CFWV Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 1, 2026

Email: cfwv@wvhepc.edu
Phone: 304-558-0655
Mailing Address: 2001 Union Carbide Drive, Building 2000, South Charleston, WV 25303

CFWV, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and the West Virginia GEAR UP program (collectively, “CFWV,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respect your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share personal information through CFWV.com, related forms and services, and SMS/text-message communications.

Information We Collect

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including your:

  • Name, email address, mailing address, and mobile phone number
  • Education, career, college, program, application, registration, or event information
  • Questions, requests, and other communications you send us

We may collect information when you use our website; submit an inquiry, application, or form; create or use an account; register for an event; or communicate with us.

We may also automatically collect limited technical information about use of our website, including IP address, browser and device information, pages viewed, referring websites, and cookie or similar-technology data.

How We Use Information

We use personal information to:

  • Provide, operate, maintain, and improve CFWV programs, services, and website features
  • Respond to requests and provide support
  • Process inquiries, applications, registrations, and event participation
  • Provide information about education, careers, admissions, enrollment, programs, events, opportunities, and resources
  • Communicate important service, account, and administrative information
  • Protect the security and integrity of our systems
  • Meet legal, regulatory, and recordkeeping obligations

Confidentiality

Information shared with CFWV, including in text message exchanges with staff, will generally be kept confidential. In addition, certain information may remain confidential in accordance with federal and state law such as FERPA. We will not release information without the written permission of a student, except as follows:

  • Communication that indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others
  • Communication causing a reasonable expectation by staff that a student will engage in dangerous conduct
  • A court order or in accordance with federal or state law
  • CFWV may contact a school counselor or appropriate support staff if additional assistance is needed
  • In furtherance of participants’ interactions with and requests from CFWV, in accordance with this policy and SMS/text messaging terms of service

SMS/Text Messaging Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

Consent

You may opt in to receive SMS/text messages by providing your mobile phone number and expressly agreeing to receive text messages through a CFWV website form, application, event registration, inquiry process, or other approved communication channel, for example by selecting an unchecked consent checkbox on a form.

By opting in, you represent that you are the authorized user of the mobile number provided or have authority to provide consent for that number. You agree to receive text messages from CFWV, including messages sent using automated technology, AI-assisted systems, and/or prerecorded messages, where permitted by law.

Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of enrollment, purchase, or participation in a program or service.

Types and Frequency of Messages

Messages may include informational and promotional communications, such as:

  • Admissions, enrollment, and application updates
  • Deadlines, reminders, and next steps
  • Event reminders and program information
  • Program, education, career, and student-support resources
  • Opportunities, services, events, and other information related to your interaction with CFWV and where permitted by your consent

Message frequency varies based on your interactions, requests, application activity, event participation, and communication preferences. You may receive multiple messages per week.

Message and data rates may apply according to your mobile service plan. Check with your wireless carrier for details about your plan. Supported carriers, message types (including short code, 10DLC, or toll-free), and compatible devices may vary. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

How We Use and Share SMS Information

When you opt in to text messages, we may collect and use your mobile phone number, name, and information related to your inquiry, application, registration, enrollment, or engagement with CFWV to send and support SMS communications.
We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number or SMS opt-in consent with third parties for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
We may share information with trusted service providers, including communications and messaging platforms, only as necessary to deliver, support, secure, or improve CFWV services. We may also disclose information as required by law or when necessary to protect the rights, safety, property, or security of CFWV or others.
If you indicate an intent to enroll at an eligible West Virginia college or university, we may share relevant information with that institution to support your enrollment-related communications, consistent with the purpose of your request and applicable law.

Opting Out and Getting Help

You may opt out of CFWV SMS/text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. You may receive confirmation of your opt-out request and will no longer receive messages from that program unless you subsequently opt in again.
For help, reply HELP to a CFWV message or contact us at cfwv.com.

Acceptable Use

You agree not to misuse, disrupt, interfere with, or attempt unauthorized access to CFWV’s messaging services. You agree to use SMS communications only for lawful purposes.

CFWV may remove participants from the service for inappropriate language and behavior, harassment, and misuse of the service.

Cookies and Website Analytics

CFWV may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, understand website usage, improve content and services, and maintain security. You may manage cookies through your browser settings; however, disabling cookies may affect certain website features.

Data Retention and Security

We retain personal information, including SMS consent and communication records, only as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, fulfill the purposes described in this policy, comply with legal or regulatory requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.
We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. No electronic transmission or storage system is completely secure; please do not send highly sensitive information by text message unless specifically directed to use an approved secure process.

Your Privacy Choices and Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may request to access, correct, or delete personal information that CFWV maintains about you.

To submit a privacy request or ask a question about this policy, contact CFWV at:

Email: cfwv@wvhepc.edu
Phone: 304-558-0655
Mailing Address: 2001 Union Carbide Drive, Building 2000, South Charleston, WV 25303

Third-Party Websites

CFWV.com may link to third-party websites or services. CFWV is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties. Please review their privacy policies before providing information.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy and SMS/Text Messaging Terms of Service periodically. We will post the revised policy on this page and update the effective date. Continued use of CFWV services after an update takes effect is subject to the revised policy and indicates your acceptance of those changes.