Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Shinecrest University ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at shinecrest-university.com (the "Service").

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By continuing to use our Service, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this policy.

We are committed to being transparent about how we use cookies and giving you control over your preferences.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, improve user experience, and provide information to website owners.

2.1 Types of Cookies by Duration

• Session Cookies: These are temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: These remain on your device for a predetermined period or until you delete them

2.2 Types of Cookies by Origin

• First-Party Cookies: Set directly by our website
• Third-Party Cookies: Set by external services we use, such as analytics providers

2.3 Similar Technologies

We also use similar technologies including:

• Web Beacons: Small graphics that track user behavior
• Local Storage: Browser storage for larger amounts of data
• Pixels: Tiny images that help us understand user interactions

3. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize cookies based on their purpose and functionality:

4. Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the proper functioning of our website. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot disable these cookies as they are necessary for the Service to function.

4.1 Examples of Necessary Cookies

4.2 Security Cookies

These cookies help us detect malicious activity and protect your information from unauthorized access.

4.3 Form Cookies

These cookies remember information you've entered in forms to improve your user experience when navigating between pages.

5. Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This data helps us improve our content and user experience.

5.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior. This service uses cookies to:

• Track the number of visitors to our site
• Understand which pages are most popular
• Analyze user navigation patterns
• Measure the effectiveness of our content

5.2 Internal Analytics

We also use our own analytics tools to:

• Monitor website performance
• Track form completion rates
• Analyze newsletter subscription patterns
• Measure research content engagement

5.3 Data Processing

Analytics data is processed in an anonymized form and cannot be used to identify individual users. We use this information to improve our services and content offerings.

6. Marketing Cookies

Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites to display relevant and engaging advertisements. These cookies help us:

6.1 Personalization

• Show content relevant to your interests in green technology
• Customize newsletter recommendations
• Suggest related research articles and resources

6.2 Advertising

• Display relevant advertisements on third-party websites
• Measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns
• Prevent the same advertisement from being shown repeatedly

6.3 Social Media Integration

Social media platforms may set cookies when you interact with our social media content or share our content on social platforms.

7. Third-Party Cookies

We work with trusted third-party service providers who may set cookies on our website. These include:

7.1 Analytics Providers

• Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis
• Google Tag Manager: Tag and code management
• Hotjar: User behavior analysis and feedback

7.2 Social Media Platforms

• Facebook: Social sharing and advertising
• Twitter: Social sharing and engagement tracking
• LinkedIn: Professional networking and content sharing
• Instagram: Visual content sharing

7.3 Email Marketing

• Mailchimp: Newsletter delivery and tracking
• Campaign Monitor: Email campaign management

7.4 Content Delivery

• Cloudflare: Website performance and security
• YouTube: Video content embedding

8. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies on our website:

8.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Accept only necessary cookies
• Customize your preferences by category

8.2 Cookie Preferences Center

You can modify your cookie preferences at any time by:

• Clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our footer
• Using the cookie management tool in your browser
• Contacting us directly

8.3 Granular Control

Our cookie preferences center allows you to:

• Enable or disable specific cookie categories
• View detailed information about each cookie
• Understand the purpose of each tracking technology
• See which third parties set cookies on our site

9. Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

9.1 Browser Options

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete existing cookies
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

9.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

9.3 Private Browsing

You can use private or incognito browsing mode to browse without storing cookies permanently on your device.

10. Mobile Device Settings

Mobile devices also provide options for managing cookies and tracking:

10.1 iOS Devices

• Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security
• Settings → Privacy → Apple Advertising
• Limit Ad Tracking option

10.2 Android Devices

• Settings → Google → Ads
• Chrome Settings → Site Settings → Cookies
• Opt out of Ads Personalization

10.3 Mobile App Settings

If you access our content through mobile apps, you can manage tracking preferences through the app settings or your device's general privacy settings.

11. Consequences of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, doing so may affect your experience on our website:

11.1 Necessary Cookies

Disabling necessary cookies may result in:

• Inability to submit forms
• Loss of security features
• Frequent logout from secure areas
• Loss of accessibility features

11.2 Analytics Cookies

Disabling analytics cookies may result in:

• Less personalized content recommendations
• Reduced ability for us to improve our services
• Less relevant research suggestions

11.3 Marketing Cookies

Disabling marketing cookies may result in:

• Less relevant advertisements
• Repeated display of the same advertisements
• Less personalized content

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you through our website or email
• Request new consent if required by law
• Provide clear information about the changes

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our use of cookies.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe and provide assistance with managing your cookie preferences.