As a user of this website, you are trusting us with your information. The following Privacy Statement explains what information the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) collects, for what purpose, and how you can update, manage, and delete your information.
Cookies
The MyHigherEd website collects "cookies", data stored on the computer you use, which can later be retrieved by our web server. When you visit this website, session cookies track activity on the site and make sure you are getting the right content (session cookies disappear when the browser is closed). Other cookies store user preferences and remain on the site, but they do not store any personal data about users. OHE does allow Google to set its own third-party cookies on OHE’s behalf to perform website analytical functions through the use of Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager as outlined below.
Website Management Functions
For site management functions, we collect information for analysis and statistical purposes. We do not report or use this information in any manner that would reveal personally identifiable information, or release it to any outside parties unless legally required to do so in connection with law enforcement investigations or other legal proceedings. We do not track users over time and across third party websites to provide targeted advertising and therefore do not respond to Do Not Track (DNT) requests.
We use website analytics tools to create summary statistics, which are used for purposes such as assessing what information is of most interest, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. Our website logs do not collect personally identifiable information, and we make no attempt to link them with the individuals who browse the MyHigherEd website. When you visit this website, we automatically collect and store the following information about your visit:
- The Internet Protocol Address and domain name;
- The type of browser and operating system;
- The date and time of the visit;
- The webpages accessed on this site;
- The website visited prior to coming to this website; and
- Search terms used to find the MyHigherEd website or to search for information.
Google and Web Analytics Data
OHE uses Google Analytics to obtain anonymous website usage data to help us manage and improve the website to better serve the citizens of Minnesota. This information is used to create summary statistics that may serve us in assessing what information is of most interest, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. We use all the tools available within Google Analytics, including Google advertising cookies previously set by other websites. OHE does not have access to any personally-identifiable information through Google Analytics. And we do not attempt in any way to combine personally-identifiable information with non-personally identifiable information we receive from third parties,such as Google.
Public Disclosure
All information collected at this site becomes public records that may be subject to inspection and copying by the public, unless an exemption in law exists. Minnesota Rules, Department of Administration Chapter 1205 defines Minnesota's Data Practices Act. In the event of a conflict between this Data Practices Act and the Public Records Act or other law governing the disclosure of records, the Public Records Act or other applicable law will control.
Your Privacy
If during your visit to this site you participate in a survey, fill out a web form, or send an email, the following additional information will be collected:
- The email address and contents of the email; and
- information volunteered to complete a web form or in response to a survey.
The information collected is not limited to text characters and may include audio, video, and graphic information formats you send us. The information is retained in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 138.17, subd. 1 , and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 15.17 ; destruction, preservation, reproduction of records, prima facie evidence.
If you send us an email with a question or comment that contains personally identifiable information, or fill out a form that emails us this information, we will only use the personally identifiable information to respond to your request and analyze trends. This may be to respond to you, to address issues you identify, or to further improve our website. We may redirect your message to another government agency that is in a better position to answer your question. Survey information is used for the purpose designated.
Email
Information that is transmitted by email via the Internet is not secure and can be intercepted and read by other Internet users. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) recommends you do not use email to send private or confidential data about yourself or others unless it has been encoded or encrypted. Please also note that any email submitted to OHE may be forwarded internally to direct it to the appropriate recipient.
Data Collected on Registered Users
While navigating this site, you may be requested to provide the following information: preferences regarding attending a postsecondary institution, career preferences, zipcode, age, ethnicity, gender, phone number, and family status. This data will be used by the system to match you with resources and specific information you may be searching for during your navigation. You are not required to provide this data to access information about general institutions and resources available to all Minnesotans. Information you provide is available only to you, OHE, selected OHE employees, the legislative auditor, and upon court order.
Your email will be used to contact you regarding information and resources updates posted on the website, offer guidance on how to navigate the platform and use the tools available to you on the website, promote events regarding FAFSA completion that may be of your interest, and follow-up with alerts set by you as a registered user. You will always receive opt-out instructions.
Your phone number will be used to send you text messages on these updates, if you opted-in on the website. You will always receive opt-out instructions.
Information management and deletion
You can manage your information on your account profile page. If you wish to deactivate or delete your account, please send your request by email to contact@myhighered.mn.gov.
