Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 2026

The Queen’s University Alternative Assets Fund (“QUAAF,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a student-directed investment fund and educational initiative of the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information when you visit quaaf.org (the “Site”), contact us, apply to join, or subscribe to our communications.

By using the Site or providing us with your information, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.

Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide to us directly, as well as information that is collected automatically when you use the Site.

Information you provide to us:

  • Contact form. When you use our contact form, we collect your name, email address, and the contents of your message.
  • Newsletter. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your first name and email address.
  • Membership applications. When you apply to join QUAAF, we collect information such as your name, phone number, Queen’s email address, degree program and graduation date, professional designations, departmental preferences, your responses to application questions, and your résumé. Our application form is hosted on Microsoft Forms.
  • Any other information you choose to provide when you communicate with us.

Information collected automatically:

  • Usage and device data. Like most websites, we and our analytics providers automatically collect information such as your IP address, browser and device type, the pages you visit, the website that referred you, and similar technical data.
  • Cookies and similar technologies. The Site uses cookies for functionality, performance, caching, and analytics. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features of the Site may not function properly as a result.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

  • respond to your inquiries and communicate with you;
  • review, evaluate, and process membership applications and manage recruitment;
  • send newsletters and organizational updates that you have requested;
  • operate, maintain, secure, and improve the Site;
  • understand how visitors use the Site through analytics; and
  • comply with applicable laws and our obligations to Queen’s University.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for third-party advertising.

Cookies and Analytics

We use analytics tools, including Google Analytics, to understand how the Site is used and to improve it. These tools may set cookies and collect usage data as described above. You can opt out of analytics cookies through your browser settings or through tools provided by the relevant analytics provider.

How We Share Your Information

We share personal information only as necessary to operate the Site and our organization, including with trusted service providers who process information on our behalf, such as:

  • our website hosting and email service providers;
  • the tools we use to receive and route contact and application submissions;
  • our newsletter platform, used to manage subscriptions and send emails;
  • Microsoft Forms, used to collect membership applications; and
  • analytics providers, used to measure and improve Site usage.

We may also disclose personal information where required or permitted by law, to protect the rights, property, or safety of QUAAF or others, or in connection with our affiliation with and obligations to Queen’s University.

Some of our service providers and recipients may store or process information outside your province or country of residence, including in the United States. Where this occurs, your information may be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions. By using the Site and providing your information, you consent to this processing.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. For example, we retain application materials for the duration of the applicable recruitment cycle and our internal records, and we retain newsletter information until you unsubscribe.

Your Choices and Rights

  • Newsletter. Every newsletter email contains an unsubscribe link, and you may opt out at any time.
  • Access and correction. Subject to applicable law, you may request access to, or correction of, the personal information we hold about you.
  • Withdrawing consent. You may withdraw your consent to our use of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual restrictions, by contacting us.

To make a request, please email us at [email protected].

Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information against loss, theft, and unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

Third-Party Links and Services

The Site contains links to, and integrations with, third-party websites and services, such as LinkedIn and Microsoft Forms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.

Children’s Privacy

The Site and our programs are intended for graduate-level university students and other adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.

Relationship with Queen’s University

QUAAF is a student organization affiliated with the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. Queen’s University’s own policies and privacy practices may also apply to certain information and activities related to the Fund.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent changes. Your continued use of the Site after any changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Queen’s University Alternative Assets Fund (QUAAF)
Smith School of Business, Queen’s University
Kingston and Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Email: [email protected]