Confidentiality Information
Protecting your information is important to us.
The University of Michigan is a world-wide leader in research. Ensuring the security of all the information we receive from those in our surveys is of the highest importance to us and to our reputation.
In the 75+ years the Survey Research Center has existed, there has never been a breach of confidentiality.
- All staff must sign and agree to Statements of
- The processes we use for securing data meet all government standards and regulations.
- We have complex security systems to protect all of the information we collect in our surveys.
- Procedures are in place each step of the way to protect all of this extremely important information.
How is my information protected?
Your interviewer is a professional employee of the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center. All staff members have been trained in confidentiality and the systems for protecting data, and have signed a pledge of confidentiality. All laptops used by our field staff have security software installed. Each laptop has a unique password and only authorized users have access to the programs on the laptop. The laptop has complex passwords and firewalls that prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the information. If the possession of a laptop is ever in question; we are able to remotely access and remove all data from the laptop.
How does my information get to the University of Michigan?
Our professional field staff send all of the data collected over a secure line to our central servers every day. This data is encrypted before it is sent and can only be accessed by authorized University staff members.
How are my data stored?
The data are stored on secure servers with complex passwords and firewalls that have very restricted access. Physical access to the servers is also restricted. Any information that links the data to the person who gave it is removed. It is then combined with the information for all of the others who participated in the survey. It is stored without names, only with an assigned number.
Are my data shared with others?
The data you provide will never be linked to you as an individual. The data is shared only with those who are authorized to use it, such as the researchers conducting the study. Before they receive it, all identifying information is removed.
A breach in confidentiality is as much a concern to us as it is to you because it would be a threat to our future as a leader in research.
If you have questions or concerns about this, contact us at: (800) 759-7947