Tallahassee State College

Privacy Policy

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Privacy Policy for Tallahassee State College

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Tallahassee State College is committed to protecting the privacy of its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other individuals with whom it interacts. This Privacy Policy outlines how the college collects, uses, protects, and discloses personal information in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the CAN-SPAM Act, and other relevant regulations.

1. Information We Collect

Tallahassee State College collects various types of personal information to support its educational, administrative, and research functions. This information may include, but is not limited to:

  • Student Information:
    • Personally Identifiable Information (PII) under FERPA: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security Number (where legally required and with appropriate safeguards), student ID number, enrollment status, grades, academic records, disciplinary records, financial aid information, and health records (for health services provided by the college).
    • Directory Information (as defined by FERPA and published by the college): Name, place of birth, dates of attendance, major field of study, enrollment status (e.g., full-time, part-time), degrees and awards received, photographs, and participation in officially recognized activities and sports. Students have the right to opt-out of some or all of the disclosure of Directory Information (see Section 6).
  • Employee Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security Number, employment history, qualifications, payroll information, benefits information, and performance evaluations.
  • Alumni and Donor Information: Name, contact information, academic history, giving history, and engagement with the college.
  • Website and Digital Service Usage Information: IP addresses, browser type, operating system, pages visited, date and time of access, referring URLs, and information collected through cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies. This information is typically aggregated and anonymized where possible.
  • Research Information: Data collected for approved research studies, adhering to ethical guidelines and institutional review board (IRB) protocols.
  • Security Information: CCTV footage (in designated areas for safety and security), access control logs, and other security-related data.
  • Communication Data: Records of communications with the College, including email correspondence, SMS messages, phone call logs, and interactions through messaging platforms. This includes consent preferences for receiving such communications.

2. How We Collect Information

We collect information through various means, including:

  • Directly from Individuals: Through applications (admissions, employment, financial aid), registration forms, surveys, email communications, phone calls, and in-person interactions. This includes obtaining consent for certain communication types.
  • From Third Parties:
    • Educational Institutions: Transcripts and other academic records.
    • Testing Agencies: Standardized test scores.
    • Government Agencies: Financial aid information.
    • Publicly Available Sources: As permitted by law.
  • Automated Technologies: Through our website, learning management systems, and other digital platforms using cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies.

3. How We Use Information

Tallahassee State College uses personal information for legitimate educational, administrative, and operational purposes, including:

  • Admissions and Enrollment: Processing applications, verifying eligibility, and managing student enrollment.
  • Academic and Educational Programs: Providing instruction, advising, grading, and facilitating academic progress.
  • Student Services: Delivering student support services (e.g., counseling, career services, disability services), housing, and health services.
  • Financial Aid and Billing: Administering financial aid programs, processing tuition and fees, and managing student accounts.
  • Employment: Managing employment relationships, payroll, benefits, and performance.
  • Communication: Sending official college communications, administrative updates, emergency alerts, academic advisories, financial aid information, event notifications, and, where consent is obtained, marketing or promotional messages related to college programs and opportunities.
  • Security and Safety: Maintaining a safe and secure campus environment, investigating incidents, and responding to emergencies.
  • Research: Conducting institutional research, academic studies, and program evaluations (often using de-identified or aggregated data).
  • Alumni Relations and Development: Engaging with alumni, fundraising, and promoting the college's mission.
  • Legal Compliance: Fulfilling legal obligations, responding to subpoenas and court orders, and complying with state and federal regulations.
  • Improving Services: Analyzing data to improve the effectiveness of our programs, services, and operations.

4. Disclosure of Information

Tallahassee State College is committed to protecting personal information and generally does not disclose it to third parties unless required by law or for legitimate educational or administrative purposes. Disclosures may occur in the following circumstances:

