Whitworth University Online (“Whitworth Online”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy statement explains data-collection practices on the Whitworth Online website ([insert Whitworth Online URL]) and in related communications, including text (SMS) messages sent to prospective and current applicants. Please note that third-party service providers used by Whitworth may have their own privacy policies. Whitworth is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of these external sites. This statement details how Whitworth may collect, use and share information about you and how that information is managed.

Personal Information

Whitworth Online does not collect personal information unless website users voluntarily provide it. If you choose to share personal information (e.g., name, email address, phone number) with Whitworth Online, for example by submitting an inquiry form or an application, this information may be used in one or more of the following ways:

• To provide information or services you have requested: This may include, but is not limited to, sending electronic newsletters, sending notifications/alerts, responding to your inquiry, supporting your application and processing your registration for an event.
• For follow-up communications: Whitworth may use your information to send customer service or transactional communications by email, phone or text message. These may include, but are not limited to, communications regarding the status of your application, reminders about events or deadlines, replies to your email, text or phone inquiries, and messages containing resources you requested.
• To deliver advertising based on your information or preferences.
• To optimize and personalize your online interactions.
• To conduct statistical analysis of our website: The information Whitworth collects is used to analyze and improve our site in order to better serve our users.
• Other uses: There may be other instances where we use or collect your information. Such instances will only be at your direction and/or with your consent.

Text (SMS) Messaging

If you provide your mobile phone number to Whitworth Online through an inquiry form, application or other communication, and you consent to receive text messages, Whitworth Online may send you SMS/text messages related to your inquiry or application.

Types of messages. These messages may include responses to your questions, application reminders and status updates, deadline and document requests, event invitations and reminders, information about programs and enrollment, and other communications related to your interest in or application to Whitworth Online.

Consent. By providing your mobile number and agreeing to receive text messages (for example, by checking a consent box on a form or by texting us first), you authorize Whitworth Online to send text messages to that number, including messages sent using automated technology. Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of applying to, enrolling in or purchasing anything from Whitworth.

Message frequency and costs. Message frequency varies based on your inquiry or application activity. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile plan.

Opting out. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any text message. After you opt out, you will receive a single confirmation message, and no further text messages will be sent unless you opt in again. For help, reply HELP or contact us at [Whitworth Online contact email/phone]. Opting out of text messages will not affect other communications you have requested, such as email.

Supported carriers. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Mobile information is not shared for marketing. Whitworth will not share, sell, rent or lease your mobile phone number or text messaging opt-in consent to third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes. Information shared with service providers that help us deliver text messages (such as our messaging platform and carriers) is used only to provide that service on Whitworth’s behalf. Text messaging opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties except as described in this statement.

Sharing Personal Information

Whitworth University does not sell, rent or lease personal data to third parties. However, the university utilizes outside companies to support its business operations, including communication and messaging providers, and those third parties may receive and process your personal data under appropriate instructions. These third parties are required to store and process the information confidentially and securely on behalf of Whitworth and to use it only as outlined by the university.

Analytics

Whitworth University uses third-party services, such as Google Analytics and Google Ads, to monitor and analyze site traffic. The systems used collect basic information about site visitors’ computers and devices, including the IP address, location, hardware model, operating system or browser. Whitworth also collects information about how users interact with the website, including the pages they visit and the duration of each session. Whitworth uses this information to help understand general user behavior and preferences.

Use of Cookies and Other Tracking Technology

Whitworth University utilizes cookies and similar technologies, such as pixels (also known as web beacons), to track how you use this website, to personalize and enhance your site experience, and to deliver relevant content and advertisements after you leave the website. A cookie is a small file containing a string of characters that is sent to your computer when you visit a website. When you visit the website again, the cookie allows that site to recognize your browser. Cookies may store user preferences and other information. You can reset your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, some website features or services may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

External Links

The Whitworth Online website includes links to other sites, and Whitworth is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these sites. We encourage all users to review the privacy policy of any website visited.

Legal Disclosure

Please note that while Whitworth University does not actively share information, in some cases the university may be compelled by law to release information gathered from its web servers. This could include complying with legal processes such as subpoenas or court orders. Additionally, Whitworth University may also log data to protect the university from illegal activities and disclose personal information to enforce its rights against unauthorized access or attempted unauthorized access to Whitworth University’s information technology resources.

For related information, please see the EU General Data Protection Regulation Privacy Notice for Whitworth University.

Changes to This Policy

Whitworth University reserves the right to make changes to this policy at any time. If any significant changes are made, Whitworth University will notify users through a notice on its website.