Privacy Policy
China Institute has created this Privacy Policy to explain the type of information that we collect, to disclose our information gathering practices for the website located at the URL www.chinainstitute.org
We do not collect personal information about individuals, except when it is knowingly provided by such individuals. We believe that maintaining privacy on the internet is very important and that informing our visitors about their rights and privacy, as well as the types of information that we collect is a crucial component of preserving our online community.
China Institute reserves the right to change this privacy policy without notice, effective by posting any such changes to this site.
In order to demonstrate our commitment to your privacy, this policy aims to notify you of,
• Identifiable information that we collect;
• Who collects such information;
• How information is used;
• With whom your information may be shared;
• In what ways you may elect to opt in or out regarding collection, use, and distribution of information and;
• How you can correct any inaccuracies in information.
What Information We Collect and How We Use That Information
Our registration forms require users to give us contact information that may include name, e-mail address, street address, interests, and similar information. For classes and fee-based events, we collect basic information outlined below. We do not request or store sensitive information from our visitors, such as credit card or social security numbers. We may also collect device and network information for the purpose of improving and optimizing our Web content, depending on how you interact with our site.
Email Policy
We regularly send email newsletters and email updates of upcoming events to our members or parties who have requested specific categories of information (including but not limited to prior event attendees, students and educators). You may subscribe or unsubscribe to an email newsletter or email notice at any time. You can join our mailing list by subscribing here.
We read every email message that we receive and try to respond to email in a prompt manner. If you contact us via email, your message and email address will be forwarded to the appropriate department within our organization. This department may choose to save your information in case you decide to contact us again.
Members
When you become a member, China Institute asks you to provide the information necessary to process and service your membership: name, billing address, telephone number, email address, and credit card number. For reasons of security, credit card information is not stored permanently on the Web server. You may also be asked for additional information required to complete and service your request, such as the names of your children when joining as a family members. We may also ask you about your interests so that we may keep you informed about events and programs that may be of interest to you.
Students and Educators
China Institute will ask you to provide the information necessary to process and service your course or workshop registration: name, billing address, telephone number, email address, and credit card number. For reasons of security, credit card information is not stored permanently on the Web server. You may also be asked for additional information required to complete and service your request, such as the names of your children who are registering for classes. We may also ask you about your interests so that we may keep you informed about events and programs that may be of interest to you.
When you register for a class or professional development workshop at the China Institute School of Chinese Studies, we encourage you to provide us with an email address at which you can be reached. We will use this email to contact you with important information regarding your course, such as, registration confirmation, change in class schedule, cancellations, etc. We will also send you emails about start of sessions, early-bird discounts, upcoming workshops or classes that may interest you, etc. Please note that while you are a student at the School of Chinese Studies, we reserve the right to contact you via email, while ensuring that your information and privacy are protected.
Donor Privacy
China Institute recognizes and protects the privacy of all of our donors, whether they give online or offline. We do not sell, rent, or share information relating to any donor who gives to the Institute, unless specifically requested to do so by that donor.
If donating online, China Institute will ask you to provide the information necessary to process your gift and provide you with our donor benefits: name, billing address, telephone number, email address, and credit card number. For reasons of security, credit card information is not stored permanently on the Web server. We also ask that you specify a designation for your donation, and provide an opportunity to contribute your donation as a gift in honor, memory, or support of someone.
Children 18 and Under
We do not solicit personal information from children. In any section of the site that requests personal information, visitors 18 years of age and under are reminded to obtain permission from an adult before supplying the requested information.
Photo and Video
Parents of students of China Institute School of Chinese Studies Children’s Program (under 18 years of age) are asked to sign a photo/video release form at the start of each semester and our summer camp program. This waiver permits China Institute the right to make use of any photographs, audio or video footage for promotional literature, advertising, publications (including electronic publications, audiovisual presentations, etc.) and social media. Parents may elect whether or not they choose to sign this form, and China Institute will respect the privacy of families and children.
China Institute assumes the right and permission to use any photographs, audio or video footage taken at public events for promotional literature, advertising, publications (including electronic publications, audiovisual presentations, etc.) and social media. If a patron wishes to be excluded from images they may indicate such in writing or in an email following the event.
China Institute assumes the right and permission to use any photographs, audio or video footage taken of adult students, members, and visitors for promotional literature, advertising, publications (including electronic publications, audiovisual presentations, etc.) and social media. If an adult student, member, or patron wishes to be excluded from images they may indicate such in writing or in an email following the event.
If at any time an image of you or your child is used on our website, social media channels, or in publication without the permissions detailed above, please feel free to contact us.
Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses
We collect an Internet Protocol (IP) address from all visitors to our site. An IP address is a number that is automatically assigned to your computer when you use the Internet. We use IP addresses to help diagnose problems with our server, manage our site, analyze trends, gather broad demographic information for aggregate use in order for us to improve the site, and deliver customized, personalized content. IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information. The purpose of this information is to improve site performance for our users.
Other Websites
Our site contains links to other websites. Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are entering another website for which China Institute has no responsibility. We encourage you to read the privacy statements on all such sites as their policies may be different than ours.
Occasionally, China Institute partners with other organizations to host events, classes, and workshops. In the case of an event, course, or workshop presented in partnership with another organization, we will ensure that the partnership is expressed clearly in writing on the event webpage, as well as in email communication, flyers, and other promotional materials. In the case that a China Institute event, workshop, or class is presented in conjunction with another organization, registration information such as name, billing address, telephone number, email address may be shared with the other party. For reasons of security, China Institute will not store or share credit card information.
If registration occurs through a third-party box office or registration system, China Institute has no responsibility, and we encourage users and guests to read the privacy statement and policies of the third party’s website.
Use of “Cookies”:
Our site may use cookies to enhance your experience while using our site. Cookies are pieces of information that some websites transfer to the computer that is browsing that website and are used for record-keeping purposes at many websites. Use of cookies makes Web-surfing easier by performing certain functions such as saving your passwords, your personal preferences regarding your use of the particular website and to make sure you don’t see the same ad repeatedly. Many consider the use of cookies to be an industry standard.
Your browser is probably set to accept cookies. However, if you would prefer not to receive cookies, you can alter the configuration of your browser to refuse cookies. If you choose to have your browser refuse cookies, it is possible that some areas of our site will not function properly when you view them.
Security:
All information provided to China Institute is transmitted using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. SSL is a proven coding system that lets your browser automatically encrypt, or scramble, data before you send it to us. We also protect account information by placing it on a secure portion of our site that is only accessible by certain qualified employees of China Institute. Unfortunately, however, no data transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of such information.
Contacting the Website:
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, you can contact:
China Institute
100 Washington Street
New York, NY 10006
You can also send an e-mail to: ywang@chinainstitute.org