ETSU Privacy Policy

ETSU Privacy Policy
East Tennessee State University Web Privacy Statement
A Note to Children and Parents
East Tennessee State University websites are intended for use by adults, unless they
are specifically labeled for children.
Children
: Some internet sites may ask you to share information about yourself. Before sending
any information about yourself over the Internet to us or anyone else, be sure to
ask your parents for permission.
Parents
: East Tennessee State University recommends that parents take an active role in their
children's use of the Internet. We encourage you to talk to your children about safe
and responsible use of their personal information while using the Internet.
Commitment to Privacy
East Tennessee State University values individuals' privacy and actively seeks to
preserve the privacy rights of those who share information with us. Your trust is
important to us, and we believe you have the right to know how information submitted
through a university Web site is handled.
ETSU understands the importance of protecting the privacy of personal information,
especially in today’s electronic environment. This privacy policy covers the Web Pages
belonging to ETSU in the United States. The ETSU privacy policy on the internet means
that:
We inform you how we use any personally identifiable information that we gather on
our Web Pages.
We maintain security and safeguards for any information that we gather on our Web
Pages.
You have control over the information you decide to submit to us.
We provide the following privacy notice to define ETSU's web-based information policies
and practices and to assist you in protecting your privacy.
Privacy Notice
The following information explains the Internet privacy policy and practices the University
has adopted for its official Web sites. However, in legal terms, it shall not be construed
as a contractual promise, and the University reserves the right to amend it at any
time without notice. Privacy and public records obligations of the University are
governed by applicable Tennessee statutes and U.S. federal laws.
The Web Privacy Statement speaks generally to the information collected by or submitted
to official ETSU Web sites. Still the amount and type of information collected may
vary somewhat from site to site. Therefore, in addition to this general explanation
of policy and practice, the University encourages colleges, schools, departments,
divisions and other units contributing to its official Web pages to post, as necessary,
more specific approved privacy notices pertaining to the collection and use of any
personal information associated exclusively with those pages. Thus it is wise for
users to read page-specific notices to better understand the privacy policies and
practices applicable to a particular site.
Providing information is your choice.
There is no legal requirement for you to provide any information at our Web site.
However, our Web site will not work without routing information and the essential
technical information. Failure of your browser to provide nonessential technical information
will not prevent your use of our Web site but may prevent certain features from working.
For any optional information that is requested at the Web site, failure to provide
the requested information will mean that the particular feature or service associated
with that part of the Web page may not be available to you.
What information is covered by this notice?
This notice applies to non-public personal information we collect about individuals
who obtain products or services from us. We call this information "Customer Information".
Do we share customer information with outside companies?
We do not share Customer Information with outside companies to use for their own marketing
purposes. Outside companies that help us provide services you request (such as clearing
house or transaction hosting) may receive Customer Information to help us provide
these services. They are obligated to keep Customer Information confidential
We will share Customer Information with others when it is required or permitted by
law, such as credit bureaus, or to comply with subpoenas and summonses.
How do we protect customer information?
Our employees have limited access to Customer Information. They have access only when
the information is used to facilitate business purposes. We maintain physical, electronic
and procedural safeguards that comply with applicable laws and regulations to protect
Customer Information.
What if your information is not correct?
We have procedures in place to maintain accurate Customer Information. These procedures
include responding to requests to correct inaccurate Customer Information. If you
believe our customer records contain incorrect information about you, call or write
to us at
webmaster@etsu.edu
What if you suspect identity theft?
If you are concerned that someone has unauthorized access to your personal information,
please call us immediately at
webmaster@etsu.edu
so we can take steps to assist you.
Site Definitions
University Web space includes hundreds of sites with varying levels of University
involvement and commitment as outlined below.
Official University Web Sites
Except as noted, the information in this privacy notice applies to all official ETSU
Web sites which are defined as the Web pages of university colleges, schools, departments,
divisions or other units and any other sites specifically designated as official by
a vice president, dean, department head or director. Official pages are generally
recognizable by a standard page header and/or footer carrying the University logo,
contact information and reference to this privacy statement.
Unofficial Web Sites
Within the East Tennessee State University domain - signified by the address "etsu.edu"
or within the range of Internet protocol addresses assigned to ETSU - you may find
Web sites over which the University has no editorial responsibility or control. Such
sites are considered unofficial and include, but are not limited to, the Web pages
of individual faculty members or students and the Web pages of student organizations
and other entities not formally a part of the University. While ETSU encourages compliance
with this Web Privacy Statement at such sites, in order to better understand the policies
and practices under which they operate, please consult the privacy statements of individual
sites or seek information directly from the persons responsible for those sites.
