Southern Arkansas University may collect personal information from visitors to SAU web properties and social media platforms, much of which is provided voluntarily via web forms and applications, but also involuntarily via browser cookies and traffic measurement tools.
Data Collection and Cookies
Information that is collected involuntarily via our website is used for statistical purposes to measure the performance of the Univesity’s website and content. This information may include data such as website page requests, device information, IP addresses, and other routinely collected website analytics data. In addition to first-party cookies, SAU may place selected third-party cookies on select pages.
Across the University’s web properties, online forms exist to support applications and various departmental operations. These forms allow visitors to the website to voluntarily supply personal information for the purposes of admissions, scholarships, campus events, requests for information, and so on.
All information collected is stored online in secure, encrypted databases with strict procedures for access to authorized staff and faculty members. Numerous stringent data security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access to this data, including but not limited to firewall networks, brute force protection, rate-limiting, multi-factor authentication, and password complexity and security evaluations.
Data Usage
Data collected, whether voluntarily or involuntarily provided to SAU’s online platforms are used exclusively to support the functions of our enrollment management system (Salesforce), website performance measurement (Google Analytics), recruitment marketing platforms, and the operation of various offices across campus.
Information obtained by the site is used only for the intended purpose stated when information is collected.
Under no circumstance does SAU sell personal information or utilize collected data outside of the purposes of recruitment, marketing, and management of the University.
Accessibility
SAU is committed to following the W3C WCAG 2.1 guidelines and making digital content on the University website accessible to all visitors regardless of disability, including any future laws that may be established. If visitors encounter any accessibility barriers or would like to share feedback regarding the accessibility of the University website, please contact jdjenkins@saumag.edu.
Privacy and FERPA
Southern Arkansas University is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. Students are notified through the Schedule of Classes published each semester that they have the right to inspect and review their educational records; to request an amendment of their records to ensure that they are not inaccurate and not misleading or otherwise in violation of their privacy or other rights; to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their educational records, except to the extent that the Act and the regulation authorize disclosure without consent; to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the requirements of the Act; and to secure a copy of the institution’s policy regarding how the institution meets the requirements of the Act. A copy of the policy may be secured in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in Overstreet Hall, room 114.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act provides that directory information will be available to the general public. Directory information means information contained in an educational record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes the student’s name, address, telephone listing, major field of study, participation in officially recognized sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended.
Should an enrolled student not wish directory information released to the general public, the student should notify the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in Overstreet Hall, room 114, no later than the end of registration week of each semester or term that all or part of the directory information should not be released without prior consent.
