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OU Web Privacy Statement

Oakland University respects the privacy of visitors to its websites and digital services. This Web Privacy Statement explains the types of information Oakland University may collect when you visit University-managed websites, how that information may be used and protected, and the choices available to you regarding cookies and similar online tracking technologies.

Information We Collect

Oakland University may collect information that you voluntarily provide through University websites, forms and digital services. Depending on the service or request, this information may include your name, mailing address, telephone number, email address or other information necessary to respond to your request or provide a University service.

Information submitted through University websites may be accessed, stored, processed, forwarded or otherwise used by authorized Oakland University personnel for legitimate University purposes. In some cases, Oakland University uses third-party service providers to support services such as admissions, employment applications, event registration, communications, payment processing and other University operations. These providers may process information on behalf of the University in accordance with applicable agreements, laws and University policies.

Oakland University may also automatically collect information about visits to University websites and digital services. This may include:

  • Device and browser information
  • Internet Protocol (IP) address
  • Pages viewed and links clicked
  • Search and navigation activity
  • Referral sources
  • Date, time and duration of visits
  • Approximate geographic location
  • Campaign and marketing attribution information
  • Website performance and technical information

The specific information collected varies depending on the website, technology and purpose for which it is used.

Cookies and Online Tracking Technologies

Oakland University uses cookies and similar online tracking technologies to support the secure and effective operation of University websites and digital services.

Cookies are small text files stored on a user's browser or device. Other technologies, such as pixels, tags and scripts, may also be used to collect or transmit information about website interactions.

Oakland University may use these technologies to:

  • Maintain website security
  • Authenticate users and manage sessions
  • Support website accessibility
  • Remember user preferences
  • Improve website functionality and performance
  • Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
  • Evaluate communications and marketing effectiveness

Oakland University may use technologies and services including Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Ads, YouTube embedded content, Meta technologies, Siteimprove, email marketing platforms and other digital services. The technologies used by the University may change as services evolve.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies are necessary for the operation, security or core functionality of University websites. These cookies may support functions such as authentication, session management, accessibility and website security.

Essential cookies cannot be disabled through Oakland University's cookie preference controls because they are necessary for website operation.

Functional Cookies

Functional cookies help improve the visitor experience by remembering preferences such as cookie selections, language preferences or user interface settings.

Analytics Cookies

Analytics technologies help Oakland University understand how visitors use its websites and digital services. This information is primarily analyzed in aggregate to measure website traffic and engagement and to improve website usability, accessibility, content, performance and digital services.

Marketing Cookies

Marketing technologies may be used to measure advertising effectiveness, evaluate recruitment and communications campaigns, understand campaign performance, support campaign attribution and conduct remarketing where appropriate.

Marketing cookies and other non-essential tracking technologies are activated based on user choice where required by applicable law.

Your Cookie Choices

Oakland University provides visitors with information and choices regarding non-essential cookies and tracking technologies through the University's Consent Management Platform (CMP).

Where applicable, visitors may:

  • Accept non-essential cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Customize cookie preferences
  • Modify previously selected preferences

Cookie preferences may be updated through the cookie settings link available on Oakland University websites.

Most web browsers also provide controls that allow users to view, delete or block cookies. Disabling certain cookies through browser settings may affect website functionality or the availability of certain features.

Third-Party Services and Websites

Oakland University websites may include embedded or integrated services provided by third parties, including videos, maps, forms, social media content, event registration systems, payment services and other external applications.

These services may use cookies or other tracking technologies and may collect information in accordance with their own privacy practices. Where applicable, non-essential tracking technologies associated with these services may be managed through Oakland University's Consent Management Platform.

Oakland University websites may also contain links to websites operated by student organizations, University partners or other third parties. Oakland University is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of independently operated websites. Visitors should review the privacy policies of third-party services and websites before providing personal information.

E-Commerce Transactions

Some Oakland University websites and digital services may collect information necessary to complete financial transactions.

Oakland University may use approved third-party payment processors to process credit card and other electronic payment transactions. Payment information is handled in accordance with applicable security standards, contractual requirements and University policies.

Public Forums and Online Communities

Oakland University may provide online directories, communities, discussion boards, mailing lists or other collaborative services.

Information that users choose to make publicly available through these services may be viewed, disclosed or collected by others. Users should exercise appropriate care when sharing personal information in public or collaborative online spaces.

Use and Disclosure of Information

Oakland University uses information collected through its websites and digital services for legitimate University purposes, including providing requested services, operating and securing University systems, improving digital services, communicating with University audiences and supporting institutional operations.

Information may be disclosed when authorized or required by applicable law, regulation, contract or University policy, or when necessary to protect the rights, safety, security or property of Oakland University or others.

Student education records are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Oakland University policies governing student records.

Security

Oakland University uses administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to protect University information and technology resources from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration or loss.

Access to personal information is limited to individuals with an authorized business or institutional need. However, no website, network or electronic system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Data Retention

Retention periods vary depending on the information collected, the technology involved and the purpose for which the information is used.

Some cookies are deleted when a browsing session ends, while others remain on a user's device for a defined period to remember preferences, support analytics or provide other functionality.

University information is retained in accordance with applicable laws, contractual requirements, University policies and records retention requirements.

International Visitors

Visitors located outside the United States may have additional privacy rights under applicable laws, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Where applicable, Oakland University implements consent mechanisms and other privacy protections consistent with applicable legal requirements. This may include providing visitors with choices regarding non-essential cookies and tracking technologies.

Additional information regarding Oakland University's GDPR practices is available through the University's GDPR privacy notices.

Accessibility

Oakland University is committed to providing an accessible digital experience.

The University's cookie notices and Consent Management Platform are designed to support applicable accessibility requirements, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and applicable federal and state accessibility requirements.

Changes to This Statement

Oakland University may update this Web Privacy Statement periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, University operations or digital services.

Updates will be posted on this webpage with a revised effective or last-updated date.

Related Policies and Resources

Additional requirements regarding privacy, information security and the use of University technology resources are addressed through Oakland University policies and resources, including:

Questions or Privacy Concerns

Questions regarding this Web Privacy Statement, the University's website privacy practices or personal information collected through Oakland University websites may be submitted through Oakland University's Contact OU resources.

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