This privacy statement applies to PCOM’s websites, applications and IT (Information Technology) services, domains (pcom.edu), and governs and explains PCOM’s data collection and usage.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (“PCOM”) is committed to respecting the privacy, intellectual freedom, and freedom of expression of its students, faculty, staff, and other members of the PCOM community. These values are fundamental to PCOM’s academic mission and institutional culture.
At the same time, there are limited circumstances in which authorized individuals other than the account holder may need to access computers, electronic files, or data associated with the use of PCOM’s information technology systems and networks. Such access may be necessary to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PCOM systems and information; ensure the security of user and institutional data; maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and PCOM policies; support institutionally approved research through the use of appropriately de-identified data; or respond to lawful requests, subpoenas, or other legal or regulatory obligations.
PCOM seeks to balance individual privacy interests with its responsibility to safeguard PCOM operations, protect its community, and comply with legal requirements. Access to systems or data, when authorized, is limited to what is reasonably necessary to fulfill these purposes and is conducted in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
This privacy statement applies to PCOM’s websites, applications and IT (Information Technology) services, domains (pcom.edu), and governs and explains PCOM’s data collection and usage. Information collected by PCOM will be used only as outlined in this privacy statement. By using this website, you consent to the data practices described in this statement.
Other colleges and campuses at PCOM may collect and use information in diverse ways. Therefore, when visiting and using other PCOM websites and applications, please review the privacy notices for the sites being visited. PCOM is not responsible for the content of other websites or for the privacy practices of websites outside the scope of this notice.
No data transmission over the internet or website can be guaranteed to be secure from intrusion. However, we maintain commercially reasonable physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your personal information in accordance with data protection legislative requirements.
PCOM collects two types of information from users.
PCOM may collect information about how users access and use its websites, networks, and related resources. The information collected on PCOM sites or from use of PCOM systems may include the computer address used, the internet domain, the website the user came from or goes to, measurements of use, types of content used, and other details. This data is used for website and network management, to improve website content, improve user experience (including directing users to specific types of content), and for security purposes. Cookies and similar technology may be used to facilitate the navigation of this site.
When you view pages on PCOM sites, the web server automatically collects certain technical information from your computer or device and about your connection (see list below). PCOM uses this information solely for internal purposes, such as to see what pages are most frequently visited as well as what applications and functions are utilized to improve our sites and application support. Additionally, PCOM uses Google’s Universal Analytics, a web metrics service, to collect information automatically upon a user’s visit. For more information regarding Universal Analytics, see Google’s privacy policy. Additional web metrics and analytics services may be used on other PCOM websites.
Our server(s) and/or site(s) collect the following information.
Some technical information is retained in aggregate for up to 48 months.
This information may be used for the following reasons.
If you supply us with your postal/mailing address you may receive periodic mailings from us with information on new products and services or upcoming events.
If you do not want to receive such mailings or would like to be added to our “do not share” list, please email us at dataprivacy@pcom.edu.
We may share aggregate, non-personally identifiable information with other entities or organizations. We do not share any personally identifiable information (PII) with other entities or organizations, except when legally required to do so, at the request of governmental authorities, to verify or enforce compliance with the policies governing our website and applicable laws, or to protect against misuse or unauthorized use of our website.
A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit the site. It enables the website to remember your actions and preferences over time, so you do not have to reenter them whenever you come back to the site or browse from one page to another. For the purposes of this privacy statement, a cookie may also refer to an
anonymous identifier (a random string of characters that is used for the same purposes as a cookie on certain platforms, including some mobile devices) when cookie technology is not available. To customize the information and services offered to you, PCOM’s site uses cookies to:
If you prefer not to receive cookies, you may configure your browser not to accept them at all, or to notify and require approval before accepting new cookies. Some webpages/sites may not function properly if the cookies are turned off or you may have to provide the same information each time you visit those pages.
In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, individuals within the EU will automatically receive a notification as you enter a site, asking for consent to capture this cookie data. If you withdraw your consent later, use your browser’s settings to review and delete cookies stored by PCOM’s websites.
PCOM websites use third-party websites (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook and X) to help enhance features, provide a robust and personalized user experience and analyze how users use the sites. The third-party tools typically utilize cookies but may also use pixel gifs or beacons. Cookies, pixel tags and beacons are used to obtain information about the device being used to view a webpage, including the time spent on the site, the user’s operating system and browser type, demographic data, and similar information. The information generated via these cookies about your use of PCOM websites is transmitted to these third-party tools. This information is then used to evaluate visitors’ use of the websites and to compile statistical reports on activity from our websites. We may use Google Analytics to aggregate and track non-identifiable visitor information for the following business purposes: re-marketing across devices with Google Analytics, Google Display Network Impression Reporting, DoubleClick (Google Ads), Google Analytics Demographics, Google Analytics Advertising Features and Interest Reporting.
