Cookie Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device as you browse. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the site owners. This Cookie Policy explains how the Office of Graduate Education & Research platform (the "Platform") uses cookies and similar technologies.
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
- Authentication and Security: To recognize you when you sign in, maintain your authenticated session, and protect your account security.
- Preferences: To remember your settings and preferences, such as display choices or progress tracking.
- Performance and Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with the Platform, identify errors, and improve functionality.
- Session Management: To keep you signed in as you navigate between pages and to preserve your session state.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
The Platform uses the following categories of cookies:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the Platform to function. These cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually set only in response to actions you take, such as logging in or filling out forms.
- Functionality Cookies: Enable the Platform to provide enhanced features and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use.
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors engage with the Platform by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
4. Third-Party Cookies
The Platform may use third-party services that set their own cookies. These include:
- Authentication Services: Our authentication provider uses cookies to manage sign-in sessions securely.
- Analytics: We may use analytics services that set cookies to help us understand usage patterns.
We do not use cookies for targeted advertising or behavioral profiling.
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View cookies stored on your device
- Delete individual cookies or all cookies
- Block cookies from particular sites or all sites
- Block third-party cookies
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Platform. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled without impacting your ability to sign in and use core features.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
7. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact:
Dr. Timothy M. Stafford
Email: tstafford@stu.edu