Overview

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, doing business as The Commission on Colleges and Universities (“the Commission,” “we,” “us”), respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect through commissioncu.org, how we use and share it, and the choices you have.

This policy applies to this website. It does not cover information collected through the institutional portal, or information handled through accreditation reviews, which are governed by Commission policies.

Information We Collect

Information you provide. We collect information you choose to submit, such as when you:

• Contact us or send a media inquiry (name, email, organization, message)
• File a complaint or submit a third-party comment (contact details, the institution involved, your account of the matter, and any documents you attach)
• Subscribe to The Torch Report or other updates (name, email)
• Register for an event, webinar, or training
• Apply for a position

Information collected automatically. When you visit the site, we and our service providers automatically collect certain technical information, such as your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, referring website, and the date and time of your visit. We collect this through server logs, cookies, and similar technologies, including Google Analytics 4.

How We Use Information

• To respond to inquiries and requests
• To process complaints and third-party comments under the Commission’s published policies
• To send newsletters and updates you have requested
• To manage event registrations and job applications
• To understand how the site is used and improve its content and performance
• To maintain the site’s security and prevent misuse
• To comply with legal obligations

We do not sell personal information. We do not use it for advertising by third parties.

How We Share Information

We share personal information only as described below:

• Complaints and third-party comments. To review a complaint, we may share it, including your identity, with the institution involved. Third-party comments may be shared with evaluation committees and the institution.
• Service providers. We use vendors that help us operate the site and our communications, such as website hosting, analytics, and email delivery. They may use information only to provide services to us.
• Legal requirements. We may disclose information when required by law, subpoena, or legal process, or when needed to protect the rights, safety, or property of the Commission or others.
• Government agencies. As a federally recognized accreditor, the Commission may be required to share certain information with the U.S. Department of Education or other agencies.

Cookies and Your Choices

Cookies are small files stored on your device. We use them to keep the site working and to understand how visitors use it. You can set your browser to refuse or delete cookies; some site features may not work properly if you do. You can opt out of Google Analytics using Google’s browser add-on.

You may unsubscribe from our emails at any time using the link in any message.

Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes described here, or as required by law or Commission records policies. Complaint and third-party comment records are retained in accordance with Commission policy.

Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

This site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has submitted information to us, please contact us and we will delete it.

Visitors Outside the United States

The Commission is based in the United States, and information collected through this site is processed in the United States.

Your Rights

You may contact us to ask what personal information we hold about you, or to request that we correct or delete it. We will respond as required by applicable law. Some information, such as records related to a complaint, may need to be retained under Commission policy.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above. Significant changes will be noted on this page.

Contact Us

Questions or requests about this policy may be directed to:

The Commission on Colleges and Universities, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033  | questions@commissioncu.org