Frederick Community College
Website Disclaimer & Privacy Notice

Disclaimer

Disclaimer Statement

The information provided on this website and other sites and apps owned by Frederick Community College (FCC) is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and up-to-date nature of the content, we cannot guarantee its completeness or reliability. FCC makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the websites and apps, their content, or any products or services offered.

Use of Information

Visitors to FCC websites and apps are responsible for verifying any information obtained through them. Any reliance placed on the information, products, or services provided is strictly at the visitor's own risk.

Liability

The college shall not be liable for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, arising from the use of FCC websites or apps.

Third-Party Links

FCC websites and apps may contain links to external websites that are not under the control of FCC. The inclusion of such links does not imply any endorsement or approval of their content.

Privacy Notice

Privacy Statement

Frederick Community College (FCC) is committed to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy Notice outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you interact with our websites, mobile apps, and other online platforms. We understand the significance of responsible data handling and are dedicated to protecting your privacy.

Collection of Personal Information

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) means any information that, taken alone or in combination with other information, enables the identification of an individual, including a full name, social security number, driver’s license number, state identification card number or other individual identification number, passport number, biometric information, geolocation data, internet or other electronic network activity, and financial or other account numbers that, in combination with other information would permit access to an individual’s account. PII does not include data rendered anonymous so that the individual is no longer identifiable. We may collect PII from you when you interact with FCC websites or apps. However, we will only collect PII that you voluntarily provide to us through actions such as:

• Submitting online forms (e.g., applications, information requests, etc.)
• Registering for courses, programs, and events

To learn more, review FCC's Protection of Personally Identifiable Information Policy and Procedures.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Types

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) collected by FCC may include, but is not limited to:

• Name
• Phone
• Email
• Address
• Date of birth
• Educational history
• Health history
• Emergency Contact Information
• Frederick Community College Student ID Number
• Frederick Community College Student Username
• Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Student ID Number
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Student ID Number
• Social Security Number
• Tax identification numbers
• Military/Veteran status
• Mother's maiden name
• Payment information
• Payroll information
• Biometric information
• Demographic information
• Driver’s license number, state identification card number, passport number or other individual identification number issued by a government agency

Browsing Data

Browsing Data may become Personally Identifiable Information if combined with other PII collected by FCC may include, but is not limited to:

• Content viewed or interacted with on FCC websites and apps
• Date and time of online visit
• Time spent on the website or app
• Visitor location (city and region) based on IP address
• IP address
• Type of browser and device the visitor is using
• The address of the website from which the visitor linked to the FCC website or app

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement

FCC respects the privacy rights of individuals and is committed to complying with applicable data protection laws. This includes the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which applies to the processing of personal data of individuals residing in the European Union (EU).

While we are based in the United States, we recognize the importance of protecting the personal data of individuals in the EU. If you are an EU resident and your personal data is processed by us, you have certain rights under the GDPR, including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, and object to processing.

Why Information is Collected

FCC collects and uses information in the following ways:

• Browsing Data: We gather and utilize Browsing Data to enhance website and app performance, tailor content, and display relevant advertisements. This data helps us understand user behavior and improve our services.
• Personally Identifiable Information (PII): We collect and use PII when necessary for admissions, enrollment, financial aid, support services, employment, event registration, and inquiry forms. We may also collect and use PII to fulfill legal requirements, such as financial aid reporting.

Students and Consent

PII about enrolled students is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

To learn more, review FCC's Privacy and Access to Education Records Policy and Procedures and Student Personal Electronic Account Privacy Policy.

Minors/Children

FCC’s website and apps are not intended for children under the age of thirteen (13). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child, we will delete it immediately. All FCC Youth Programs require registration by a parent or legal guardian on behalf of the child.

Cookies

FCC's websites and mobile applications use cookies to help personalize your online experience. A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your device to help websites and apps remember you and your preferences. The information collected through cookies is aggregate and Non-PII.

When you visit our websites or apps, the server sends a cookie to your browser. Your browser then saves the cookie as a text file on your device. The next time you visit the same website or app, your browser sends the cookie back to the server.

You can change your cookie settings by reviewing your internet browser's settings and cookie options on your device. Web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari provide information on how to change or delete your cookies.

To learn more about cookies, visit AllAboutCookies.org. To learn about how to manage your browser’s cookie settings, visit AllAboutCookies.org/How-to-Manage-Cookies.

Marketing/Internet-Based Ads

FCC and our advertising partners display tailored interest-based advertising using information you make available to us when you interact with our websites. Interest-based ads, also sometimes referred to as personalized or targeted ads, are displayed to you based on information from activities such as searching online or visiting websites that contain our content or ads. We do this using a variety of digital marketing networks and ad exchanges, and we use a range of advertising technologies such as pixels, ad tags, cookies, and mobile identifiers.

You may opt out of interest-based advertising in a variety of ways, including enabling the "do not track" feature in your web browser settings, using an ad blocker on your device, turning off personalized ads in your mobile device’s privacy settings, deleting cookies from your browser, and using incognito browsers. Please note that if you opt out of interest-based advertising, you will still see advertisements – they will just not be tailored to your interests. Also note that deleting browser cookies can remove the cookie preferences you have made, so you may need to opt-out again in the future.

Email & Text

FCC may use your email address or mobile number to send correspondence about information you have requested, important updates, and newsletters. You may unsubscribe from marketing emails and newsletters at any time using the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the email or by replying STOP to texts. You may not unsubscribe from transactional emails or emails directly related to your applications, registrations, student account, enrolled courses and programs, payments, and financial aid.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to collect information about website usage. This tool employs cookies and similar technologies to gather and analyze data on how visitors interact with our website. The information collected is aggregated and does not identify individual users (Non-PII). This data helps us improve our website's functionality and user experience. For more details on Google's privacy practices, please view Google’s Privacy & Terms.

Third-Party Websites/Sharing PII

We may share your personal information within FCC and with third-party service providers who assist us in our operations. We may also disclose your information to government agencies or law enforcement as required by law or to protect our rights. We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. For more information refer to the Privacy and Access to Education Records Policy and Procedures.

Third-party websites may provide links to FCC websites and content. This does not imply FCC endorsement or control over their content. Please refer to the individual privacy policies for any third-party websites.

Document Retention

We retain your personal information for the minimum period necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Notice. We may also retain your information as required by law or for legitimate business interests.

Acceptance of Terms

Frederick Community College reserves the right to modify this Privacy Notice at any time. By using websites and mobile applications owned by FCC, you signify your consent to the FCC Privacy Notice.

Data Security

We are committed to protecting your personal information. We employ industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. You acknowledge that there are risks in transmitting information electronically, and by providing personal information to us, you assume those risks. Contact the college by phone or U.S. mail if you do not wish to provide personal information electronically.

Contact Information

Please review the Privacy and Access to Education Records Policy and Procedures for more information about:

• reviewing, updating, or correcting your personally identifiable information
• deleting your personally identifiable information
• sharing of personal information
• opting out of sharing of personally identifiable information

The college's address is: