Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
The following policy will explain RCTA’s (“RCTA”) commitment to your privacy and how we use the information collected through the SOLAR Network website (“Site”). It also covers the terms and conditions under which you (the “User”) agree to use this site. This policy covers both “Student” and “Scholar” categories of “Registered Users”. Where policies apply only to one category of user they are indicated as such.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Last Updated: April 20, 2023
The SOLAR Network is sponsored by the Rivendell Center for Theology and the Arts (“RCTA”), a research center of the Rivendell Institute. By registering your “User” account on the SOLAR Network website (“Site”) you agree to be bound by the terms and provisions of this agreement.
Terms of Use
1.“Student Users”
1.1. A “Student” is someone who is currently pursuing or plans to pursue a degree (undergraduate or postgraduate/graduate).
1.2. By registering on this “Site” you gain access to the Scholars Directory, which includes individual “Scholar Users” profiles and their contact information, and to content posted in Member Resources: Postgraduate Tips, Member Publications, Conferences/Events, Calls for Papers, and Websites/Organizations. You are permitted to contact scholars whose profiles are hosted on this site in regard to research interests, postgraduate programs, or postgraduate-level supervision. All other solicitation is not permitted. You may submit announcements of relevance to the study of literature and religion to be considered for inclusion in Member Resources or in SOLAR Network News & Opportunities e-updates. Inclusion is at the sole discretion of “RCTA”.
2. “Scholar” Users
2.1. A “Scholar” is someone who has completed a terminal postgraduate degree (PhD, DPhil, MFA) and who teaches, has taught, or is planning to teach at a college or university level. A “Scholar” may also be someone who has completed such a degree and continues to work at the intersection of literature and religion.
2.2 By registering on this “Site” and submitting your scholar profile you consent to be contacted by other “Registered Users.” Prospective students who are members of the SOLAR Network may inquire about postgraduate programs and postgraduate-level supervision. Fellow scholars may contact you about possible collaboration. You are permitted to contact other “Users” whose scholar profiles are hosted on this site in regard to research interests or collaboration opportunities. All other solicitation is not permitted. As a “Registered User”, you also gain access to content posted in Member Resources: Member Publications, Conferences/Events, Calls for Papers, Websites/Organizations, and Postgraduate Tips. You may submit announcements of relevance to the study of literature and religion to be considered for inclusion in Member Resources or in SOLAR Network News & Opportunities e-updates. Inclusion is at the sole discretion of “RCTA”.
3. “All Users”
3.1 Access to Content
3.1.1. The content on this site is provided for the exclusive use of SOLAR Network members (“Registered Users”). “Users” must be logged in to the SOLAR Network site in order to view content. You may print a copy of scholar profiles or Member Resources posts for personal reference, but may not repost any SOLAR Network site content elsewhere, either in print or digital form. In limited instances permission may be granted to repost Member Resources content, but this is at the sole discretion of “RCTA” and, in some instances, the “User” who submitted the content. Requests for permission should be emailed to info@thercta.org.
3.1.2. Access to content created by organizations outside of the SOLAR Network, such as calls for papers and announcements for upcoming conferences and events, is subject to the sharing restrictions of the website/organization hosting the original content.
3.2. User Behavior
3.2.1. All “Users” are expected to abide by reasonable and acceptable standards of behavior in their interactions with other SOLAR Network “Users”. It is not permitted to post content on this “Site” or engage in communication with other “Users” that could be deemed unlawful, threatening, harassing, abusive, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate. Doing so will result in termination of “The User’s” account, and loss of access to this “Site”.
3.2.2. “RCTA” retains the right to terminate or refuse member accounts which threaten the online community or which do not meet the basic criteria for membership which includes, but is not limited to, that of being a “Student” or “Scholar” or “Site Administrator”.
3.3. Responsibility for Site Content
3.3.1. “RCTA” is not responsible for the accuracy of any content posted on this “Site” by its “Users” nor for any content posted on external sites which are hyperlinked to this “Site”. Not all site content has been created by “RCTA” but may derive from “Registered User” submissions or content provided by external organizations.
3.3.2. “RCTA” makes no guarantee that communication with other SOLAR Network members (“Users”) will result in opportunities for scholarly collaboration or doctoral supervision, nor that advice or opportunities found in Member Resources posts will result in acceptance of applicant to postgraduate programs, of paper or panel proposals to conferences, or of books or articles for publication.
3.3.3. International Users: The “Site” is controlled, operated, and administered by RCTA from our office within the USA. If you access the “Site” or SOLAR content from a location outside the USA, you are responsible for using the “Site” and all “Site” content in compliance with all local laws. You agree that you will not use or share any SOLAR content or “Scholar Directory” profile data in any manner prohibited by any applicable laws, restrictions, or regulations.
