Cookie Policy
Belmont Alumni Network — Effective Date: March 5, 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to the site operators.
2. How We Use Cookies
The Belmont Alumni Network uses a minimal number of cookies, all of which are essential for the Platform to function properly. We do not use any advertising, analytics, or tracking cookies.
Cookies We Use
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_alumni_session |
Essential | Maintains your authenticated session so you stay signed in as you navigate the Platform | Browser session (deleted when you close your browser) or up to 30 days if you select "Remember Me" |
| CSRF Token | Essential | Security cookie that prevents cross-site request forgery attacks. Included automatically by Rails in all forms | Browser session |
3. Cookies We Do NOT Use
To be clear about what we don't do:
- No analytics cookies — We do not use Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar, or any other analytics service that sets cookies
- No advertising cookies — We do not serve ads or use ad tracking (e.g., Facebook Pixel, Google Ads)
- No social media cookies — We do not embed social media widgets that set tracking cookies
- No third-party tracking cookies — We do not allow any third party to set cookies through our Platform for tracking purposes
- No preference cookies — Your preferences are stored in your account settings (server-side), not in cookies
4. Cookie Consent
Because we use only essential cookies that are strictly necessary for the Platform to function, we are not required to obtain consent for their use under most privacy regulations (including GDPR and ePrivacy Directive). Essential cookies cannot be opted out of — they are required for the Platform to work.
If we ever add non-essential cookies in the future, we will update this policy, notify you, and provide appropriate consent mechanisms before setting any non-essential cookies.
5. Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to view what cookies are set, delete individual or all cookies, block cookies from specific or all sites, and set preferences for first-party vs. third-party cookies.
Please note: If you block or delete our essential cookies, you will be unable to sign in or use the Platform, as these cookies are required for authentication.
Browser-Specific Instructions
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions
6. Changes to This Policy
If we change our cookie practices (particularly if we add non-essential cookies), we will update this policy and the "Effective Date" above. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform.
7. Contact
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at:
Belmont University — Alumni Engagement1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
Email: alumni@belmont.edu
For more information about how we handle your personal information generally, please see our Privacy Policy.