Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.

Last updated: December 2024

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect information you provide directly to us, including:

Name, email address, and contact information
Student number and academic information
Profile information and academic records
Communication preferences

Automatically Collected Information

When you use our service, we may automatically collect:

Device information and IP address
Usage patterns and interaction data
Browser type and operating system
Access times and referring websites

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and improve our services
Track academic progress and generate reports
Communicate with you about your account and our services
Personalize your experience and provide relevant content
Ensure the security and integrity of our platform
Comply with legal obligations and institutional requirements
Analyze usage patterns to improve our services

Information Sharing and Disclosure

With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you give us explicit consent to do so.

Academic Institution

We may share academic information with Sol Plaatje University and authorized educational personnel for legitimate educational purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or others.

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information, including:

Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
Regular security assessments and updates
Access controls and authentication measures
Secure hosting and backup procedures
Staff training on data protection practices

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

Access and review your personal information
Request corrections to inaccurate information
Request deletion of your personal information
Opt out of certain communications
Export your data in a portable format
File a complaint with relevant authorities

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law or institutional policy. Academic records may be retained according to university guidelines.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any changes.

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@spu.ac.za

Phone: +27 53 491 0000

Address: Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, South Africa