Web Privacy Notice
Scope
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (“University of
Illinois”), by and through its academic, research and administrative
units and programs, owns, controls, operates and/or maintains Web sites
under a number of domains (collectively, “University Web”). This Web
Privacy Notice applies to all domains within University Web.
Purpose
As part of its commitment to maintain the privacy of users of
University Web sites, the University of Illinois has developed this
privacy notice. The notice has two purposes:
- To inform users and University Web practitioners about specific privacy guidelines employed at the University of Illinois.
- To notify users about the terms and conditions governing use of the University Web.
Rule on Sharing of Information
The University of Illinois 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. 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 University of Illinois 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 University of Illinois Alumni Association, the
University of Illinois 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 Chancellor for each campus
or the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of
Illinois.
Exceptions to Rule
The University Web consists of hundreds of University Web servers.
Some servers hosted by the University of Illinois may adopt different
privacy notices as their specific needs require. If another University
Web server has a privacy notice that is different from this notice,
then that notice must be approved by the campus Chief Information
Officer or equivalent administrator responsible for that domain, and it
must be posted on the site that has adopted the different notice.
However, those sites cannot adopt a privacy notice that in any way
supersedes federal or state laws or regulations or University or campus
policies.
Approved Departmental Privacy Notices at the University of Illinois are located at the following sites:
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 the University of Illinois 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 the University of Illinois 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 the University of Illinois enable one to pay
for products or services online with a credit card. These transactions
are commercially secure and utilize a centralized process. For
additional details, see Section 21 of the University’s Business and
Financial Policies and Procedures Manual (“Credit Card Sales Through
Unit Web Sites”) at:
https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/https://www.obfs.uillinois.edu/bfpp/section-21-merchant-card
Rules for Individuals under Thirteen Years of Age
The University of Illinois 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 the University of Illinois 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.
Illinois Freedom of Information Act
As a state institution, the University may be legally required under
the Illinois Freedom of Information Act or other laws to provide
specific information, such as some electronic correspondence sent via
the University Web. More information about the University of Illinois’
compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which provides
for public access to certain documents and records of public bodies,
can be found at:
University: https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/https://www.uillinois.edu/foia
Server Log Information the University Gathers
University Web servers generate logs that may contain information
about computers or devices used to access the University Web, or about
general activity on the University Web, such as the following:
- Internet address of computer or device
- Type of browser or other client application used
- The operating system of the computer or device
- Web pages requested
- Referring Web pages
- Time spent on the site
Many University Web server administrators produce summary reports
from these logs and share that information with University Web content
managers. University Web content managers typically use this
information in aggregate to understand what pages are popular, how
users are navigating to and within their site, and when their sites are
used most frequently. The University strongly discourages the
inclusion in server logs of information that could identify individuals.
The above Rule on Sharing of Information and the Exceptions to Rule
detail when such associations occur.
Cookies and Login Security
Cookies are small pieces of data stored by a Web browser on a user’s
computer. Cookies are often used to retain information about
preferences and pages a user has visited. For example, when a user
visits some sites on the Web, one might see a “Welcome Back” message.
The first time one visited the site a cookie was probably stored on the
user’s computer; when the user returns, the cookie is read again. One
can refuse to accept cookies, one can disable cookies, and one can
remove cookies from one’s hard drive.
Some sites require the use of cookies in order to access the site,
such as University Web sites requiring University credentialed
authentication. University Web servers sometimes use cookies with Web
sites that require University of Illinois community members, such as
students, staff and faculty, to log in with their University provided
NetID and password. University community members are normally required
to enter their respective NetID and password when a member requests
data about himself/herself or to ensure that the person is a member of
the University community. These cookies are used so one will not have
to repeatedly enter user names and passwords when one goes to different
parts of the University Web site. The University of Illinois strongly
encourages University Web administrators to handle the login process
through a secure connection, so the user name and password are
encrypted between the University Web browser and the University Web
server.
Personalized University Advertising and Promotional Materials at the
Urbana-Champaign Campus Via Permanent Cookies and Web Beacons/Pixel
Tags
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign may use technologies such as permanent cookies and web beacons/pixel tags prepared by us or our third party contractors to provide you with personalized University display advertising and promotional material containing information about the University and its people and programs tailored to your interests. To opt out immediately from receiving this advertising and promotional material, click here. We may also use the services of third parties to collect and use anonymous information about your visits to, and interactions with, our website through the use of technologies such as cookies to personalize advertisements and promotional materials for University goods and services. To learn more visit the Network Advertising Initiative at www.networkadvertising.org/choices.
Transactional Versus Permanent Cookies
The University of Illinois is committed to fully complying with the
State Agency Web Site Act (Public Act 093-117) which becomes effective
January 1, 2004. Consequently, University Web sites may use
transactional cookies that facilitate business transactions and may not
use permanent cookies or any other invasive tracking programs that
monitor and track University Web site viewing habits unless:
- the use of permanent cookies adds value to the user otherwise not available;
- there is a comprehensive online statement at the particular
University Web site where such permanent cookies or other invasive
monitoring and tracking programs are utilized that discloses:
- all types of information collected at that site;
- the University's use of that information; and
- how the collection and use of this information adds value to the user; and
- there is a link to this comprehensive Web Privacy Notice
from that particular University Web site where such permanent
cookies or other invasive monitoring and tracking programs are utilized.
The University Policy on Permanent Cookies can be found at https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/https://www.vpaa.uillinois.edu/resources/cookies.
Some examples of approved notices regarding usage of cookies can be found at https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/https://www.vpaa.uillinois.edu/resources/cookie_examples
Social Security Numbers
University policy for the proper procedures in collecting, maintaining and
disseminating social security numbers of students, employees and individuals
associated with the University can be found online at the following locations:
https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.ssn.uillinois.edu
https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.obfs.uillinois.edu/bfpp/section-19
FERPA
The University of Illinois 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:
Chicago: https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/campus_policies/records_policy.html
Springfield: https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.uis.edu/registration/records/studentRecordPolicy.html
Urbana: https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.registrar.illinois.edu/staff/ferpa/index.html
However, FERPA does permit the release of public or “directory”
information about students. Information about suppressing the release
of “directory” information can be obtained at:
Chicago:https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/student_records/record_confidentiality.html
Springfield: https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.uis.edu/registration/records/studentRecordPolicy.html
Urbana: https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://studentcode.illinois.edu/article3_part6_3-601.htm
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 the University of Illinois, 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, the
University of Illinois 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
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, tortious behavior, negligence or under
any other cause of action.
Disclaimer of Warranties and Accuracy of Data
Although the data found using the University of Illinois’ 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. The University of Illinois 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
University of Illinois 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:
Chicago campus (uic.edu): https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/contact/index.html
Springfield campus (uis.edu): https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.uis.edu/contact.html
Urbana campus (uiuc.edu): https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170115143230/http://www.illinois.edu/info/contactus.html
University Administration (uillinois.edu): contactus@uillinois.ed
Disclaimer of Endorsement
The University of Illinois 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 the University of Illinois 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 the
University of Illinois.
Disclaimer for External Links
The University Web has links to other Web sites. These include links
to Web sites operated by Illinois 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. The University of
Illinois is not responsible for the contents of any off-site pages
referenced. The user specifically acknowledges that the University of
Illinois 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 the University of Illinois.
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 the
University of Illinois 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. The University of Illinois
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. The University of
Illinois 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 Illinois. The laws of
the State of Illinois, 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, then send e-mail to:
Chicago: security@uic.edu
Springfield: websecurity@uis.edu
Urbana: security@illinois.edu
University Administration: security@uillinois.edu
June 15, 2015