3.4 Intellectual Property
3.4.1. This “Site” is the intellectual property of “RCTA” and may not be duplicated, altered, or used in any way not already specified by these terms of use. This intellectual property includes, but is not limited to, logos, design, or content found on this “Site”.
3.4.2. This “Site” uses the “Ultimate Member” extension and theme, which retains the intellectual property rights for its design-specific content.
3.5. Changes to Terms of Use
3.5.1. “RCTA” reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to change the Terms under which the SOLAR Network (www.solarnetwork.thercta.org) is offered. The most current version of the Terms will supersede all previous versions. “RCTA” encourages you to periodically review the Terms to stay informed of our updates.
3.5.2. “RCTA” will notify “Users” by email communication of updates to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
3.6. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless “RCTA”, its officers, directors, employees, agents and third parties, for any losses, costs, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) relating to or arising out of your use of or inability to use the “Site” or services, any “User” postings made by you or another SOLAR “Registered User”, your violation of any terms of this Agreement or your violation of any rights of a third party, or your violation of any applicable laws, rules or regulations. “RCTA” reserves the right, at its own cost, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which event you will fully cooperate with “RCTA” in asserting any available defenses.
3.7. Arbitration
In the event the parties are not able to resolve any dispute between them arising out of or concerning these Terms of Use, or any provisions hereof, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise at law or in equity for damages or any other relief, then such dispute shall be resolved only by final and binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, conducted by a single neutral arbitrator and administered by the American Arbitration Association, or a similar arbitration service selected by the parties, in a location mutually agreed upon by the parties. The arbitrator’s award shall be final, and judgment may be entered upon it in any court having jurisdiction. In the event that any legal or equitable action, proceeding or arbitration arises out of or concerns these Terms of Use, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. The parties agree to arbitrate all disputes and claims in regards to these Terms of Use or any disputes arising as a result of these Terms of Use, whether directly or indirectly, including Tort claims that are a result of these Terms and Use. The parties agree that the Federal Arbitration Act governs the interpretation and enforcement of this provision. The entire dispute, including the scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision shall be determined by the Arbitrator. This arbitration provision shall survive the termination of these Terms of Use.
Privacy Policy
This privacy policy will explain how we (“RCTA”) use the personal data we collect from you (the “User”) when you register for a “Scholar” or “Student” SOLAR Network member account on the SOLAR Network website (“Site”).
1. What data do we collect?
“RCTA” collects the following data:
1.1. Personally identifiable information including name and email address as provided by you upon Registration
1.2. All required and any optional responses to the questions found in the SOLAR Network Student or Scholar Registration forms: for “Student Users” this includes ‘Registration Information’; for “Scholar Users” this includes ‘Registration Information’, ‘Professional Information’, ‘Research Areas’, and ‘Professional Websites’.
1.3. Automatically Collected Information
Information about your computer hardware and software may be automatically collected by “RCTA”. This information can include: your IP address, browser type, device type, access times, IP country location, and referring links and website addresses. This information is used to maintain quality of the service, and to provide general statistics regarding use of the “Site”. “RCTA” may keep track of pages “Users” visit within the “Site” and links clicked on in email communications in order to determine engagement with content.
2. How do we collect your data?
2.1. Registration
You directly provide “RCTA” with the data we collect when you complete and submit your SOLAR Network member registration on the “Site”.
2.2. Automatically Collected Data
Automatically Collected Data as defined in Privacy Policy Section 1.3. on the “Site” is collected through Google Analytics. “User” engagement behavior data with email communication is collected through Mailchimp.
2.3. Cookies
The “Site” uses “cookies” to help you personalize your online experience. A cookie is a text file that is placed on your hard disk by a web page server. Cookies cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses to your computer. Cookies are uniquely assigned to you, and can only be read by a web server in the domain that issued the cookie to you. You have the ability to accept or decline cookies. Most Web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. If you choose to decline cookies, you will not be able to remain logged in to the site when you close your browser, but will need to enter your password every time you visit the site.
2.3.1. Google Analytics
The “Site” uses two cookies through Google Analytics that gather Automatically Collected Data. Google Analytics sets these cookies to calculate visitor, session and campaign data, and track site usage for the site’s analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognise unique visitors.
2.3.2. Login Verification
The “Site” also uses a cookie through WordPress to provide you with a convenience feature: the ability to stay logged in for 45 days after closing your browser, without having to re-enter your password when you next visit the “Site”.
3. How will we use your data?
“RCTA” collects your data so that we can:
3.1. “All Users”
3.1.1. Create your SOLAR Network member account
3.1.2. Automatically Collected Information as defined in Privacy Policy section 1.3. is used to maintain the quality of the service, and to provide general statistics regarding use of the “Site”. “RCTA” may keep track of pages “Users” visit within the “Site” and links clicked on in email communications in order to determine engagement with content.
