1. About This Policy

Austin Community College ("ACC," "we," "our," or "us") operates NEST FEST, a startup pitch competition platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you participate in NEST FEST activities, use our website, or register for competitions.

By using our services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our platform.

2. Information We Collect

Registration Information

• Full name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Educational institution or organizational affiliation
• Student ID or faculty status (for ACC participants)
• Project information (title, description, category)
• Team member details (if applicable)

Submission Data

• Competition entries and project materials
• Presentation files, videos, and documentation
• AI-enhanced descriptions (when using our enhancement tool)
• Judge evaluations and feedback

Technical Information

• Website usage data and analytics
• IP addresses and browser information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Email engagement metrics

3. How We Use Your Information

ACC uses your information to:

• Administer NEST FEST competitions and events
• Process registrations and manage participant communications
• Facilitate judging processes and award ceremonies
• Send event updates, deadlines, and announcements
• Provide AI-powered project description enhancement
• Improve our services and develop new programs
• Comply with educational and legal requirements
• Promote entrepreneurship education at ACC

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Competition Judges: To evaluate submissions and provide feedback
• EDGE Team Members: ACC students who help organize and manage events
• ACC Faculty and Staff: For educational and administrative purposes
• Event Partners and Sponsors: To facilitate awards and networking opportunities
• Public Showcase: Winners may have projects featured in promotional materials
• Educational Records: Integration with ACC student information systems (for ACC students)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or ACC policies

We do not sell personal information to third parties. All sharing is for legitimate educational and competition purposes only.

5. Data Security

ACC implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Secure data transmission using SSL/TLS encryption
• Restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Compliance with ACC's information security policies
• Secure cloud storage with reputable service providers

6. Your Rights

As a NEST FEST participant, you have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your data (subject to educational record requirements)
• Opt out of promotional communications
• Withdraw from competition participation
• File complaints with ACC's Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with ACC's record retention requirements, and meet legal obligations. Competition submissions may be retained for historical and promotional purposes with appropriate consent.

8. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, contact:

9. Changes to This Policy

ACC may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify participants of significant changes via email and post updates on our website. Continued use of NEST FEST services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.