Privacy Policy
Effective Date: October 23, 2025
Welcome to GradConsortium.org (the “Site”), operated by the Consortium on Graduate Communication (“we,” “us,” “our”). We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting collaboration, research, and professional development in graduate communication across institutions.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit or interact with our Site at https://www.gradconsortium.org and related services, including membership and conference registration systems.
1. Information We Collect
a. Information You Provide to Us
We collect personal information that you voluntarily share with us when you:
- Register for individual or institutional membership.
- Submit contact forms, inquiries, or subscribe to newsletters.
- Register for or participate in CGC conferences, webinars, or workshops.
- Complete surveys or participate in research-related activities.
This may include your name, institutional affiliation, professional title, email address, phone number, and other details relevant to your participation.
b. Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our Site, we may automatically collect:
- IP address, browser type, operating system, device details, and referring URLs.
- Information about your interaction with our Site, such as pages visited and time spent on them.
c. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and analyze Site traffic. You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings, though some functions may be limited.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Manage and verify membership accounts.
- Register participants for CGC conferences, workshops, and related events.
- Communicate with members and event participants.
- Send newsletters, announcements, and organizational updates.
- Maintain organizational records in compliance with nonprofit governance standards.
- Improve the quality and accessibility of our website and services.
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information under any circumstances.
3. Member and Conference Data
As a membership-based nonprofit, CGC maintains limited information necessary for communication and coordination with our members and event participants.
a. Membership Data:
- Member data may include name, email, institutional affiliation, and membership type (individual or institutional).
- This data is used solely to administer memberships, send renewal reminders, and provide access to member-only communications or resources.
- Institutional membership contacts may receive administrative messages relevant to their organization’s membership.
b. Conference and Event Data:
- When you register for a conference or event, we may collect information required for participation (such as dietary preferences, accessibility requests, or presentation details).
- Some registrant information (e.g., name, institution, presentation title) may appear in public conference materials like programs or schedules.
- Payment information is processed securely through third-party vendors; CGC does not store or have direct access to full credit card data.
c. Research and Reporting:
Aggregate or anonymized data (e.g., number of members by region or institution type) may be used for reporting purposes, such as grant applications or annual organizational summaries.
4. When We Share Information
We may share limited information only as necessary to support CGC’s nonprofit operations:
- With trusted service providers who assist in hosting, communication, or event registration (e.g., WildApricot, Eventbrite, or Mailchimp).
- For legal or compliance reasons, if required by law or to protect our organization and its members.
- In collaboration with partner organizations, only with consent or when necessary for jointly sponsored events.
- With your permission for any specific purpose you authorize.
All third parties are contractually required to handle your information responsibly and in accordance with this policy.
5. Third-Party Links
Our Site may link to external websites, such as universities or conference hosts. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices and encourage users to review their respective privacy policies before sharing personal data.
6. Data Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss. However, no online system is completely secure.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as needed for the purposes described above, including membership records, event participation, and nonprofit compliance. When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.
8. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Access or request a copy of your personal information.
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate data.
- Withdraw consent for certain types of communication or processing.
- Request that your membership or account data be removed.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below.
9. Children’s Privacy
CGC’s programs and Site are intended for adult professionals in higher education. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If such data is discovered, it will be deleted promptly.
10. International Users
If you access the Site from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. By using our Site, you consent to this transfer in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
11. Updates to This Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. Updates will be posted here with a new “Effective Date.” Your continued use of the Site indicates your acceptance of these changes.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us at:
Consortium on Graduate Communication
Website: https://www.gradconsortium.org
Email: info@gradconsortium.org