PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management (Pty) Ltd
Registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration Certificate
1.INTRODUCTION
The Da Vinci Institute is a private higher distance education institution offering programmes with outcomes-based curricula. This policy forms part of the institutional Quality Management System and details the principles for ensuring that programme offerings adhere to academic standards and empower students to contribute to the transformation of their communities, society and the economy of the future. This approach is underpinned by the Mode 2 discourse on the generation and distribution of knowledge.
The Da Vinci Institute is committed to protecting and respecting the individual’s right to privacy in relation to the collection, management, storage, use and disclosure of personal information, and ensuring the accuracy and security of any personal information it holds regardless of whether the personal information relates to staff, students, contractors or visitors.
The Privacy and Confidentiality policy informs how Da Vinci processes personal information:
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Personal information provided to Da Vinci
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Personal information Da Vinci collects about the individual
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Personal information Da Vinci obtains from other sources.
By submitting personal information to Da Vinci, or using Da Vinci’s services, the individual is accepting and consenting to the practices described in this policy.
For the purpose of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013, the responsible party is Da Vinci Institute for Higher Education.
2.DEFINITIONS
Term |
Definition |
Cookie |
An HTTP cookie (also called web cookie, Internet cookie, browser cookie) is a small piece of data sent from a website and stored on the user’s computer by the user’s web browser while the user is browsing |
Fraud |
In South Africa fraud is defined as “the unlawful and intentional making of a misrepresentation which causes actual and or potential prejudice to another” |
IP (Internet Protocol) address |
An IP address is a set of numbers which is assigned to the user’s computer during a browsing session whenever the user logs onto the Internet via their internet service provider |
Term |
Definition |
or their network (if they access the Internet from, for example, a computer at work) |
|
Personal Information |
Information about an identifiable individual, such as name, age, date of birth, home address and phone number, marital status, financial information and details of one’s involvement with the institution |
Uniform ResourceLocator (URL) |
A protocol for specifying addresses on the Internet; an address that identifies a particular file on the Internet, usually consisting of the protocol, as http, followed by the domain name |
3.LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT
The Privacy and confidentiality Policy is benchmarked against, and should be read in the context of the relevant legislation underpinning the principles against which institutional policies, processes and standard operational procedures are developed, implemented and maintained. These include:
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Companies Act 71 of 2008
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Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002
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Protection of Personal Information Act, No 4 of 2013
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Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000
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South African Constitution No. 108 of 1996.
Da Vinci Policies:
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Acceptable use of Information Systems
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Communication and Media
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Firewall
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Information Security Language
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Records and Administration Management
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Social Media
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Wireless Communication.
4.SCOPE
This policy refers to all individuals or groups utilising Da Vinci’s resources and includes the following parties:
4.1. Employees
4.2. Contractors
4.3. Temporary staff
4.4. Students
4.5. Customers
4.6. Members of the public
4.7. Any other party utilising Da Vinci’s resources.
5.PURPOSE
Da Vinci respects individual privacy and the laws governing it and remains committed to protecting and safeguarding the personal information of students, staff, alumni, donors and others who access its products and services. This policy affirms the institution’s commitment to maintaining that privacy and to inform interested parties of the institution’s policies and practices in protecting such personal information.
Da Vinci’s privacy commitment includes ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality and security of personal information and allowing individuals to request access to, and correction of their personal information.
6.PERSONAL INFORMATION
The institution may collect information provided in writing (including via electronic media) or verbally about its students, faculty, alumni, donors and others who access its products and services and does so for the following purposes, depending upon the specific circumstances:
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Maintaining a record of one’s involvement with the institution
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To respond to requests for information, counselling and guidance
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To provide instruction, mentoring, counselling and follow up activities for students
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Communicating with and understanding the needs of students, staff, alumni and their families
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To deliver requested products and services
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Fund-raising and institutional advancement activities
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Recording and processing of donations and gifts
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Meeting any legal, accreditation or regulatory requirements Analysis of data for management purposes;
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Other purposes consistent with the aim to fulfil the institution’s mission.
7.PERSONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO DA VINCI
Da Vinci may receive personal information by any of the following means:
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Individuals filling in forms available on the Da Vinci website, or at its offices
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Corresponding by phone, e-mail or other means
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When registering a student
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Completing a form to contact Da Vinci
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Subscribe to Da Vinci’s services
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Participate in Da Vinci’s social media forums
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Linked to Da Vinci’s website
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Completing a survey
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Reporting a problem via Da Vinci’s website.