Privacy Statement

North Dakota State University Online Privacy Statement

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to its websites in accordance with applicable laws and university policies. This privacy statement explains what information may be collected when you visit NDSU websites and how that information is used.

Please note that individual NDSU websites outside the management of the Information Technology and University Relations divisions may maintain different privacy practices to meet their specific needs.

Web Hosting and Security

NDSU websites are hosted on secure third-party platforms, including Pantheon and Fastly Content Delivery Network (CDN), which provide infrastructure, performance optimization and security services. These hosting providers adhere to industry-standard privacy and security practices to protect the availability and integrity of NDSU websites.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit NDSU websites, certain information about your visit may be automatically collected to help us improve site performance, security and user experience. This may include:

  • Domain and country
  • Internet Protocol (IP) address
  • Internet browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Entrance and exit pages and referral URLs
  • Date and time of visit
  • Search terms used within the NDSU website
  • Cookies to remember session data and preferences

This type of data collection is a standard practice for websites and is used to analyze how visitors interact with our site so we can make improvements and provide a better experience.

For security purposes and to ensure availability for all users, NDSU monitors network traffic to identify unauthorized or malicious activity. This helps protect NDSU systems and information.

Web Analytics and Tracking Tools

To improve and analyze our websites, NDSU uses several web analytics and tracking services including:

Google Tag Manager (GTM)

NDSU uses Google Tag Manager (GTM) to efficiently manage code snippets that help us implement analytics and improve website functionality. GTM itself does not collect personal data but it facilitates the use of other analytics tools described below.

Google Analytics

NDSU websites use Google Analytics with Advertising Features enabled. This helps us understand general usage trends, such as how visitors find and navigate our websites. NDSU adheres to Google's guidelines prohibiting the collection of personally identifiable information through Analytics. Learn how Google uses data when you visit our website. You may opt out of Google Analytics tracking if you prefer.

Hotjar

Some NDSU webpages use Hotjar to help analyze visitor behavior and improve the site experience. Hotjar may collect anonymized behavioral data, such as mouse clicks, movement, scroll activity and keypresses on forms. No personally identifiable information is collected through Hotjar recordings. Learn more about Hotjar’s privacy practices or opt out of Hotjar tracking.

Cookies

Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites remember your actions or preferences over time. Cookies used by NDSU support features such as saving your preferences, enhancing website performance and analyzing traffic patterns. You can control cookie settings through your web browser and disable cookies if you prefer, though some website features may not function properly without them.

Third-Party Tracking and Embedded Content

Some NDSU webpages include embedded content like videos or use third-party tools for advertising. These services may collect information about how you interact with content, such as watching a video or clicking a link. The specific services vary by page and marketing campaign, and each operates under its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review those policies if you have questions about your privacy. Third parties that may collect data on our site include Adobe Fonts, Clickease, Facebook, Google Ads, Google Play, Microsoft Advertising, Snapchat, Spotify, StackAdapt, The Trade Desk, TVSquared and YouTube.

Personal Information

NDSU does not collect personally identifiable information (such as your name or email address) unless you voluntarily provide it by submitting forms, surveys or emails. Any personal information you provide will only be used for the purpose for which it was submitted. NDSU does not sell or share personal information with third parties except as required by law or university policy.

Third-Party Links

NDSU websites may include links to third-party websites or services. This privacy statement applies only to NDSU-managed websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Privacy Statement Updates

As web technologies evolve and NDSU continues to improve its websites, this privacy statement may be updated to reflect changes in practices. We recommend checking this page periodically for updates.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this privacy statement or how NDSU handles website data, please contact the NDSU Chief Information Security Officer by email at ndsu.itso@ndsu.edu.