4.36 Data Privacy for Employees

Purpose

Riverland Community College is committed to protecting the privacy of users in accordance with 51勛圖 Statute section 13, the 51勛圖 Government Data Practices Act.

Applicability

The is a state law that controls how government data are collected, created, stored, maintained, used and released.

The MGDPA sets out certain requirements relating to the right of the public to access government data and the rights of individuals who are the subjects of government data.

Briefly, the MGDPA regulates:

  • What information can be collected
  • Who may see or have the information
  • Classification of specific types of government data
  • Duties of government personnel in administering the provisions of the MGDPA
  • Procedures for access to the information
  • Procedures for classifying information
  • Civil penalties for violation of the MGDPA
  • Charging fees for copies of government data

This policy applies to all personnel records and information on current and former employees, applicants for employment, volunteers, independent contractors and members of advisory boards or commissions.

Scope

Members of the public who want access to public data should do so in accordance with the Access to Public Data Procedure, Riverland Policy 4.35.

Definitions

Data means all data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by a state agency regardless of its physical form, storage media or conditions of use.

Personnel data means all data collected because an individual is or was an employee or applicant for employment, a volunteer, an independent contractor, or member of or applicant for an advisory board or commission.

Does This Policy Have a Procedure?

The following chart describes accessibility to data maintained by Riverland Community College.

Accessibility to Data Maintained by Riverland Community College
Category of Data Classification Description Definition Authorized Recipients
Security data Private or confidential Data that would substantially jeopardize the security of information, possessions, individuals or property against theft, tampering, improper use, attempted escape, illegal disclosure, trespass, or physical injury, if the data were released to the public. Minn. Stat. 13.37 Employees with a need to know
Social Security Numbers Private Social Security numbers assigned to individuals. Minn. Stat. 13.355 Employees with a need to know
Personnel Data Public, private or confidential Data about employees, applicants, volunteers and independent contractors. Minn. Stat. 13.43 Employees with a need to know
Labor Relations information Public, private or confidential Data related to collective bargaining agreements and related processes. Minn. Stat. 13.67 Employees with a need to know
Employee Expense reports Public or private Employee reimbursement requests. Minn. Stat. 13.43 Employees with a need to know
Employee Personnel records Private or public Record of prior and current employment history. Data relating to hiring, assessments, promotion, discipline and related administrative personnel actions. Minn. Stat. 13.43 Employees with a need to know
Employment Applicant records Public or private Completed assessments and results, related documentation, and application forms. Minn. Stat. 13.43 Employees with a need to know
Computer Use and Access Data Private Electronic access data and cookies as defined in Minn. Stat. 13.15. Minn. Stat. 13.15 Employees with a need to know
Personal Contact and Online Account Information Private Data collected for subscriptions, notifications and list-servs. Minn. Stat. 13.356 Employees with a need to know

Related Policies, Procedures or Forms


Policy Information 

  • Date Issued: 2/13/2014
  • Responsible Division / Author: Human Resources / VP of Employee Relations & Human Resources
  • Date Revised: 12/2020; April 2026 corrected a link; reviewed with no changes.