FAQ for students

You are advised to use only the systems made available by the university. You can find an overview here. Also, be aware that data you print out (such as transcribed interviews, pictures, etc.) must be stored securely. Therefore, do not leave documents etc. with all types of data (general, sensitive and confidential data) lying about so that they are accessible to unauthorised persons.

As a general rule, you are an independent data controller for the processing of personal data – but there may be a few exceptions. Make sure you have clarified data responsibilities with your supervisor/lecturer before the start of the project/assignment/teaching and learning activity. You can read more here.

Yes, as a student you are subject to the rules. As a general rule, you are an independent data controller, which means that you are responsible for complying with the rules. You can read more about the processing of personal data in assignments here.

If the use of pictures/audio (and consequent processing of personal data) is a prerequisite for passing the course, SDU is the data controller, but if it is not a prerequisite, then, as a general rule, you are an independent data controller. Ask your lecturer what to do. 

If you are an independent data controller, the following applies:
When you process personal data (pictures/audio/video), you must find out whether the processing requires you to obtain prior consent or not. As a general rule, the following applies: 

• No personal information: You do not need any consent, but if you have not taken the picture/video yourself, you must make sure before use that the owner of the picture/video has given you permission to use it. 
• General and sensitive personal information: Be sure to obtain consent prior to the processing. 

Remember that pictures/video/audio may only be used in the context for which they were collected. You are also not allowed to use the pictures for something that violates the expectations of the person in the picture/video. 

You can see an overview of the typical general and sensitive personal information here. You can read more about the requirements for declarations of consent here. (in Danish). If you need a declaration of consent, please contact your lecturer/supervisor.

As a general rule, data must be deleted if the consent is withdrawn. However, there may be specific exceptions (e.g. if the assignment/bachelor’s/master’s thesis has already been handed in for assessment or other considerations). Always contact your supervisor if you are in doubt about the specific situation. 

If the recordings are for private use only, they are not subject to the rules on the processing of personal data. However, you should not share the recordings with anyone (neither with fellow students nor upload them to the internet etc.), and remember to always ask your lecturer for permission to record before you press ‘start’ on your recording equipment.

As a rule, you are welcome to share the results you have found in connection with projects, tasks, thesis, etc. on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or the like. Before you share the results with your network, it's a good idea to make sure that no personally identifiable information or trade secrets are published. This means that those who have participated in your survey should not be recognized. If you have written your assignment/project/thesis in collaboration with fellow students, a company or a researcher at SDU, you should talk prior to publication about what can be published.