1. Information We Collect
We collect both personal and non-personal information to provide educational services and maintain regulatory compliance. The types of personal data we collect include, but are not limited to:
Personal Information:
- Full name, date of birth, gender, and nationality
- Contact details such as email address, physical address, and phone number
- Educational background and academic performance records
- Financial information, including payment details for tuition fees
- Identification documents such as national ID, passport, or student ID
- Emergency contact information
Non-Personal Information:
- IP addresses, browser types, and device information
- Usage data, including browsing history and clickstream data
- Cookies and other online identifiers
2. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Information
We process your personal data in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations based on the following legal grounds:
- Contractual Necessity: To fulfill our obligations to you as a student or applicant, such as processing admissions and managing academic records.
- Consent: When you provide explicit consent for specific data processing activities, such as marketing communications.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including those from government bodies and the Higher Education Regulator.
- Legitimate Interests: To improve services, enhance security, and ensure the proper functioning of the College's website and systems.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the personal information collected for various purposes, including but not limited to:
- Academic and Administrative Purposes: Processing student applications, managing enrollment, and maintaining academic records.
- Communication: Sending essential academic notices, event updates, and information related to your enrollment.
- Financial Processing: Handling tuition payments, scholarships, and financial aid applications.
- Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local education laws, regulations, and quality standards set by relevant authorities.
- Marketing and Promotions: Sending promotional materials for events, courses, and programs, where you have provided explicit consent.
- Website Optimization: Enhancing website functionality, user experience, and system security through cookies and analytics.
4. Collection and Processing of Student Information
We are committed to the responsible and secure handling of student information. The following policies govern the processing of student data:
- Enrollment Data: Personal data collected during the admissions process is used solely for evaluating eligibility, managing enrollment, and maintaining academic records. This information is stored securely in both electronic and paper form.
- Academic Records: Student grades, attendance, and other performance-related information are kept confidential and shared only with authorized personnel such as faculty members and academic advisors.
- Health and Safety Data: In certain cases, such as medical emergencies or compliance with public health mandates, we may collect and share health information with relevant authorities or healthcare providers.
- Retention Period: Student data will be retained for the duration of enrollment and for a minimum of five (5) years after graduation or withdrawal, or as required by law or regulatory authorities.
5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information
We do not sell or lease personal information to third parties. However, we may share your personal information with:
- Regulatory Bodies: To comply with requirements set by the Higher Education Regulator and other governmental authorities.
- Service Providers: Trusted third parties who provide essential services, such as payment processors, cloud storage providers, and IT maintenance, who are bound by confidentiality agreements.
- Law Enforcement or Legal Processes: To comply with legal requirements such as subpoenas, court orders, or as necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of WESCO College or others.
6. International Data Transfers
If your personal data is transferred or stored in locations outside of Eswatini, we ensure that such transfers comply with international data protection standards. We take appropriate safeguards, including the use of contracts and data protection frameworks, to ensure your information is handled securely.
7. Data Security
We implement a combination of administrative, physical, and technical security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, loss, or disclosure. Our security protocols include:
- Data encryption in transit and at rest
- Secure access controls and authentication procedures
- Regular audits and vulnerability assessments of our systems
- Staff training on data protection best practices
- Despite these measures, no method of transmission over the internet is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute data security.
8. Data Retention
WESCO College retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. For example, student records are retained for a minimum of five (5) years following graduation or withdrawal unless otherwise mandated by regulatory requirements.
9. Your Data Protection Rights
- You have the following rights with respect to your personal information:
- Right to Access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Right to Rectification: You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Right to Erasure: You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to regulatory requirements.
- Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data for specific purposes, such as marketing.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw your consent at any time for data processing activities that require consent.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at +268 76484616 / 78111383.
10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
WESCO College uses cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance the functionality of our website and improve user experience. These cookies collect non-personal information, such as browsing behavior and preferences. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings; however, doing so may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.
11. External Links
Our website may contain links to external websites that are not governed by this Privacy Policy. WESCO College is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such external sites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.
12. Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18 without the consent of a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately, and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
13. Higher Education Regulator Policies
As a registered private institution in Eswatini, WESCO College complies with the policies set forth by the Higher Education Regulator. For more specific details on these regulatory policies, we encourage you to contact us directly. We will guide you on how to obtain the relevant information from the regulator.
14. Updates to This Policy
WESCO College reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the revision date will be updated accordingly. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal information.
15. Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, or if you would like to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us at:
WESCO College
Physical Address:- Liqhaga Building, First Floor, Manzini
- African City Bu., Gwamile Street, Mbabane
Contact Numbers:- +268 76484616 / 78111383
- +268 79549713/ 76111052
By using WESCO College’s services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
Last Updated: 5 of October, 2024