Privacy Policy

Scholenda Consulting Inc. ("Scholenda," "we," "SCI," "our," "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information entrusted to us. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use and protect it, and the rights available to you — including rights under Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the EU/UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the California Consumer Privacy Act as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CCPA/CPRA), to the extent those laws apply to our processing of your information.

Scholenda Consulting Inc. is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and acts as the data controller (or "business" under CCPA terminology) for personal information collected through our website and services. By using our website or submitting information to us, you consent to the practices described in this policy, to the extent consent is the applicable legal basis.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following categories:

a. Personal information you provide — when you contact us, request services, or submit materials, you may provide:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Academic or organizational affiliation
• Documents for editing, review, or analysis
• Payment or invoicing information (processed through secure third-party platforms)

b. Academic and professional materials — for editing, proofreading, research support, or policy analysis, you may submit:

• Theses, dissertations, essays, or academic papers
• Research data or notes
• Organizational documents, policies, or frameworks
• Project briefs or consultancy materials

These materials are treated with strict confidentiality.

c. Automatically collected information — when you visit our website, we may collect:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Pages visited
• Cookies or analytics data (see our Cookies Policy)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide requested services (editing, research, policy analysis, mentorship)
• Communicate with you about your project or inquiry
• Improve our website and service offerings
• Maintain internal records and administrative processes
• Ensure academic integrity and compliance with ethical standards
• Protect against unauthorized access or misuse

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

Legal bases for processing (GDPR): where the GDPR applies, we process personal information on the basis of your consent, the performance of a contract with you, our legitimate interests in operating and improving our business, and/or compliance with a legal obligation.

3. Use of Technology and AI Tools

To deliver accurate, high-quality research, analysis, and academic support, Scholenda may use professional software and technology tools — including artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools — for tasks such as reference management, data organization, language and editing support, and preliminary research assistance.

All AI-assisted output is reviewed, verified, and finalized by qualified Scholenda personnel before delivery. These tools support our work; they do not replace professional judgment, and their use does not affect our academic integrity commitments described in Section 6.

We select technology and AI tools with attention to data security and confidentiality, and we do not input confidential client materials, personal information, or academic work into public or unsecured AI tools without appropriate safeguards. Where an AI or other third-party tool processes personal information on our behalf, that tool is held to the same confidentiality and data protection expectations described in this Policy, and information provided to us is used solely to deliver the requested services — never to train third-party AI models without your consent.

4. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Scholenda Consulting Inc. takes confidentiality seriously. We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

• Secure storage of documents
• Encrypted communication where applicable
• Restricted access to client materials
• Confidential handling of academic and organizational documents
• Vetting of technology and AI tools for data security before adoption

All staff, contractors, and collaborators are bound by confidentiality obligations.

5. Sharing of Information

We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: trusted third-party platforms (e.g., payment processors, secure cloud storage) that support our operations
• Legal requirements: if required by law, regulation, or court order
• With your consent: when you explicitly authorize sharing for a specific purpose

We do not share academic work, organizational documents, or research materials with any external party unless required by law or explicitly authorized by you.

International transfers: some of our service providers (for example, cloud storage or payment processing tools) may store or process information outside Canada, including in the United States or European Union. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure comparable protection is applied, consistent with applicable law.

6. Academic Integrity

Scholenda Consulting Inc. supports ethical scholarship. We do not write academic work for students. All editing, coaching, and mentorship services are designed to strengthen skills, not to violate academic integrity policies.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information and project materials only for as long as necessary to:

• Complete the services requested
• Maintain accurate business records
• Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

You may request deletion of your materials at any time, subject to any legal or contractual retention requirements.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have some or all of the following rights.

General: you may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, and may withdraw consent for its processing, by contacting us at contact@scholenda.com.

If the GDPR applies to you (EU/UK/EEA residents): you have the right to access, rectify, erase, or restrict processing of your personal information; to data portability; to object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing; to withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing; and to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.

If the CCPA/CPRA applies to you (California residents): you have the right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used; to request deletion; to request correction of inaccurate information; to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information (we do not sell or share personal information); to limit the use of sensitive personal information; and to not be discriminated against for exercising these rights. You may also designate an authorized agent to submit requests on your behalf.

If PIPEDA applies to you (Canada): you have the right to access and request correction of your personal information, to withdraw consent (subject to legal or contractual restrictions), and to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe we have not handled your information appropriately.

We will respond to verifiable requests within the timeframe required by applicable law. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@scholenda.com.

9. Cookies and Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, understand user behaviour, and enhance performance. Full details, including how to control cookies, are set out in our separate Cookies Policy.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18 (or the relevant age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. Scholenda Consulting Inc. is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of external sites.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, how your information is handled, or wish to exercise any of the rights described above, please contact:

Scholenda Consulting Inc.
Email: contact@scholenda.com
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada