Terms of Service

This Privacy Policy explains how The Grad Team, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our services ("Services"), such as when you:

• Visit our website at gradteam.com or any related subdomain that links to this Privacy Policy
• Access online photo galleries or order graduation photography products
• Engage with us in other related ways, including marketing, customer support, or event participation

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your information is handled, please contact us at support@thegradteam.com.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Names, email addresses, and phone numbers
• Graduation event details (school, date, division, etc.)
• Photographs and image identifiers
• Order and payment details (processed securely by our payment vendors)

We do not collect sensitive personal information unless required for legitimate service delivery.
All data you provide must be true, complete, and accurate.

2. FERPA Compliance

The Grad Team complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
We only collect student or institutional data with authorization from each participating school or university, and we use that data solely for graduation photography, order fulfillment, and communication related to those services.
Student lists or photo data are never resold, reused, or shared for unrelated marketing.

3. How We Use Information

We use your information to:

• Deliver photo proofs and online gallery access
• Process and fulfill orders
• Send order updates and support responses
• Maintain our event records and archives
• Improve our website and customer experience

We may also send optional marketing emails about upcoming graduation events or related offers, but you can opt out at any time.

4. Data Retention

Graduation photos and related data are securely archived for reorders and institutional verification.
We do not currently delete archived event data, as many families reorder years later.
All stored data is encrypted, access-controlled, and monitored for unauthorized use.

5. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies to function properly and improve your experience.
We use the Complianz Cookie Consent system to manage consent for analytics and optional cookies.
You can change your preferences anytime by selecting “Cookie Settings” at the bottom of the page.

“We use accessibility and performance cookies to improve user experience. These cookies do not store personal information or track users across sites.”

6. Biometric & Facial Recognition Notice

Our photo lab partners may use facial recognition technology solely to match graduation photos to event participants.
This process helps deliver accurate galleries and proofing links.
No biometric templates are reused, shared, or sold, and all photo data is stored securely by authorized vendors.

7. Data Security

We follow an internal framework aligned with the ISO 27001 Information Security Standard.
All systems are protected by encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication for administrators.
While no online system can be guaranteed 100% secure, we continuously monitor and improve our security posture to protect all personal and institutional data.

8. Accessibility

The Grad Team is committed to digital accessibility.
All public websites and galleries are designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
If you encounter any accessibility issues, contact us at support@thegradteam.com for assistance or alternative access.

9. Children’s Privacy (COPPA)

The Grad Team’s services are intended for high school seniors and older.
We do not knowingly collect, process, or store data from children under 13 years of age.
If such information is ever identified, it will be promptly deleted.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Request access to the data we hold about you
• Request corrections or updates
• Request deletion (where legally allowed)
• Opt out of marketing communications

Requests can be made by emailing support@thegradteam.com.
We will respond in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

11. California, Virginia, and Other State Rights

Residents of California, Virginia, and other states with privacy laws may request:

• Disclosure of personal data collected or shared
• Deletion of personal data (within legal limits)
• Correction of inaccurate information
• Access to personal information categories held about them

We do not sell or share personal information with third parties.

12. Accessibility & Do-Not-Track

Our website does not respond to browser “Do Not Track” signals at this time.
You can manage cookie preferences manually through your browser or the Complianz settings link on our site.

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as laws or our practices change.
The updated version will always include a new “Last Updated” date and will take effect immediately when posted.

14. Contact Information

For privacy or compliance inquiries, data access requests, or accessibility assistance, contact:

The Grad Team Privacy & Compliance Team
Email: support@thegradteam.com
Mail: The Grad Team, LLC – 300 West Forest Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA

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