Web Privacy

Thank you for visiting the Pierce College District Web site and reviewing our Privacy Notice. This statement addresses collection, use, security of and access to information that may be obtained through use of Pierce College Web site. It also describes several state and federal laws that apply to personally identifiable information that you might provide in the course of navigating this site. This notice covers the following topics:

  • Information Collected and How it is Used
  • Personal Information and Choice
  • Public Access to Information
  • Nondisclosure of Certain Personal Information
  • Cookies
  • Security
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact Information

Information Collected and How it is Used

The information we automatically collect or store is logged and used by Pierce College District only to improve the content of our Web site and educational services, and to help us understand how people are using those services. District policy requires all applicable web pages have a link to this privacy notice.

Information Collected If You Only Browse This Site

Pierce College District analyzes the Web site logs to determine how our Web site is being used, so that we may continually improve the site's usefulness to the public. If you do nothing during your visit to our Web site but browse, read pages, or download information, we will gather and store certain information about your visit. This information does not identify you personally.

See Information Collected for a list of what is currently being collected when you do nothing but browse on the Pierce College District Web site.

What We Collect if You Volunteer Information

Volunteered information will be used only to improve educational services and/or further your educational experience. If during your visit to our Web site you participate in a survey, send an e-mail, or perform some other transaction on-line, the following additional information will be collected:

  • The e-mail address and contents of e-mail, for those who communicate with us via e-mail.
  • Information volunteered in response to a survey.
  • Information volunteered through an online form for any other purpose.

The information collected is not limited to text characters and may include audio, video, and graphic information formats you send us.

We use your e-mail to respond appropriately. This may be to respond to you, to address issues you may identify, to further improve our Web site, or to forward the e-mail to another agency for appropriate action. Each survey or on-line form on the Web site will identify how the information will be used from that specific survey or online form.

The records retention schedules published by the State Archives require us to keep this information only so long as it is useful, and then destroy it; these schedules change from time to time.

See also the Disclaimer section of this document.

Personal Information and Choice

You may choose whether to provide personal information online. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied by the user of our online forms.

Personal information is information about a natural person that is readily identifiable to that specific individual. Personal information includes such things as an individual's name, address, and phone number. A domain name or Internet Protocol address is not considered personal information.

We collect no personal information about you unless you voluntarily provide it to us by sending us e-mail, participating in a survey, or completing an on-line form. You may choose not to contact us by e-mail, participate in a survey or to provide any personal information using an online form. Your choice to not participate in these activities will not impair your ability to browse Pierce College District Web Site and read or download any information provided on the site.

If personal information is requested on the Web site or volunteered by the user, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, this information is a public record once you provide it, and may be subject to public inspection and copying if not protected by federal or state law.

If you believe that your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, you may contact the Public Records Officer as shown in the Contact Information section of this statement.

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) governs information gathering online from or about children under the age of 13. We are especially concerned about protecting children's privacy. Under COPPA, a web site must get parental permission before collecting personally identifiable information about a child under the age of 13.

If you have questions about how we use your personally identifiable information, you can contact Pierce College with our Contact Information.

Public Access to Information

In the State Of Washington, laws exist to ensure that government is open and that the public has a right to access appropriate records and information possessed by state government. At the same time, there are exceptions to the Public's right to access public records that serve various needs including the privacy of individuals. Both state and federal laws provide exceptions.

As a public agency, all our information is governed by laws such as Washington's Public Records Act RCW 42.56. Information you send us may become a public record, and it may be subject to public inspection and copying if not otherwise protected by federal or state law.

Information collected through use of this site may be public information and subject to inspection and copying by members of the public. For example, the Public Records Act states that:

Each agency, in accordance with published rules, shall make available for public inspection and copying all public records, unless the record falls within the specific exemptions of section RCW 42.56.070, Chapter 42.56 RCW, or other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific information or records. To the extent required to prevent an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy interests protected by Chapter 42.56 RCW, an agency shall delete identifying details in a manner consistent with Chapter 42.56 RCW when it makes available or publishes any public record; however, in each case, the justification for the deletion shall be explained fully in writing.

In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Notice and the Public Records Act or other law governing the agency’s disclosure of records, the Public Records Act or other applicable law will control.

The complete Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is available at https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/.

Nondisclosure of Certain Personal Information

You may be required to provide certain personal information when you use the web-enabled applications that are described below. See also the Security section of this document.

Credit Card Payment

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to pay tuition and fees over the Web. The information is required in order to verify your identify and to verify your credit card number and expiration date. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to apply tuition and fee payment over the Web, and you will have to pay your tuition and fees in person.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received or enrollment status information.

