Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

WAUSM respects the rights and privacy of its students, staff, alumni, and others and acknowledges the responsibility to maintain confidentiality of personal information of students.

I. Overview
  • a. Western Atlantic University School of Medicine, LTD and its affiliates (collectively “WAUSM”) are committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information. This policy describes how we collect, use, process and disclose your personal information and the choices you can make on how this is handled. This Student Privacy Policy applies to all students, prospective students, applicants, alumni, visitors, and anyone else that comes into contact with our digital landscape and services we offer.
  • b. The privacy policy is followed in conjunction with the laws in areas in which we operate. Students at WAUSM have their records kept in concordance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), WAUSM policies and procedures, and applicable U.S. state laws and the laws of the Bahamas.
II. Your Personal Information
  • a. We collect personal information to provide services and communications to you in the following ways:
    • 1. Data which applicants/students provide:
      • i. We collect personal information from you when you express interest in our programs, apply for admissions, apply for financial aid, enroll in our programs, respond to a survey, register for classes, register for exams, set up a profile or online tools and services, use the library, register for housing, etc. Examples include:
        • a. Personal information such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, passport, sex/gender, passport details, national origin, medical and behavioral conditions, criminal background information, employment information, education and employment history, photos, travel information, financial information, health insurance information, credit report information, etc.
        • b. Demographic information such as career preferences, interests, and information provided such as your extracurricular activities, admissions application, interview information, travel information, and housing materials.
        • c. Information you provide in online platforms related to coursework, course discussion boards, social media, surveys, forums, directories, which can include data, photos, and reviews.
    • 2. Automated Information:
      • i. We automatically collect and store information through your use of Services through the use of Cookies. Examples that we may collect are:
        • a. Login information, email address and password
        • b. IP address
        • c. Browser type
        • d. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
    • 3. Information received from external sources:
      • i. We receive information from external sources such as external agencies that administer the following: scholarships and financial aid, health coverage, educational providers that administer exams, educational partners, social media, third-party platforms, and other business partners.
      • ii. Examples of information that we include from these sources include:
        • a. Name and other identifying information such as mailing address, personal and professional records, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, date of birth information and social security numbers.
        • b. Educational performance information, financial aid information, information contained within letters of reference or recommendation, and other information related to your attendance at undergraduate and graduate programs as well as WAUSM.
        • c. Interests, demographics, and internet browsing behavior.
      • iii. Students are responsible for making sure their data is accurate and up to date with admissions when they are applicants and within the student information system once students matriculate and graduate. We may be unable to successfully communicate with you via phone or email if your information is not accurate.
III. Information Use and Storage
  • a. We will use, process and store information that is collected in order to provide services to students. This allows us to process admissions applications, enroll students, process financial aid and scholarships, keep accurate grade and exam records, graduation, and licensing, and support our general business functions.
    • 1. Examples of how personal information is used include:
      • i. To administer admissions application processing, financial aid processing, enrollment and registration, health insurance enrollment, student services and residency application and career services.
      • ii. To provide you with information on admissions, enrollment, financial aid, billing and payments, registration, residency, and graduation.
      • iii. To ensure you have access to university systems as needed iv. To provide support as needed with inquiries and requests
      • v. To support general business operations and as we describe when collecting the information.
IV. Personal Information Protection
  • a. WAUSM protects all personal data and sensitive personal data that it collects or processes for a lawful basis. Any personal data and sensitive personal data collected or processed by WAUSM is:
    • 1. Processed lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner.
    • 2. Collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes, and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes.
    • 3. Limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are collected and processed.
    • 4. Accurate and kept up to date.
    • 5. Retained when needed and deleted when it is no longer needed.
    • 6. Secure.
  • b. The personal information we collect is stored in databases and files that are protected by passwords and firewalls. We use anonymous, aggregated data about website visitors’ site usage and technical capabilities as well as about HTML message opening and click-through rates to improve online services and communications. WAUSM may disclose personal information if we are required to do so to comply with the law, subpoenas or with legal process. The information systems used within WAUSM meet FERPA and/or HIPAA compliance standards where applicable.
  • c. We employ security measures to protect the data which are reasonable which include administrative, technical, and physical standards. These measures protect against misuse, destruction, and unauthorized access to your personal and student information. Additionally, all staff are trained on privacy of student information and records and the importance of protecting your personal information. Students and staff are granted appropriate access to all systems including but not limited to Slate, Anthology and Canvas.
  • d. Please know that almost no system is impenetrable. If you suspect that any information has been compromised, you should immediately make a report to Information Technology and the Office of the University Registrar.
V. Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information to Parties Outside the University
  • a. WAUSM does not sell, rent, give away, or loan any personally identifiable information about students, faculty, or staff that is collected to any third party other than affiliates directly connected to WAUSM without your consent. Pursuant to FERPA, WAUSM may publish “directory information” unless you affirmatively choose to opt out. For more information, see WAUSM’s FERPA Policy in the Student Handbook at https://wausm.education.
VI. Google Analytics and Cookies
  • a. Google Analytics: The WAUSM website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses persistent cookies to analyze how users use this site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) will be transmitted to and stored by Google. Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators, and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser; however please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of the WAUSM website or web applications. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above. Learn more about Google’s Privacy Policy and the Google Analytics Terms of Service.
  • b. Cookies: We use cookies to help manage secure web site sessions such as online forms or surveys. A cookie is a piece of data that is either maintained only for the duration of a particular session visit or is stored on the user’s computer to support future visits. By continuing to browse on WAUSM websites or by clicking “accept all cookies,” the user agrees to the storing of first- and third-party cookies on user device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in WAUSM marketing efforts.
    • 1. Session cookies – This type of cookie is used to enhance and make more efficient the user’s experience during a site visit. Once the user closes the browser, the cookie terminates.
    • 2. Persistent cookie – This type of cookie stores a small text file on the user’s hard drive for an extended period of time to remember visit activity that will help make subsequent visits more efficient. Persistent cookies can be removed by following the user’s Internet browser help directions.
VII. Third Party Support
VIII. Retention
  • a. We keep your personal information on file for as long as it is needed or required. Certain information must be kept in perpetuity in relation to your student record and subsequent graduation for future reference. If you wish to see a copy of the University’s retention policy, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at [email protected].
IX. International Transfers of Information
  • a. WAUSM operates and processes information in multiple jurisdictions. Information may be collected, used, processed, viewed, and stored in a jurisdiction other than the one in which you are located, including the United States and the Bahamas. By using our applicant and student services, you consent to the collection, transfer, use and storage of your personal information in a jurisdiction other than where you are located.
X. What should I do if I have questions?