PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: October 1, 2025

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary (“we,” “our,” or “the Seminary”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all visitors to our website, applicants, students, alumni, donors, and other stakeholders. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with applicable laws and best practices. By accessing our website or using our services, you consent to the practices described herein.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information to provide services, communicate effectively, and improve the user experience. The types of information we may collect include:

a. Personal Identification Information

• Name, date of birth, and gender

• Contact information, including email address, phone number, and mailing address

• Educational background, qualifications, and transcripts

• Employment history, ministry experience, and references (for applicants or students)

b. Financial Information

• Payment information for tuition, donations, or fees (credit card, bank account details)

• Billing and invoicing information

c. Online Information

• IP addresses, browser type, operating system, and device information

• Pages visited on our website, links clicked, and time spent on each page

• Cookies and other tracking technologies used to enhance user experience

d. Communication Records

• Emails, phone calls, and messages exchanged with Seminary staff

• Notes from counseling, pastoral guidance, or mentorship sessions

e. Sensitive Information

• Religious affiliation or faith journey (if voluntarily provided)

• Health-related information (if submitted for accessibility or accommodation purposes)

2. How We Collect Information

Information is collected through a variety of methods:

1. Website Interaction: When you browse our site, fill out forms, subscribe to newsletters, or submit inquiries.

2. Application and Enrollment: When you apply to courses, programs, or admissions processes.

3. Events and Programs: When you register for workshops, retreats, conferences, or seminars.

4. Donations and Fundraising: When you make a donation or participate in fundraising activities.

5. Direct Communication: Emails, phone calls, letters, or in-person interactions with Seminary staff.

We strive to ensure that any personal data provided is accurate, complete, and current. We encourage users to update their information whenever necessary.

3. How We Use Your Information

Personal information collected by the Seminary is used for legitimate purposes directly related to our mission and operations, including:

a. Academic and Pastoral Services

• Processing applications and enrollment in programs and courses

• Providing educational guidance, academic advising, and spiritual formation

• Administering student records, grades, and certifications

b. Communication

• Responding to inquiries, requests, and correspondence

• Sending important updates regarding Seminary programs, events, and policies

• Providing newsletters, announcements, and promotional materials (with consent)

c. Financial Management

• Processing payments, tuition fees, and donations

• Issuing receipts, invoices, and financial statements

• Ensuring compliance with accounting, auditing, and reporting requirements

d. Operational and Administrative Purposes

• Improving Seminary programs, website functionality, and user experience

• Conducting internal research and data analysis for educational and strategic planning

• Maintaining security and integrity of Seminary systems and facilities

e. Legal and Compliance

• Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and official requests from authorities

• Protecting Seminary rights, property, or the safety of its community

We only use personal information for purposes for which it was collected or as reasonably related to those purposes.

4. How We Share Your Information

We respect the confidentiality of your personal data and do not sell or trade it to third parties. Information may be shared under the following circumstances:

1. With Authorized Seminary Staff: Only staff members who need the information to perform their duties will have access.

2. Service Providers: Trusted third-party providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., website hosting, payment processing, mailing services) may have limited access, strictly for the purposes of service delivery.

3. Legal Requirements: When required by law, legal process, or governmental authority to comply with obligations.

4. Safety and Security: When necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Seminary, its community, or others.

We ensure that all service providers and partners maintain strict confidentiality and implement adequate security measures.

5. Cookies and Online Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, enhance user experience, and gather analytical data. Cookies may help:

• Remember user preferences

• Track website usage and performance

• Provide personalized content and recommendations

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer. Please note that disabling cookies may limit certain features of our website.

6. Protecting Your Information

The Seminary is committed to protecting personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards, including:

• Secure servers and encryption protocols for online transactions

• Restricted access to sensitive information by authorized personnel only

• Regular monitoring and assessment of security practices

While we take all reasonable measures to protect personal information, no system is completely secure. Users should exercise caution when transmitting sensitive information online.

