Privacy Policy

Noeton International Christian University is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of student information in accordance with federal and state laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This policy reflects our Christian commitment to treating all individuals with dignity, respect, and integrity while maintaining compliance with legal requirements.

Purpose of This Policy

This privacy policy is designed to:

• Inform students of their privacy rights under FERPA and other applicable laws
• Explain how the institution collects, uses, and protects student information
• Ensure compliance with federal and state privacy regulations
• Reflect our Christian commitment to integrity and respect for individuals
• Provide transparency about information practices

Christian Values and Privacy

As a Christian institution, Noeton International Christian University is committed to protecting student privacy as an expression of our biblical values. Scripture teaches us to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and to act with integrity and respect in all our relationships. We believe that protecting personal information reflects our commitment to treating each individual with dignity, as created in the image of God.

Our commitment to privacy is grounded in Christian values:

• Respect for Individuals: Treating all students and community members with dignity and respect, recognizing that each person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)
• Integrity: Honest and transparent handling of personal information, reflecting the biblical call to truthfulness and honesty (Proverbs 11:3, Ephesians 4:25)
• Stewardship: Responsible protection and management of information entrusted to us, recognizing our accountability to God for how we care for what has been entrusted to us (1 Peter 4:10)
• Confidentiality: Maintaining appropriate confidentiality while fulfilling institutional responsibilities, honoring the trust placed in us (Proverbs 11:13)
• Care: Using information to support students' educational and spiritual growth, reflecting Christ's love and concern for each individual (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

• All students enrolled at Noeton International Christian University
• All educational records maintained by the institution
• Information collected through the institution's website and online systems
• Information shared with third parties in accordance with this policy

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Noeton International Christian University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. Under FERPA, students have certain rights regarding their educational records.

Student Rights Under FERPA

Under FERPA, students have the following rights regarding their educational records:

• Inspect and Review: The right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 calendar days of submitting a written request to the Registrar's Office. The institution will provide access to records and, if requested, copies of records (subject to reasonable fees for copying).
• Request Amendment: The right to request amendment of records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of privacy rights. If the institution declines to amend a record, the student has the right to a formal hearing and may place a statement in their record disputing the information.
• Control Disclosure: The right to control disclosure of personally identifiable information from their educational records, except as permitted by FERPA. Students must provide written consent before the institution discloses non-directory information to third parties (except in cases permitted by FERPA).
• File Complaints: The right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education's Family Policy Compliance Office regarding alleged FERPA violations. Contact information is provided in the "Student Rights" section below.

Annual Notification

Noeton International Christian University annually notifies all students of their rights under FERPA. This notification is provided through:

• Publication of this Privacy Policy on the institution's website
• Inclusion of FERPA information in the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog
• Email notification to all enrolled students at the beginning of each academic year
• Information provided during student orientation

Educational Records

Educational records include any records directly related to a student that are maintained by the institution or by a party acting on behalf of the institution. This includes:

• Academic transcripts and grades
• Admission and enrollment records
• Financial aid and billing records
• Disciplinary records
• Student conduct records
• Other records maintained in connection with the student's education

Records Not Covered by FERPA

The following records are not considered educational records under FERPA:

• Records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel that are kept in the sole possession of the maker
• Records maintained by campus security for law enforcement purposes
• Employment records (unless employment is contingent on student status)
• Medical and counseling records used solely for treatment
• Alumni records (after the student is no longer enrolled)

Types of Information Collected

Noeton International Christian University collects information necessary for educational purposes, including:

• Personal Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security Number (if provided)
• Academic Information: Transcripts, grades, course enrollment, academic standing, degree progress
• Financial Information: Tuition payments, payment history, financial aid applications (if applicable)
• Application Information: Application materials, admission documents, letters of recommendation
• Ministry Information: Ministry experience, service records, spiritual formation participation
• Technical Information: IP addresses, browser information, usage data from online systems

How Information is Collected

Information is collected through:

• Student applications and enrollment forms
• Official transcripts from other institutions
• Course registration and academic records
• Financial transactions and payment processing
• Online learning management system usage
• Student portal and website interactions
• Communication with faculty and staff

Purpose of Collection

Information is collected for legitimate educational purposes, including:

• Processing applications and enrollment
• Providing academic instruction and support
• Maintaining academic records and transcripts
• Processing financial transactions
• Providing student services and support
• Ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements
• Supporting spiritual formation and ministry preparation

Internal Use

Student information is used internally for:

• Academic instruction, assessment, and evaluation
• Academic advising and program planning
• Student services and support
• Spiritual formation and ministry preparation
• Financial management and billing
• Institutional research and improvement
• Compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements

Access to Records

Access to student records is limited to:

• Authorized institutional personnel with legitimate educational interests
• Faculty members teaching courses in which the student is enrolled
• Academic advisors and student services staff
• Administrative staff with responsibilities requiring access
• Students themselves (for their own records)

Legitimate Educational Interest

Institutional personnel have a legitimate educational interest if they need access to records to:

• Perform their job responsibilities
• Provide services or support to the student
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies
• Maintain the safety and security of the educational environment

Disclosure Without Consent

FERPA allows disclosure of educational records without student consent in certain circumstances:

