As part of our commitment to maintain the privacy of our Web users, Texas Southmost College has developed this privacy statement. The statement has two purposes:To educate users about privacy issues
To inform users about specific privacy policies and guidelines employed at Texas Southmost College.
Texas Southmost College also complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the release of education records without student permission. Texas Southmost College is equally committed to protecting the privacy of all visitors to our Web site.
Texas Southmost College Web consists of many Web servers. Some servers hosted by Texas Southmost College may adopt different privacy statements as their specific needs require. If another TSC Web server has a privacy statement that is different from this statement, that policy must be approved by the Vice President for Finance and Administration of College, and it must be posted on their site. However, those sites cannot adopt a privacy statement that in any way supersedes federal or state regulations.
The Texas Southmost College web site contains links to many external Web sites. The College is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of the external Web sites we link to.
Information We Gather
Our Web servers generate temporary logs that contain the following information:
Internet address of computer being used
Web pages requested
Referring Web page
Browser used
Date and Time
The data is used in aggregate by system administrators and Web content managers to tune the Web site for its efficiency and is not ordinarily associated with specific individuals.
COOKIES
Cookies are small pieces of data stored by the Web browser. Cookies are often used to remember information about preferences and pages you have visited. You can refuse to accept cookies, can disable cookies, and remove cookies from your hard drive. In Netscape Navigator, choose Edit and Preferences to manage your cookie settings, in Internet Explorer select Tools and Internet Options.
Some Web servers within Texas Southmost College may use cookies to retain user preference information. It is against College policy to share this information with external third parties.
Security and Accuracy of Confidential Information
Although no computer system is 100% secure, Texas Southmost College has deployed extensive security measures to protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control.
E-commerce
The College may enable you to pay for products or services online with a credit card. Unless otherwise noted, these transactions are encrypted. It is College policy that confidential information you enter in the transaction is used only for the purposes described in that transaction, unless an additional use is specifically stated on that site.
Sharing of Information
Texas Southmost College does, upon explicit request of users, share information with other parties and gather information from other private data providers. For example, the College receives test scores from testing agencies and will send transcripts to other schools. This is done only at the request of users (persons to whom the information applies). Unless specifically required under public information requests filed under the Texas Public Information Act, it is against College policy to release confidential information gathered through the Web, such as pages visited, or personalized preferences.
Consistent with FERPA, we do not release personal student information, other than public directory information, to other parties unless we receive explicit written authorization to do so. Enrolled students can restrict release of their directory information by contacting the Office of Admissions and Records.
Online Surveys
Texas Southmost College conducts surveys for research purposes. At any time there may be online surveys being conducted on Texas Southmost College web site. It is College policy that confidential information gathered in these online surveys is used only for the research purposes indicated in the survey. Unless otherwise noted on the specified survey, your answers are confidential and individual responses will not be shared with other parties unless required by the Texas Public Information Act. Aggregate data from surveys may be shared with external third parties.
Open Records Requests
Except for educational records governed by FERPA, all information collected from the TSC Web site, including the summary server log information, e-mails sent to the Web site, and information collected from Web-based forms, may be subject to the Texas Public Information Act.
Texas Public Information Act
The Texas Public Information Act, with a few exceptions, gives you the right to be informed about the information that Texas Southmost College collects about you. It also gives you the right to request a copy of that information, and to have The College correct any of that information that is wrong. You may request to receive and review any of that information, or request corrections to it, by contacting the College’s Office of the President.
Questions
If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent call the Vice President of Information Technology, at (956) 295-3802.
Texas Southmost College (TSC) Texting Policy establishes acceptable use standards for text messaging as a communication tool by TSC’s units. The policy ensures compliance with federal regulations, including 10DLC and Telephone Consumer Protect Act (TCPA) requirements, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Texas Public Information Act, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) automated messaging rules safeguard TSC’s reputation and resources, and enhances communication with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders.
Guiding Principles
Preserve texting as an additional channel for important student-related communications as outlined in the Categories of campus communications website. Texas Southmost College will keep texts to a minimum to ensure that students remain in the texting program and do not opt-out because of overuse. Message frequency may vary. All mobile information the subscriber shares will only be used by Texas Southmost College representatives to assist the TSC subscriber.Scope
All non-emergency mass text messages originating from any Texas Southmost College office, or from any authorized TSC employee acting in his/her professional capacity, are included in this procedure.
Compliance and Regulations
Text messaging must adhere to:1. 10 DLC Regulations
a. Register all campaigns with telecom carriers to avoid service disruptions.
b. Ensure campaign descriptions align with intended use cases.
2. Telephone Consumer Protection Act
a. Obtain explicit consent from all recipients before sending messages.
b. Clearly communicate opt-in requirements and provide straightforward opt-out options.
3. Federal Communications Commission
a. Comply with legal standards for automated and manual text messaging.
b. Ensure proper handling of recipient data to safeguard privacy.
4. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
a. Text messages containing student education records require FERPA-compliant vendor
agreements.
b. Directory information may be shared via text unless students opt out.
c. Non-directory education records require written student consent specifying
purpose and recipients.
5. Texas Public Information Act
a. Work-related text messages constitute public records subject to disclosure.
b. Retention requirements: all transitory messages and administrative
correspondence will be retained in compliance with the Texas Public Information
Act.
Categories of Messages
Texting is reserved for information that is considered educational and/or time-sensitive. The following are the categories of mass text messages permitted under this policy:
• Provide information on upcoming educational or college-related events and announcements
• Notifications of important deadlines or dates
• Relevant activities or news as it relates to the safety, recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students
Message frequency may vary.
Opting In to Text Messaging
Students can choose to receive text messages from Texas Southmost College by selecting the opt-in option on their Apply Texas application, or by logging into TSC Self-Service and updating their communication preferences.
Opting Out of Text Messaging
To stop receiving SMS text messages from TSC, students may:
• Reply to any TSC text message with the word “STOP” – This is the quickest and most effective method.
• After opting out, you will receive a confirmation message acknowledging that you’ve been unsubscribed from future text messages from TSC.
• Alternatively, you may call (956) 295-3600 to request removal from the SMS messaging list.
Costs
All costs associated with receiving a text message are the responsibility of the individual receiving the text message. Message and data rates may apply from the wireless carrier. Supported carriers include but are not limited to: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile*, Verizon Wireless, Cricket, and Metro PCS.
Texas Southmost College is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery of information and content to a mobile device may fail due to a variety of circumstances or conditions. You understand and acknowledge that network services, including but not limited to mobile network services, are outside of TSC’s control, and TSC is not responsible or liable for issues arising from them.
Texas Southmost College is committed to keeping students, faculty, and staff informed through reliable and timely communications. Various methods are used depending on the urgency and type of message.Emergency Notifications
Texas Southmost College has partnered with Rave Mobile Safety to provide an emergency alert system that delivers messages to your TSC e-mail address and cell phone:
• Campus closures
• Severe weather
• Security threats
• Other time-sensitive emergencies
If you want to receive text notifications reliably, we strongly recommend logging in to your Rave account to enter or verify your cell phone number and provider. Otherwise, you may only be notified of emergencies via e-mail.
If you have signed up to receive text alerts, you can stop these at any time by logging in and updating your profile on the getrave.com website.
For more information please visit: TSC Rave Notification Website
Informational Notifications
SMS Text Messaging
SMS text messaging is an effective channel of communication that Texas Southmost College provides to all students. Students who have opted into this service will receive communication directly related to events such as registration reminders, deadlines, or other important information that may be considered critical and/or time-sensitive.
One-on-one and scheduled SMS texting may relay any of the following messages:
• Important or time-sensitive information regarding deadlines, student’s account, or other notices critical to the admissions process
• Information that may interest the student including general messages regarding academics, and support services available on campus.
• Event information including reminders, scheduling changes, or cancellations
These messages are typically sent via text, email, or phone, depending on the audience and urgency. While you may opt out of some non-urgent text messages, we encourage you to remain subscribed to stay informed.
Opting In to Text Messaging
Students can choose to receive text messages from Texas Southmost College by selecting the opt-in option on their Apply Texas application, or by logging into TSC Self-Service and updating their communication preferences.
Opting Out of Text Messaging
To stop receiving SMS text messages from TSC, students may:
• Reply to any TSC text message with the word “STOP” – This is the quickest and most effective method.
• After opting out, you will receive a confirmation message acknowledging that you’ve been unsubscribed from future text messages from TSC.
• Alternatively, you may call (956) 295-3600 to request removal from the SMS messaging list.
Campus Events & Announcements
Announcements regarding college-wide events, student activities, and academic schedules are posted on:
• Official TSC Social Media
• TSC Website News & Events
• Campus Digital TV’s
• Student Email
Follow TSC’s official channels to stay in the loop!
Student Email
Each student is issued a TSC email account, which serves as the official method of communication between the College and students. You are responsible for checking your email regularly for:
• Class updates
• Financial aid info
• Registration and payment alerts
• Messages from instructors and college staff
Access your TSC email through MyTSC.
TSC Self-Service
The TSC Self-Service is your digital gateway to:
• Class schedules
• Grades and transcripts
• Registration and financial aid
• Update your contact information
Visit the TSC Self-Service → https://selfservice.tsc.edu/Student
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I update my contact information (phone, email, address)?
• Students – Log in to the TSC Self-Service or contact the Office of Admissions & Records.
• Employees – Submit your updates through TSC Self-Service or contact the Human Resources Department.
Q: How do I opt out of informational texts?
A: You can opt out by replying to a received message or contacting 956-295-3600
Contact Information
TSC Help Desk (IT Support)
• Phone: (956) 295-3800
• Email: [email protected]
• More Info →