Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
​
​
​
Introduction
At Zorganics Institute, we are deeply committed to protecting your privacy and the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use and protect it, and your rights regarding that information. We adhere to applicable federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and relevant Washington State privacy laws.
By interacting with our website and services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect various types of information to provide our educational services, manage admissions, communicate effectively, and improve your experience. This may include:
-
Information You Provide Directly:
-
Contact Information: Name, address, email address, phone number.
-
Demographic Information: Date of birth, gender.
-
Educational History: High school attendance, graduation information (diploma/GED), previous post-secondary education.
-
Application Information: Program of interest, desired start date, personal statements, letters of recommendation.
-
Financial Information: (If applicable for financial aid processing, this will be collected securely through specific financial aid forms/portals, not directly on the initial application).
-
Health Information: (Only if you voluntarily provide it for accommodation requests or similar purposes, and are handled with heightened protection under Washington's My Health, My Data Act).
-
Communication Content: Records of your correspondence with us (emails, phone calls, chat).
-
-
Information Collected Automatically (Website Usage Data):
-
Device and Usage Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, time spent on pages, referral sources, and interaction with website features. This helps us understand how our site is used and improve it.
-
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies (like pixels or web beacons) to enhance your Browse experience, analyze site traffic,
-
understand user behavior, and facilitate certain website functions (e.g., remembering your preferences). You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
-
Admissions & Enrollment: To process your application for admission, evaluate your qualifications, communicate about your application status, and facilitate enrollment into your chosen program.
-
Educational Services: To provide educational instruction, academic advising, career services, and other support related to your studies at Zorganics Institute.
-
Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send you important updates about your application or enrollment, share news about the Institute, and provide information about programs or events that may interest you.
-
Financial Aid: To process financial aid applications and administer financial assistance programs (where applicable).
-
Student Support: To offer academic and personal support services, including accommodations if requested (where health data may be handled under the My Health, My Data Act).
-
Safety & Security: To maintain the safety and security of our campus and community, and to comply with legal obligations.
-
Internal Operations: For data analysis, research, improving our website, marketing efforts, and general business administration.
-
Legal Compliance: To comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including FERPA and Washington State's data breach notification laws.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in limited circumstances with the following parties, only as necessary and consistent with applicable laws:
-
Internal Personnel: Authorized Zorganics Institute staff who have a legitimate educational interest or a business need to access your information (e.g., admissions, faculty, financial aid, career services).
Service Providers: Third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as website hosting (Wix), analytics providers, email service providers, and potentially payment processors. These providers are obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.
-
Accrediting Bodies & Regulatory Agencies: As required for accreditation purposes, program review, or compliance with governmental regulations (e.g., U.S. Department of Education, Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board).
-
Financial Aid Entities: To relevant federal, state, or private financial aid providers for the purpose of administering student financial assistance (where applicable).
-
Legal Requirements & Safety: When required by law (e.g., subpoenas, court orders), or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the safety, rights, or property of Zorganics Institute, our students, or the public.
-
Emergency Situations: In health or safety emergencies, as permitted by FERPA and other applicable laws.
-
With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties when you give us explicit consent to do so (e.g., sharing a testimonial, referring you to a specific employer).
4. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction. This includes using secure servers, encryption, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, to comply with our legal obligations (including educational record keeping requirements under FERPA), resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.
6. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on applicable laws (such as FERPA and Washington State laws), you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
-
Right to Access: You may request to review the personal information we hold about you.
-
Right to Correction/Amendment: You may request that we correct or amend any inaccurate or incomplete information.
-
Right to Deletion: You may request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions (e.g., we may be required to retain certain records for educational or legal compliance).
-
Right to Object/Restrict Processing: You may object to or request restrictions on certain types of processing of your personal information.
-
Right to Withdraw Consent: Where we rely on your consent to process your information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. You can typically set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when websites set or access cookies. Please note that if you disable or refuse cookies, some parts of this site may become inaccessible or not function properly.
8. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected by Zorganics Institute. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
9. Children's Privacy
Zorganics Institute's programs are designed for individuals who meet specific age and educational requirements for post-secondary education. Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without verifiable parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or new technologies. We will post any revised policy on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
​
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Zorganics Institute 410 West baker View Road Suite 112, Bellingham, WA. 98226
Email: info@zorganicsinstitute.edu Phone: 360-318-6411
Last Updated: June 14, 2025