Privacy Policy

Introduction and Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Huntsville Theological Institute (HTI) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information obtained from individuals who visit our website, engage with our programs, enroll in courses, make donations, attend events, or otherwise interact with the Institute. HTI is committed to honoring the trust placed in us by students, donors, faculty, alumni, partners, and visitors, and we take seriously our responsibility to steward personal information with care, integrity, and transparency.

This policy applies to information collected through our website, online learning platforms, email communications, printed materials, in-person events, and any other services or interactions administered by HTI. It does not apply to information collected by third-party websites or services that may be linked to our website or referenced in our communications. We encourage individuals to review the privacy practices of those third parties separately.

By accessing our website, submitting information to HTI, enrolling in a course, or otherwise engaging with our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection and use of information as described herein. If you do not agree with this policy, you should refrain from using our services or providing personal information.

HTI reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be effective upon posting the updated policy on our website. Continued use of our services following the posting of changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Information We Collect

HTI collects information that is necessary to fulfill our educational, administrative, and ministry-related purposes. The types of information we collect may include personal information, non-personal information, and information provided voluntarily by individuals.

Personal information may include, but is not limited to, names, mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, educational background, church affiliation, and payment-related information. This information is typically collected when individuals apply for admission, enroll in courses, register for events, subscribe to newsletters, submit inquiries, or make donations.

We may also collect academic and program-related information such as course progress, grades, assignments, attendance records, and communications between students and instructors. This information is collected to administer our academic programs and maintain accurate educational records.

Non-personal information may include browser type, operating system, IP address, referring URLs, pages visited, dates and times of access, and other technical data. This information is collected automatically through cookies, analytics tools, and server logs to help us understand how our website is used and how we can improve its functionality and content.

In some cases, individuals may voluntarily provide additional information through surveys, feedback forms, discussion forums, or correspondence. Providing such information is optional, but doing so may enhance our ability to respond to inquiries or improve our services.

How We Use Information

HTI uses collected information for purposes consistent with our mission of providing theological education and serving the Church. Personal information is used to process applications, manage enrollment, deliver courses, communicate with students and stakeholders, and administer events and programs.

We may use contact information to send administrative communications, such as enrollment confirmations, course updates, policy notices, and account-related information. We may also send newsletters, announcements, and other informational or promotional communications related to HTI’s programs and activities. Individuals may opt out of non-essential communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions included in those messages.

Payment-related information is used solely to process tuition payments, donations, and other financial transactions. HTI does not store full credit card numbers on its own servers when third-party payment processors are used.

Non-personal and aggregated information may be used for internal analysis, research, and reporting purposes. This information helps us evaluate the effectiveness of our programs, improve our website and services, and better understand the needs and interests of our community.

HTI may also use information to comply with legal obligations, enforce our policies, protect our rights and property, and ensure the safety and integrity of our students, staff, and operations.

Cookies and Online Tracking Technologies

HTI’s website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and gather information about website usage. Cookies are small text files stored on a user’s device that allow a website to recognize the device and remember certain preferences or actions.

We use cookies to facilitate website navigation, remember user preferences, and collect statistical information about how visitors interact with our website. This information helps us identify trends, diagnose technical issues, and improve the design and content of our site.

Users may choose to disable cookies through their browser settings. However, doing so may limit certain features or functionality of the website. Disabling cookies does not prevent the collection of non-identifying information through server logs or analytics tools.

HTI may use third-party analytics services to help analyze website traffic and usage patterns. These services may use cookies or other technologies to collect information on our behalf. The information collected is used in aggregate form and does not identify individual users.

Disclosure of Information

HTI does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties for commercial purposes. We may disclose information only as necessary to fulfill our mission, operate our programs, or comply with legal requirements.

Information may be shared with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website, processing payments, managing learning platforms, or conducting administrative functions. These service providers are authorized to use personal information only as necessary to provide services to HTI and are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security measures.

We may disclose information if required to do so by law, regulation, court order, or legal process. We may also disclose information when we believe in good faith that such disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of HTI, our students, staff, or others.

In the event of a merger, reorganization, or transfer of assets, personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to applicable privacy protections.

Data Security and Retention

HTI implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include secure servers, access controls, encryption where appropriate, and internal policies governing data handling.

Despite our efforts, no method of data transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Individuals provide information to HTI at their own risk, and we encourage users to take appropriate steps to protect their own information, such as using strong passwords and safeguarding login credentials.

HTI retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and maintain accurate records. Academic records may be retained for extended periods in accordance with educational and accreditation standards. When information is no longer needed, it is securely disposed of or anonymized.

Student and Donor Privacy Considerations

HTI recognizes the sensitive nature of information related to students and donors and is committed to handling such information with heightened care. Student records are used solely for academic and administrative purposes and are accessible only to authorized personnel.

Donor information is used to process contributions, provide acknowledgments, maintain donation histories, and comply with applicable tax and reporting requirements. HTI respects the privacy of donors and does not publicly disclose donor information without consent, except as required by law.

HTI does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent. If we become aware that such information has been collected inadvertently, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

Third-Party Links and Services

HTI’s website and communications may contain links to third-party websites or services, including educational resources, partner organizations, and payment processors. HTI is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties.

Individuals who access third-party websites through links provided by HTI should review the privacy policies of those websites to understand how their information is collected and used. HTI encourages users to exercise caution and discretion when providing personal information online.

Your Rights and Choices

Individuals have the right to access, update, or correct personal information held by HTI, subject to applicable legal and institutional requirements. Requests to review or amend information may be submitted by contacting HTI using the information provided below.

Individuals may also request that we limit or discontinue certain uses of their information, such as receiving promotional communications. HTI will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests, consistent with legal obligations and operational needs.

HTI does not discriminate against individuals who exercise their privacy rights. We are committed to responding to privacy-related inquiries and requests in a timely and respectful manner.

Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or HTI’s data practices, you may contact us by email at Privacy@HuntsvilleTheo.org. We welcome the opportunity to address your concerns and to continually improve our privacy practices in service of our mission.