VConnect is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal information is handled safely and responsibly. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and your rights as a user of VConnect, the ECSU Student Success AI Agent Initiative.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information to provide and improve VConnect:

• Account Information: Your ECSU email, name, and student ID when you log in.
• Usage Data: Information about how you use the app, including pages visited, features used, and support requests.
• Academic Data: Data from integrated systems such as Canvas and DegreeWorks (e.g., course schedules, grades, assignments) to power app features.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and app version to help us troubleshoot and improve performance.
• AI Interaction Data: The questions you ask and the responses you receive from the AI Assistant, used to improve accuracy and support.

2. How We Use Your Information

VConnect uses your information to:

• Help you navigate campus resources and academic tools.
• Provide personalized academic and student support.
• Notify you of important deadlines, events, and alerts.
• Analyze usage trends to improve the app and student experience.
• Facilitate secure authentication using ECSU credentials.
• Support ECSU’s student retention and success initiatives.

3. Information Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information. Your information may be shared only with:

• ECSU Systems: To provide integrated services (e.g., Canvas, Microsoft 365, DegreeWorks).
• Authorized ECSU Staff: For advising, support, or student success purposes.
• Service Providers: Trusted vendors who help us operate VConnect, under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Compliance: If required by law, regulation, or university policy.

4. Data Security

We take your privacy seriously and use industry-standard security practices to protect your information:

• All data is transmitted using secure, encrypted connections.
• Access is restricted to authorized users and staff only.
• Regular audits and monitoring are conducted to ensure compliance with ECSU’s security policies.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information (subject to university policy).
• Opt out of certain non-essential data uses (where available in app settings).
• Contact ECSU IT or the VConnect team with privacy concerns or questions.

6. Data Retention

Your information is kept only as long as necessary to provide app services or as required by ECSU’s data retention policies.

7. Children’s Privacy

VConnect is intended for use by ECSU students and authorized users. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy as VConnect evolves. Significant changes will be communicated through the app or by email.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or your data, please contact:

ECSU IT Support: helpdesk@ecsu.edu or submit a Help Desk Ticket

VConnect Team: vconnectdev@ecsu.edu

Your trust is important to us. VConnect will always put student privacy and security first.