Grow Through Reading privacy policy

Privacy Policy

GrowThroughReading.com
Last updated: 06.05.2025

About This Site
GrowThroughReading.com is an educational initiative developed by faculty at the University of South Florida (USF) and operates in direct affiliation with the university. This site aligns with USF’s privacy standards and complies with all applicable university policies, Florida statutes, and U.S. federal regulations. The program is governed in accordance with USF’s rules and policies and follows best practices in online data protection and transparency.

The University of South Florida (USF) website is governed by USF’s Office of University Communications and Marketing. These websites are maintained by communications professionals across campus, with the goal of presenting relevant, timely and accurate information to the millions of people who visit the site each year.

Technology Notes
The USF website is built with web standards, including HTML5 and CSS3, and utilizes responsive design techniques.

Privacy
USF does not collect personal information about you when you visit an official USF website, including GrowThroughReading.com, unless you affirmatively choose to make such information available.

USF’s servers automatically recognize the domain and IP address from which you accessed the website and record related information such as: information about operating systems, screen resolutions, and the volume and timing of access. This information is used to make interactions with the site more accessible, informative, and enjoyable. It does not result in the identification of your personal email address, home address, or phone number.

Many pages within USF.edu and GrowThroughReading.com use tracking services to help us understand how visitors use the sites. These may include:

  • Google Analytics and Google Advertising Features
  • Siteimprove
  • Microsoft Clarity

Please refer to each company’s privacy information to learn how data is collected and used.

If you choose to share information—either by sending a message or completing a form—GrowThroughReading.com and USF will use that information only for its intended purpose. Some records containing personal data may be retained for a designated period to comply with Florida’s record retention requirements and applicable laws. Except where required by law or contract, USF does not share personal information with third parties without consent and does not sell personal information for financial gain.

Under Florida law, emails sent to USF or GrowThroughReading.com may be considered public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail. Instead, contact us by phone or in writing.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies
GrowThroughReading.com may use cookies or similar technologies to improve user experience, personalize content, and analyze site traffic. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of these technologies in accordance with this privacy policy. You may adjust your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer.

Children’s Privacy
GrowThroughReading.com is intended for use by educators, caregivers, and parents. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental or educational consent, in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students the right to refuse to permit USF to publish or disclose items of Directory Information pertaining to them. In the course of conducting official USF business, applicant and student personal information may be shared with third parties who USF determines have a legitimate educational interest in such information or where otherwise permitted by law. For more details, visit the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Accessibility
GrowThroughReading.com and USF are committed to providing all individuals access to digital resources. We strive to make our websites and content accessible by assuring compatibility with assistive technologies.

Our standard follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.

Reporting a Digital Access Barrier
USF uses multiple content management systems and platforms to deliver services. If you are having difficulty accessing any part of GrowThroughReading.com, please complete the Digital Access Barrier Report form. Your concern will be reviewed in a timely manner. A response will be provided within 2 business days, and any necessary remediation will be initiated within 7 business days.

Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or how your data is used, please contact us here.