SMS Terms and Conditions

Austin Christian University ("ACU," "we," "our," or "us") operates the text messaging (SMS) programs described below. By opting in to one of our programs you agree to these terms. These terms apply only to ACU's SMS programs; how we handle your data more broadly is covered in our Privacy Policy.

For questions, contact privacy@austinchristianuniversity.org.

1. Active SMS Programs

1.1 Prospective Student Communications

• Who receives messages. Individuals who have turned on the optional "Text me updates about ACU" SMS consent toggle on ACU's info-packet form, or who have otherwise affirmatively consented to receive marketing texts from ACU about its admissions and programs.
• What we send. Marketing text messages about ACU's programs, admissions, and events, follow-up from admissions staff and current students, application next steps, and answers to questions you have asked.
• How you opt in. By turning on the optional "Text me updates about ACU" toggle on the info-packet form at austinchristianuniversity.org. The toggle is off by default and is not required to submit the form or to receive the info packet — submitting the form does not by itself opt you in to text messages. You may also opt in by affirmatively providing your mobile number and consent to an ACU staff member.
• Message frequency. Message frequency varies. You will typically receive no more than a few messages per week, depending on where you are in the inquiry and application process.

1.2 ACU Staff Operational Communications

• Who receives messages. ACU staff members who have opted in to receive operational text messages from ACU's internal communication systems.
• What we send. Operational notifications related to ACU's internal systems, schedules, and workflows.
• How you opt in. ACU staff opt in by signing ACU's IT Acceptable Use Agreement (which includes an SMS Communications section) during onboarding, or by separately affirming consent in writing.
• Message frequency. Message frequency varies and depends on your role and the systems you use.

If ACU launches additional SMS programs in the future, they will be added to this page and will operate under their own affirmative opt-in process. Consent to one program does not constitute consent to any other.

2. Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. ACU does not charge for sending or receiving text messages, but your mobile carrier's standard messaging and data rates may apply to messages we send to you and to messages you send to us. Contact your wireless provider for details about your plan.

3. Opting Out

You can opt out of any ACU text messaging program at any time.

• Reply STOP to any message you receive from us. We also honor the keywords UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, and QUIT.
• After you opt out, we will send a single confirmation message acknowledging your request, and we will not send you further messages from that program unless you opt back in.
• You can also email privacy@austinchristianuniversity.org to be removed from any ACU SMS program.

Opting out of one ACU SMS program does not opt you out of other ACU communications (such as email) or other ACU SMS programs you have separately opted in to.

4. Getting Help

• Reply HELP to any message for support information and a contact email.
• You can also email privacy@austinchristianuniversity.org with questions about an ACU SMS program, opt-in or opt-out requests, or any other concern.

5. Supported Carriers

ACU's SMS programs are supported on major U.S. wireless carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, and most regional carriers and MVNOs (such as Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, and Virgin Mobile).

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. ACU is not responsible for delays, missed messages, or technical errors that occur on the carrier networks or on your device.

6. Eligibility and Age

ACU's prospective-student SMS program is open to individuals age 13 and older. If you are between 13 and 17, by opting in you affirm that a parent or guardian has reviewed these terms and our Privacy Policy and consents on your behalf. We do not knowingly send SMS messages to children under 13. See Section 7 (Children's Privacy) of our Privacy Policy for more detail.

ACU's staff SMS program is open only to ACU staff members who are 18 or older and who have signed the IT Acceptable Use Agreement.

7. Privacy

How ACU collects, uses, and protects information related to SMS messages — including message content, phone numbers, opt-in records, and timestamps — is described in our Privacy Policy, particularly Section 3 (SMS / Text Messaging). We do not share your mobile information — including your phone number, your SMS opt-in and consent, and your message content — with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. SMS opt-in and consent information is never shared with any third parties.

8. Changes to These Terms

We may update these SMS Terms and Conditions from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Your continued participation in an ACU SMS program after changes take effect means you accept the updated terms. If you do not agree to a change, you can opt out at any time by replying STOP.

9. Contact

Austin Christian University
Attn: Privacy
601 Westinghouse Rd
Georgetown, TX 78626
privacy@austinchristianuniversity.org