Our Cookie Statement details relevant information regarding the use of cookies, web beacons and similar technologies in connection to The Ohio State University’s (“Ohio State” or “University”) websites, applications, services, products and tools (hereafter, a “website”).
I. What are Cookies?
A cookie is a small text-based file placed on your device after you visit a website. We use different types of cookies to:
- Help us learn more about how people use our websites, so we can make our sites more useful.
- Deliver content that is meaningful to you while you are on our website.
- Deliver advertising about Ohio State to you after you leave our website.
- Discover if the links provided in our emails are useful to you.
- Transfer information you have selected from one page to another page you visit on our site.
- Operate the functionality of our website as planned.
- Conduct other similar or related activities.
II. Why does Ohio State use Cookies?
Ohio State and its various websites serve many different types of visitors. From students, to faculty, to researchers, to the general public, various website visitors have different needs from our websites. We try to make sure that all website visitors have the best possible online experience when they visit our website(s). To help aid us, we use cookies because:
- They may be technically necessary for the provision of our website(s)
- They help us optimize our website(s) technically (e.g. monitoring of error messages and loading times)
- They help us improve your user experience (e.g. save font size and form data entered)
- They allow us to show you more relevant content to you
- They can show us how our website(s) is being used(e.g. show us which pages see the most activity)
Ohio State does not generally use cookies to track you on an individualized basis – meaning, we do not try to track activity on our website and attribute such activity to a specific, identifiable person. Our cookies operate on a de-identified or aggregated basis and only provide us with insights about generalized activity on our website(s).
III. Types of Cookies
- First-party cookies: These are cookies that Ohio State sets when you visit our website. We use these to make your experience on our website better and to ensure our website functions as expected. The University sets these cookies and the information collected may be shared with third-party service providers who assist us in these efforts, such as analytics and website optimization partners.
- Third-Party Cookies: These are cookies that Ohio State sets when you visit our website. We use these to make your experience on our website better and to ensure our website functions as expected. While the University sets these cookies, the information collected may be shared with third-party service providers who assist us in these efforts, such as analytics and website optimization partners. You may need to review and consult the privacy policy for such third parties.
- Session Cookies: A session cookie is temporarily stored in your browser on your computer, phone, or other device. It is deleted after you leave the website or when you close the browser.
- Persistent Cookies: A persistent cookie is stored in your browser on your computer, phone, or other device. It is active until you delete it, or it expires.
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: These cookies are necessary for our website and services to function as designed.
- Performance Cookies: We use these to ensure our sites are working, identify areas for improved functionality, and to fix errors.
- Functional Cookies: These help us customize your site experience using your previous behavior and choices as our guide.
- Targeting or Advertising Cookies: We place advertising cookies on our site on behalf of third parties working with the University. These send information about your behavior on our site to advertisers so we can provide Ohio State ads to you on other websites. Some third parties may pair this with your behaviors outside of the Ohio State website to further personalize the ads you receive.
IV. Cookie Banners
What is a cookie banner?
A cookie banner is a notice that appears on a website to let visitors know that the website uses cookies (explained above) to collect information about how you use the site. The cookie banner may give you notice of what types of cookies are used and may give you the option to accept or manage your cookie preferences.
When will I see the cookie banner?
You may see a cookie banner when you first visit (and possibly during subsequent visits to) an Ohio State website where we have deployed the cookie banner. You will also see a cookie banner when you first visit (and possibly during subsequent visits) a website on which the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has deployed the cookie banner.
What cookie choices and preferences do I have?
Your cookie preferences may vary depending on the specific cookie banner used on different University websites. Each banner will provide explanations of the types of cookies in use and the choices (if any) available to you.
In what situations will I not see the cookie banner?
There are a few reasons why you may not see a cookie banner. You will not see it if:
- You have already accepted cookies by clicking on “Accept cookies” or by closing the cookie banner without reviewing the message.
- You are working on a site that Ohio State has protected by Web Single Sign-on or you are using an application at Ohio State, such as my.osu.edu.
- You set your browser’s privacy settings to opt out of cookies across all the sites you visit.
- You are visiting a site that is a service or company outside of Ohio State. The service or company sets its own rules regarding privacy and cookie statements which may differ from Ohio State’s policies.
Will the cookie banner pop-up every time I visit an Ohio State website? Why is the cookie banner displaying again when I have already accepted cookies?
Generally, once you made your cookie selections, you will not see it again except in limited situations:
- You cleared your browser’s cookies.
- You are using a new browser.
- It has been more than a year since you responded to the cookie banner.
- You are using incognito mode on your browser.
- We have updated or changed cookie settings or terms and are offering you an opportunity to view the revisions.
How can I review or change my cookie preferences if I accepted cookies?
- To review your choices and update consent, use the cookie settings button in the footer of any osu.edu website that is using the cookie banner.
V. Are there additional ways to manage cookies?
Yes, internet browsers have privacy settings that enable you to opt out of cookies across all the sites you visit. Visit your browser’s help section to learn more. If you disable all cookies, some features of Ohio State sites may not function as you expect.
VI. Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Connection with Cookies
Ohio State may use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies to analyze cookie data. These technologies help us improve website functionality, enhance user experience, and optimize content delivery. AI-driven processes generally operate on a de-identified or aggregated basis and do not identify individual users.
VII. Where can I find Ohio State’s Web Privacy Statement?
Ohio State’s web privacy statement is located on the Privacy web page. Generally, Ohio State includes a link to the privacy web page in the website footers of osu.edu websites that have deployed the cookie banner.
VIII. Who can I contact if I have questions?
Contact the Privacy Office via email at Privacy@osu.edu
Call the IT Service Desk at (614) 688-4357 (HELP) or via email at itservicedesk@osu.edu.
IX. Updates to This Cookie Statement
This Cookie Statement may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We encourage you to review this statement periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and related technologies.
Date: January, 2026
Ohio State Privacy Team
privacy@osu.edu