At Vanguard University School of Medicine (VUSOM), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we handle your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you interact with our website or services.

1. Your Consent

By using our website or submitting your information through any of our forms or communication channels, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Collection of Personal Data

We collect personal data directly from you when you:

• Register or apply for our academic programs
• Complete online forms or request information
• Communicate with us via email, phone, or other channels
• Participate in events, webinars, or surveys
• Subscribe to newsletters or program updates

Depending on the context, the information we collect may include:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Academic and professional background
• IP address and browser/device data
• Location information (approximate)
• Any additional information you voluntarily provide

You may choose to visit our website anonymously, though some features may not be fully accessible.

3. Purpose of Data Collection

We use your information to:

• Provide information about our medical programs
• Respond to inquiries and communicate with you
• Process applications and admissions
• Deliver newsletters, updates, and promotional materials
• Improve our website and services
• Conduct research, surveys, or data analysis for academic improvement

4. Use of Personal Data

With your consent or where legally permitted, we may use your data for:

• Internal marketing, promotional offers, or event invitations
• Sending relevant academic content or updates
• Personalized communication via email, SMS, phone, or messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp)
• Analyzing site usage and user engagement

You can opt out of any marketing communication at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in each message.

5. Sharing and Transfer of Data

We may share your information with:

• Internal departments or affiliated educational bodies
• Authorized third-party service providers (e.g., CRM platforms, analytics tools)
• Government or regulatory authorities, if required by law

These parties are required to handle your data with the same level of confidentiality and protection.

6. Use of Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enhance your browsing experience
• Understand user preferences
• Track site traffic and behavior

You can control or disable cookies via your browser settings, but doing so may affect certain features or functionality of our website.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption
• Firewall-protected servers
• Restricted access to authorized personnel only

Despite our efforts, no method of transmission over the internet is entirely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. External Links and Third-Party Services

Our website may include links to external sites not operated by VUSOM. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third-party websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies separately.

9. How We Obtain Information

We obtain personal information through:

• Direct interaction with our website or staff
• Online forms and subscriptions
• Publicly available sources (e.g., professional networks like LinkedIn)
• Authorized partners, institutions, or referrals

10. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any modifications will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.