The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration (OJDLA) is a collaboration between USG eCampus and the University of West Georgia. USG eCampus, a unit of the University System of Georgia, operates this website at ojdla.com and is responsible for the information collected through it. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have.

Information we collect

Information collected automatically

  • Server logs. Like most websites, our hosting provider records technical details of each request, including your IP address, browser type, the page requested, the referring page, and the date and time. We use these logs for security, troubleshooting, and keeping the site running.
  • Article view counts. We count how many times each article is viewed and publish the totals on our Readership Stats page. These counts are not linked to you.
  • Analytics, with your consent. If you allow it, we use Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity to understand how visitors use the site. See "Cookies and similar technologies" below.

Information you give us

  • Listserv subscription form. When you subscribe or unsubscribe, we collect your first name, last name (both optional), email address, and your subscription choice.
  • Email. If you email OJDLA staff, editors, or authors, we receive your email address and whatever you include in your message.
  • Website feedback. Our "Website Feedback" link opens a form hosted by Asana. Information you submit there is collected by Asana on our behalf.
  • Manuscript submissions. Authors submit manuscripts through a form hosted by Podio, linked from our Submit Article page. Information you submit there, including your name, contact details, and manuscript, is collected by Podio on our behalf and shared with the OJDLA editors for review. Podio's privacy policy also applies to that form.

Information we publish

OJDLA is a scholarly journal. When we publish an article, the author names, institutional affiliations, biographies, and contact email addresses provided by authors become part of the public, permanent scholarly record on this site. Editorial board members' names and contact information are also published. To request a correction, contact us using the details below.

How we use information

  • To operate, maintain, and secure the website
  • To add you to, or remove you from, the OJDLA listserv and send you journal announcements
  • To respond to your messages and feedback
  • To understand how the site is used so we can improve it
  • To detect and prevent spam, fraud, and abuse
  • To comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for advertising.

Cookies and similar technologies

Cookies are small files that a website stores in your browser. When you first visit, we ask which optional cookies you allow. You can change your choice at any time with the cookie settings button in the bottom corner of every page.

Strictly necessary

These are always on because the site needs them. They remember your cookie choices and protect forms against forged submissions. They do not track you across other websites.

Google Analytics (optional)

If you allow analytics cookies, Google Analytics collects information such as the pages you visit, how long you stay, your general location, and your device and browser type. We use this only in aggregate to understand site traffic. Google's use of this data is described in the Google Privacy Policy. You can also opt out of Google Analytics on all websites with the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

Microsoft Clarity (optional)

If you allow Clarity cookies, Microsoft Clarity records how you interact with our pages, including clicks, scrolling, and mouse movement. We use this information to produce heatmaps and session replays that help us find and fix usability problems. Clarity masks text you type into form fields. Microsoft's use of this data is described in the Microsoft Privacy Statement.

Browser storage

When you click an email link, the site may offer to open it in a webmail service of your choice. This feature can store your preferred email service in your browser's local storage. That information stays on your device and is not sent to us.

Third-party services

We use the following service providers to run the site. Each receives only the information needed to provide its service.

  • Microsoft Azure hosts the website, its database, and its files.
  • Google reCAPTCHA protects the listserv form from spam. It collects information about your device and how you interact with the page. Use of reCAPTCHA is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
  • Google Fonts supplies the site's typeface. Your browser requests the font from Google's servers, which receive your IP address.
  • SendGrid (a Twilio company) delivers email sent by the website, including listserv form notifications to OJDLA staff.
  • Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity, only if you consent, as described above.
  • Asana hosts our website feedback form.
  • Podio hosts our manuscript submission form.

The share buttons on article pages are plain links to Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. They do not load any content from those services, and nothing is sent to them unless you click a button. After you click, that service's privacy policy applies.

When we share information

We share personal information only with the service providers listed above, and when required by law. USG eCampus is part of the University System of Georgia, a public institution. Records we hold may be subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. ยง 50-18-70 et seq.), subject to its exemptions. We may also disclose information to respond to legal process, to protect the security of the site, or to protect the rights and safety of others.

How long we keep information

  • Listserv information is kept while you are subscribed. When you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it, we remove your address from the list.
  • Manuscript submissions are kept as long as needed for editorial review and the journal's publication records.
  • Emails and feedback are kept as long as needed to respond and for related recordkeeping.
  • Server logs are kept for a limited time for security and troubleshooting.
  • Analytics data is kept according to the retention settings of Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity.
  • Published author information stays part of the journal's permanent archive.

All records are retained and disposed of in line with University System of Georgia records retention schedules.

How we protect information

The site is served only over encrypted HTTPS connections. Access to site administration and stored form submissions is limited to authorized staff. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we follow University System of Georgia information security standards to protect the information we hold.

Your choices

  • Cookies: Accept or reject optional cookies at any time with the cookie settings button. You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings.
  • Listserv: Unsubscribe at any time using the listserv form.
  • Access and correction: You may ask to see, correct, or delete personal information we hold about you. We will respond within a reasonable time, subject to any legal requirements to retain records.

Children's privacy

This site is intended for professionals and researchers in higher education. It is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has given us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

Visitors outside the United States

This website is operated in the United States. If you visit from another country, your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

Links to other websites

OJDLA articles and pages link to many other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites, and we encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Related policies

This policy applies to ojdla.com. The University System of Georgia Data Privacy Policy also applies to information handled by USG eCampus.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as the site or the law changes. When we do, we will post the revised policy on this page and update the effective date at the top.

Contact us

For questions about this policy or to make a request about your information, contact the USG eCampus web team at ecampus-webteam@ecampus.usg.edu.