7. Retention of Personal Data

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. Retention periods may vary depending on the type of data and the purpose of collection:

• Student academic records and transcripts may be retained indefinitely for archival and accreditation purposes.

• Financial records, including donations and tuition payments, are maintained for a minimum period to satisfy legal and accounting requirements.

• Personal contact information may be kept for ongoing communication with alumni, donors, and supporters.

Once the retention period has expired, personal information is securely deleted or anonymized.

8. Your Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information. These include:

1. Access: You may request access to your personal data and obtain a copy of the information held.

2. Correction: You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.

3. Deletion: Where legally permissible, you may request that your personal information be deleted.

4. Restriction: You may request restrictions on the processing of your personal data.

5. Objection: You can object to the processing of your personal information for certain purposes, including direct marketing.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact the Seminary using the details provided in Section 11. We will respond promptly in accordance with applicable laws.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites for information, resources, or services. The Seminary is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

10. Minors

Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we discover that a minor has provided personal data without parental consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete such information.

11. Communication and Contact

For inquiries, complaints, or requests concerning your personal data, you may reach the Seminary through our Contact Form or by calling our direct line. You are also welcome to write to us at:

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Theological Seminary
Plot 468 Agbogazi Nike, Honorable City Phase 1, Enugu, Nigeria
Phone: +234 903 059 5680 

Our staff will address concerns, provide clarification, and assist with any requests regarding your personal information.

12. Updates to This Privacy Policy

The Seminary may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, technology, or operational practices. All updates will be posted on this page with the revised Effective Date. Users are encouraged to review this page periodically to stay informed about how their information is protected. Continued use of the Seminary’s website or services after any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Data Protection Principles

In alignment with best practices and ethical obligations, Good Shepherd Seminary adheres to the following principles:

• Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency: Personal information is collected and processed lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner.
  
  

• Purpose Limitation: Data is collected only for specific, legitimate purposes and not used in a manner incompatible with those purposes.
  
  

• Data Minimization: Only information necessary for the intended purpose is collected.
  
  

• Accuracy: We take reasonable steps to ensure personal data is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
  
  

• Storage Limitation: Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for its purpose.
  
  

• Integrity and Confidentiality: Information is protected against unauthorized or unlawful processing, loss, destruction, or damage.

14. Consent

By using our website or submitting personal information to Good Shepherd Seminary, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal data in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Where consent is required by law, such as for marketing communications, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on prior consent.

15. Security of Online Transactions

We employ secure encryption technologies and follow best practices to ensure that financial and personal information submitted online is protected. Payment processing for tuition fees, donations, or other services is handled through trusted third-party providers who comply with strict security standards. Users are encouraged to ensure their own devices and internet connections are secure when transmitting sensitive information.

16. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

To enhance website functionality and provide a personalized experience, the Seminary uses cookies, analytics tools, and similar tracking technologies. These tools allow us to monitor website traffic, understand user behavior, and improve content and services. Users may opt to disable cookies via their browser settings; however, some features of the website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

17. Confidentiality of Communications

All communications with Seminary staff, including emails, counseling sessions, and mentorship discussions, are treated as confidential. Information disclosed during pastoral guidance or academic advising will only be shared with authorized personnel and strictly for the purpose of supporting the individual’s formation, education, or well-being.

18. International Visitors

For users accessing our website from outside Nigeria, please note that your data may be transferred to and stored in Nigeria, where privacy laws may differ from those in your country. By using the Seminary website, you consent to such transfers and acknowledge that we will take reasonable steps to protect personal information consistent with this Privacy Policy.

19. Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting personal information, the Seminary will take immediate steps to contain, investigate, and mitigate the breach. Where required by law, affected individuals and authorities will be notified promptly.

20. Commitment to Ethical Stewardship

Beyond compliance with law, Good Shepherd Seminary views personal data as entrusted to us with a moral and ethical responsibility. We are committed to safeguarding privacy, maintaining trust, and using information solely for purposes that support our mission of forming faithful, knowledgeable, and compassionate leaders in the Church.

By using this website or providing your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy.