Privacy

Privacy policy

STRS Ohio is committed to protecting the privacy of its members and to the responsible handling of information. Our website and social media terms and conditions of use are outlined below.

When you use or access information on our website, you agree to the terms and conditions stated here. STRS Ohio reserves the right to update our privacy policy at any time without notice and you are subject to the most current policy version.

STRS Ohio does not collect personal information from users except when they specifically provide such information. Personal information is not sold or otherwise transferred to unaffiliated third parties unless STRS Ohio is legally obligated to do so. STRS Ohio reserves the right to contact a member regarding any matter relevant to the underlying service or the information collected.

Cookies (small data files on the user’s hard drive) are used throughout our website to track where a user is, whether the user is looking at a page, or if a user is actively using one of our online applications. The information contained in the cookie helps STRS Ohio improve our websites and systems. The only information stored in the cookie is a unique identification number that identifies the user; it does not contain any personal information such as Social Security number or date of birth.

STRS Ohio reserves the right to perform statistical analysis of user behavior and characteristics to measure use and performance of our website.

Our website and computer systems are for legal and authorized use only. Unauthorized use, access or attempted access of our website or any related system is a violation of state and/or federal law, and may be subject to prosecution. Any activity on our systems is subject to being monitored and recorded by authorized personnel, at the discretion of STRS Ohio. If we believe an attempt is being made through the Internet to break into or otherwise abuse our computer systems or business information, we will use the information in our computer logs, and other means available, to determine those responsible. STRS Ohio may share the information gathered with law enforcement agencies or other authorized entities.

Solicitation of information

STRS Ohio will never blindly solicit or request personal/confidential information from members via the Internet, email, phone, mail or home visit. If you are contacted and asked to disclose personal information like your Social Security number, date of birth, account information or other confidential information, it is likely some type of “phishing” scam by a hacker or third party trying to obtain sensitive information. STRS Ohio recommends you never provide confidential information to any individual or website where you did not initiate the contact by typing in the website’s address, or by calling or visiting the specific organization. If in doubt about an unsolicited email, phone call or visitor related to STRS Ohio, call us at 888‑227‑7877 (toll-free).

Disclaimer

While STRS Ohio makes every attempt to ensure the information provided on our website is reliable, human or mechanical error remains a possibility. STRS Ohio does not guarantee and will not be held responsible/liable for any errors or omissions, for interruption, or for the use of or the results obtained from the use of the information including but not limited to accuracy, completeness, timeliness and correct sequencing of information. This applies to websites linked to and from our website. In addition, STRS Ohio can make no claims of accuracy or integrity of third-party websites, or third-party privacy practices, even if our Web pages contain a link to their websites.

If there is a conflict between the information provided on our website, Chapter 3307 Revised Code, or other applicable law or rule governing STRS Ohio, any decisions will be based on the law and not the information on our website.

Security policy

STRS Ohio has taken numerous steps to safeguard the integrity of our computing infrastructure utilizing current security measures. Our secure server environment encrypts all information entered while a user is logged into the Online Personal Account. Information, including Social Security numbers, cannot be read at any time while encrypted. Additional security measures have been incorporated into our website design, implementation and day-to-day operations as part of STRS Ohio’s ongoing risk management process. These include: user name and password authentication, multifactor authentication (MFA), system “time outs” due to inactivity and utilizing TLSv1.2 encryption.

STRS Ohio associates are trained professionals who take your security concerns seriously. Your data will only be used for business purposes to the extent necessary to fulfill your needs. STRS Ohio constantly reviews its computer security practices and logs, making changes as needed to ensure your data is always protected.

Your role in securing your sensitive data

While STRS Ohio works continuously to keep member information safe and secure, members also play an important role in securing their own information. It is the member’s responsibility to safeguard their Online Personal Account user name and password. STRS Ohio also recommends that members change their password on a regular basis and not share it with anyone.

Once logged into the Online Personal Account, do not leave your computer without logging out or ending your session. If you access your online account from a public computer, be sure to empty the browser’s cache after logging out. If you do not, it is possible someone else might be able to see your information by accessing the “cached” pages you have visited.

Privacy and security policy disclaimer

STRS Ohio reserves the right to change these policies at any time without notice and they reflect its current business practices. These policies are not intended to provide complete information about the laws that create STRS Ohio or about rights and benefits under STRS Ohio. For more complete information, refer to Chapter 3307 Revised Code. All rights reserved.

Fraud reporting

STRS Ohio does not tolerate any type of fraud, waste, theft or abuse related to STRS Ohio benefits, health care coverage and business or other dealings with the retirement system. STRS Ohio will investigate all credible reports of suspected fraud, waste, theft or abuse and may pursue prosecution or other legal action if it finds evidence that fraud, waste, theft or abuse may have occurred.

To report suspected fraud, waste, theft or abuse, call STRS Ohio’s Fraud Reporting line at 800-677-4038 (toll-free) or send an email to legaldeptfraudhotline­@strsoh.org.

STRS Ohio will not retaliate against any person/entity for making a report in good faith. Baseless allegations, made with disregard for truth or accuracy, or frivolous complaints will not be tolerated. People making such allegations may be subject to legal actions by the individuals accused of fraudulent conduct.

Reporting fraud to the auditor of state

The auditor of state office is not a forum for member benefit issues. For questions regarding your STRS Ohio benefits, call us at 888‑227‑7877 (toll-free).

The auditor of state has established and maintains a system for the reporting of fraud, including misuse and misappropriation of public money, by any public office or public official. To make an anonymous complaint, call the auditor of state’s fraud reporting hotline at 866-FRAUD OH (866-372-8364, toll-free), visit the Ohio Auditor of State website or send a letter to Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, Special Investigations Unit, 88 E Broad St., P.O. Box 1140, Columbus, OH 43215. The auditor of state shall review all complaints in a timely manner. Retaliation against employees for filing a complaint is prohibited.

Social media terms and conditions

• STRS Ohio’s social media pages exist for informational purposes only. The information contained on STRS Ohio’s social media pages is not intended as a substitute for the Revised Code or Ohio Administrative Code or for any state or federal law or regulation, nor will its interpretation prevail should a conflict arise between it and any law or regulation.
• All use shall be in accordance with the terms of use of each social media website, as well as all applicable laws.
• STRS Ohio reserves the right to remove content at any time at its sole discretion, including:
  • Comments that incite violence, harassment or create an imminent threat of harm;
  • Comments that defame, slander or otherwise libel individuals;
  • Comments containing political or campaign statements (including candidate campaigning for State Teachers Retirement Board member elections); and
  • Any form of advertising.
• Comments posted by third parties on STRS Ohio social media pages do not reflect the views of STRS Ohio, its board or associates.
• Never post personal or confidential information on STRS Ohio social media pages. If you are an STRS Ohio member and have a specific question regarding your account, call us at 888‑227‑7877 (toll-free).