Privacy Policy

I. INTRODUCTION

Atlas University, Inc. (“Atlas University,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share data when you visit our websites, use our online learning platforms, apply for admission, or otherwise interact with the University.

By accessing any Atlas University service, you consent to the practices described herein.

II. SCOPE

This Policy applies to all data collected by Atlas University from:

  • Students, applicants, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and website visitors.

  • All University-operated websites, online learning systems, mobile applications, and digital services.

This Policy does not apply to external websites or services linked from University pages.

III. LEGAL BASIS AND COMPLIANCE

Atlas University operates in compliance with:

  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

  • Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA)

  • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles for international users

IV. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Atlas University collects only the data necessary to fulfill its educational and administrative mission.

4.1 Information You Provide Directly

  • Application and enrollment information (name, contact, demographics, transcripts)

  • Financial and billing details (tuition payments, financial aid data)

  • Academic records and submissions

  • Health and counseling information (when voluntarily disclosed)

  • Donor and alumni communications

  • Email correspondence and feedback

4.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • IP address, browser type, device, and operating system

  • Website usage statistics via analytics tools (aggregated and anonymized)

  • Session data for security and troubleshooting

4.3 Sensitive Information

Atlas University may process sensitive data such as health information or religious affiliation only when necessary for legitimate institutional purposes and always under strict confidentiality.

V. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

Your data is used to:

  1. Administer admissions, registration, and academic programs.

  2. Deliver instruction and digital learning.

  3. Communicate with students, faculty, alumni, and donors.

  4. Process payments and maintain financial records.

  5. Improve University services and technology performance.

  6. Comply with legal and accreditation requirements.

Personal information is never sold or rented.

VI. INFORMATION SHARING

Atlas University shares personal data only when:

  • Required by law or court order.

  • Necessary to fulfill academic partnerships or accreditor requirements.

  • Outsourced to trusted service providers under binding confidentiality agreements.

  • Explicit consent is provided by the individual.

All third-party processors must adhere to FERPA and FIPA standards.

VII. DATA RETENTION

Data is retained according to the Records Management and Legal Compliance Policy:

  • Student academic records — permanent.

  • Financial records — seven years.

  • Admissions data (non-matriculated) — two years.

  • Web analytics — one year.
    When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

VIII. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

Our websites use cookies to enhance user experience and gather aggregate statistics.
You may disable cookies through your browser; however, some site features may not function properly.

Atlas does not use cookies for behavioral advertising or cross-site tracking.

IX. YOUR RIGHTS

For U.S. Residents

You have the right to:

  • Access your educational records (FERPA).

  • Request corrections or updates.

  • Limit disclosure of directory information.

  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education for violations.

For International (GDPR) Users

You have additional rights to:

  • Request erasure of personal data (“right to be forgotten”).

  • Object to processing or request data portability.
    Requests may be made to privacy@atlasuniversity.org.

X. DATA SECURITY

Atlas University employs administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect data, including:

  • Encryption (AES-256) in transit and at rest.

  • Multi-factor authentication.

  • Secure servers housed within the United States.

  • Regular security audits and vulnerability testing.

In the event of a data breach, affected individuals will be notified in compliance with FIPA and applicable international law.

XI. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Atlas University does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verified parental consent.
If such data is discovered, it will be deleted immediately.

XII. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our websites may link to third-party sites or applications.
Atlas University is not responsible for the privacy practices of these external entities.

XIII. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

Atlas University reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time.
Updates will be posted on the University website with revised effective date.
Continued use of University services after changes constitutes acceptance.