1. Introduction

Jackson State University (“JSU,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of all users of our official mobile applications, including but not limited to the JSUgo app and any other mobile applications developed, maintained, or authorized by JSU (collectively, “Mobile Apps”). This Mobile Application Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you download, install, and use our Mobile Apps on any mobile device.

By downloading, accessing, or using any JSU Mobile App, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the Mobile Apps.

2. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies specifically to information collected through JSU Mobile Apps. It supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Jackson State University Website Privacy Policy and the JSU Data Security Policy. In the event of a conflict between this Mobile Application Privacy Policy and the Website Privacy Policy, the terms most protective of user privacy shall control.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you use our Mobile Apps, you may provide us with the following types of information:

• Account Credentials: Your JSU J-Number, NetID, password, and Duo multi-factor authentication information used to log in to university systems such as THEE Portal, Canvas, Banner, and Student P.A.W.S.
• Personal Information: Name, email address, student or employee ID number, and contact details associated with your university account.
• Academic Information: Course registrations, grades, class schedules, financial aid information, and student financial data accessed through the app.
• User-Generated Content: Any messages, feedback, search queries, or other content you submit through the Mobile Apps.

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Mobile Apps, certain information may be collected automatically, including:

• Device Information: Device type, model, operating system and version, unique device identifiers, mobile network information, and browser type.
• Usage Data: App features accessed, pages viewed, time and date of access, session duration, and interaction patterns within the app.
• Location Data: With your consent, approximate or precise location data may be collected to support campus maps, navigation features, and location-based services.
• Log Data: IP address, access times, error logs, and diagnostic data to help us maintain and improve the Mobile Apps.
• Push Notification Tokens: If you opt in to receive push notifications, we collect device tokens to deliver campus alerts, event reminders, and other university communications.

3.3 Information from Third-Party Services

Our Mobile Apps may integrate with third-party services such as Canvas (learning management system), Google Apps for Education, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, YouTube). When you access these services through our apps, we may receive information in accordance with those platforms’ privacy policies and your settings on those platforms.

4. How We Use Your Information

JSU uses the information collected through Mobile Apps for the following purposes:

• University Services: To provide access to academic records, course registration, grades, student financials, email, campus calendars, dining information, library resources, and campus directories.
• Authentication and Security: To verify your identity, manage secure access to university systems, and protect against unauthorized access through Duo multi-factor authentication.
• Communication: To send you push notifications, campus alerts, event information, and important university announcements.
• Campus Navigation: To provide interactive campus maps, walking directions, and location-based wayfinding services.
• App Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, diagnose technical problems, and improve the functionality, performance, and user experience of our Mobile Apps.
• Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).

5. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• University Affiliates: With JSU departments, colleges, and administrative units that require access to fulfill their official university functions.
• Service Providers: With third-party vendors and technology partners who assist us in operating the Mobile Apps, processing data, or providing services on our behalf, subject to contractual obligations to protect your information.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or governmental request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of JSU, its students, employees, or others.
• FERPA Directory Information: In accordance with FERPA regulations and JSU policy regarding the release of directory information.
• Emergency Situations: To appropriate parties in the event of a health or safety emergency.

6. Data Security

JSU implements administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your personal information. Our Mobile Apps use secure login protocols and comply with university data protection policies as outlined in the JSU Data Security Policy. All data transmissions between the Mobile Apps and university servers are encrypted using industry-standard protocols.

In compliance with JSU policy, no member of the university community is permitted to electronically store or maintain credit card or debit card numbers, expiration dates, or security codes through the Mobile Apps unless the system has been approved by the Division of Information Technology (DIT).

While we strive to protect your information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data. In the event of a data breach involving your personal information, JSU will follow established incident response procedures and notify affected individuals as required by law.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information collected through the Mobile Apps for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, or as required by applicable law and university records retention policies. Usage data and analytics may be retained in aggregate, de-identified form for longer periods for app improvement purposes.

8. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and Correction: Students may review and request corrections to their educational records in accordance with FERPA by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
• Location Services: You may enable or disable location services through your mobile device settings at any time.
• Push Notifications: You may opt out of push notifications through your device settings or within the app.
• App Permissions: You may review and modify the permissions granted to the Mobile Apps through your device settings (e.g., camera, contacts, storage).
• Uninstall: You may stop all data collection by the Mobile Apps by uninstalling them from your device.
• Cache and Data: You may clear locally stored data by navigating to your device settings (Settings > Apps > JSUgo > Storage) and selecting “Clear Cache” or “Clear Data.”

9. Children’s Privacy

Our Mobile Apps are intended for use by current and prospective JSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other authorized users. The Mobile Apps are not directed at children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

The Mobile Apps may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications, including but not limited to Canvas, Google services, social media platforms, and financial aid resources. These third-party services are governed by their own privacy policies, and JSU is not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our Mobile Apps.

11. App Store Disclosures

11.1 Apple App Store (iOS)

In accordance with Apple’s App Store requirements, the following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact information (name, email address)
• Identifiers (user ID, device ID)
• Usage data (product interaction, app feature usage)
• Diagnostics (crash data, performance data)
• Location data (with user consent)

11.2 Google Play Store (Android)

In accordance with Google Play’s data safety requirements, we declare that our Mobile Apps may collect and share the types of data described in Section 3 of this policy. Data is encrypted in transit and you may request deletion of your data by contacting the JSU IT Help Desk.

12. Accessibility

JSU is committed to ensuring that our Mobile Apps are accessible to users with disabilities. If you experience any accessibility issues with our Mobile Apps, please contact the JSU IT Help Desk for assistance.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

JSU reserves the right to modify this Mobile Application Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting of the revised policy. We will update the “Last Revised” date at the top of this policy and may notify users through the Mobile Apps or other university communication channels. Your continued use of the Mobile Apps after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact: