Text Messaging (SMS/MMS) and Privacy

Texas Tech University uses SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) as part of its official communications strategy with students, parents, guardians, alumni, and other stakeholders. These communications are designed to support the academic mission, institutional operations, and community engagement while protecting individual privacy.

Collection & Use of Information

• The mobile phone number provided to Texas Tech University may be used for educational, transactional or institutional messages such as academic alerts, registration and advising reminders, and informational updates from approved university departments.
• Event marketing to students via SMS is not permitted, except where explicitly approved and in compliance with this standard.
• Marketing or promotional messages to parents, alumni, or other non-student audiences require express opt-in consent.

Data Protection & PII Handling

• SMS communications must not include sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers or health information.
• If sensitive information must be conveyed, recipients will be directed to secure portals or other FERPA- or HIPAA-compliant channels.
• All SMS activity must comply with Texas Tech University’s Information Privacy and Confidentiality policy (OP 70.40).

Opt-In / Opt-Out

• Transactional academic messages are considered essential to academic success and compliance with federal regulations. Students are automatically opted in and cannot opt out of these messages.
• Commercial or informational messages require explicit opt-in consent and must include clear instructions for opting out.
• All opt-out requests for commercial or informational SMS must be honored promptly.

Emergency Alerts

• Emergency notifications, such as severe weather warnings or campus safety alerts, are not governed by this guidance. They are managed exclusively through TechAlert, Texas Tech University’s official emergency communication system.

Carrier & Message Disclosures

• Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
• Message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from Texas Tech and to Texas Tech from you.
• Message frequency will vary based on the type of subscription:
  • Academic/Transactional messages: typically, up to two per month outside of peak periods.
  • Commercial/Informational messages: generally, no more than two per month unless otherwise stated at opt-in.
• For questions about your text or data plan, contact your wireless provider.

Legal Compliance & Privacy Assurance

• All SMS communications must comply with applicable federal laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as well as university operating policies.
• Texas Tech does not sell, rent, or otherwise disclose SMS subscriber information to third parties except as required by law.