Google Apps for Education use at the Mercer County Technical Schools is governed by federal laws and local school board policies.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents the rights to review student records. Under FERPA, schools may disclose directory information but parents may request the school not disclose this information. Parents are provided the opportunity annually to opt out of disclosing their student’s directory information utilizing this form. FERPA Information Can Be Found Here

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) – COPPA applies to commercial companies and limits their ability to collect personal information from children under 13. No personal student information is collected by Google for commercial purposes. This permission form allows the district to act as an agent for parents in the collection of information within the district context. The district’s use of student information is solely for education purposes. Student information that is collected by Google is described as (projects, documents, emails, files, Google username, and Google password).   COPPA Information Can Be Found Here

Acceptable Use of Computer Network / Computers and Resources (District Policy) – This policy governs student technology / networked resource use in the school district. At the beginning of the school year, the policy is signed to allow students access to school technology resources. It is expected that students will operate within the parameters of the Acceptable Use of Computer Network / Computer and Resources Policy with regards to Google Apps for Education. Link:  Policy Portal (Policy 2361,7523)

Where can I find more information about Google's privacy policies?

Additional information regarding Google's privacy policies can be found in the links below. 

Google Apps for Education Trust Center

Google's Privacy Policy - G Suite for Education

What information is collected by Google? What are they doing with this information?

While using Google Apps for Education, Google may capture device information (operating system, hardware type, model). Additionally, google may capture IP address information and browser settings. These items are generally recorded to help further improve the Google Apps for Education platform and ensure compatibility across device types. 

Additionally, Google may keep track of search history and application usage. This information may be used to provide features in Google Apps for Education such as search result suggestions. 

Will there be advertisements in Google Apps for Education?

Google outlines, on their Google for Education trust center website, that the education version of Google Apps will not utilize advertisements. They also indicate that there are no plans to advertise to students in the future.

What 3rd parties will Google share student information with?

Google has strict privacy policies and guidelines regarding Google Apps for Education. Google has signed the national Student Privacy Pledge  This pledge outlines guidelines for companies who provide services to students through an online education platform. Some of the pledge language states that participants:
- Will not sell student information.
- Will not not behaviorally target advertising
- Will use data for authorized education purposes only

In Google's privacy policy, it states that they do not share personal information with companies, organizations, and individuals outside of Google without direct consent of the user. Google may share information with affiliates to help Google process data. These affiliates must comply with Google's privacy policy. In general, many Google affiliates are hired to help Google with ad based monetization of their services. 

How are student account passwords assigned?

Passwords are provided at the start of the school year to all students and can be changed at the student's discretion, but must be changed when first accessing their account. 

What personal information will be shared with Google to create a GAFE account?

The district will provide the student's first name, last name, and year of graduation. No other personal information will be shared with Google by the district.

A combination of the student's first name and last name is used to create their GAFE account. For example, student John Smith would be jsmith@students.mcts.edu.  

Related Links

• Google Apps for Education Trust Center

  A website that outlines many of the privacy practices of Google.

• Google's Privacy Policy