Introduction
This North Idaho College (NIC) Privacy Statement provides information about NIC’s online information gathering and dissemination practices. Individual pages on NIC websites may provide additional information.
In addition to the information in this Privacy Statement, NIC’s acceptable use policy and procedure set forth requirements that you must follow when using NIC’s websites and technology network.
We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Statement, as well as any information linked from this Privacy Statement, because we may update it from time to time.
Services NIC provides online, and services provided by non-NIC service providers
NIC’s websites provide online information and services to all users of NIC’s technology network (Users) consistent with NIC’s mission.
In addition to information and services provided on NIC websites, NIC may also provide connections to external services and information provided by non-NIC service providers. These non-NIC provided services may include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft 365 and others. Non-NIC service providers have their own privacy policies that are not covered by this Privacy Statement. NIC is not responsible for the privacy practices or policies of non-NIC service providers. We recommend you review the privacy practices and policies of all non-NIC service providers.
Information NIC collects from users and how we use it
NIC collects information actively provided by Users. We may also collect information about the computers, mobile devices, or other devices you use to access NIC’s websites and technology network, such as IP address, unique device identifiers, browser types, browser languages, web pages visited, network software access, referring web pages, date, time, and duration of activity, passwords, and accounts accessed, volume of data storage and transfers, and locations of User devices when connected to NIC’s websites and technology network. Logs of this information may be retained. We may contract with non-NIC service providers to help us better understand Users and behaviors in order to make improvements to their experience.
NIC uses information collected to provide services, in support of NIC’s Mission, to protect the security of NIC’s technology network, to support academic integrity, and to provide safety and security services to Users, as well as to monitor, preserve, and enhance the use, functioning, and integrity of NIC’s technology network. NIC may also use information collected from you for analysis and statistical purposes consistent with NIC’s Mission.
Cookies
Cookies are small files that are stored on your computing devices. NIC uses cookies to understand and save your preferences for future visits and compile aggregate data about network traffic and network interaction so that we can offer better network experiences and tools in the future. Cookies may be set by organizations other than NIC. Because the cookie policies of these third-party service providers may change over time, you should review their policies by visiting their privacy policies directly. We also use targeting and advertising cookies, which may be set by NIC or by third parties. Users may disable cookies through their individual browser options. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our websites or technology network.
The following describes the types of cookies NIC uses on our websites:
Required or strictly necessary cookies. These cookies are essential for our websites to operate correctly and to provide you with requested services. For example, we use cookies to authenticate you, so when you log on to NIC websites, we know who you are.
Functionality cookies. We use functionality cookies to enhance website features, such as videos and live chat, and for personalization, such as storing your preferences (e.g. username and language selection). Functionality cookies may be set by NIC or by third parties whose services we have added to our websites. If you do not allow these cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our websites or technology network, and some website may not work properly.
Social media cookies. Social media cookies may be set by third parties such as YouTube and Facebook to collect information about your social media usage.
Analytics cookies. Analytics cookies collect information about your use of our websites and technology network, and help us improve the way it works. For example, analytics cookies identify the most frequently visited pages, record any difficulties you have, and show whether our advertising is effective. This allows us to see the overall patterns of usage, rather than the usage of a single person. We use the information to analyze the websites' traffic.
Targeting/advertising cookies. We use targeting/advertising cookies to create profiles and personalize content. We may use third party products, such as Google Analytics, to market NIC’s services to you on third party websites. For example, if you visit NIC websites, you may then see advertisements for NIC on other websites.
You can learn more about cookies and their functions generally by visiting an information website such as allaboutcookies.org.
Do not track signals. Some web browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that tells websites that users do not want to have their online activity tracked.
Alternatives to website transactions
If you prefer not to provide information to NIC through our websites or technology network, you may contact the NIC administrative unit responsible for the service to learn about available options.
Disclosure of information
NIC does not disclose confidential information we collect online to individuals or entities not affiliated with NIC, except in the limited circumstances described below. Non-confidential information may be disclosed or distributed pursuant to federal laws, state laws, including Idaho’s public records laws, and NIC policies. These laws and policies explain what information may be shared or disclosed. They also explain what information is protected as confidential.
Student Records. Certain records of students are protected by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Idaho law, and NIC Policy. Information about students’ access to their education records and protection of education records is available in NIC’s FERPA website page. This policy also provides information on students’ rights to limit access to their directory information. NIC may disclose confidential student information with the consent of the student, under subpoena or court order, or in other limited circumstances as permitted by FERPA and other applicable laws.
Employee records. Access to NIC personnel records is governed by NIC Privacy Policies, Inspection of Records Policy, and Idaho law.
Public records laws. NIC may be required to provide access to NIC records to third parties pursuant to NIC policy and Idaho’s public records laws. Additional information about Idaho’s public records laws is available here.
Court order or public safety. NIC may be required to disclose confidential information pursuant to a valid court order or lawfully issued and served subpoena, search warrant, or other legal order. In addition, NIC may disclose confidential information to law enforcement if NIC believes that disclosure is necessary to protect NIC, to protect the health or safety of individuals, or if law enforcement believes that NIC’s resources have been used in the commission of a crime.
Contractors. NIC may contract with non-NIC service providers to provide services and information through NIC’s websites and technology network. NIC may provide information, including personal information collected on our technology network; to non-NIC service providers to assist NIC deliver classes, programs, products, information, and services. NIC also contracts with non-NIC service providers to perform analysis, research, and administrative activities for NIC. NIC requires non-NIC service providers to protect personal information on our behalf.
Security
NIC takes steps to ensure that confidential information collected online is secure. These steps include: ongoing User education; using tools in an effort to restrict unauthorized access, viruses, phishing, and hacking attempts; and monitoring activity to identify potential system threats. NIC routinely assesses and enhances tools and processes available to strengthen our online security.
Contact information
If you believe NIC has not adhered to this Privacy Statement, please contact NIC’s communications team at webmaster@NIC.edu. NIC will use reasonable efforts to address your concerns; although there may be circumstances where we cannot assist.
Changes
We will publish on our website any changes we make to this Privacy Statement.