and use of your personal data, please contact privacy@georgiasouthern.edu.

If a data subject refuses to provide personal data that is required by Georgia Southern University in connection with one of Georgia Southern University’s lawful bases to collect such personal data, such refusal may make it impossible for Georgia Southern University to provide education, employment, research or other requested services.

Where Georgia Southern University Gets Personal and Sensitive Personal Data

Georgia Southern University receives personal and sensitive personal data from multiple sources. Most often, Georgia Southern University gets this data directly from the data subject or under the direction of the data subject who has provided it to a third party (for example, application for admission to Georgia Southern University through use of the Common App).

Individual Rights of the Data Subject Under the EU GDPR

Individual data subjects covered by Georgia Southern University’s EU General Data Protection Regulation Compliance Policy will be afforded the following rights:

• Information about the controller collecting the data.
• The data protection officer contact information.
• The purposes and legal basis/legitimate interests of the data collection/processing.
• Recipients of personal data.
• If Georgia Southern University intends to transfer personal data to another country or international organization.
• The period the personal data will be stored.
• The existence of the right to access, rectify incorrect data or erase personal data, restrict or object to processing, and the right to data portability.
• The existence of the right to withdraw consent at any time.
• The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (established in the EU).
• Why the personal data required, and possible consequences of the failure to provide the data.
• The existence of automated decision-making, including profiling.
• If the collected data are going to be further processed for a purpose other than that for which it was collected.

Note: Exercising these rights is a guarantee to be afforded a process and not the guarantee of an outcome.

Any data subject who wishes to exercise any of the above-mentioned rights may do so by filing such request with the Office of Internal Audit, Risk, and Compliance at RiskCompliance@georgiasouthern.edu.

Cookies

Cookies are files that many websites transfer to users’ web browsers to enable the site to deliver personalized services or to provide persistent authentication. The information contained in a cookie typically includes information collected automatically by the web server and/or information provided voluntarily by the user.

Our website uses persistent cookies in conjunction with a third-party technology partner to analyze search engine usage and web traffic patterns. This information is used in the aggregate to monitor and enhance our web pages. It is not used to track the usage patterns of individual users.

Security of Personal Data Subject to the EU GDPR

Georgia Southern University will not share your information with third parties except:

• As necessary to meet one of its lawful purposes, including but not limited to, its legitimate interest, contract compliance, pursuant to consent provided by you, or as required by law.
• As necessary to protect Georgia Southern University’s interests.
• With service providers acting on our behalf who have agreed to protect the confidentiality of the data.

Data Retention

Georgia Southern University keeps the data it collects for the time periods specified in the University System of Georgia Records Retention Schedules.

The University’s Executive Counsel serves as the Data Protection Officer. Please email questions or concerns to OLA@georgiasouthern.edu.

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GS Connect SMS Terms

Purpose

This policy establishes the terms and conditions governing text message (SMS) communications sent by Georgia Southern University through GS Connect, the University’s student success platform. These terms satisfy carrier registration requirements under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and Twilio’s A2P 10DLC program compliance standards.

Scope

These terms apply to all members of the Georgia Southern University community who have provided a mobile phone number and affirmatively opted in to receive text message communications through the GS Connect platform. Participation is voluntary.

Program Description

Program Name

GS Connect — Georgia Southern University Student Success Platform

Sponsoring Organization

Georgia Southern University, Departments of User Experience & Engagement and Information Technology Services, in coordination with the Office of Student Success.

Message Types

Users who opt in may receive text messages related to the following:

• Academic advising appointments and reminders.
• Financial aid deadlines and award notifications.
• Registration and enrollment reminders.
• Campus resources and student support services.
• Emergency and urgent campus notifications.
• Follow-up communications from assigned advisors or success coaches.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies. The number of messages received will depend on individual activity, appointment schedules, and the University’s academic calendar. Students may receive up to several messages per week during peak enrollment and advising periods.

Opt-In Procedures

How to Opt In

Users opt in to receive text messages from GS Connect by providing their mobile phone number through the University’s CAS-authenticated student portal and affirmatively selecting to receive SMS communications. Opt-in is not required for access to GS Connect or any University service.

Confirmation

Upon successful opt-in, students will receive a confirmation text message. Continued use of the messaging service constitutes ongoing consent.

Opt-Out Procedures

Users may opt out of GS Connect text messages at any time using any of the following methods:

• Reply STOP to any text message received from GS Connect. You will receive a final confirmation message, and no further texts will be sent.
• Log in to your GS Connect account and update your communication preferences.
• Contact the Office of Student Success directly to request removal.

After opting out, you may opt back in at any time by replying START or by updating your preferences in GS Connect.

Help Information

Users may contact Georgia Southern University directly:

• Phone: (912) 478-5611
• Email: studentsuccess@georgiasouthern.edu
• Web: GS Connect Student Success Portal

Mobile Data Privacy

Georgia Southern University is committed to protecting your personal information. With respect to mobile communications:

• We do not sell, share, or lease your mobile phone number or opt-in data with any third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
• Your mobile number will only be used to send communications directly related to academic success and University services.
• Mobile opt-in data is handled in accordance with the University’s Online Privacy Policy (IT-2100-00), available at www.georgiasouthern.edu/privacy.
• Text message content and history may be retained in accordance with the University’s records retention schedule.

Carrier Disclaimer

Message and data rates may apply. GS Connect text messages are delivered via standard SMS through participating U.S. wireless carriers. Georgia Southern University is not responsible for any charges assessed by your wireless carrier in connection with receiving text messages. Check your wireless plan for details.

Modifications to These Terms

Georgia Southern University reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated to opted-in students via text message or email. Continued use of GS Connect text messaging following notice of changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Related Policies

• Online Privacy Policy (IT-2100-00)
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• FCC Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)