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Privacy at Northwestern
At Northwestern University we are committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of our community members as well as any members of the public who interface with the University. We are dedicated to ensuring that all personal information is handled with care and respect, and in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies.What is Privacy?
Privacy can mean different things depending on context, culture, or legal requirements. It is often described as “the right to be let alone.” At Northwestern, when we talk about privacy, we are primarily referring to information privacy—the belief that individuals should be empowered to exercise some control over how their personal information is collected, used, and shared.
Information privacy includes protecting personal data from unauthorized access and misuse, ensuring transparency in how data is used, and giving individuals the opportunity to verify its accuracy. Personal data—also known as personally identifiable information (PII)—includes any information that can identify or be linked to an individual, such as names, contact details, identification numbers, social security numbers, biometric data, and other information related to medical, educational, financial, or employment records.
In alignment with the University Compliance Office’s Mission and Values, we strive to maintain transparent and collegial relationships with our community. We are committed to promoting honest and ethical behavior in all aspects of data handling and in compliance with applicable policies, laws, and standards.
Privacy Statement
For more detailed information on how we handle personal data, please refer to our Privacy Statement. This document outlines our practices and procedures for the collection, use, and protection of personal information.Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about privacy at Northwestern, compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR, or other privacy-related matters, please contact us at: privacy@northwestern.edu