If you would like to opt-out of Google Analytics tracking, Google has provided a plugin for most browsers that enables this functionality. Google Analytics also provides you with the ability to modify and delete the information that Google tracks for re-marketing purposes. You can also disable collection of any demographic data on that page. Also, you can modify and delete the information that Google tracks for re-marketing purposes by visiting Google’s ad settings page. You also have the option of disabling collection of any demographic data on that page.
In addition, PCOM websites may contain links and integrate with other websites and applications owned by third parties as a convenience to the user. These websites and applications operate independently of PCOM and have their own privacy policies. Some cookies also can carry all or parts of the information stored within the file generated on PCOM’s website to other websites that the user may visit or to third parties. If a user decides to use these third-party links, they will leave the PCOM websites. PCOM is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such third-party websites and does not make any representations or endorsements about them. If a user decides to leave PCOM’s websites and access any third-party site, it will be at the user’s own risk.
Other than sharing your information with other appropriate PCOM personnel, business units and contracted partners to ensure the quality, functionality and security of our website, or to manage your relationship with us, we will not disclose personally identifiable information about your use of the site except under the following circumstances.
Any such disclosures shall comply with all applicable laws and PCOM policies.
PCOM is concerned about protecting children/minor’s privacy. A child/minor is anyone under the age of 18. However, this excludes enrolled PCOM students under the age of 18; these students are subject to all applicable PCOM policies, including the Student Conduct Code.
As a nonprofit higher education institution, we operate under the assumption that all visitors to our websites are over the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children who visit our website. If a visitor known to be a child (that is an individual under the age of 13, as defined by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) sends an email to dataprivacy@pcom.edu, we only will use it to respond to the writer and not to create profiles or otherwise retain the information.
PCOM does provide youth programs, including programs that utilize online software programs and third-party applications, and in certain circumstances, it is required to collect and use personal information from parents, guardians or participants for the purpose of providing, operating, improving and promoting the programs. During the registration for such programs, PCOM will provide notice to and obtain the consent of the parents or guardians of the student regarding any additional information collection practices specific to the online program. Any information is collected solely for the purpose of offering the program, and not for advertising the services of the third party or other commercial purposes.
Due to the rapidly evolving nature of information technologies, no transmission of data over the internet can be completely secure. While we are committed to protecting the privacy of our visitors, we cannot guarantee the security of any information that you transmit to PCOM websites and applications, and you do so at your own risk. However, once we receive your information, we use reasonable safeguards consistent with prevailing industry standards and commensurate with the sensitivity of the data being stored to maintain the security of that information on our systems.
In addition, we comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding the privacy and security of information. We have appropriate security measures in place in our physical facilities to protect against the loss, misuse or alteration of collected information.
Students should not be required to physically turn their computers or webcams to conduct visual scans of their surroundings when taking proctored exams online. The discontinuation of the practice of room scanning at PCOM will improve the student experience during virtual assessments. As a college, we strive for academic integrity across all courses, and have offered artificial intelligence (AI) proctoring software to support this goal. While proctoring can still be one tool to promote academic integrity, faculty members should carefully consider the necessity of using the software before implementing it in their courses and review other options to improve assessments.
If you believe that the information we have about you is incorrect, you are welcome to contact us so we can update it and keep your data accurate. Any data no longer needed for the purposes specified in this notification will be deleted. For privacy reasons, you have the right to ask for certain personal information relating to you to be removed. Please direct all requests to the chief privacy officer or data processing officer via email at dataprivacy@pcom.edu.
PCOM’s policies enable it to function efficiently and appropriately. By using this website, PCOM’s network or related resources (PCOM systems), you agree to abide by any and all applicable PCOM policies.
Please be aware that PCOM has various legal and regulatory obligations to disclose many types of information, as well as operational reasons for doing so. Unless specifically protected (e.g., FERPA-protected student information, HIPAA-protected health information), PCOM may disclose information obtained through your use of PCOM’s systems for school business purposes in accordance with governing law.
Because internet technologies continue to evolve rapidly, PCOM may make appropriate changes to this notice in the future. Any such changes will be consistent with our commitment to respecting privacy. This privacy statement will be updated as necessary.
If you have questions or concerns about PCOM sites, the use of PCOM systems as they apply to this privacy statement, or general questions or concerns about privacy or information technology policy at PCOM, please contact the chief privacy officer via email at dataprivacy@pcom.edu.
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