On Thu, 6 Dec 2001, Harley Blake wrote:

> Listmembers,
>
> I  *DEFINATELY* agree. This junk may be becoming the norm, and we
> may have to put up with it everywhere we enguage the open market - and
> even if it is going to be the default that we imply "permission" for it here
>
> - there should always be opt-out mechanisms.
>
> It may not be the easiest route to take a stand on this, but as an
> institution of
> higher learning, it would be appropriate for us to and draw some sensible
> lines.
> Aren't we capable of setting an example on this kind of ethical issue or
> would
> that be considered overly "reactive" or "pureist" [sarcasm intended]

I received an email off-list, and there *is* an option to opt out.  It
seems it is fairly clear how our information is used (by MBNA at least).
I would suggest contacting Alumni Relations for more information.

Alumni Relations also has a privacy policy located at

http://alumni.uvm.edu/privacy.htm

It basically states they will use your information as they see fit
(provided it is to offer you a service on their behalf).

We will not share personally identifiable information about you to other
companies or people unless one or more of the following conditions apply:
<snip>
We need to send the information to companies who work on behalf of the
University of Vermont to provide a product or service to you. (Unless we
tell you differently, these companies do not have any right to use the
personally identifiable information we provide to them beyond what is
necessary to assist us.);