UAH COPPA Privacy Statement

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is committed to protecting children’s privacy, including the protections established with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), as enforced by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This statement outlines UAH’s practices for collecting, using, and disclosing personal information of children under the age of 13.

We may update this statement as needed to reflect changes in law or University practices. Any updates will be posted online and take effect immediately.

Applicability

COPPA applies to commercial websites and online services that are either directed to children under 13 or that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children under 13.

COPPA does not apply to information collected solely offline (such as during in-person events), provided that the information is not later stored, processed, or published online. It also does not apply to general-purpose online resources (web sites, online services) that are not directed at children under 13 and that do not knowingly collect personal information from them.

For more information about COPPA and your child’s rights to online privacy, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.

Information We Collect

The University collects two types of information at our site: personally identifiable information and non-personally identifiable information.

  • Personally identifiable information includes full name, street address, phone numbers, email addresses, school or grade level, photographs, video and/or audio recordings, medical information, other unique identifiers (e.g., birthmarks, jersey number, etc.), financial information for the purposes of billing and payment, and credit card information for payment.
  • Non-personally identifiable information includes sex, the name of the school the student attends, and grade in school.

How We Use the Information

We use the information about your child to register your child for an event at UAH; provide access to educational or recreational programs; communicate with parents/guardians; document or promote University-sponsored events; publish news articles, social media posts, or video segments on University-controlled media platforms; comply with legal or administrative requirements; and to ensure appropriate content and safety for participants.

Program staff may use this information for educational and residential program payment processing and to send parents and program participants information about additional program opportunities. Non-personally identifiable information that we collect might be used for research and marketing purposes.

How We Protect the Information

We take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of children’s personal information using administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access or use. Personal information collected online is retained only as long as is necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected.

Disclosure to Third Parties

UAH does not sell or rent any personally identifiable information about participants or their families with external organizations. UAH may disclose the personal information we collect to service providers or contractors acting on behalf of UAH (under strict data use agreements); in order to comply with the law, a judicial proceeding, court order, subpoena; or other legal process. All third parties with access to this information are contractually obligated to maintain the same level of privacy protection required by COPPA.

Notice to Children

If you are under age 13 and you wish to participate in an event at, conducted by, or sponsored by UAH, your parent or legal guardian must register you and provide their consent as well as your information. Please ask your parent or legal guardian to fill out your online registration form or any other forms requesting your information.

Parent/Legal Guardian Consent

We require parental/legal guardian consent to certify that UAH has permission to collect/save their child’s personal information. Parent or legal guardian consent may be obtained by one of the following:

  • a credit card in your name for payment,
  • a check in your name for payment, or
  • a signed statement of consent specific to the program or activity that will involve your child (via email, mail, or digital upload)

Parental Rights: Access, Review, and Deletion

Parents or legal guardians may:

  • Request to review or correct their child’s information
  • Revoke consent or request deletion of their child’s data
  • Limit or prohibit further collection or use

To make a request, contact the UAH office overseeing the event or program. Please note: revoking consent may affect the child’s ability to participate.

In cases of revocation or deletion, UAH will remove the data unless retention is required for legal or internal business purposes.

Contact

For general privacy questions or if you are unable to reach the program office directly, contact the UAH Privacy Officer at privacy@uah.edu or by calling 256.824.6899.