The Information We Collect
When you access official ETSU Web pages, certain client information and essential
and nonessential technical information (collectively referred to as access information)
listed below is automatically collected. No other information is collected through
our official Web sites except when you deliberately send it to us (for example, by
clicking a link to send us an e-mail). Examples of the information you might choose
to send us are listed below as "optional information."
Access Information (automatically collected)
When you browse our Web Pages, certain statistics are automatically collected for
marketing and research. This information is housed outside of the University on web
servers. This information could include but is not limited to:
IP address
Referring site
Date and time
Operating System
Screen Resolution
Browser Type
Length of stay
Hostname
Connection Speed
Web pages visited
Network location
Client information: the Internet domain and Internet address of the computer you are
using.
Essential technical information: identification of the page or service you are requesting,
type of browser and operating system you are using; and the date and time of access.
Nonessential technical information: the Internet address of the Web site from which
you linked directly to our Web site, and the "cookie information" used to direct and
tailor information based on your entry path to the site.
Client information is used to route the requested Web page to your computer for viewing.
In theory, the requested Web page and the routing information could be discerned by
other entities involved in transmitting the requested page to you. We do not control
the privacy practices of those entities.
We may keep client information from our systems indefinitely after the Web page is
transmitted, but we do not cross-reference it to the individuals who browse our Web
site. However, on rare occasions when a "hacker" attempts to breach computer security,
logs of access information are retained to permit a security investigation. In such
cases the logs may be further analyzed or forwarded together with any other relevant
information in our possession to law enforcement agencies.
Optional information (deliberately sent)
When you send us an email: your name, e-mail address, and the content of your e-mail.
When you complete online forms: all the data you choose to fill in or confirm. This
may include credit or debit card information if you are ordering a product or making
a payment, as well as information about other people if you are providing it for delivery
purposes, etc.
The Way We Use Information
Client information is used to route the requested Web page to your computer for viewing.
In theory, the requested Web page and the routing information could be discerned by
other entities involved in transmitting the requested page to you. We do not control
the privacy practices of those entities. Essential and nonessential technical information
helps us respond to your request in an appropriate format [or in a personalized manner]
and helps us plan Web site improvements. Optional information enables us to provide
services or information tailored more specifically to your needs or to forward your
message or inquiry to another entity that is
better able to do so, and also allows us to plan Web site improvements.
We may use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our Web site.
For example, we may report that
number of individuals visited a certain area on our Web site, or that
number of men and
number of women filled out our registration form, but we would not disclose anything
that could be used to identify those individuals.
We may keep client information from our systems indefinitely after the Web page is
transmitted, but we do not try to obtain any information to link it to the individuals
who browse our Web site. However, on rare occasions when a "hacker" attempts to breach
computer security, logs of access information are retained to permit a security investigation
and in such cases may be forwarded together with any other relevant information in
our possession to law enforcement agencies.
We use the information you provide about yourself or about someone else when placing
a request for service only to complete that order or request. We do not share this
information with outside parties, except to the extent necessary to complete that
order or request.
Similarly, we use the information you provide about someone else when placing an order
or request only to complete that order or request. Again, we do not share this information
with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete that order or request.
We generally use return e-mail addresses only to answer the e-mail we receive. Such
addresses are generally not used for any other purpose and by university and state
policy are not shared with outside parties.
Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, certain records in our possession are subject
to inspection by or disclosure to members of the public. As indicated above, client
information retained after transmission of the requested Web page will be available
for inspection.
Optional information enables us to provide services or information tailored more specifically
to your needs, to forward your message or inquiry to another entity that is better
able to do so, and to plan Web site improvements.
ETSU reserves the right to use log detail to investigate resource management or security
concerns.
