Data Protection Policy

The following data protection policy applies to the use of Hochschule Offenburg’s online offerings.

We attach great importance to data protection. The collection and processing of your personal data is carried out in compliance with the applicable data protection regulations, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO).

1. Responsibility

The responsible party for the collection, processing and use of your personal data within the meaning of Art. 4 no. 7 DSGVO is

Hochschule Offenburg
Badstr. 24
77652 Offenburg
Phone: (0781) 205-0
Fax: (0781) 205-333
Email: impressum@hs-offenburg.de
www.hs-offenburg.de

Hochschule Offenburg is a corporation under public law.

It is legally represented by its Rector, Professor Dr. rer. nat. Stephan Trahasch.

Professor Dr. rer. nat. Stephan Trahasch
Rektor
Badstr. 24
77652 Offenburg

If you wish to object to the collection, processing or use of your data by us in accordance with this data protection policy  as a whole or for individual measures, you can address your objection to the responsible party.

You can save and print out this data protection policy at any time.

2. General purpose of the data processing

We use personal data for the sole purpose of operating the university website.

3. Which data we use and why

3.1. Access data

We collect information about you when you use this website. We automatically collect information about your usage behavior and your interaction with us and register data about your computer or mobile device. We collect, store and use data about each access to our website (so-called server log files). The access data include:
 

  • Name and URL of the retrieved file
  • Date and time of the retrieval
  • Amount of data transferred
  • Message about successful retrieval (HTTP response code)
  • Browser type and browser version
  • Operating system
  • Referer URL (i.e. the previously visited page)
  • Websites that are called up by the user's system via our website
  • Internet service provider of the user
  • IP address and the requesting provider

We use this log data without assigning it to you personally or otherwise profiling it for statistical evaluations for the purpose of operating, securing and optimizing our website, but also to anonymously record the number of visitors to our website (traffic) and the extent and type of use of our website and services, as well as for billing purposes to measure the number of clicks received from cooperation partners. Based on this information, we can provide personalized and location-based content and analyze traffic, search for and fix errors, and improve our services.

This is also our legitimate interest according to Art 6 para. 1 p. 1 f of DSGVO.

We reserve the right to review the log data retrospectively if there is a justified suspicion of unlawful use based on concrete indications. We store IP addresses in the log files for a limited period of time if this is required for security purposes or necessary for the provision of services or the billing of a service, e.g. if you use one of our offers. After cancellation of the order process or after receipt of payment, we delete the IP address if it is no longer required for security purposes. We also store IP addresses if we have a concrete suspicion of a criminal offense in connection with the use of our website. In addition, as part of your account, we store the date of your last visit (e.g. when registering, logging in or clicking on links).

3.2 Cookies

  • We use so-called session cookies to optimize our website. A session cookie is a small text file that is sent by the respective servers when you visit a website and is temporarily stored on your hard drive. This file as such contains a so-called session ID, with which various requests of your browser can be assigned to the common session. This allows your client to be recognized when you move from page to page. We also use a cookie that holds an authorization hash to access videos from the university's media server. All of these cookies are deleted at the end of the session (Depending on your browser and browser settings, closing and reopening the browser may not be sufficient. It may be necessary to clear the cache or allow some time to elapse). Cookies are used on our site for the following operations:
     
  • Login processes
  • Cross-page functions (multi-page forms, display of data from databases, among others)
  • Access to the video server of the university (video.hs-offenburg.de)
  • Shopping cart functions

These cookies are technically necessary cookies, which constitutes a legitimate interest. The setting of these cookies is therefore legal according to Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 of DSGVO.

You can set your browser such that you are informed in advance about the setting of cookies and can decide on a case-by-case basis whether you want to exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general, or that cookies are completely prevented. This may limit the functionality of the website.

3.3 Data to fulfill our contractual obligations

We process personal data that we need to fulfill our contractual obligations, such as name, address, email address, billing and payment data. The collection of this data is necessary for a possible conclusion of a contract.

The data are deleted following expiry of warranty periods and statutory retention periods. Data linked to a user account (see below) will be retained for the period of managing this account.

The legal basis for the processing of these data is Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 b) of DSGVO, as these data are are required to fulfill our contractual obligations to you.

3.4 User account

If you create a user account on the university websites, we require the personal data requested during login. When you log in later, only your email or user name and the password you have chosen are required.

For the new registration we collect master data (e.g. name, address), communication data (e.g. email address) and payment data (bank details) as well as access data (user name and password).

To ensure proper registration and prevent unauthorized logins by third parties, you will receive an activation link by email after your registration. Only after successful registration do we permanently store the data you have submitted in our system.