3.1.3. Email you (see Privacy Policy section 3.3.)
3.2. “Scholar Users”
3.2.1. Create your SOLAR Network Scholar Profile which is hosted on the SOLAR Network website. Your profile is only accessible to registered SOLAR Network members who sign in to the “Site”.
3.2.2. Facilitate connections between prospective students pursuing postgraduate work and scholars who share similar interdisciplinary interests and might be able to serve as advisors/supervisors for their programs of study by providing scholar profile and contact information in the form of email addresses.
3.2.3. Foster increased collaboration between scholars in various fields of literary studies who are likewise interested in the intersection of literature and religion by providing scholar profiles and contact information in the form of email addresses.
3.3. “RCTA” will only email you regarding the following:
3.3.1. Updates to our Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
3.3.2. SOLAR Network News & Opportunities: Member e-updates are sent periodically to notify “Users” of opportunities of relevance such as newly posted Member Resources (including ‘Postgraduate Tips’, ‘Conferences/Events’, ‘Member Publications’, ‘Calls for Papers’, and ‘Websites/Organizations’), to request member feedback, or to encourage new membership. Announcements may include content provided by “Registered Users” or external organizations.
3.3.3. Email inquiries we receive from you
3.3.4. Providing a link to reset a lost password
3.3.5. “Scholar Users”: Changes or updates to your SOLAR Network Scholar Profile
3.4. Consent to communication
3.4.1. “Scholar Users”: By submitting your profile to the SOLAR Network you consent to being contacted by other “Registered Users” about your research interests, postgraduate or doctoral supervision or programs, or opportunities for scholarly collaboration.
3.4.2. “All Users”: By becoming a member of the SOLAR Network you consent to receive “SOLAR Network News & Opportunities” member e-updates as described in 3.3.2; you may opt-out of receiving these e-updates, but not from the other critical communications outlined in 3.3.1, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5.
3.4.3. To opt-out of “SOLAR Network News & Opportunities” e-updates you may 1) click the unsubscribe link on the e-update footer or 2) email your opt-out request to info@rcta.org.
3.4.4. For all communication, we will use the email you provided when registering your member profile; however, you may update your contact information at any time.
3.5. How do we store your data?
3.5.1. “RCTA” securely stores your data on the WordPress platform which hosts this “Site” and the MailChimp platform we use to communicate with you. Access to data shared by “Scholar Users” on their Scholar profile that is stored on the “Site” requires “Registered User” or “RCTA” administrator sign-in. We will keep your SOLAR Network member account data until which time you notify us to delete your data and SOLAR Network account.
3.5.2. Our (HTTPS) site uses SSL encryption protocol to protect your data. However, while we strive to take appropriate security measures to protect against unauthorized access to or alteration of your personal information, no data transmission over the Internet or any wireless network can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we strive to protect your personal information, you acknowledge that: (a) there are security and privacy limitations inherent to the Internet which are beyond our control; and (b) security, integrity, and privacy of any and all information and data exchanged between you and us through this Site cannot be guaranteed.
3.6. Marketing
3.6.1. “RCTA” will NOT sell your data.
3.6.2. “RCTA” will NOT share your data with parties outside the SOLAR Network, unless we first receive your permission to do so.
3.6.3. “Scholar Users”: “RCTA” is not responsible for misuse of data available on your Scholar profile by SOLAR “Users”. If you believe a “User” has shared your information with parties outside of the SOLAR Network in an inappropriate way, you may submit a complaint to info@thercta.org.
3.7. What are your data protection rights?
“RCTA” would like to make sure you are fully aware of all your data protection rights. Every user is entitled to the following:
3.7.1. The right to access – You have the right to request copies of your personal data from “RCTA”.
3.7.2. The right to rectification – You have the right to request that “RCTA” correct any information you believe is inaccurate. You also have the right to request that “RCTA” complete information you believe is incomplete.
3.7.3. The right to erasure – You have the right to request that “RCTA” erase your personal data, under certain conditions.
3.7.4. The right to data portability – You have the right to request that “RCTA” transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions.
3.7.5. If you make a request, we have one month to respond to you. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information listed under Privacy Policy section 6.
4. Privacy policies of other websites
“RCTA”’s Privacy Policy applies only to our collection and use of your data, and not to any hyperlinked external sites, which are governed by their own terms of use and privacy policies. Please consult these sites for information about their policies.
5. Changes to our Privacy Policy
“RCTA” keeps its Privacy Policy under regular review and will notify you by email of any changes. This Privacy Policy was last updated on April 20, 2023.
6. How to contact us
If you have any questions about “RCTA”’s Privacy Policy, the data we hold on you, or would like to exercise one of your data protection rights, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Email: info@thercta.org
Phone: (+1) (203) 785–0164
Write: Rivendell Institute
Attn: RCTA
291 Edwards St.
New Haven, CT 06511
USA