Eastern Kentucky University SMS Terms & Privacy Disclosure

Eastern Kentucky University uses text messaging to communicate with prospective students, applicants, admitted students, current students and other individuals who choose to receive SMS messages from the University.

This notice explains how EKU collects, uses, protects and manages information associated with its text messaging services. For more information, please read Eastern Kentucky’s Privacy Policy

Consent to Receive Text Messages


By providing your mobile telephone number and affirmatively opting in, you consent to receive text messages from Eastern Kentucky University at the number provided.

Messages may include information about:

  • Admissions and application requirements
  • Enrollment and registration
  • Financial aid and scholarships
  • Orientation and campus events
  • Student services and support
  • Academic or administrative deadlines
  • Other University-related information relevant to your relationship with EKU

Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of admission, enrollment, purchasing goods or services, or receiving services from EKU.

Message frequency varies based on your relationship with the University, your communication preferences and applicable deadlines or activities.

Message and Data Rates


Message and data rates may apply according to the terms of your mobile service plan. EKU does not charge recipients for its text messaging service, but your wireless carrier may impose charges.

Wireless carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.

How to Opt Out


You may withdraw your consent at any time by replying STOP to an EKU text message.

EKU may send one final message confirming that your opt-out request has been processed. After that confirmation, you will no longer receive non-emergency SMS messages from the applicable EKU messaging program unless you provide consent again.

EKU will also honor other reasonable requests that clearly communicate your desire to stop receiving text messages.

Opting out of SMS messages does not necessarily unsubscribe you from email, telephone, postal mail, emergency notifications or other University communications. Separate preferences may apply to those communication channels.

How to Get Help


Reply HELP to an EKU text message for assistance.

You may also contact:
Eastern Kentucky University
Information Technology
521 Lancaster Avenue; Keen Johnson Basement
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-3000

Information We Collect


When you enroll in or interact with an EKU text messaging program, the University may collect and maintain:

  • Your name and mobile telephone number
  • Your SMS consent or opt-in status
  • The date, time, source and method of consent
  • Your opt-out requests and communication preferences
  • Messages and replies sent between you and EKU
  • Message delivery, failure and engagement information
  • Information needed to associate your messages with your EKU, inquiry, application or student record

EKU may combine this information with other records maintained by the University when necessary to provide services, respond to questions, maintain accurate communication preferences or fulfill institutional responsibilities.

How We Use SMS Information


EKU may use SMS-related information to:

  • Send communications you have agreed to receive
  • Provide information and services relevant to your relationship with EKU
  • Respond to questions or requests
  • Verify and document consent
  • Process and enforce opt-out requests
  • Maintain accurate communication preferences
  • Monitor message delivery and program performance
  • Protect University systems and prevent misuse
  • Comply with legal, regulatory, accreditation, audit and record-retention requirements

Sharing and Disclosure


EKU does not sell or rent mobile telephone numbers or SMS consent information.

EKU does not share mobile information with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

EKU may disclose information to:

  • University employees and departments with a legitimate institutional need
  • Service providers that support EKU’s communications, technology, data hosting or records-management functions
  • Government agencies, courts, law enforcement or other parties when disclosure is required or authorized by law
  • Other parties when necessary to protect the rights, safety, security or property of EKU, its students, employees or the public

Service providers may use SMS information only to perform authorized services for EKU and must handle the information in accordance with applicable contractual, privacy and security requirements.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties, except with service providers that support delivery of EKU’s messaging services.

Student Records and Confidential Information


Information maintained in connection with an identifiable student may be treated as part of the student’s education record and handled in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), applicable law and EKU policy.

Text messaging is not intended for the transmission of highly sensitive or confidential information. EKU may direct you to a secure University system when identity verification or confidential information is required.

Recipients should not send Social Security numbers, financial account information, passwords, medical information or other highly sensitive information by text message.

Data Retention


EKU retains consent records, opt-out requests, message history and related information for as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • Operate and document its messaging programs
  • Maintain accurate communication preferences
  • Support student and institutional services
  • Comply with University records-retention requirements
  • Satisfy applicable legal, regulatory, audit or dispute-resolution obligations

Retention periods may vary based on the nature of the communication and the recipient’s relationship with EKU.

Emergency Notifications


This notice governs SMS communications sent through EKU’s Slate CRM and similar opt-in messaging programs. Emergency and public-safety notifications may be administered through a separate system and may be subject to different enrollment, delivery, and opt-out procedures.