At FIU Online, your privacy matters to us. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our websites. This Privacy Statement outlines the types of information we gather, the reasons we collect it, how it is used, and the choices you have in managing your data.
Our Privacy Statement applies to the collection and use of your personal information by FIU Online through your use of our websites and digital platforms. This includes browsing or interacting with FIU Online's main website (https://fiuonline.fiu.edu), as well as any websites operated by FIU Online. Please note that this Privacy Statement is not intended to supersede or modify the terms of Florida International University’s official enterprise-wide Privacy Policy. In the event of a conflict between the two, the University's official policy shall govern.
When this statement refers to "FIU Online," "we," "us," or "our," it refers to the online learning division of Florida International University, which acts as the data controller responsible for your information under this Privacy Statement. FIU Online's websites and digital platforms will collectively be referred to as "FIU Online Sites."
By using FIU Online Sites, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Statement. This information helps us deliver a better user experience, improve our services, and understand how our platforms are used. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the collection, use, or removal of your personal information, please contact us at onlineprograms@fiu.edu.
Information Collected or Received
When you visit FIU Online websites, we may collect or receive personal information in a variety of ways. Sometimes, you choose what to share with us; other times, we collect data automatically based on your interactions with our site. Generally, the information we gather falls into two categories: information you provide and information we collect automatically.
Information You Give Us
We collect personal details you choose to share while using FIU Online websites. To deliver certain services, we may request the following information:
- First and last name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Phone number(s)
- Application-related data
You may be asked to provide this information in the following scenarios:
- Requests for Information: When you request information from FIU Online, you agree to be contacted via email, automated calls, pre-recorded messages, or SMS by FIU Online and/or its partners at the phone number you provide, including mobile numbers—even if you are on a corporate, state, or federal Do-Not-Call list. By submitting the request, you confirm you are the owner of the contact information provided. This consent remains in effect unless you revoke it in writing. Providing consent is not required to receive information; you may alternatively reach us at onlineprograms@fiu.edu for assistance.
- Payment Information: When submitting payment details (e.g., credit card number and billing address), FIU Online uses trusted third-party providers, CyberSource and CampusCE, to securely process payments.
Information We Collect Automatically
When you browse our website, your browser may automatically send us data, including:
- Your internet domain and IP address
- The type of browser and operating system you use
- Device details (model, time zone, unique identifiers, mobile network)
- Pages visited, search terms used, and site usage patterns
- Geographic location, date, and time of your visit
- Demographic data such as age, gender, and interests
- The site you visited before coming to ours
To enhance your experience, we may place small data files known as “cookies” on your device. Cookies store preferences (like login details, language, or display settings) to improve functionality and convenience across visits.
FIU Online uses both session and persistent cookies, placed by us and by trusted third parties, to:
- Improve site performance and functionality
- Analyze user behavior
- Enable social media integration
- Track ad and search campaign effectiveness
- Personalize content based on user interest
- Deliver retargeted ads for previously viewed content
You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Visit allaboutcookies.org for guidance. Disabling cookies may impact your experience or limit some functionalities.
We use automated tools to report aggregated website data. In some cases, we may link this data with previously collected information to personalize your experience—for example, by connecting website visits to prior interactions like phone calls.
Our sites use Google Analytics and Google reCAPTCHA. View Google’s Privacy Policy
FIU Online adheres to the Digital Advertising Alliance’s (DAA) Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising (OBA).
How We Use Information We Collect
FIU Online uses, stores, and processes the information we collect to operate, improve, and develop our websites and services, and to meet legal and regulatory obligations. Information may be stored for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes.
We may use your information in the following ways:
- To respond to your inquiries about our degree programs, services, or offerings
- To communicate with you about FIU online programs, services, events, and promotional opportunities via email, phone, or text message. These communications may be facilitated through automated technologies
- To enhance your experience by improving our websites, products, services, and marketing strategies based on user behavior and feedback
- To conduct research and analysis that helps us better understand the needs and preferences of our audiences
- To comply with legal obligations or protect the rights and safety of our users and organization
We process your personal information based on our legitimate interest in providing you with relevant services and opportunities. You can opt out of receiving promotional communications from FIU Online at any time by following the unsubscribe link included in our messages, or by requesting to be removed by calling us at 305-348-3125 or emailing onlineprograms@fiu.edu.
How is your personal information protected?
At FIU Online, safeguarding your personal information is a top priority. We employ a combination of administrative, technical, and physical security measures to help protect your data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. These safeguards are regularly reviewed and updated to align with industry standards. While we use secure methods to protect your information, please note that no method of data transmission over the internet or electronic storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
FERPA Compliance
We adhere strictly to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student information is only shared with authorized university personnel or agents for legitimate educational purposes, in accordance with FIU’s Student Privacy and FERPA protocols.
Phishing
You play an important role in protecting your personal information. Be cautious of “phishing” emails—fraudulent messages that appear to come from trusted sources. FIU Online will never ask you to share passwords, usernames, credit card details, or other sensitive information via email. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, do not respond.
Children’s Personal Information
FIU Online websites are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child under 13 has submitted information to us, please contact us immediately so we can remove the data.
How is your information shared?
FIU Online may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in delivering services and improving your experience. These may include:
- Marketing vendors and email service providers
- Analytics and website hosting providers
- Call center and chat support services
- Enrollment, recruitment, and IT solution partners
These partners are granted access only to the information needed to perform their duties and are expected to maintain the confidentiality and security of your data.
We do not disclose personal information to third parties or government agencies except as required by state or federal law. Under Florida’s public records law, any information shared in connection with state business, including email addresses, may be made available to the public unless protected by a specific legal exemption. If you wish to avoid having your email address disclosed as a public record, please contact FIU by phone or mail instead of email.
Use of Third-Party Services
Some pages on our website may include content or services from external third parties (e.g., graphics, scripts, logos). When you access these pages, data such as your IP address, browser type, and visit time may be shared with the third-party provider.
Additionally, FIU Online may link to third-party websites or services for your convenience. Please note that these third parties operate independently and are not governed by FIU’s privacy policies. We encourage you to review their privacy notices directly, as we do not control or assume responsibility for their data practices.
Contact Us
FIU Online
11200 SW 8th Street
MANGO 540
Miami, FL 33199
305-348-3125
