UWLA Mission Statement

UWLA TEXT MESSAGING PRIVACY POLICY (SMS)

SMS messaging, also known as text messaging, is an additional method of communication that the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) will use to communicate with the UWLA Community. SMS messaging will be utilized by authorized university officials to relay information for things such as emergency alerts and notification, campus closures, student account information, academic advising, registration, financial aid and student account messages, and campus events that are time sensitive in nature.

This text messaging service gives you the option to opt-out of text message participation from the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) on your mobile device regarding the UWLA admission, financial aid, and student accounts. Subscribing or unsubscribing to this service does not affect the required application for admission nor does it circumvent prescribed admission requirements for UWLA.

If you consent to receive text messages from UWLA, the Office of Admissions may send you periodic texts regarding your application status, financial aid deadlines, and event details. This service is to provide you information via text messaging about matters that UWLA deems helpful and pertinent to the admissions, financial aid process, and student accounts. 

Individuals must opt-out or otherwise acquiesce to the receipt of text messaging communication.  Student personal details held by UWLA are updated with any changes to their mobile phone number as instructed, directed, or otherwise informed by the student.

All costs associated with receiving a text message are the responsibility of the individual receiving the message. Receiving mobile text messages from UWLA is completely free of charge. However, standard text messaging rates from your wireless carrier still apply. Check with your mobile provider for details on receiving text messages (SMS).

TEXT MESSAGING GUIDELINES

As technology is ever changing, UWLA cannot guarantee that the information visitors transmit electronically is completely secure.  UWLA makes every effort to protect the privacy of its users, however, UWLA cannot guarantee the security of information that users transmit, and users transmit such information at their own risk. Acceptance of this policy is a condition of the use of the text messaging services and users agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.  The resolution of any disputes concerning this policy are subject to and governed by the laws of the State of California.

All approved officials must abide by all other University polices and ensure:

• the message is valid;
• the wording is appropriate; and 
• the circulation list is correct.
  

Text messaging will be used as the sole means of communicating an essential message or announcement in some situations. The text message notification can be supplemented by some other means of communication as well, e.g. an email or paper notice to ensure that all students, including those without a mobile phone, receive the message.

Text messaging will not be used for:

• general information to large populations i.e. “Fall classes start Monday!”;
• repeat reminders of certain messages already circulated; and
• personal matters e.g., items for sale, farewell messages.
  

All messages will be tagged with the appropriate identifier e.g., school, administrative office so that the recipients of the text can see immediately where it originated.  Authorized officials do not need prior approval to send periodic messages.

Messages should be no longer than 160 characters and should address the student directly, i.e. as 'you'. They should include essential points plus the instruction: 'check your email for full details' or 'full details to follow by internal post'.

When possible abbreviations and text lingo should be kept to a minimum.

All text messaging support services, or software applications must be approved by appropriate University’s Technology Department.

DATA DISCLOSURE

UWLA will not disclose the Information to any third parties, except:

• When a third-party designate is utilized to provide the Service or other services offered or administered by the university;
• To the extent that it is required to do so by law in connection with any legal proceedings or prospective legal proceedings;
• In order to establish, exercise, or defend its legal rights.
  

UWLA will take reasonable technical and organizational precautions to prevent the loss or misuse of information. The university will take reasonable steps to verify that the privacy policies and/or practices of its third party designates are comparable to its own. UWLA is not responsible for privacy policies and/or practices of any third parties that it does not explicitly designate.

TEXT MESSAGING POLICY UPDATES

UWLA may make changes to this policy to comply with necessary legal and regulatory requirements, or in instances where UWLA upgrades or alters its technological services.  UWLA recommends users review its policies occasionally to familiarize themselves with any such changes or alterations.

Robert W. Brown, President