This page provides a general overview of how Southern Methodist University websites collect information, how that information is used, and how we protect information you provide to us.

Individual Southern Methodist University websites may establish their own information collection practices as permitted by law and may provide additional privacy information.

Cookies

Cookies are small text files that collect information about website activity. Southern Methodist sites use cookies for two primary purposes—to carry info about your current site visit from one page to the next, and to recognize you and remember your preferences on any subsequent visits.

You can disable cookies by changing preference settings in your web browser. You can use many Southern Methodist websites with cookies disabled, but may find that some functions require cookies.

Pixel Tags

Also called web beacons, web bugs, or clear GIFs, pixel tags are tiny image files that may be used to monitor website use. Disabling cookies in your web browser preferences will prevent pixel tags from collecting any unique information.

Pixel tags also may be used to track whether you open email messages we send. You can disable some pixel tags by turning off HTML display or images in your email software.

Third-party tracking tools

Many Southern Methodist websites use third-party tracking tools to monitor and improve sites or to provide ads and other information that may be of interest to users. These tools may collect the following information:

• Internet protocol (IP) address for your computer/device
• Internet service provider
• Website from which you arrived
• Operating system and web browser software
• Date and time of your visit
• Pages you visit on this site
• Terms you use in our site’s search engines

Third-party tools like Google Analytics help website administrators track site usage, understand how users find sites, and improve website function and content.

Other third-party tools show Southern Methodist advertisements on sites across the web. Using cookies and related technologies, these tools show ads to people who’ve previously visited our websites or might be interested in our sites based on other sites they’ve visited.

You can opt out of these services:

• Google advertising opt out
• Network Advertising Initiative opt out

You may also see Southern Methodist ads served to web users in specific geographic areas, or ads that appear to every user who visits a given website. These ads may appear regardless of your browsing behavior.

Server logs

Like third-party tracking tools, our web servers routinely generate logs that include basic information helpful in monitoring website usage and performance:

• IP address
• Web browser software and plugins
• Date and time of your visit
• Path taken through our sites
• Files downloaded and time spent accessing video or audio files
• Any errors you encounter

Southern Methodist websites may request personal information via forms, surveys, etc. Each site should disclose how this information will be used and, in keeping with university policy, use it only for the purpose described.

You can choose whether to provide this information. Providing personal information on a voluntary basis may be necessary for certain services (for example, joining a mailing list or registering interest in a program).

Southern Methodist University will not share your personal information with third parties except:

• As required by law
• As necessary to protect the university’s interests
• With vendors contracted by the university who have agreed to keep this information confidential

If you express interest about university programs, Southern Methodist units and vendors contracted by the university may match limited personal information with information about how you use Southern Methodist websites.

The university may get more information about you—like name, age, gender, or social media activity—by searching the Internet or querying third parties. University units or vendors contracted by the university only collect data that’s publicly available or provided by a third party according to its terms of use. This information helps the university provide you with information tailored to your interests.

Southern Methodist University websites may include links to non-Southern Methodist sites. The university is not responsible for privacy practices on non-Southern Methodist sites.

Web technologies are continually changing, and Southern Methodist University colleges, departments, and programs use various technologies and practices on their own websites. We will update this statement to provide an overview of general Southern Methodist privacy practices, but it may not address every topic for every site.

Southern Methodist University, its units, employees, and agents shall not be liable for improper or incorrect use of information obtained through the use of Southern Methodist websites.

By using Southern Methodist University websites, you consent to the terms of this privacy statement.

Email help@smu.edu with questions about this statement or Southern Methodist University privacy practices, or to submit a request for deletion of personal information.

Southern Methodist University contracts with Everspring to assist in supporting the recruitment process for certain online, hybrid and/or campus programs. Southern Methodist University is solely responsible for setting admission requirements, admission and enrollment decisions, determining transferability of prior credits, financial aid administration, and the instruction, curriculum and graduation requirements of the program. Partnering with leading universities across a range of program areas, Everspring specializes in providing services such as research, marketing, recruitment support, learning design and student support, and support for the launch and growth of certain online, hybrid, and/or campus programs. Everspring has a track record of delivering outstanding outcomes to Southern Methodist University. Learn more about Everspring.

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