Online Privacy & Security Policy

The Family Institute at Northwestern University's website is for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to help the public understand the Institute's services, educational and training opportunities, and research programs. Information provided on The Family Institute at Northwestern University's website should not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a qualified health care provider's judgment regarding mental, emotional, or physical conditions, diagnoses or treatments. We strongly encourage users to consult with a qualified health care professional for answers to personal questions.

You assume full responsibility for using the information on this website, and you understand and agree that The Family Institute at Northwestern University and its affiliated staff are not responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage resulting from its use by you or any user. While the information provided is believed to be accurate when placed on this website, The Family Institute at Northwestern University disclaims any warranty concerning its accuracy, timeliness and completeness, and any other warranty, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The Family Institute at Northwestern University also does not warrant that access to the website will be error-free or virus-free. The Family Institute at Northwestern University reserves the right to make changes to the website at any time without prior notice. Links to other websites are provided for the convenience of our users; The Family Institute at Northwestern University is not responsible for the content or accuracy of these linked websites nor does it endorse them.

By choosing to use this website, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Disclaimer and our Website Privacy Policy. The Family Institute at Northwestern University encourages you to read them. We reserve the right to modify these terms and policies and recommend that you periodically review them.

Website Privacy Policy

The Family Institute at Northwestern University is committed to protecting the privacy and security of visitors to our website. This Privacy Policy specifies what information we collect and how it is used.

What personal information is collected when you use The Family Institute at Northwestern University's website?
You may use the website without providing any personal information. In certain instances, we do need information from you in order to provide services that you request. When providing personal information via e-mail, please remember that e-mail messages can be viewed by other Internet users while in transit. If you have confidential information to communicate, please use phone or traditional mail.

In what ways is the collected information used?
The Family Institute at Northwestern University currently discloses personal information you provide on the Web only to process credit card information or as required by law, and has no current plans to make other disclosures of such information. We will notify you through this on-line policy if there are any changes. Requested information on voluntary forms is used to provide the services you request, such as registration for workshops, mailing of publications, etc. The Family Institute at Northwestern University may occasionally provide statistics to third parties related to the number of visitors who use the site. These statistics do not provide personally identifiable information.

Does The Family Institute use "cookies" to collect user information?
"Cookies" are small computer files that a web site can transfer to your computer. Examples of information we collect include how often someone visits our site and their activities while on our site. We use this information in the aggregate to understand how our visitors as a group use different resources. These reports do not contain any personally identifiable information.
 
Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can set your browser to refuse them or to alert you when they are being sent. You can access the information on The Family Institute at Northwestern University's website without having cookies enabled in your browser.

Are there advertisements on The Family Institute at Northwestern University's website?
No, The Family Institute at Northwestern University does not accept advertisements on its website.

Which web pages and websites does this policy apply to?
This privacy policy applies only to The Family Institute at Northwestern University's website. The Family Institute at Northwestern University's site does contain links to other sites. Please be aware that this policy does not apply to other websites that may be linked from The Family Institute at Northwestern University's site. We encourage you to read the privacy policies on any other sites before providing personal information.

Message Program Privacy Policy

SMS Consent Communication

The information (phone numbers) obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not being shared with any third party and affiliate company for marketing purposes.

Types of SMS Communications

If you have consented to receive text messages from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, you may receive messages related to the following:

• Appointment reminders
• Follow-up messages

Appointment Reminder Example: "Hello <First Name>, just reminding you about our upcoming appointment on <Date> at <Time> with The Family Institute. Looking forward to speaking with you then. Reply STOP to opt-out of reminders."

Follow-Up Message Example: "Hello <First Name>, this is a follow-up message about your appointment with The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Looking forward to your feedback. Reply STOP to opt-out of reminders."

Message Frequency

Message frequency may vary. You may receive up to 2 SMS messages per week regarding your appointments or account status.

Potential Fees for SMS Messaging

Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

Opt-In Method

You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from The Family Institute at Northwestern University by submitting an online form.

Opt-Out Method

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply "STOP" to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list.

Help

If you are experiencing any issues, you can reply with the keyword HELP. Or, you can call us at (847) 733-4300, option 1.

Additional Options

If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms.

Standard Messaging Disclosures

• Message and data rates may apply
• You can opt out at any time by texting "STOP"
• For assistance, text "HELP" or visit our Terms & Conditions page 
• Message frequency may vary

Your Consent

By using The Family Institute web site, you agree to acceptance of this privacy policy. We may occasionally need to make changes to the policy to reflect changes in our site and address new issues. Changes will be posted here, so please refer to this policy regularly.

Wireless Guest Internet Access Policy

The Family Institute at Northwestern University's Wireless Guest Internet Access is provided solely for the use of guests, clients, and clients' families. Any other use is unauthorized.

Disclaimer

• The Family Institute at Northwestern University is not responsible for the content of the Internet.
• The Family Institute at Northwestern University is not responsible for sensitive information communicated through this public wireless connection, such as credit card, personal data, or banking information, etc. Please be sure that your device’s anti-virus and firewall software are up-to-date.
• The Family Institute at Northwestern University assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for any loss of data, damage, or viruses/malware that may infect your device on account of your access to, or use of the public wireless connection.
• The Family Institute at Northwestern University assumes no responsibility or liability for physical damage to, or theft of your device.
• The Family Institute at Northwestern University cannot guarantee the availability of the connection; the speed at which information may be transmitted or received via the connection; or that your hardware or software will work with the Institute’s wireless connection.
• Minors should only access the connection under parental or guardian oversight. Any restrictions, limitations, and monitoring of a minor’s access to The Family Institute at Northwestern University’s public wireless network is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.
• User agrees to respect all copyright laws and licensing agreement pertaining to material obtained from the Internet and The Family Institute at Northwestern University is not responsible for user’s failure to do so.
• Print capability is not available via the wireless connection.
• If you have problems accessing the Internet over the wireless connection, our staff cannot assist in making changes to the user’s network settings or perform any troubleshooting on your device. You should refer to the owners’ manual for your device or other support services, offered by your device manufacturer.
• Activities that are prohibited during the use of The Family Institute at Northwestern University's Guest Wi-Fi include but are not limited to the following:
  • Spamming and Invasion of Privacy
  • Intellectual Property Right Violations
  • Obscene or Indecent Speech or Materials
  • Defamatory or Abusive Language
  • Forging of Headers
  • Hacking, Scans, or other subversive Information Gathering Activity
  • Distribution of Internet Viruses, Trojan Horses, or Other Destructive Activities