Privacy statement
This online privacy statement is intended to inform you of the ways in which this website (“site”) collects information, the uses to which that information will be put, and the ways in which we protect information you choose to provide us.
Please note that other Michigan State University websites may adopt different privacy practices as their specific needs require.
Use of this site is subject to all applicable state and federal laws, as well as general university policies.
Information collected
This site collects two general types of information:
(a) information you voluntarily provide, which may include personal information (such as your name, address, email address, etc.), and
(b) information we collect automatically when you visit this site through cookies, third party tracking technologies, and server logs.
Information voluntarily provided by you
This site will only collect personal information that you knowingly and voluntarily provide by, for example, responding to surveys, completing membership forms, sending emails, etc. The information collected by the site is subject to MSU’s Institutional Data Policy. Generally, it is this site’s practice to use personal information only for the purposes for which it was requested and any additional uses specifically stated on the site. However, information collected through this site may be subject to the university’s obligation to respond to subpoenas, court orders, discovery requests and requests for public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (PDF).
The university may also access or permit access to information collected through this site in accordance with and subject to the limitations of the university’s Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology Resources.
Although this site has security measures in place to protect personal information provided to us by users, users should also take steps to protect personal information by, for example, closing all web browsers after using the site. Information disclosed in chat rooms, news groups, forums, message boards, and similar contexts may become public. Users should therefore exercise caution before disclosing personal information in such contexts.
Information the site collects automatically
This site collects information automatically through the use of cookies, third-party tracking technologies, and server logs. This information does not include any personal information. We use this information primarily to monitor the use of this site and to make improvements. We may share this data with partners in order to enhance the functionality of this site.
Cookies
“Cookies” are small text files used to collect information about website activity. No personal information is collected through our use of cookies. This site uses cookies for two main purposes:
(a) to carry information about your current session at this site from one web page to the next, which also allows you to automatically login to other Michigan State University websites, and
(b) to identify you on this site on return visits.
You have the option of disabling or not accepting cookies by changing the preferences on your browser. If you opt to disable cookies, you will still be able to use certain sections of our site. However, you will not be able to use any parts of this site that requires a login.
Third-party tracking technology
This site uses a tracking technology called Google Analytics to obtain site usage information such as users’ Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Internet domain and host names, browser software, and the date and time that the site is visited. Data obtained through Google Analytics does not include and is not linked to any personal information. Data from Google Analytics allows us to monitor the use of this site, understand how users find our site, and improve the site’s function and content.
Site usage data collected through Google Analytics is not shared with other Google products and tools. Our use of Google Analytics is in compliance with Google’s Terms of Service and the MSU Access to Student Information Guidelines. Google provides more information about Google’s privacy practices and information on how to opt-out of Google Analytics tracking of your web browsing.
You may also wish to review the MSU Access to Student Information Guidelines.
This site uses Google Custom Search.
Server logs
Our web servers routinely generate logs that contain the following types of information each time the site is used:
- The date, time, and length of your visit.
- The path taken through our site and the browser being used.
- The list of files downloaded and the amount of time spent viewing video or audio files.
- The IP address of the computer accessing our site.
- Any errors encountered.
This information is used primarily to monitor the functioning and integrity of the site and other MSU websites.
Links
This site may contain links to other sites. Please be aware that we do not control or claim any responsibility for the privacy practices or content of such other sites. We encourage users to read the privacy statements of each website they visit.
Consent
When you submit information to MSU, or you use this site and other services, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of that information as described in this privacy statement. Please note that other MSU sites may adopt different privacy practices as their specific needs require.
Information submitted to MSU
University Use of Personal Information
MSU collects and processes personal information (including certain sensitive information, as defined in the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation) that is submitted to MSU from individuals who are, for example, applying for admission to the university, enrolled in the university, employed with the university, or are alumni of the university. MSU processes such personal information as necessary in the exercise of the university’s legitimate interests, functions and responsibilities as a public higher education research institution. Personal information submitted to MSU is subject to MSU’s Institutional Data Policy.
MSU may use information (including certain Sensitive Information, as defined in the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation) collected from students, alumni, faculty, staff and prospective employees to register and enroll persons in the University, provide and administer housing to students, manage student and employee accounts, provide academic advising, deliver education programs, analyze and improve education programs, outreach, make regulatory reports, comply with accreditation requirements and other related University processes and functions. MSU may also use information to conduct general demographic and statistical research to improve University programs.
MSU may share information (including certain sensitive information, as defined in the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation) with third parties who have entered into contracts with the university to perform functions on behalf of the university, subject to the obligation of confidentiality and safeguarding from unauthorized disclosure.
Retention of Your Information
Your information will be retained by MSU in accordance with applicable federal laws, state laws, and the retention periods in the university’s record retention schedules.
Rights for data subjects in the European Union
If you provide information directly to MSU from a location in the European Union, you consent to the transfer of your personal information outside the European Union to the United States.
To the extent applicable, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) grants data subjects in the European Union the right, in certain circumstances, to request access to, a copy of, rectification, restriction in the use of or erasure of your information. Your requests pursuant to the GDPR will be subject to the retention periods of applicable federal and state law. The GDPR provides further information about your rights. You also have the right to lodge complaints with your national or regional data protection authority. If you are inclined to exercise rights under the GDPR, please contact the MSU unit with which you are interacting.
Security
MSU uses appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information when you transmit it to the university and when the university stores it on its information technology systems.
Changes to privacy statement
MSU may update or change this policy at any time. Your continued use of the university’s website and any third-party applications after any such changes indicates your acceptance of these changes.
Questions and feedback
Your questions, comments and concerns are always welcome via our contact page.