SMS Text Messaging Policy

SUNY Plattsburgh Information Technology Services (ITS)

Purpose

This article describes how SUNY Plattsburgh Information Technology Services (ITS) uses Zoom to send SMS text messages to individual students and outlines consent, usage, privacy, and opt-out practices in compliance with 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) messaging requirements.

Scope of SMS Messaging

SUNY Plattsburgh uses Zoom SMS only for direct, one-to-one communication with individual students. SMS messaging is used for transactional and informational purposes, including but not limited to:

  • Academic advising communication

  • Registrar or enrollment reminders

  • Time-sensitive student support notifications

  • Follow-ups related to services already initiated by the student

SUNY Plattsburgh does not use Zoom SMS for:

  • Marketing campaigns

  • Promotional messaging

  • Bulk or mass text messaging

  • Automated outreach to non-consenting recipients

SMS Consent

Students receive SMS messages only after an existing institutional relationship has been established, and where providing a mobile phone number is part of normal university operations (e.g., advising records, student information systems, or direct contact initiated by the student).

Consent to receive SMS messages is implied when a student:

  • Provides their mobile phone number to the university for contact purposes and

  • Engages in direct communication with faculty, staff, or offices using that number

All SMS messaging includes the following disclosure, as required by 10DLC regulations:

Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can STOP messaging by sending STOP and get more help by sending HELP. View our SMS privacy policy at: https://its.plattsburgh.edu/sms.

Opt-Out and Help

Students may opt out of SMS messaging at any time by replying:

  • STOP — to stop receiving SMS messages

  • HELP — to receive additional information or assistance

Once a STOP request is received, no further SMS messages will be sent unless the student explicitly re-initiates communication.

Privacy and Data Use

SUNY Plattsburgh respects student privacy and limits the use of personal data in accordance with institutional policy, FERPA, and telecommunications regulations.

Mobile phone numbers and SMS consent data are used solely for direct, one-to-one communication related to university services.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties, affiliates, or partners for marketing or promotional purposes.

SMS opt-in data, consent records, and mobile phone numbers are not shared with any third parties under any circumstances.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. For more information on the university’s general privacy practices, please see our Website Privacy Policy.

Message Content and Frequency

  • Messages are human-initiated, not automated campaigns

  • Frequency varies based on student need and context

  • Messages are limited to what is reasonably necessary to support the student

  • SUNY Plattsburgh does not send repetitive or unsolicited SMS messages.

Compliance and Oversight

ITS administers and monitors Zoom SMS usage to ensure:

  • Compliance with 10DLC carrier requirements

  • Appropriate use by authorized staff

  • Alignment with university privacy and communication policies

Any misuse of SMS messaging may result in removal of access.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about SMS messaging practices at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:

Information Technology Services (ITS)

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