revised [9/06/2023]
Michigan State University
University Outreach and Engagement
This online privacy statement is intended to inform you of the ways in which this website 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 (MSU) websites may adopt different privacy practices as their specific needs require.
Use of this website is subject to all applicable state and federal laws, as well as general university policies.
Information Collected
This website collects two general types of information: (a) information you voluntarily provide to us, which may include personal information (such as your name, address, e-mail address, etc.), and (b) information we collect automatically when you visit this website through cookies, third party tracking technologies and server logs.
Information Voluntarily Provided by You
This website will only collect personal information that you knowingly and voluntarily provide by, for example, responding to surveys, completing membership forms, sending e-mails, etc. It is this website's general practice to use personal information only for the purposes for which it was requested and any additional uses specifically stated on the website. However, information collected through this website may be subject to the MSU's obligation to respond to subpoenas, court orders, discovery requests, and requests for public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Further, the disclosure of information collected through this website is subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act.
The University may also access or permit access to information collected through this website in accordance with and subject to the limitations of the University's Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology Resources.
Although this website 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 website. 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.
When you engage in financial transactions at our website, you may be asked for a credit card number. Unless otherwise noted on the website, credit card transactions are encrypted and the server that processes your credit card information is secure. Such information may also be saved in an encrypted format or in internal systems that are protected by a firewall system. This website complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
Information We Collect Automatically
This website 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 website and to make improvements. We may share this data with partners in order to enhance the functionality of this website.
Cookies
"Cookies" are small text files used to collect information about website activity. No personal information is collected through our use of cookies. This website uses cookies for two main purposes: (a) to carry information about your current session at this website from one web page to the next, which also allows you to automatically login to other MSU websites, and (b) to identify you on this website 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 website. However, you will not be able to use any parts of this website that requires a login (e.g. accessing secured content, posting to message boards, etc).
Third Party Tracking Technology
This website uses Google Analytics and Google Custom Search.
This website uses a tracking technology called Google Analytics to obtain website usage information such as users' Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Internet domain and host names, browser software, and the date and time that the website is viwebsited. 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 website, understand how users find our website, and improve the website's function and content.
Website 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.
Server Logs
Our web servers routinely generate logs that contain the following types of information each time the website is used:
- The date, time and length of your visit.
- The path taken through our website 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 website.
- Any errors encountered.
This information is used primarily to monitor the functioning and integrity of the website and other MSU websites.
Links
This website may contain links to other websites. Please be aware that we do not control or claim any responsibility for the privacy practices or content of such other websites. We encourage users to read the privacy statements of each website they visit.
Changes to Privacy Statement
If we make changes to our privacy statement, it will be indicated on this page.
Disclaimer
Neither MSU, nor any of its units, programs, employees, agents or individual trustees, shall be liable for any improper or incorrect use of information obtained through the use of this website.
Consent
By using this website, you consent to the terms of this privacy statement.
Questions and Feedback
Your questions, comments and concerns are always welcome. Please send us your feedback regarding the privacy statement or any other issues at: cit@msu.edu.
