Office of Privacy
Securing Trust. Enabling Progress.
The Office of Privacy partners with faculty, staff, students, and university leaders to promote responsible data stewardship and manage sensitive information.
✦ The inaugural Director of Privacy begins in September to expand our collaborative capabilities ✦
How We Partner with You
Privacy Risk Management & Third-Party Oversight
We assist departments in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating data risks associated with complex projects and external vendors. We advise on data use agreements to protect obligations.
Regulatory and Compliance Monitoring
We monitor evolving privacy laws, regulations, and industry best practices, and work with university stakeholders to adapt policies, processes, and controls that support ongoing compliance and accountability.
Education and Remediation Support
We partner with IT, cybersecurity, legal, and compliance teams to assess privacy implications, support investigations, and guide remediation when data incidents occur.
Our Philosophy
Privacy touches nearly every aspect of university life. From student records and employee information to research data and digital services, responsible stewardship of information is essential to protecting individuals, maintaining the trust of our community, and advancing the university's mission. The Office of Privacy serves as a trusted resource and strategic partner, helping Virginia Tech integrate privacy into institutional decision-making, while advancing innovation, research, education, and service. Through collaboration, governance, and education, we help ensure that privacy remains a shared responsibility and a core component of the university's commitment to integrity and excellence.
Contact
Zerek Olson
Director of Privacy
olsonz@vt.edu | 540-231-5883