USU Text Messaging Privacy Notice

Overview

Utah State University (USU) is committed to protecting the privacy of our university community and guests. This privacy notice outlines how USU collects, uses, and protects personal information in relation to SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) text messaging.

SMS Privacy Policy

USU does not share your information (eg. cell phone) with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through the following methods:

Direct Collection

Information you provide when responding to text messages, including:

• Opt-out preferences
• Content of your text responses

USU Systems

Information imported from official systems like Banner:

• Name and phone number

Automated Collection

Metadata from SMS/MMS platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Zoom):

• Device availability, carrier, delivery status, and error codes

Through Mobile Apps

Apps under the “Utah State University” brand may collect:

• Name, phone number, email
• Location, contact lists, internet connection, calendar, storage, and notifications

How We Use This Information

USU uses collected information, including through SMS/MMS and mobile applications, to support its operations, deliver services, and maintain engagement with students, employees, and external parties. This includes:

• Communicating academic deadlines, registration updates, appointments, and emergency alerts
• Providing academic, administrative, and research-related information
• Supporting recruitment, admissions, alumni relations, and fundraising
• Promoting university events, programs, and outreach activities
• Facilitating internal communication and coordination among employees Enabling mobile application features and notifications through permissions such as location, contacts, calendar, storage, and internet access

USU may also use your information as necessary to comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, contractual obligations, and court or administrative orders.

Consent to Receive Messages

USU only sends SMS/MMS messages to recipients who have provided explicit consent. Consent may be collected through:

• University webforms with opt-in checkboxes
• Verbal consent during official interactions
• Written opt-in forms
• Email links leading to SMS sign-up pages
• Inbound SMS initiated by users
• Social media campaigns with clear opt-in steps

SMS/MMS Disclosure

If you provide a mobile number, you may receive SMS/MMS text messages from USU. These may include reminders, alerts, or updates based on your relationship with the university. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply.

Opt-Out and Support

You can stop receiving SMS/MMS messages at any time by replying with STOP, END, QUIT, CANCEL, or UNSUBSCRIBE. To re-subscribe, reply with START, YES, or UNSTOP. For assistance, reply HELP or contact USU IT Services: Email: it@usu.edu | Phone: (435) 797-HELP | Website: https://www.usu.edu/it

Data Sharing and Protection

No mobile information, including phone numbers, will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All other categories also exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Security of Your Information

USU implements reasonable physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

10DLC Compliance

This privacy notice supports USU’s compliance with 10DLC SMS messaging regulations required by U.S. mobile carriers for business-to-consumer communications.

Changes to This Notice

This notice may be updated periodically. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.

Contact us

For privacy-related questions or concerns, contact the USU Privacy Office at privacy@usu.edu.
For SMS communication questions, contact USU IT Services at it@usu.edu or (435) 797-HELP (4357).