Rule on Sharing of Information
East Tennessee State University uses the University Web for business purposes and
is committed to ensuring the privacy of personal information. Use of the University
Web is subject to all applicable state and federal laws as well as general University
and campus policies. It is the University’s usual practice not to share any personal
information with those outside the University. We never use or share the personally
identifiable information provided to us online in ways unrelated to the purpose described
without a clear notice on the particular
site and without also providing you an opportunity to opt-out or otherwise prohibit
such unrelated uses. However, when circumstances arise for the need to share information
gathered from its University Web servers, the University may share as:
authorized by law,
permitted under University and campus policies, authorized by an approved ETSU contract,
clearly stated at a University Web site that such information will be shared and the
user indicates consent by providing the information,
consent is otherwise given,
available certain student and employee demographic information with the ETSU Alumni
Association, the ETSU Foundation, applicant students’ high schools and other educational
institutions with questions about students who have been admitted or earned a degree
from the University, or
authorized for good cause by the President or the Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs of ETSU.
Use and Sharing Restrictions
The data is only used for University-related outreach, service, and development programs.
The data will be shared only with University staff and student workers that directly
need access to the information for University purposes, with authorized users for
directory information, and with approved partners for the purposes of advancing university
programs.
The University will not share personal information with third parties for their use
independent of authorized programs.
The University may disclose your personal information as required by law in connection
with judicial or administrative proceedings or if the information is necessary to
protect the institution.
The University may disclose your personal information if the information is necessary
to protect the health or safety of any person.
External Links
External links are provided as a courtesy online. The University, in most cases, does
not endorse or sponsor these third parties. Any information collected by these third
parties is by your discretion, as the University does not have control over third
party information.
Online Surveys and Other Information Provided by the User
In the course of using University Web sites, a user may choose to provide information
to help ETSU serve that user’s needs or conduct research. At any time there are numerous
online surveys being conducted on University Web sites. Person(s) responsible for
conducting online surveys that collect personally-identifiable information should
clearly state at the survey site
the extent to which any information provided will be shared. Aggregate data from surveys
may be shared with external third parties in ways that do not compromise privacy.
Public Forums
Many units of ETSU provide chat rooms, forums, message boards, and news groups for
their users. Any information that is disclosed in these areas may become public information,
and a user should therefore exercise caution when deciding to disclose one’s personal
information in such places. Chat sessions and discussion forums may be logged.
E-Commerce
Several sites within ETSU enable one to pay for products or services online with a
credit card. These transactions are commercially secure and utilize a centralized
process.
Rules for Individuals under Thirteen Years of Age
East Tennessee State University is committed to complying fully with the Children’s
Online Privacy Protection Act. Accordingly, if a user of the University Web is under
the age of thirteen, such user is not authorized to provide ETSU with personally identifying
information, and the University will not use any such information in its database
or other data collection activities.
The University appreciates cooperation with this federally mandated requirement. Users
under the age of thirteen and their parents or guardians are cautioned that the collection
of personal information volunteered by unauthorized children online or by e-mail will
be treated the same as information given by an adult until the University becomes
aware that the user is under the age of thirteen and such information may be subject
to public access.
Tennessee Open Records Act
As a state institution, the University may be legally required under the Tennessee
Public Records Act or other laws to provide specific information, such as some electronic
correspondence sent via the University Web. More information about the University’s
compliance with the Open Records Act, which provides for public access to certain
documents and records of public bodies, can be obtained at:
FERPA
ETSU also complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which
generally prohibits the release of student education records without student permission.
For more details on FERPA, see the explanation at:
However, FERPA does permit the release of public or “directory” information about
students.
Use of Cookies
Essential and nonessential technical information lets us respond to your request in
an appropriate format [or in a personalized manner] and helps us plan Web site improvements.
To expedite this process, some official ETSU Web sites use "cookies." Usually a cookie
enables the university Web site to tailor what you see according to the way you entered
the site (i.e., if
you entered by pushing a button identifying yourself as a student, your subsequent
views of information might be tailored for student audiences).
We also use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our Web site.
For example, we may determine that X number of individuals visited a certain area
on our Web site, or that Y number of men and Z number of women filled out a particular
registration form. But we do not disclose information that could identify those specific
individuals.
Our Commitment to Data Security
East Tennessee State University is dedicated to preventing unauthorized data access,
maintaining data accuracy, and ensuring the appropriate use of information. We strive
to put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to secure
the information we collect online. These security practices are consistent with the
policies of the university and with the laws and regulatory practices of the State
of Tennessee.
Legal Notices of Terms and Conditions
Access to the University Web is provided subject to the following terms and conditions.
