Sun, Feb 03, 2013
Privacy Policy for the University of Aberdeen Web Site
This policy explains what information is gathered from web clients visiting the
University of Aberdeen's central web server, and how that information is used.
Information Collected
Information is gathered from clients via several methods that are outlined below:
Logfiles
The University of Aberdeen's central web server1 tracks requests made of it to centrally held log files. Log files can contain any or all of the following types of data:
The University also generates statistics2 on which operating systems are in use on PCs across campus
Cookies
Cookies are small files that are sent from the web server to the client's computer via the client's browser. They are then stored in the client's computer as text files and passed back to the server. Cookies are generally used to identify users and on occasion, prepare customized Web pages for them. Cookies may remain on the client's computer merely for the duration of the session (visit) or they may remain indefinitely. Most standard web browsers may be configured to refuse cookies.
The University of Aberdeen does not use cookies extensively on its servers at present. Such cookies that are used, other than in specific projects as outlined below, do not contain any personal information and cannot be used to identify an individual user.
Web Forms
Forms on the University of Aberdeen web site may request clients to supply personal details and/or credit card details in order to receive goods or services. Where appropriate, such forms operate over secure connections so that data is safeguarded.
By supplying such information the client consents to the University storing the information for period of time appropriate to the supply of the goods or services requested. Personal information provided will only be used for the purpose stated and will not be sold, licensed or traded to third parties.
Personal information collected and/or processed by the University is held in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Discussion fora, chat rooms, conferencing facilities, bulletin boards and mailing lists
Tools for synchronous and asynchronous web based communication that are hosted on the University of Aberdeen web site may request clients to supply details such as names and email addresses for registration purposes.
By supplying such information the client consents to the University storing the information in a manner appropriate for administration of the tool. Information provided will only be used for the purpose stated and will not be sold, licensed or traded to third parties.
Personal information collected and/or processed by the University is held in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Specific research projects
On occasion, staff involved in certain research projects and clinical trials may wish to gather data from respondents in a more specific manner than those outlined above. In such instances, terms and conditions for the collection and use of information will be stated separately and made explicit to respondents in advance of data collection.
Data Protection
Further information on the University's policies on Data Protection may be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/dataprotection/
Queries regarding data protection should be addressed in the first instance to the University's Data Protection Officer, Mr David Blair: Telephone: 01224 27 2037, Email: dpa@abdn.ac.uk
Footnotes
1. http://www.abdn.ac.uk/
2. http://www.abdn.ac.uk/diss/ie5/osl.php
Information Collected
Information is gathered from clients via several methods that are outlined below:
Logfiles
The University of Aberdeen's central web server1 tracks requests made of it to centrally held log files. Log files can contain any or all of the following types of data:
- The date and time of connection
- Identification of the file(s) requested
- Whether the request was successful
- The size (in bytes) sent in response
- The referring page (where the client came from), as supplied by the client browser
- The software used to access the server, as supplied by the client browser
The University also generates statistics2 on which operating systems are in use on PCs across campus
Cookies
Cookies are small files that are sent from the web server to the client's computer via the client's browser. They are then stored in the client's computer as text files and passed back to the server. Cookies are generally used to identify users and on occasion, prepare customized Web pages for them. Cookies may remain on the client's computer merely for the duration of the session (visit) or they may remain indefinitely. Most standard web browsers may be configured to refuse cookies.
The University of Aberdeen does not use cookies extensively on its servers at present. Such cookies that are used, other than in specific projects as outlined below, do not contain any personal information and cannot be used to identify an individual user.
Web Forms
Forms on the University of Aberdeen web site may request clients to supply personal details and/or credit card details in order to receive goods or services. Where appropriate, such forms operate over secure connections so that data is safeguarded.
By supplying such information the client consents to the University storing the information for period of time appropriate to the supply of the goods or services requested. Personal information provided will only be used for the purpose stated and will not be sold, licensed or traded to third parties.
Personal information collected and/or processed by the University is held in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Discussion fora, chat rooms, conferencing facilities, bulletin boards and mailing lists
Tools for synchronous and asynchronous web based communication that are hosted on the University of Aberdeen web site may request clients to supply details such as names and email addresses for registration purposes.
By supplying such information the client consents to the University storing the information in a manner appropriate for administration of the tool. Information provided will only be used for the purpose stated and will not be sold, licensed or traded to third parties.
Personal information collected and/or processed by the University is held in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Specific research projects
On occasion, staff involved in certain research projects and clinical trials may wish to gather data from respondents in a more specific manner than those outlined above. In such instances, terms and conditions for the collection and use of information will be stated separately and made explicit to respondents in advance of data collection.
Data Protection
Further information on the University's policies on Data Protection may be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/dataprotection/
Queries regarding data protection should be addressed in the first instance to the University's Data Protection Officer, Mr David Blair: Telephone: 01224 27 2037, Email: dpa@abdn.ac.uk
Footnotes
1. http://www.abdn.ac.uk/
2. http://www.abdn.ac.uk/diss/ie5/osl.php