SMS Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This SMS Privacy Policy explains how Edvise ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information when you enroll in or interact with an SMS-based student-support program provided on behalf of a partner university (the "Service"). We use trusted service providers, such as Twilio, to deliver SMS messages and operate the Service.

2. How We Obtain Consent (Opt-In)

Students are invited to enroll in university-sponsored SMS programs via text message or authorized university enrollment methods.

• SMS Confirmation Opt-In: To enroll via SMS, you must reply YES to a confirmation message requesting enrollment in recurring informational text messages related to academic advising, campus resources, and student support services.
• Re-enrollment: If you previously opted out, you may re-enroll by replying START (when offered) or by following the enrollment method provided by your institution.

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP, or request assistance by replying HELP.

3. Information We Collect

When you enroll in an SMS program, we may collect:

• Mobile phone number: The number used to enroll and receive messages.
• Message content: Messages you send and receive through the Service (including keywords like STOP and HELP).
• Delivery and engagement metadata: Delivery status and related messaging metadata required to operate the Service (and, where applicable, link engagement).
• Consent records: Opt-in and opt-out timestamps (e.g., YES/STOP/START) for compliance and auditing.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use information collected through the Service solely to:

• Deliver student-support communications: Send informational messages about academic advising, campus resources, and student support services.
• Provide support and respond to requests: Respond to your messages and process opt-out/opt-in requests.
• Maintain compliance records: Record and honor consent, opt-in, and opt-out status.
• Improve program effectiveness: Monitor delivery performance and service quality.

We do not use SMS data for unrelated marketing or advertising purposes.

5. Data Security and Retention

5.1. Security Measures

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. These safeguards may include encryption, access controls, and secure data storage provided by us and our service providers.

5.2. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to provide the Service and maintain required compliance records. Opt-in and opt-out records may be retained for compliance purposes. When data is no longer needed, we take steps to delete or de-identify it, unless retention is required by law.

6. Data Sharing

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

We do not sell or rent personal information. We may share information only with:

• Your partner university: To provide student-support services and program oversight.
• Service providers necessary to deliver SMS: Such as telecommunications and messaging providers (including Twilio) that help operate the Service.
• Legal and safety requirements: If required by law or to protect rights, safety, and security.

7. Your Right to Opt-Out

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP. After you send STOP, we will send one final confirmation message and you will no longer receive messages unless you re-enroll.

To request help, reply HELP or contact us at support@edvise.org.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this SMS Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post updates on our website and revise the effective date above.