Simpson University’s Commitment to Your Privacy

Your privacy on the Internet is important to us. We want to ensure that your experience online is satisfying and secure. Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we feel you should fully understand our policy and the terms and conditions surrounding the capture and use of that information. This privacy statement discloses what information we gather and how we use it.

This privacy policy specifically applies to the web sites owned and managed by Simpson University including any web site located at the domain: simpsonu.edu. It may or may not apply to other third party web sites or web services we may use, such as facebook.com or myspace.com, etc. where ownership of data is not exclusively ours.

Information Simpson University Gathers

Simpson University gathers two types of information about our users:

• Information that users provide through optional, voluntary submissions. These are voluntary submissions to receive our electronic newsletters, to participate in our social media and blog sites, to participate in our student and alumni databases, and from user participation in polls and surveys.
• Information Simpson University gathers through aggregated tracking information derived from tallying page views throughout our site. This information allows us to improve our web site functionality and tailor our content to readers’ needs and interests.

Simpson University gathers user information in the following processes:

1. Admissions Inquiries
   Simpson University gathers the name and email addresses of users who voluntarily submit this info to us through various inquiry forms. Users may remove themselves from our admissions communications list by sending an e-mail to admissions@simpsonu.edu.
2. Electronic Newsletters
   We will offer free electronic newsletters to users. Simpson University gathers the email addresses of users who voluntarily subscribe. Users may remove themselves from this mailing list by following the link provided in every newsletter.
3. Social Media and Blogs
   Users of our social media sites and blogs may be required to register separately for these services (both are free of charge) in order to post messages or participate in other ways. During registration the user may be required to supply a username, password, and email address. All social media and/or blog sites hosted by Simpson University are opt-in/opt-out.
4. Student and Alumni Databases
   Our student and alumni web communications databases are opt-in only. Users of our sites have full control over whether or not their information is made public or kept private. For more information about your privacy rights as a student, please refer to our FERPA web page which details how Simpson University complies with the Family Education Rights And Privacy Act. Once you have registered for classes at Simpson, your directory information will be made public. If you wish to have your files “marked Confidential,” please submit a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form to the Registrar’s Office (located at Simpson Central) before the deadline of the semester you are enrolled. For deadlines and other details, please see the FERPA page at SimpsonU.edu.
5. Surveys
   Simpson University may occasionally conduct user surveys to better target our content to our audience. We do not share information about specific individuals to outside parties.
6. Student Financial Services Data Collection
   Information submitted via the internet pertinent to financial aid and student accounts will be shared with third parties as necessary to process a student’s request for financial aid or other services. If you have concerns or would like additional information regarding this information sharing, please contact Student Financial Services.  
   

Usage tracking

Simpson University tracks user traffic patterns throughout all of our site(s). Simpson University may break down overall usage statistics according to a user’s domain name, browser type, geographic location, and MIME type by reading this information from the browser string (information contained in every user’s browser). Simpson University uses data analysis information to assist in determining ways to improve usability and functionality and to tailor our content to suit specific user interests.

Cookies

We may place a text file called a “cookie” in the browser files of your computer. The cookie itself does not contain personal information although it will enable us to relate your use of this site to information that you have specifically and knowingly provided. But the only personal information a cookie can contain is information you supply yourself. A cookie can’t read data off your hard disk or read cookie files created by other sites. Simpson University uses cookies to track user traffic patterns (as described above). Our web analytics platform delivers a one-time cookie to better track click rates.

You can refuse cookies by turning them off in your browser. If you’ve set your browser to warn you before accepting cookies, you will receive the warning message with each cookie. You do not need to have cookies turned on to use this site. However, you do need cookies to participate actively in polls and surveys.

Privacy Policy Use

How the information we gather (or you provide) is used if relevant.

Use of Information

Simpson University uses any information voluntarily given by our users to enhance their experience in our network of sites, whether to provide interactive or personalized elements on the sites or to better prepare future content based on the interests of our users.

As stated above, we use information that users voluntarily provide in order to send out e-newsletters and to enable users to participate in our online communities, polls, surveys, blogs, and electronic feeds. We send out newsletters to subscribers on a regular schedule (depending on the newsletter).

Sharing of Information

We will not share information about individual users with any third party, except to process applications for financial aid or comply with applicable law or valid legal process or to protect the personal safety of our users or the public. If you would like your information released to another individual (including parents), please fill out our Privacy Release Form.

Social Media Privacy Policy

Per Senate Bill No. 1349, CHAPTER 619, Simpson University will NOT require or request any student, prospective student, or student group to disclose, access, or divulge their personal social media profiles or information pertaining to their personal social media accounts.

Security

Simpson University operates secure data networks protected by industry standard firewall and password protection systems. Our security and privacy policies are periodically reviewed and enhanced as necessary and only authorized individuals have access to the information provided by our customers.

Text Messaging

Simpson University may send automated SMS/text messages to students, alumni, prospective students, and staff for university communications including admissions, events, and project updates. By providing your phone number, you consent to receive these messages. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for assistance.

Opt-Out Policy

We give users options wherever necessary and practical. Such choices include:

• Opting not to register to receive our electronic newsletters. All of our e-newsletters, will include a way to unsubscribe or opt-out.
• Opting not to participate in certain interactive areas, which completely alleviates the need to gather any personally identifiable information from our users.

Your Consent

By using this site, you consent to the collection and use of this information by Simpson University. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.