Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through this Privacy Policy. This Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website https://cts.edu, including any associated web properties (such as https://connect.cts.edu). It also covers compliance with privacy laws, Butler University’s policies, and additional updates required for third-party communication compliance.
Information We Collect
We collect personal data to provide and improve our services. The types of personal data we collect include:
- Contact Information: Information you choose to provide when filling out forms on our website, such as applications, registrations, or inquiries.
- Account Information: If you create an account with us, we will collect your login details.
- Communication Data: Comments, messages, and other records of correspondence submitted through forms and applications on our website.
- Consent Data: Information regarding your consent to receive communications from us, including SMS messaging preferences.
- Usage Data: Information about your interactions with our website, such as pages visited, time spent, and IP address.
Cookies & Analytics: Our website uses cookies, which are small text files stored on your device that help us improve user experience and analyze website performance. We use Google Analytics to collect anonymized usage data such as page views, browser type, and time spent on the site. For more information on Google Analytics and their privacy policies, please visit https://www.google.com/policies/privacy .
How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- To provide and maintain our services.
- To manage your account and communication preferences.
- To send updates, newsletters, event invitations, and other communications related to CTS.
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
- To monitor website performance and improve user experience.
- To prevent fraudulent or malicious activity.
SMS Messaging Policy
CTS may send SMS messages for informational or promotional purposes, including event notifications and institutional updates. By providing your phone number, you consent to receive such messages.
- Opt-Out: You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.
- Help: You can request assistance by replying HELP.
- Message Rates: Message and data rates may apply. Check with your mobile provider for details.
We do not share phone numbers or SMS consent data with third parties, affiliates, or business partners.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We may share your information under the following limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: We may engage third-party service providers to support CTS operations (e.g., website hosting, analytics, email services). These providers are contractually obligated to maintain data confidentiality.
- Legal Compliance: If required by law, we may disclose personal data to comply with legal processes, enforce agreements, or protect our rights.
- Institutional Affiliations: As part of Butler University’s campus, we comply with relevant university policies regarding data usage but do not transfer data beyond what is necessary for institutional coordination.
Data Retention and Security
- We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.
- We implement appropriate security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of personal data.
Your Privacy Rights
Under Indiana state law, you have the right to:
- Request access to the personal data we collect.
- Request corrections to inaccurate or outdated data.
- Opt-out of certain data processing activities, including marketing communications.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at communications@cts.edu.
Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can remove it.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page, and we will notify users when required by law. The date of the last update can be found at the top of the privacy policy.
Links to Other Sites
CTS is not responsible for the availability, content, or privacy practices of externally linked websites. External sites are not bound by this site privacy policy and may or may not have their own privacy policies.
Contact Us
For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, you can reach us at:
- Email: communications@cts.edu
- Website: https://www.cts.edu/about-christian-theological-seminary/contact-us/
This policy reflects compliance with Indiana state regulations, Butler University policies, and Zoom’s SMS messaging requirements.
