Privacy Policy

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1. Purpose and Commitment

Jennings Oneil Career Academy (“JOCA”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all student, participant, and staff information. We adhere to the highest standards of data protection, including compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students, staff, contractors, and partners who handle or access personal, educational, or health-related information collected through enrollment, academic records, or participation in JOCA programs.

3. Information We Collect

JOCA may collect and maintain the following categories of information:

• Personal identification (name, address, phone number, date of birth)
• Educational records (grades, attendance, progress reports, certifications)
• Health information (as required for safety or accommodations)
• Financial or payment details (for tuition and program fees)
• Digital data (login information, online learning activity, or email communications)

4. Use of Information

Information is used solely for:

• Enrollment processing and program administration
• Academic evaluation, certification, and recordkeeping
• Compliance with federal and state reporting requirements
• Student safety, health accommodations, or counseling support
• Internal research and quality improvement of educational services

JOCA will never sell, rent, or exchange personal information to outside parties for commercial purposes.

5. HIPAA Compliance

For participants whose records contain protected health information (PHI), JOCA complies fully with HIPAA regulations:

• Health information is stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel.
• Any sharing of PHI requires written consent from the participant (or guardian, if applicable).
• JOCA ensures that all third-party service providers handling PHI maintain HIPAA-compliant safeguards.

6. FERPA Compliance

Under FERPA, students have the right to:

• Inspect and review their educational records.
• Request amendment of inaccurate or misleading information.
• Provide written consent before JOCA discloses personally identifiable information from education records, except where permitted by law.
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education regarding potential violations.

Directory information (such as name, program, or honors) may be shared publicly unless a written request for non-disclosure is submitted.

7. Data Security

JOCA employs strict administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect all records, including:

• Secure digital storage and password protection
• Limited access to authorized staff only
• Regular data backup and encryption
• Compliance audits and staff confidentiality agreements

8. Data Retention and Disposal

Records are retained only as long as necessary to fulfill their purpose or comply with legal requirements. When no longer needed, records are destroyed through secure deletion or shredding methods that prevent recovery.

9. Updates to this Policy

JOCA may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal or procedural updates.

All updates will be published on official JOCA communications platforms, and continued participation constitutes acceptance of revised terms.