Privacy Policy

Bemidji State University Alumni & Foundation is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect and share personal data you provide to us and through your engagement with the Alumni & Foundation services, including events, fundraising activities and communication. We aim to be transparent and ensure that your personal information is handled responsibly.

---

1. Information We Collect

1. Personal information you provide

We may collect personal information that you provide when engaging with the Alumni & Foundation, including but not limited to:

• Name, email address, phone number, mailing address and other contact information
• Demographic information (e.g., year of graduation, major, etc.)
• Payment information for donations or event registration
• Photos, videos or audio recordings captured during alumni events or interactions
• Additional information relevant to your alumni activities or donations

2. Automatically collected information

When you visit our websites or interact with our online services, we may automatically collect certain technical data through website tracking technologies, including:

• IP address, browser type and operating system details
• Pages viewed, time spent on pages and referring URLs
• Search terms and log data used to identify any technical issues

3. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our websites and to help us analyze website traffic. Cookies help us enhance site functionality, track usage patterns, personalize content, and keep track of your preferences.

 

2. How We Use Your Information

1. Service and communication

We use your personal information to:

• Provide updates, newsletters and communications about alumni activities, events and fundraising initiatives
• Process your donations, registrations and event participation
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information
• Improve our services, events and online content
• Share the impact of alumni contributions and how donations benefit students, faculty and university initiatives

2. Event participation and media

By attending Alumni & Foundation events, you consent to the use of your name, image, likeness and comments in photos, videos and other media captured during these events, which may be used for promotional purposes by the Alumni & Foundation.

3. Marketing and fundraising

Your information may also be used to:

• Inform you of upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the Alumni & Foundation
• Invite you to contribute to specific fundraising campaigns
• Customize communications based on your interests or prior engagement

 

3. Class Notes

1. Submitting a Class Note

As a graduate of Bemidji State University, you have the opportunity to share your personal and professional updates, achievements and milestones through the Class Notes section of our website. Whether you've changed jobs, earned a new degree, started a business or achieved a personal milestone, we encourage you to submit your Class Note for possible inclusion in our alumni publications, newsletters or website.

2. How we use your Class Notes

Class Notes submitted by you may be shared in the following ways:

• In our printed and digital alumni magazines and newsletters
• On the BSU Alumni & Foundation website and social media platforms
• During alumni events and gatherings where your update may be relevant

3. Your consent

By submitting a Class Note, you grant the Alumni & Foundation permission to use your name, information, and any related content (e.g., photos, quotes) for publication and promotional purposes. If you wish to remain anonymous or have specific preferences about the content shared, please let us know when submitting your Class Note.

 

4. Sharing of Information

1. Third-party partners

We may share your information with trusted service providers and contractors that assist with the delivery of services, such as mailings, event management and email communication. These third parties are contractually obligated to protect your data and only use it for the purposes specified by the Alumni & Foundation.

2. Legal and safety purposes 

We may disclose your information to comply with legal obligations, to protect the rights and safety of others and to respond to lawful requests, including from government authorities.

3. External links

Our website may contain links to external websites not owned or controlled by the Alumni & Foundation. This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected through our official website and platforms. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

4. Data protection and security

We take reasonable administrative, physical and technical measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure or misuse. However, no data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure. By providing your personal information, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.

---

5. Other Information

1. Retention of information

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, to comply with legal obligations or for archival and historical purposes. When information is no longer needed, we take steps to securely delete or anonymize the data.

2. Changes to this policy

The Alumni & Foundation may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements or other operational considerations. We will notify you of any material changes and provide an updated Privacy Policy on our website.

3. Opt-out or change your contact information