RECE Privacy Policy & GDPR Compliance (Updated  January 2025)

Romanian Excellence Center in Economics (RECE)
Effective date: January 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how the Romanian Excellence Center in Economics (RECE) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), national legislation, and the requirements of the Ministry of Education for the Centers of Excellence programme.

RECE works with students—primarily minors—from schools across Romania, including participants in the Center of Excellence in Economics and Center of Excellence in Business Administration & Finance, as well as candidates preparing for national and international competitions.

Your privacy is extremely important to us, and we are committed to processing personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

2. Data Controller

The Data Controller responsible for your personal data is:

Romanian Excellence Center in Economics (RECE)
Bucharest, Romania
Email: contact@rece.com.ro

If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is processed, contact us at: contact@rece.com.ro.

3. Categories of Personal Data We Collect

We process different types of data depending on your interaction with RECE, including:

A. Identification & Contact Information

• Full name

• Email address

• School name and county

• Expected high school graduation year

• Emergency contact details (name, relationship, phone number)

• Student ID verification at partner school security gates

B. Academic, Registration & Programme Data

• Areas of academic interest

• Participation in the Centers of Excellence programme

• Attendance at classes, workshops, competitions, and exams

• Exam scripts, scores, and evaluation records

• Feedback responses and course evaluations

C. Website Usage Data

• IP address

• Browser type and device information

• Cookies and usage statistics
  (See Cookies Policy further below.)

D. Photography Data

• Limited group photography taken from behind (no identifiable faces) during events

• Used strictly for compliance and programme reporting

• Taken by RECE and/or partner schools (such as CSB)

E. Special Handling for Minors

Because most RECE participants are minors, we apply enhanced safeguards and may require parental or guardian consent where applicable (e.g., photography, registration, exam participation).

4. How We Collect Data

We collect personal data through:

• Registration forms

• Center of Excellence enrollment forms

• Exam attendance and identification checks

• Feedback forms and academic evaluations

• Email communication

• Cookies and website analytics

• Event participation and safeguarding procedures

• Limited photography during official events

5. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR Articles 6 & 9)

RECE processes personal data under the following lawful bases:

A. Public Interest (Art. 6(1)(e))

Processing necessary for educational activities under the Centers of Excellence programme coordinated with the Ministry of Education.

B. Contract / Programme Participation (Art. 6(1)(b))

To deliver courses, materials, communications, and examinations requested by students.

C. Legitimate Interests (Art. 6(1)(f))

• Safeguarding and visitor verification at partner schools

• Security, fraud prevention, and campus access

• Improvement of RECE educational programmes

D. Vital Interests (Art. 6(1)(d))

Processing emergency contact information to ensure student safety.

E. Consent (Art. 6(1)(a))

Used only for:

• Limited photography taken from behind during events

• Communication preferences where applicable

• Website cookies (when required)

Consent may be withdrawn at any time by contacting us at contact@rece.com.ro.

6. Why We Use Your Data (Purposes of Processing)

Your personal data is used for:

A. Educational Purposes

• Enrolling students in RECE programmes

• Administering Center of Excellence activities

• Delivering lessons, workshops, and training

• Managing assessments, exams, and international competition preparation

B. Safeguarding & Security

• Verifying identity at campus entrances (e.g., CSB)

• Maintaining visitor logs for safeguarding

• Contacting an emergency contact if needed

C. Programme Administration & Reporting

• Reporting participation to the Centers of Excellence

• Providing statistical results to authorized institutions

• Documenting compliance requirements

D. Communication

• Sharing programme schedules, exam information, updates, and resources

• Responding to inquiries

• Sending newsletters (with opt-out options)

E. Improvement & Analysis

• Analysing feedback to enhance course quality

• Monitoring website usage to improve functionality

7. Data Sharing

RECE does not sell or commercially share personal data.

We may share personal data strictly under GDPR-compliant conditions with:

A. Partner Schools Hosting RECE Activities

Such as Cambridge School of Bucharest (CSB), for:

• Gate access and identity verification

• Safeguarding

• Limited photography (back-of-group only)

CSB acts as an independent data controller for campus security purposes.

B. Ministry of Education & Centers of Excellence

For:

• Reporting participation

• Compliance and programme audits

• Official exam-related documentation

C. Service Providers

(e.g., Microsoft Forms, secure cloud services)
Used strictly for hosting and processing; they do not access data for their own purposes.

D. Legal Requirements

Data may be shared when required:

• by law

• by court order

• to protect the safety of students and staff

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary:

• Exam scripts and official programme documentation: up to 5 reporting years

• Emergency contacts: event day only

• Attendance lists: up to 1 year (institutional safeguarding standard)

• Communication/registration database: until user unsubscribes or requests deletion

• Website analytics data: per cookie policy

• Photography: retained only for programme documentation; no social media use

After retention periods expire, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. Data Protection & Security

We use multiple safeguards to protect personal data, including:

• Encrypted data transfers

• Password-protected systems

• Access control for staff

• Secure storage of exam materials

• Compliance with partner school safeguarding protocols

• Secure third-party platforms (Microsoft, encrypted servers)

10. Rights of Students and Parents (GDPR Articles 15–22)

You have the following rights:

• Right of access – Request a copy of your data

• Right to rectification – Correct inaccurate data

• Right to erasure – Request deletion (where permitted)

• Right to restrict processing

• Right to object

• Right to data portability

• Right to withdraw consent (for photography & optional communications)

• Right to lodge a complaint with the Romanian Data Protection Authority:

ANSPDCP – Autoritatea Națională de Supraveghere a Prelucrării Datelor cu Caracter Personal
www.dataprotection.ro

To exercise any right, contact: contact@rece.com.ro.

11. Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach:

• RECE will notify all affected users within 72 hours,

• and take all required steps to mitigate risks,
  in accordance with GDPR Article 33.

12. Cookies Policy

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device to enhance user experience and analyze website performance.

Types of Cookies Used

• Necessary cookies – essential for site functionality

• Performance cookies – help improve the website

• Analytics cookies – track usage to improve services

• Advertising cookies – only if explicitly accepted

Managing Cookies

You can adjust cookie settings in your browser. Disabling cookies may limit certain site features.

Consent for Cookies

By continuing to use our website, you consent to our cookie practices, unless you opt out through your browser settings.

13. Updates to This Policy

RECE may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
When significant changes are made, we will notify users through:

• email (if applicable)

• website announcements

The most recent version will always be available on this page.

14. Contact Information

For privacy questions, exercising rights, or concerns:

📧 contact@rece.com.ro
🌍 www.rece.com.ro