Safety and Privacy Online
Privacy is important
Online safety and digital privacy are essential components of responsible technology use—especially in higher education. Whether you’re sharing academic work, communicating with peers, or engaging on social media, protecting your personal information and respecting others’ data is critical.
On this page, you’ll find resources, best practices, and tools that empower students, faculty, and staff to create a safer digital environment in and outside the classroom.
Why it matters:
- Identity theft, phishing, and cyberbullying are real risks—awareness and good habits protect you.
- College students often use multiple platforms daily; each one collects and stores data.
- Learning how to set boundaries online supports both mental wellness and digital safety.
Understanding Digital Footprints
- Every click, post, and interaction contributes to your online identity.
- Employers, graduate programs, and even landlords may search your digital presence.
- Encourage intentional and respectful content sharing.
How to Protect Your Personal Information:
- Don’t overshare on social media or in digital classrooms.
- Use strong, unique passwords (consider a password manager).
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Know what info is public in your college account (email, class schedule, ID photo, etc.).
Resources:
Campus IT Department support links or policies (if available)