Once you have created a user account, you can have it deleted by us at any time without incurring any costs other than the transmission costs. A notification in text form to the contact details mentioned in item 1 above (e.g. email, fax, letter) is sufficient for this purpose. We will then delete your stored personal data, unless we still need to store them for the processing of orders or due to legal storage obligations.

The legal basis for the processing of this data is your consent in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 a) of DSGVO.

3.5 Newsletter

To register for a newsletter as part of Offenburg University's website services, the data requested in the registration process is required. The registration will be logged. After registration, you will receive a message to the specified email address asking you to confirm the registration ("double opt-in"). This is necessary to prevent third parties from registering with your email address.

You can revoke your consent to receive the newsletter at any time and thus unsubscribe from the newsletter.

We store the registration data for as long as they are needed for sending the newsletter. We store the logging of the registration and the shipping address as long as there ss an interest in proving the consent originally given, which is usually the limitation periods for civil claims, thus a maximum of three years.

The legal basis for sending the newsletter is your consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 a) in conjunction with Art. 7 of DSGVO in conjunction with § 7 para. 2 no. 3 of UWG. The legal basis for logging the registration is our legitimate interest in proving that the mailing was made with your consent.

You can cancel the registration at any time without incurring any costs other than the transmission costs. A notification in text form to the contact data mentioned in item 1 above (e.g. email, fax, letter) is sufficient for this purpose. Of course, you will also find an unsubscribe link in every newsletter.

3.6 Email contact

If you contact us (e.g. via contact form or email), we process your information for the request and in case that follow-up questions arise.

We only process further personal data if you consent to this (Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 a) of DSGVO) or we have a legitimate interest in processing your data (Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 f) of DSGVO). A legitimate interest is, for example, to respond to your email.

If the data processing is carried out for the implementation of pre-contractual measures in response to your request, or, if you are already our customer, for the implementation of the contract, the legal basis for this data processing is Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1 b) of DSGVO.

3.7 Online application

If you apply to Offenburg University and send us your application documents in electronic form, we will process and use this data, which you have voluntarily provided to us, exclusively for the purpose of processing the application procedure and for the possible initiation of an employment relationship at Offenburg University. Your data will only be passed on to third parties if you expressly authorize us to do so in writing, stating the recipients.

3.8 Hosting

The hosting services we use help provide the following services: Infrastructure and platform services, computing capacity, storage space and database services, security services, and technical maintenance services which we use for the purpose of operating the website.

In doing so, we or our hosting provider process inventory data, contact data, content data, contract data, usage data, meta data and communication data of university members, customers, applicants, interested parties and visitors to this website on the basis of our legitimate interests in an efficient and secure provision of our website pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1f) of DSGVO in conjunction with Art. 28 of DSGVO.

3.9 Linked websites

Our websites have links to external websites. We have no influence on the content of these websites and therefore assume no responsibility or liability for the permissibility, accuracy, presentation and completeness of the content published, displayed or retrievable there.

We hereby inform you that when you access these external websites, your IP address may be logged by the relevant website operator.

When you leave our websites, we recommend that you check the data protection declaration of the external website operators before you call up the websites or use the functions there.

3.10 Social-Media-Angebote

This website features a number of social media offerings. These are designed in such a way that data are only transferred after your consent or active actions (sharing links).

If you activate the social media features, their data protection provisions apply.

3.11 Facebook

The current data protection policy of Facebook can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/policy.php

4 Speicherdauer

Unless specifically stated, we store personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes pursued.

In some cases, the legislator provides for the retention of personal data, such as in tax or commercial law. In these cases, we only continue to store the data for these statutory purposes, but do not process it elsewhere and delete it after the statutory retention period has expired.

5 Ihre Rechte als von der Datenverarbeitung Betroffener

You have various rights regarding your personal data under the applicable laws. If you wish to exercise these rights, please send your request by email or postal mail, clearly identifying yourself, to the address mentioned in section 1.

The following is an overview of your rights.

5.1 Right of confirmation and information

You have the right to clear information about the processing of your personal data.

In detail: You have the right at any time to to receive confirmation from us as to whether data relating to you personally are being processed. If this is the case, you have the right to obtain free information from us about the personal data stored about you, together with a copy of these data.

Furthermore, you have the right to receive the following information:

  1. the purposes of processing;
  2. the categories of personal data processed;
  3. the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular in the case of recipients in third countries or international organizations;
  4. if possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored or, if this is not possible, the criteria for determining this duration;
  5. the existence of a right of rectification or erasure of the personal data concerning you or restriction of processing by the responsible party, or a right to object to such processing;
  6. the existence of a right of appeal to a supervisory authority;
  7. if the personal data was not collected from you, any available information about the origin of the data;
  8. the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Art. 22 para. 1 and 4 of DSGVO and – at least in these cases – meaningful information about the logic involved and the scope and intended effects of such processing for you.

