SMS and Text Message Terms of Service
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your participation in Kent State University's SMS and text messaging programs. By opting in to receive messages, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Terms. Kent State University's Privacy Statement applies to your participation and is incorporated herein by reference.
1. Overview
Kent State University ("Kent State," "we," "our," or "us"), with its main campus located in Kent, Ohio 44242, may send text messages to students, prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other community members who have opted in to receive such communications.
2. Consent
By providing your mobile phone number and opting in through any Kent State enrollment form, web form, text keyword, or other registration method, you expressly consent to receive SMS and text messages from Kent State University at the mobile number you provided.
Consent is not required as a condition of enrollment, purchase, or receipt of any other university service.
3. No Sharing of Consent for Marketing Purposes
No mobile opt-in data or text message consent will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
4. Types of Messages
Kent State University's text messaging programs may include, but are not limited to, the following types of communications:
- Admissions and enrollment updates, reminders, and notifications
- Financial aid and billing reminders
- Academic advising and registration notifications
- Campus event announcements and reminders
- Emergency and safety alerts (governed separately by Kent State's emergency notification system)
- Student services and support information
- Alumni engagement and university advancement communications
- Departmental and program-specific updates
- Other university-related informational or conversational messages
Message frequency may vary depending on the program(s) to which you have subscribed and university activity.
5. SMS and Text Message Disclosures
Upon opting in, you may receive a confirmation message from the sending number that includes standard disclosures, such as:
"You have consented to receive SMS messages from Kent State University. Reply STOP to opt out. Reply HELP for assistance. Message and data rates may apply. Messaging frequency varies. View our Privacy Statement and Terms of Service at kent.edu."
6. Cost of Messages
Kent State University does not charge for sending text messages. However, standard message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply. You are solely responsible for any fees charged by your carrier, including but not limited to data plan charges, text messaging charges, and roaming fees. Please contact your wireless carrier for details regarding your messaging plan.
7. Supported Carriers
Kent State University's text messaging programs are compatible with most major U.S. wireless carriers. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
8. Opting Out
You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message received from Kent State University. Upon doing so, you will receive a one-time confirmation message acknowledging your opt-out request. Please allow up to three (3) business days for processing.
Opting out by replying STOP will remove you only from the specific messaging program associated with the number to which you replied. You may continue to receive messages from other Kent State departments or programs until you opt out of each individually. You will continue to receive any messages required by law or university policy (e.g., emergency alerts).
9. Opting Back In
If you have previously opted out and wish to resume receiving text messages, you may do so by providing new consent through the applicable Kent State enrollment or registration process.
10. Help and Support
For assistance with Kent State's text messaging programs, you may reply HELP to any message received from the university, or contact us at [who would handle, Lin?].
11. Privacy and Data Usage
Your use of Kent State's text messaging services is governed by the university's Privacy Statement. All mobile information you provide will remain confidential and will be used only by authorized Kent State University representatives in connection with providing university services.
Kent State University does not sell, rent, or share phone numbers with external parties for marketing or commercial purposes. Different university offices, departments, or organizations may collect and use information differently; please review the privacy policies applicable to each service you use.
Kent State University will not request personally identifiable information, passwords, or other sensitive or confidential information via SMS or text message. If you receive a text message purporting to be from Kent State that requests such information, do not respond and report it to the university's Information Security Office.
12. Modifications to These Terms
Kent State University reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on the university's website. Your continued participation in any Kent State text messaging program after such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree with any changes, you may opt out of the program as described in Section 8.
13. Disclaimer
Kent State University makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the availability, timeliness, or delivery of text messages. The university shall not be liable for any delays or failures in message delivery caused by wireless carriers, network issues, or other factors outside its control.