Financial Aid Inquiry

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to obtain your financial aid status over the Web. The information is required in order to verify your identity. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to give you your financial aid status over the Web, and you will have to obtain this information in person, by phone, or by mail.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to allow you to view and copy course enrollment and payment information. The information is required in order to provide you with the tax information needed for compliance with the Internal Revenue Service reporting requirements for the Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it, we will be unable to display your enrollment and payment information and you will have to obtain a copy of your enrollment and payment records either in person.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Registration

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to register for classes over the Web. The information is required in order to verify your identity. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it you will be unable to register for classes over the Web, and you will have to register for classes in person, by fax or by mail.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Registration Appointment

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to obtain your registration appointment information over the Web. The information is required in order to verify your identity. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to display your registration appointment information over the Web, and you will have to obtain your registration appointment information address in person from your advisor.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Schedule Planner

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to check requisites while using schedule planner. The information is required in order to access your academic and testing records. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to verify your eligibility for enrollment into certain classes and you may be blocked from enrolling into those classes.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Student Address Change

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to check requisites while using schedule planner. The information is required in order to access your academic and testing records. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to verify your eligibility for enrollment into certain classes and you may be blocked from enrolling into those classes.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Student PIN Change - For Student Online Services only

NOTE: This does NOT pertain to your "Registration Access Code".

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to change your personal identification number over the Web. The information is required in order to verify your identity. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to change your PIN over the Web, and you will have to change your PIN in person.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Student Schedule

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to check requisites while using schedule planner. The information is required in order to access your academic and testing records. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to verify your eligibility for enrollment into certain classes and you may be blocked from enrolling into those classes.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Unofficial Transcript

Pierce College District may require you to provide certain personal information in order to check requisites while using schedule planner. The information is required in order to access your academic and testing records. You may choose not to provide this information, but if you choose not to provide it we will be unable to verify your eligibility for enrollment into certain classes and you may be blocked from enrolling into those classes.

The following laws and regulations may prevent Pierce College District from disclosing the personal information about you except for directory information. Only directory information can be released without student's authorization. Students must sign a release in order to have any other information disclosed or to withhold all information. Education information may be released to other institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Information may be released to a third party without student's consent if an emergency situation exists or if information is requested officially by means of a subpoena, court order or legal report. Additionally, Congress requires student information to be released to military recruiters if officially requested. Directory information may include student's name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, or enrollment status information.

Helpful Links

Review and Correction of Personally Identifiable Information

State law requires agencies that collect personally identifiable information to provide "procedures for correcting inaccurate information, including establishing mechanisms for individuals to review information about them and recommend changes in information they believe to be inaccurate." (RCW 43.105.365)

Cookies

Some web sites use "cookies" to customize your browsing experience. Cookies are simple text files stored on your computer by your Web browser.

For a list of instances where Pierce College District currently uses cookies, see Current uses of "cookies" on the Pierce College Web site.

We are not using cookies on any other part of the District Web site. If we decide to implement additional uses of cookies in the future, this section will be updated accordingly.

Advertiser Cookies

Pierce College works with an advertising agencies which assists us in advertising our Web site. In connection with their marketing efforts on our behalf, those agencies utilize "cookies" and other tracking technologies and it may also permit selected third parties to do so. For the most part, the agencies only use what are referred to as "session cookies", which are cookies that expire upon the conclusion of your visit to our site. These types of cookies are widely used to facilitate a consumer's interaction with a Web site. These agencies also use cookies or permits its third party partners to use cookies that enable them to show you advertisements for our site when you visit other sites in the agencies network or in third-party networks. This is the sole use of the Advertising Cookies-they are not being used to track you in any other way. Moreover, these agencies do not link the information in the Advertising Cookies or any other cookie to any personal information that you may have provided.

Security

The Pierce College District, as developer and manager of Pierce College District Web site, has taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and prevent unauthorized access to information maintained by Pierce College District. These measures are designed and intended to prevent corruption of data, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information, and to provide reasonable protection of private information in our possession.

This information should not be construed in any way as giving business, legal, or other advice, or warranting as fail proof, the security of information provided via Pierce College Web sites.

Copyright

This site contains text, artwork, photos or other content that is copyrighted by others and is being used with permission of the copyright holder. Therefore, we recommend that you contact our webmaster for permission to use any content contained on this site.

Disclaimer

The Pierce College District Web site has many links to other Web sites. These include links to Web sites operated by other government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses. When you link to another site, you are no longer on the Pierce College Web site and this Privacy Notice will not apply. When you link to another Web site, you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site.

Neither the State of Washington, nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information published by this system, nor endorses any content, viewpoints, products, or services linked from this system, and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.

Pierce College District cannot be responsible for the accuracy of information voluntarily submitted via web surveys or on-line forms.

Reference in this Web site to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the State of Washington, this agency, or its officers, employees or agents.

Pierce College reserves the right to revise and update this Privacy Notice at any time by posting such revised Privacy Notice at the Pierce College home page.

See also Public Records Policy.

Pierce College District Contact Information

You may contact Pierce College District as follows:

To review your personal information, or request correction of your personal information:

Pierce College
Vice President of Administrative Services
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98498

Email: publicrecordsrequests
Phone: 253-964-6507
Fax: 253-912-3638

To offer comments about Pierce College District District's website or about the information presented in this Privacy Notice:

Web Content Manager
Pierce College District
webmanager@pierce.ctc.edu