• School Officials: To school officials with legitimate educational interests
• Other Schools: To schools in which the student seeks or intends to enroll
• Accrediting Organizations: To accrediting organizations for accreditation purposes
• Financial Aid: In connection with financial aid (if applicable)
• Research: For research purposes (with appropriate safeguards)
• Health and Safety: To protect health and safety in emergencies
• Legal Requirements: In response to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal requirements
• Directory Information: Directory information as specified in this policy (unless student opts out)

Disclosure With Consent

Student information may be disclosed to third parties with written consent from the student. Consent must:

• Specify the records to be disclosed
• Identify the party to whom disclosure is made
• State the purpose of the disclosure
• Be signed and dated by the student

Third-Party Service Providers

Noeton International Christian University may use third-party service providers for:

• Learning management system hosting and support
• Payment processing and financial services
• Email and communication services
• Technology support and maintenance

These providers are contractually obligated to protect student information and use it only for specified purposes. They are not permitted to use information for their own purposes or to disclose it to other parties.

What is Directory Information

Directory information is information that may be disclosed without student consent. Noeton International Christian University designates the following as directory information:

• Student's name
• Enrollment status (full-time, part-time)
• Degree program and major
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received
• Email address (institutional email only)

Opting Out of Directory Information

Students may request that directory information not be disclosed by submitting a written request to the Registrar's Office. This request must be made each academic year if the student wishes to maintain the restriction. Once a student opts out, the institution will not disclose directory information except as required by law or with the student's written consent.

Impact of Opting Out

Students should be aware that opting out of directory information may:

• Prevent the institution from verifying enrollment or degree completion to employers or other parties
• Limit participation in certain institutional activities or publications
• Affect the ability to receive certain communications or services

Students should carefully consider the implications before opting out of directory information disclosure.

Security Measures

Noeton International Christian University implements appropriate technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect student information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure storage of physical records in locked facilities
• Encryption of electronic records and data transmissions
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on privacy and security practices
• Secure disposal of records when no longer needed

Online Security

For online systems and the website, security measures include:

• Secure login credentials and password requirements
• Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
• Regular security monitoring and updates
• Firewall and intrusion detection systems
• Secure backup and recovery procedures

Data Retention

Student records are retained in accordance with:

• Federal and state record retention requirements
• Accreditation standards
• Institutional policies

Records are securely disposed of when retention periods expire, in accordance with privacy regulations and best practices.

Breach Notification

In the event of a security breach that may compromise student information, Noeton International Christian University will:

• Investigate the breach promptly
• Notify affected students as required by law
• Take appropriate steps to mitigate harm
• Report the incident to relevant authorities if required

Right to Inspect Records

Students have the right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of a written request. To request access, students should:

1. Submit a written request to the Registrar's Office
2. Specify which records they wish to inspect
3. Schedule an appointment to review records

Right to Request Amendment

Students may request amendment of records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of privacy rights. To request an amendment:

1. Submit a written request to the Registrar's Office identifying the specific record and the requested change
2. Provide reasons for the requested amendment and any supporting documentation
3. The institution will review the request and notify the student of the decision within a reasonable timeframe

Hearing Process for Amendment Denials

If the institution declines to amend a record, the student has the right to a formal hearing. The hearing process includes:

• Hearing Request: The student must submit a written request for a hearing within 30 days of receiving notice that the amendment request was denied
• Hearing Officer: The hearing will be conducted by an institutional official who does not have a direct interest in the outcome
• Student Participation: The student may be assisted or represented by one or more individuals of their choice, including an attorney, at their own expense
• Decision: The institution will provide a written decision within a reasonable timeframe after the hearing
• Statement of Disagreement: If the hearing decision is unfavorable, the student has the right to place a statement in their record disputing the information. This statement will be maintained with the contested record and disclosed whenever the record is disclosed

Right to File Complaints

Students have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education's Family Policy Compliance Office regarding alleged FERPA violations. Complaints must be submitted in writing and include specific details about the alleged FERPA violation. The Family Policy Compliance Office will investigate the complaint and provide a written response.

Right to Withhold Directory Information

Students have the right to request that directory information not be disclosed. This request must be submitted in writing to the Registrar's Office and must be renewed each academic year if the student wishes to maintain the restriction.

Website Information Collection

When visiting the Noeton International Christian University website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:

• IP address and browser information
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Device and operating system information

Cookies and Tracking

The website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember user preferences and settings
• Analyze website usage and improve functionality
• Provide personalized content and services

Users may disable cookies through their browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Links

The website may contain links to third-party websites. Noeton International Christian University is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. Students are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

Online Forms and Applications

Information submitted through online forms and applications is protected in accordance with this privacy policy and FERPA requirements. Students should exercise caution when submitting sensitive information online and ensure they are using secure connections.

Changes to This Policy

Noeton International Christian University reserves the right to modify this privacy policy as necessary to comply with changes in law, regulations, or institutional practices. Students will be notified of significant changes to this policy through:

• Email notification to students' institutional email addresses
• Posting on the institution's website
• Announcements in the student portal

Effective Date

This privacy policy is effective for the 2026 academic year. Students are encouraged to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how their information is protected.

Questions and Concerns

Students with questions or concerns about this privacy policy or the handling of their information should contact:

• Registrar's Office: For questions about FERPA rights and educational records
• Student Services: For general privacy questions
• Technology Services: For questions about online security