PRIVACY POLICY
FLORIDA OPEN UNIVERSITY
1. OVERVIEW
FLORIDA OPEN UNIVERSITY (“University,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of students, faculty, staff, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect personal information through our website and educational services.
Contact: info@floridaopen.university
Address: 2001 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 405, Office 409, Doral, Florida. 33172
2. LEGAL COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORK
We comply with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including:
2.1 Federal Regulations
- 20 U.S.C. § 1232g – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- 15 U.S.C. §§ 6501-6506 – Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1030 – Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
2.2 State of Florida Regulations
- F.S. § 1002.22 – Florida Educational Records Act
- F.S. § 501.171 – Florida Information Protection Act
- F.S. § 501.201 et seq. – Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act
3. INFORMATION WE COLLECT
3.1 Educational Records
- Student identification and academic records
- Enrollment status and course information
- Grades, transcripts, and academic evaluations
- Financial aid and payment records
- Academic history and credentials
3.2 Personal Information
- Contact information (name, address, phone, email)
- Demographic data (age, gender, citizenship status)
- Financial information for tuition and fees
- Employment and background information
- Photographs and audiovisual materials
3.3 Third-Party Information
- Academic background verification
- Academic and professional references
- Information from previous educational institutions
- Employer verification data
4. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION
Information is collected through:
- Online applications and enrollment forms
- Student information systems
- Direct communications and interviews
- Third-party verification services
- Online learning platforms
- Academic assessment services
5. USE OF INFORMATION
We use personal information for:
5.1 Educational Services
- Admission and enrollment processes
- Instruction and academic support
- Assessment and degree conferral
- Library services and academic resources
5.2 Administrative Operations
- Financial aid administration
- Billing and payment services
- Campus services and security
- Regulatory compliance
5.3 Communications
- Official notices and academic communications
- Student support services
- Alumni relations
- Educational marketing (with consent)
5.4 Legal Compliance
- Regulatory reporting
- Legal and judicial requirements
- Internal investigations
- Audits and accreditation
6. FERPA PROTECTIONS
6.1 Student Rights
Students have the right to:
- Inspect and review their educational records
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Control disclosure of personally identifiable information
- File complaints regarding FERPA violations
6.2 Directory Information
We may disclose directory information including name, address, enrollment status, degrees, and honors, unless you request otherwise in writing.
6.3 Permitted Disclosures
Educational records may be shared without consent with:
- School officials with legitimate educational interest
- Other educational institutions for transfer purposes
- Financial aid administrators
- Government agencies as required by law
- Parents of dependent students
- In health and safety emergencies
7. INFORMATION SHARING
7.1 Internal Sharing
Information is shared with authorized university personnel for legitimate educational purposes.
7.2 Third-Party Service Providers
We engage service providers for:
- Learning management systems
- Payment processing
- Background verification
- Cloud storage and computing
- Communication and marketing services
7.3 Legal Disclosures
Information may be disclosed to:
- Government agencies as required by law
- Law enforcement with valid legal process
- Courts in response to subpoenas
- Emergency responders in safety situations
8. DATA RETENTION
Information is retained according to legal requirements and institutional needs:
- Student records: Permanently for transcripts; 5+ years for other records
- Financial records: 7 years
- Employment records: Duration plus 7 years
- Application information: 3 years after final decision
9. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES
9.1 Access and Correction
- Students: Contact Registrar for educational records
- Others: Submit requests to info@floridaopen.university
- Request corrections through established procedures
9.2 Communication Preferences
- Unsubscribe from marketing emails
- Opt out of directory information disclosure
- Update contact preferences
9.3 Control Options
- Request limitations on information use
- Withdraw consent when applicable
- Request deletion of information (subject to legal requirements)
10. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we discover such collection, we will delete the information promptly.
11. INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS
Personal information may be transferred internationally for educational purposes, study abroad programs, or cloud services. We ensure appropriate safeguards for such transfers.
12. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including rights to know, delete, and opt-out of sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
13. DATA BREACH NOTIFICATION
In the event of a data breach affecting personal information:
- We will investigate and contain the breach
- Notify affected individuals as required by law
- Report to regulatory authorities when required
- Implement measures to prevent future breaches
14. POLICY UPDATES
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Material changes will be communicated through:
- Website posting with effective date
- Email notification to registered users
- Other appropriate communication channels
15. CONTACT INFORMATION
For privacy-related questions, requests, or complaints:
Privacy Officer
FLORIDA OPEN UNIVERSITY
2001 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 405, Office 409
Doral, Florida. 33172
Email: info@floridaopen.university
FERPA Compliance Officer
Registrar’s Office
Email: registrar@floridaopen.university
External Complaints
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202