 

If personal data are transferred to a third country or to an international organization, you have the right to be informed about the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 of DSGVO in connection with the data transfer.

5.2 Right of correction

You have the right to request us to correct and, if necessary, complete personal data concerning you.

In detail, you have the right to demand that we correct any inaccurate personal data concerning you without undue delay. Taking into account the purposes of the processing, you have the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data, including by means of a supplementary statement.

5.3 Right of deletion ("right to be forgotten")

In a number of cases, we are required to delete personal data relating to you.

In detail, pursuant to Art. 17 para. 1 of DSGVO, you have the right to request that we delete personal data concerning you without undue delay, and we are obliged to delete personal data without undue delay if one of the following reasons applies:

  1. the personal data are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed;
  2. you withdraw your consent on which the processing was based pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 p. 1a) of DSGVO or Art. 9 para. 2 a) of DSGVO and there is no other legal basis for the processing;
  3. you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 of DSGVO and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 2 of DSGVO;
  4. the personal data have been processed unlawfully;
  5. the erasure of the personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which we are subject.
  6. the personal data has been collected in relation to information society services offered in accordance with Art. 8 para. 1 of DSGVO.

If we have made the personal data public and we are obliged to delete them pursuant to Art. 17 para. 1 of DSGVO, we will take reasonable measures, including technical measures, taking into account the available technology and the cost of implementation, to inform the data controllers who process the personal data that you have requested the deletion of all links as well as copies or replications of those personal data.

5.4 Right to restrict processing

In a number of cases you have the right to demand that we restrict the processing of your personal data, specifically if one of the following conditions is met:

  1. The accuracy of the personal data is contested by you for a period enabling us to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
  2. the processing is unlawful and you have refused the deletion of the personal data and instead requested their restricted use;
  3. we no longer need the personal data for the purposes of processing, but you need the data to assert, exercise or defend legal claims; or
  4. you have objected to the processing pursuant to Article 21 para. 1 of DSGVO, while it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate reasons of our organization prevail over yours.

5.5 Right of data transferability

You have the right to obtain, transmit, or have us transmit personal data concerning you in machine-readable form.

In detail, you have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format, and to transfer these data to another responsible party without our interference, provided that:

  1. The processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 sent. 1 a) of DSGVO or Art. 9 para. 2 a) of DSGVO or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 sent. 1 b) of DSGVO, and
  2. the processing uses automated methods.

When exercising your right of data transferability pursuant to Para. 1, you have the right to request that the personal data be transferred directly from us to another responsible party, if technically feasible.

5.6 Right of objection

You have the right to object to our lawful processing of your personal data if this is based on your particular situation and our interests in the processing do not prevail over yours.

In detail, you have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out on the basis of Article 6 para. 1 sent. 1 e) or f) of DSGVO; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions. We will no longer process the personal data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

If we process personal data for the purpose of direct marketing, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purpose of such marketing; this also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.

You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 para. 1 of DSGVO, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.

5.7 Automated decision-making including profiling

You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing – including profiling – which has legal effects against you or similarly significantly affects you.

Automated decision-making based on the personal data collected does not occur.

5.8 Right to withdraw consent granted with regard to the data protection law

You have the right to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

5.9 Right to complain to a supervisory authority

You have the right to file a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, workplace or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you is unlawful.

6 Data protection

We make every effort to ensure the security of your data within the framework of the applicable data protection laws and technical possibilities.

Your personal data is transmitted in encrypted form. This applies to your orders as well as to the customer login. We use the SSL (Secure Socket Layer) coding system, but we would also like to point out that data transmission on the internet (e.g. when communicating by email) can have security gaps. The complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible.

To protect your data, we maintain technical and organizational security measures in accordance with Art. 32 of DSGVO, which we constantly adapt to the latest technology.

We also cannot guarantee that our offerings will be available at certain times; disruptions, interruptions or failures cannot be ruled out. The servers we use are carefully backed up on a regular basis.

7 Disclosure of data to third parties, no data transfer to non-EU countries

In principle, we only use your personal data within our university.

If and insofar as we involve third parties in the performance of contracts, they will only receive personal data to the extent that the transfer is necessary for the corresponding service.

In the event that we outsource certain parts of data processing ("commissioned processing"), we contractually oblige commissioned processors to use personal data only in accordance with the requirements of data protection laws and to ensure the protection of the rights of the data subject.

No data transfer to entities or persons outside the EU is made.

8 Data Protection Officer

If you have any further questions or concerns about data protection, please contact our data protection officer:

Data Protection Officer
Professor Dr. Steffen Schlager
Department of Business
Brückenhäuserstr. 26
77723 Gengenbach
Phone: (07803) 9698-4491
Email: steffen.schlager@hs-offenburg.de