Privacy statement

NSCS respects the privacy of its members and other visitors to its Web site. NSCS strongly believes that if online activities are to flourish, consumers must be assured that information provided online is used responsibly and appropriately. To protect online privacy, NSCS has implemented the following policy.

What Information Does NSCS Collect?

Most data NSCS collects are used only to help NSCS better serve its members. It is our general policy to collect and store only personal information that our members and visitors knowingly provide. If our privacy policies change, we will notify all users by e-mail or a special announcement placed on the Web site.

From General Users. NSCS does not collect any personal information from users browsing its Web site. Users to the public areas of NSCS's Web site browse anonymously. Only aggregate data -- such as the number of hits per page -- are collected. Aggregate data are only used for internal and marketing purposes and do not provide any personally identifying information. From NSCS Members. Through membership applications, conference or seminar registration, publication orders, subscriptions, and contest registrations NSCS asks members to provide their name, campus and permanent mailing addresses, campus and permanent telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, ethnicity, and major field(s) of study.

Additionally, for some emails sent in HTML format by NSCS to its members through its listservers and electronic newsletters, NSCS will collect specific information regarding what the recipient does with that email. For those emails, NSCS will monitor whether a recipient subsequently clicks through to links provided in the message. Other information collected through this tracking feature includes: email address of a user, the date and time of the user's "click," a message number, name of the list from which the message was sent, tracking URL number and destination page. NSCS only uses this information to enhance its products and distribution of those products to its members. This information is not sold or distributed in any other manner. To gain access to member-only resources and personalization features on the NSCS Web site, members and other users are asked to log in to the site.

How Does NSCS Use Data Collected?

NSCS uses information submitted by members and other customers in the following ways:

NSCS Member Services and Products. Generally, NSCS uses data collected to improve its own Web content; to respond to visitors' interests, needs and preferences; and to develop new products and services.

Disclosures to Third Parties. NSCS does not sell its membership list to any third parties. On occasion, NSCS may also provide limited data to third parties that offer products and services. These limited data include names and addresses, but do not include phone numbers or e-mail addresses. Members may contact NSCS at nscs [at] nscs [dot] org or (202) 265-9000 to express if they do not wish to have the information shared.

Credit Card Account Information. NSCS does not disclose credit card account information provided by its members and customers. When members and customers choose to pay using their credit cards, NSCS submits the information needed to obtain payment to the appropriate clearinghouse.

How Does NSCS Use Cookies?

Cookies are files that contain information created by a web server that can be stored on a User's hard disk for use either during a particular session ("per-session" cookie) or for future use ("persistent" cookie). NSCS uses cookies only to facilitate automated activity, store and track passwords, determine appropriate solicitations, and review navigation patterns. Cookies are not used to disseminate significant information about Users over the Internet or to analyze any information that Users have knowingly or unknowingly provided. When a user logs in, the system will ask whether the user approves of the attachment of a cookie. Users may instruct their Internet browsers to opt out of accepting a "persistent" cookie and rather accept only a "per-session" cookie, but will need to login each time they visit the site to enjoy the full benefits. If the user declines the attachment of any cookie, the user may not have access to the full benefits of the website. Logging in enables the site to better determine members' interest areas and provide the most relevant information.

What Privacy Issues Arise With Links To Other Sites?

This Web site contains links to other web sites. NSCS has no control over and is not responsible for the privacy policies or content of such sites.

What Means Of Redress Are Available?

If any User suspects NSCS has handled its personal information in a manner that does not comply with this privacy statement, please contact us by e-mailing to nscs [at] nscs [dot] org or by calling (202) 265-9000.