  • To College Personnel: Relevant college employees who have a legitimate educational or administrative need to access the information to perform their duties.
  • To Students Themselves: Students have the right to access their own education records under FERPA.
  • To Parents/Guardians of Dependent Students: When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. This means that we cannot communicate with anyone except for the student without the students consent, and we can only release information to individuals that the student designate.
  • To Third-Party Service Providers: Vendors and contractors who perform services on behalf of the college (e.g., IT support, payment processing, online learning platforms, communication platforms) and who are bound by confidentiality agreements and privacy safeguards.
  • For Health and Safety Emergencies: If disclosure is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
  • In Response to Legal Process: To comply with a subpoena, court order, or other legally compelled disclosure.
  • Under the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes): As a state agency, Tallahassee State College is subject to Florida's public records laws. While certain information is exempt under FERPA and other laws, some records may be subject to public disclosure upon request.
  • University Partners Data Sharing and Use: TSC may share student records with its university partners as a part of its FSU Aspire and FAMU Ignite programs, including for the purposes of reverse transfer. Both parties agree that they will use and maintain student records received from the other party only in furtherance of the program and in accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (20USCA 1232g) and Sections 1002.22 and 1006.52, F.S. Further, both parties agree that they will not disclose such information to any third party except in accordance with aforementioned laws. Students may choose to withhold their information by completing the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form.
  • To Other Educational Institutions: For legitimate educational purposes, such as transferring credits or verifying enrollment.
  • For Audit or Evaluation Purposes: To authorized representatives of federal, state, or local educational authorities in connection with an audit or evaluation of federal or state supported education programs.
  • To Organizations Conducting Studies: On behalf of the college for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, or improving instruction. These organizations must protect the information and not use it for other purposes.
  • To Accrediting Organizations: To carry out their accrediting functions.
  • To Victims of an alleged violent crime or non-forcible sex offense: Information regarding the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the institution against the alleged perpetrator.

5. Data Security

Tallahassee State College implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include, but are not limited to:

  • Access Controls: Limiting access to personal information to authorized personnel on a "need-to-know" basis.
  • Encryption: Using encryption for sensitive data during transmission and at rest where appropriate.
  • Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Protecting our networks from unauthorized access.
  • Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments: Identifying and addressing potential security weaknesses.
  • Employee Training: Educating employees on data privacy and security best practices.
  • Secure Disposal: Securely disposing of physical and digital records containing personal information.

Despite our efforts, no security system is impenetrable, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

6. Your Rights and Communication Preferences

  • FERPA Rights for Students:
    • Right to Inspect and Review: Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within a reasonable time after making a request.
    • Right to Request Amendment: Students have the right to request that Tallahassee State College amend education records that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights.
    • Right to Limit Disclosure of Directory Information: Students have the right to opt-out of the disclosure of Directory Information. To do so, students must notify the Registrar's Office in writing. Please be aware that opting out may impact certain college communications and opportunities (e.g., inclusion in commencement programs, verification of enrollment for scholarships).
    • Right to File a Complaint: Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Tallahassee State College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
  • General Access and Correction: While FERPA specifically addresses student education records, individuals may have rights under other laws or college policies to access and request corrections to other types of personal information held by the college.
  • Right to Be Informed: You have the right to be informed about how your personal information is collected, used, and disclosed. This Privacy Policy serves to fulfill that right.
  • Your Communication Preferences and Opt-Out Rights:
    • Official and Emergency Communications: By enrolling at Tallahassee State College, students agree to receive official communications from the College via email, phone, and text message that are directly related to their enrollment, academic progress, financial aid, health and safety, and other essential college operations. These communications are considered transactional or relationship-based and are generally not subject to opt-out, as they are necessary for the College to fulfill its educational and administrative responsibilities and ensure campus safety.
    • SMS/Text Message Consent (Non-Essential): For SMS messages that are not strictly transactional or emergency-related (e.g., promotional messages about campus events, alumni news, specific program offerings, or non-essential reminders), Tallahassee State College requires prior express consent. This consent is typically obtained through clear opt-in mechanisms (e.g., checking a box on an application, completing a web form, or texting a keyword to an opt-in number). When obtaining consent, the College will clearly state the purpose, estimated frequency, and that message and data rates may apply.
    • Opt-Out for Non-Essential SMS: You have the right to opt-out of non-essential SMS communications at any time by replying "STOP" to any text message received from the College. You may receive a final confirmation message acknowledging your opt-out. To re-subscribe or for help, you may reply "HELP" or contact Admissions Office. You can also Opt-Out of selected communications using https://www.tsc.fl.efu/cp.
    • Email Communication Opt-Out (Commercial/Marketing): For commercial or marketing emails (as defined by the CAN-SPAM Act) sent by the College, you will be provided with a clear and conspicuous mechanism to unsubscribe from future messages in every email. The College will honor opt-out requests for commercial emails within 10 business days. Please note that opting out of commercial emails will not unsubscribe you from transactional or relationship-based emails essential to your enrollment or employment with the College.

7. Data Retention

Tallahassee State College retains personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, to comply with legal and regulatory obligations, and to maintain institutional records. Retention periods are established in accordance with state and federal laws and college policies.

8. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website and digital services may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated by Tallahassee State College. This Privacy Policy does not apply to the practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites or services you visit.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Tallahassee State College reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised policy on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our privacy practices.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

Tallahassee State College 
Information Technology
444 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee FL, 32304
(850) 201-6200
helpdesk@tsc.fl.edu 

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