Please read these terms carefully as use of the University Web constitutes acceptance
of all of the following terms and conditions:
Disclaimer of Liability
Neither ETSU, nor any of its units, programs, employees, agents or individual trustees,
shall be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information described
and/or contained in the University Web and assumes no responsibility for anyone’s
use of the information. In no event shall the University Web, East Tennessee State
University or its units, programs, employees, agents or individual trustees be liable
for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages
(including, but not limited to, procurement or substitute goods or services; loss
of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory
of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence
or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this system, even if advised of
the possibility of such damage. This disclaimer of liability applies to any damages
or injury, including but is not limited to those caused by any failure of performance,
error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission,
computer virus, communication line failure, theft or
destruction or unauthorized access to, alteration of, or use of record, whether for
breach of contract, tortuous behavior, negligence or under any other cause of action.
Disclaimer of Warranties and Accuracy of Data
Although the data found using the ETSU’s access systems have been produced and processed
from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made regarding
accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information.
This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of the information. East
Tennessee State University provides this information on an “as is” basis. All warranties
of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties
of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, freedom from contamination by
computer viruses and non-infringement of proprietary rights are disclaimed. Changes
may be periodically made to the information herein; these changes may or may not be
incorporated in any new version of the publication. If a user has obtained information
from any of the University Web pages via a source other than the ETSU pages, be aware
that electronic data can be altered subsequent to original distribution.
Data can also quickly become out of date. It is recommended that careful attention
be paid to the contents of any data associated with a file, and that the originator
of the data or information be contacted with any questions regarding appropriate use.
If a user finds any errors or omissions, please report them to
webmaster@etsu.edu
Disclaimer of Endorsement
East Tennessee State University is a distributor of content sometimes supplied by
third parties and users. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, or other
information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including information
providers, users, or others, are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s)
and do not necessarily state or reflect those of ETSU and shall not be used for advertising
or product endorsement purposes.
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade
name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation, or favoring by ETSU.
Disclaimer for External Links
The University Web has links to other Web sites. These include links to Web sites
operated by Tennessee agencies and officials, other government agencies, nonprofit
organizations and private businesses. When a user leaves the University Web and visits
another site, the user is subject to the privacy policy of that new site. ETSU is
not responsible for the contents of any off-site pages referenced. The user specifically
acknowledges that ETSU is not liable for the defamatory, negligent, inaccurate, offensive,
or illegal conduct of other users, links, or third parties and that the risk of injury
from the foregoing rests entirely with the user. Links from University Web pages on
the World Wide Web to other sites do not constitute an endorsement from ETSU. These
links are provided as an information service only. It is the responsibility of the
user to evaluate the content and usefulness of information obtained from other sites.
The University Web contains links to other related World Wide Web sites and resources.
Since ETSU and its Web site is not responsible for the availability of these outside
resources or their contents, the user should direct any concerns regarding any external
link to its site administrator or webmaster.
Disclaimer of Duty to Continue Provision of Data
Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, resources that are free and publicly available
one day may require a fee or restricted access the next, and the location of items
may change as menus, pages, and files are reorganized. The user expressly agrees that
use of the University Web is at the user’s sole risk. East Tennessee State University
does not warrant that the service will be uninterrupted or error free. The documents
and related graphics published on this Web or server could contain technical inaccuracies
or typographical errors. Changes are periodically added to the information herein.
ETSU and/or its respective units and programs may make improvements and/or changes
in the information and/or programs described herein at any time.
Security
The technology management teams of the University and its campuses have taken several
steps to safeguard the integrity of its communications and computing infrastructure,
including but not limited to authentication, monitoring, auditing, and encryption.
Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation and day-to-day
practices of the entire University operating environment as part of its continuing
commitment to risk management.
This information should not be construed in any way as giving business, legal, or
other advice, or warranting as fail proof, the security of information provided via
University supported Web sites.
Choice of Law
Construction of the disclaimers above and resolution of disputes thereof are governed
by the laws of the State of Tennessee. The laws of the State of Tennessee, U.S.A.,
shall apply to all uses of this data and this system. By use of this system and any
data contained therein, the user agrees that use shall conform to all applicable laws
and regulations and user shall not violate the rights of any third parties.
Questions
If a user has questions about this privacy notice or believes that the user’s personal
information has been released without consent, please send e-mail to:
webmaster@etsu.edu
How to Contact Us
Questions or concerns about the University’s privacy policy in part or full should
be directed to
webmaster@etsu.edu
Changes
The University has the right to change this policy at any time. Changes will be posted
via the website. This statement is effective as of February 17, 2009.