Privacy Statement

While Furman University is exempt from many domestic privacy laws as a non-profit educational institution, we are committed to respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information.

This Privacy Statement (“Statement”) explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard data from individuals who interact with our website and digital services. Whether you are a current or prospective student, employee, alumnus, or visitor, we want you to understand what information we collect and how we use it. If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), or Switzerland, this statement also outlines your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

Acceptance of This Statement

By using Furman University’s websites and digital services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Statement. Your continued use of our websites constitutes your agreement to the terms of this Statement. Where applicable law requires express consent (such as for certain cookies or marketing communications), we will obtain such consent separately. 

Information We Collect and How We Use It 

We collect different types of personal information depending on your relationship with Furman University and your interaction with our website. Below, we explain the categories of information we collect, how it is used, with whom it may be shared, and the legal basis for processing when the GDPR applies.

We may also collect sensitive personal information where necessary—for example, health records (e.g., for accommodations), race/ethnicity (e.g., for demographic reporting), or government-issued identifiers (e.g., SSNs for financial aid). We handle such data with heightened protections and process it consistent with applicable law and regulations, for public interest purposes, and/or with your explicit consent. 

Furman does not sell personal data as defined under state privacy laws. 

Students 

As a Furman student, prospective student, or applicant, we collect information during the admissions process, enrollment, and throughout your academic experience. This may include your name, contact details, date of birth, demographic data, academic records, financial aid information, and interactions with campus systems such as Moodle and Workday.

We use this data for prospective student communications, to manage admissions, deliver academic programs, provide student advising, process financial aid, and facilitate campus life. It may be shared internally across departments and externally with service providers (e.g., learning platforms, financial aid processors) and regulatory bodies to the extent consistent with or required by applicable laws and/or regulations.

Where the GDPR applies, we process this data to fulfill our contract with you, comply with legal obligations, pursue Furman’s legitimate interests in improving education and services, and/or with your consent. 

Employees 

For Furman applicants, faculty, and staff, we collect data during the application process, hiring and throughout your employment. This includes job applications, payroll and benefits enrollment, tax information, and performance or training records. We use this information to support human resources operations including recruitment, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and professional development.

This data may be shared with supervisors, HR personnel, third-party service providers (e.g., payroll or insurance vendors), and governmental agencies as necessary. The legal bases for processing this data include contract fulfillment, legal compliance, Furman’s legitimate interests in efficient operations, and—when applicable—your consent. 

Alumni, Donors, and Furman Community Members 

We maintain records about Furman alumni, including your name, contact information, graduation year, academic and extracurricular history, career and professional affiliations, and engagement with University communications, events, and fundraising campaigns. We also maintain records about the parents of current students and alumni, including name, contact information, career and professional affiliations, and engagement with University communications, events, and fundraising campaigns. 

We maintain records about Furman donors, including your name, contact information, career and professional affiliations, and engagement with University communications, events, and fundraising campaigns.

We use this information to maintain a meaningful connection with you, share updates and newsletters, invite you to events, and offer opportunities to support Furman through volunteerism or philanthropy. Your data may be shared internally with University development staff and other relevant departments and externally with third-party vendors who assist with alumni relations, communications, and event or donation processing.

Where the GDPR applies, we process alumni data based on our legitimate interest in maintaining an engaged and supportive alumni community. In cases involving electronic marketing communications, public recognition, or data shared beyond essential University functions, we rely on your consent. You may withdraw consent or opt out of communications at any time. 

Website Visitors 

When you browse Furman’s websites—even if you’re not affiliated with the University—we may automatically collect data such as your IP address, browser type, device characteristics, pages viewed, and visit duration. Cookies and similar technologies may also be used to enhance your experience and analyze usage trends.

If you submit forms, sign up for updates, or interact with embedded tools, we may collect personal identifiers such as your name and email. We use this data to operate the site, respond to inquiries, and deliver relevant communications (with your consent where applicable). Data may be shared with website service providers and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).

Under GDPR, we rely on legitimate interest to maintain and improve our websites, and on consent where required for non-essential cookies and marketing. 

Automated Decision-Making and Profiling 

Furman does not use automated decision-making systems that produce legal or similarly significant effects on individuals (e.g., automatic denial of admission or financial aid). If such tools are introduced, we will provide specific notice and the opportunity to opt out where legally required.

We may use limited profiling techniques (such as website analytics or email engagement tracking) to improve our outreach and services, but these do not result in decisions with legal or material consequences for users. 

How We Protect and Store Your Data 

Furman implements administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. 

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described here or to meet legal, academic, or operational requirements. 

Your Rights Under the GDPR 

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), or Switzerland, you have the following rights: 

• Access your personal data  
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information  
• Request deletion of your data  
• Restrict or object to certain data processing  
• Receive your data in a portable format  
• Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the basis for processing)  
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in your country 

Cookies and Tracking Technologies 

Furman websites use cookies and similar technologies to personalize your experience, analyze traffic, and store preferences. You can control cookie behavior through your browser settings. Where required by law, we seek your consent for non-essential cookies.  

Children’s Privacy 

Furman’s websites are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors without verified parental consent. 

International Users and Data Transfers 

If you are located outside the United States—particularly in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland—please note that your data will be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ from your home country. Furman implements appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, where required, to protect your rights during such transfers. 

Changes to This Statement 

This Statement may be updated from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. If significant changes are made, we will notify users through appropriate channels. 

We will verify and respond to your request as required by applicable law.