The University of Chicago (the “University”) is committed to the privacy and security of personal information. The Office of Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) supports the research and scholarship of UChicago faculty and students across schools and divisions. This privacy notice discloses how ARD processes the personal information of current or former donors, alumni, students, staff, faculty, parents, friends, and others (hereafter “constituents”). This notice is specific to ARD. Other University offices and functions may have separate notices. If you would like to know more about how another University office or function uses personal information, please contact that office or function directly.

Personal Information Collected

ARD maintains a database containing personal information about University constituents. Personal information is any information that relates to an identifiable individual. You may provide personal information directly to the University when you interact with ARD or other University offices or functions. We may also obtain personal information about University constituents from publicly available sources and third parties.

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  • Personal information stored in ARD’s alumni and donor database may include the following elements: biographical information, contact information, professional information, information relating to a person’s time at the University and other academic institutions, volunteer and event registration/attendance information, gift and stewardship information, and information concerning a person’s interests, activities, memberships, and affiliations (both within the University and outside of the University).

  • The University may also collect information during your interactions with other University functions, units, divisions, schools, departments, or institutes.

  • ARD may also collect personal information from ARD directory websites (such as Alumni and Friends and UChicago Community Online), from third‐party data brokerage services, and from publicly available sources.

  • ARD may record your IP address when you visit our websites, platforms, online applications, and internet‐connected services.

  • All credit card transactions through our websites are processed by third-party service providers. ARD does not store your credit card information.

Use of Personal Information

ARD uses personal information for fundraising and engagement aimed at advancing the University’s mission. The personal information we use helps ARD identify philanthropic and engagement opportunities and customize communications for our constituents.

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  • When constituents participate in events, clubs, or volunteer efforts that are open to broader audiences, the University may provide personal information, and otherwise use personal information, to facilitate contact with other participants.

  • ARD may use personal information to help identify targeted or personalized giving opportunities. In some cases, we may work with third parties to help ARD better identify these individuals and opportunities.

  • ARD may engage external vendors to update biographical information about constituents in order to maintain up-to-date records.

Sharing of Personal Information

ARD may share your personal information with other University divisions, schools, departments, institutes, and vendors for University-related activities. ARD will not use your personal information for any commercial or philanthropic purpose unrelated to the University.

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  • The University may include your contact information and information about your activities during your time at the University in private community directories available only to other constituents. This information will be published only with your consent.

  • ARD has some affinity partners, such as banks and insurance companies, who offer special promotions for University students and alumni. The University may share your information with these business partners.

  • The University may publish a giving honor roll of names and degree information from constituents who do not wish to remain anonymous.

Protection of Personal Information

ARD is committed to the security and privacy of personal information. ARD uses technologies and controls designed to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal information.

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  • ARD maintains and operates an information security management system (ISMS) and a personal information management system (PIMS) based on internationally recognized information security and privacy principles and standards.

  • ARD is committed to taking reasonable and appropriate measures to safeguard the personal information ARD collects, stores, and uses.

Use of Cookies and Similar Technologies

ARD’s website and other University websites use cookies to monitor performance and provide customized content based on a user’s preferences and activities. ARD may also use other similar technologies to deliver personalized content and evaluate the performance of our websites and services.

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  • ARD’s websites use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance users’ experiences when interacting with ARD. ARD may also collect data about where and for how long visitors access our websites.

  • To measure the effectiveness of ARD’s communications, ARD may review how users access and interact with them.

  • Visitors to ARD’s websites can use browser configuration settings and other methods to identify, block, or delete cookies and other similar technologies.

Individual Access and Control

In some jurisdictions you may have the right to view, amend, or request that ARD delete personal information. You can make such a request by sending an email to privacy@ard.uchicago.edu.

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  • Constituents may control the information that is publicly displayed within ARD community directories, and they can personalize privacy settings within their profiles.

  • ARD will make a good-faith effort to honor all requests to provide, amend, or delete personal information. Under certain circumstances, ARD may be required to retain personal data due to contractual or legal obligations.

  • To opt out of email communications from ARD, simply select the opt-out option.

Changes may be made to this privacy notice, and we may use personal information for new purposes. When ARD makes significant changes to its privacy practices, ARD will update this website.

Questions? Contact ARD at privacy@ard.uchicago.edu.