Privacy Policy

The data ATRS collects on the website consists of a members name, city, years of service and average final salary. There is a standard log kept of this information, but the data is not shared with any other entities. The information is contained in the public records of the Arkansas state and local government. The Arkansas Freedom of Information act addresses the type of government  information which is available to the public. See Ark. Code Ann. Ann. § 25-19-105. Information generally available under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and not made confidential elsewhere in the Arkansas Code or by federal law may be posted for electronic access through the Information Network of Arkansas.

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act recognizes many concerns people have with regard to public records that include information about them, including the right to correct inaccurate information. Consequently, persons concerned with regard to information about them should contact the custodian of the record, which typically is the state agency or other governmental entity that collects and maintains the information.

Information which can be identified or associated with a particular person or persons that is collected by government web sites through the Information Network of Arkansas is subject to these principles and policies:

• The information collected should only be that necessary to provide the information or services sought by the requester, just as a person might provide such information when visiting a governmental office in person. The information collected is subject to the same controls and uses as that collected by governmental offices visited in person, again subject to the access and confidentiality provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, Ark Code Ann., §§ 25-19-101 through 25-19-107, or to other applicable sections of the Arkansas Code. You do not have to provide personal information to visit the network’s Web sites or download this information.

• The IP (Internet Protocol) numbers of computers used to visit [network] sites are noted as part of our statistical analysis on use of our web sites and how to better design services and facilitate access to them. No marketing databases are created nor is any commercial use made of any such data. Government agencies may request personally identifiable information from you in order to provide requested services, but such information is handled as it would be on an in-person visit to a government office.

• Various commercial Web sites may be linked through the network. These private sector sites are not subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Visitors to those sites may wish to check their privacy statements and be cautious about providing personally identifiable information. Cookies are used for the purpose of tracking information purposes only, but do not contain any personal information about the viewers.

Information collected through E-mail

Your e-mail address and the contents of your message will be collected. Your e-mail address and the information included in your message will be used to respond to you, to address issues that you identify, to improve this website or to forward your message to another state agency, coalition, organization or group (depending on your needs) for appropriate action. The viewers e-mail address is not collected for commercial purposes and we are not authorized to sell or otherwise disclose your e-mail address for commercial purposes. If the viewer completes a transaction, such as a survey or registration form, the information, volunteered by you will be used by the agency.

Data Collection

This agency collects server log files, uses WebTrends or other site analysis software that used code to collect usage information, or logging done by applications accessed by your website. This collection process is mandatory and visitors to our site are not allowed to opt out of this data collection mechanism.

Security Policy

Arkansas Teacher Retirement System (ATRS) is committed to keeping your personal information confidential. We have taken numerous steps to safeguard the integrity of our information network, including but not limited to password authentication, monitoring, auditing, and encryption. As part of our continuing commitment to protecting ATRS information resources, security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation, and day-to-day operations of the entire ATRS business environment.

Use of the ATRS computer system is for legal and authorized use only. Unauthorized access of the ATRS computer system is a violation of Arkansas Computer Related Crimes Act (Arkansas Code Annotated, Title 5 - Criminal Offenses, §§ 5-41-101 - 5-41-206) and/or applicable federal law, and may be subject to prosecution. Individuals using this system without authority, or in excess of their authority, are subject to having their activities in the system monitored and recorded.  By accessing your account on the ATRS website you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the ATRS Privacy & Security Policies on this page.

Access to Member Data

As part of our security measures, ATRS requires the use of an Internet browser with the ability to support 128-bit encryption. Website accounts must be created with a unique username and email address.  Multiple website accounts may not be associated with the same email address or member data. 

Actions you should to take to protect yourself online

Protecting the security of your confidential information is an important responsibility. You are responsible for ensuring your personal password remains secure.  You should not reveal your password to anyone. If you believe an unauthorized person has gained access to it, you should change it immediately and call ATRS.  ATRS will never email you asking for your username and password.

As part of good security practices, you should change your password regularly. Also, never walk away from your computer when using the ATRS website. You should also review the ATRS Privacy Policy above for more information.

User ID and Password - Please follow these rules to protect yourself:

• Never disclose your user ID or password to anyone.
• Memorize your user ID and password, do not write them down.
• Change your password frequently.
• Do not use birth dates, names, or other easily guessed letters or numbers.

Log Out - When you have completed using our online site, log out (look for the "Log Out" link we provide). We suggest you do this before you shut your computer off and before you surf to any other websites.

Email - Do not use email to send us sensitive information such as your social security number.

Public Computers, Internet Access - Do not use public computers or public Internet access such as "Internet Cafes" or "Free Wifi" to access your member data.

Phishing, Spoofs, Hoaxes and Other Deceptive Emails - Be careful when responding to email messages that appear to be from ATRS, a regulator or an auditor. Thieves or hackers may send email messages directing you to click on a link which redirects you to a fraudulent website, or pop-up window where you may be asked to "confirm," "verify," "update", or otherwise provide sensitive information such as your social security number, account number, password, etc. Sometimes these email messages will falsely say that your account will be shut down if you do not act quickly. Do not be intimidated by these threats. These links, websites and pop-up windows may look like the ATRS website, but they are not. Clicking a link in one of these emails can expose your computer to viruses and spyware, even if you do not supply the sensitive information thieves want. We will never send you an email that asks you to verify your account information.  If you receive such a request, it is probably fraudulent. If you have any doubts about whether an email from us is authentic, do not reply to it, open any attachment or use the link in the email. Instead, contact us through the email address and phone numbers listed on the ATRS website or on official documentation you have received from ATRS.

Spam - Do not open attachments in email messages if you do not know the sender. Attachments can contain viruses and spyware. Delete unwanted email.

Encryption - Encryption is the electronic process of encoding messages or information in such a way that only authorized parties can read it. When you are on any ATRS page, ATRS uses SSL encryption between your computer and the ATRS Web-enabled service. This protects member-specific information from being viewed by an unauthorized third party. ATRS also encrypts your password in our computer systems. 

Links to Other Websites - If you click a link to another website, that website may collect, use, and disclose information about you in ways that are different from what we do. You should review that website's policies. We are not responsible for what the operators of other websites do with your information. We will give you a pop-up notice to let you know you are going to an unaffiliated third party's website.

Security for Your Own Computer - Protect your own computer by doing these things:

• Keep your operating system and browser up to date.
• Test your browser here.
• Install a personal firewall.
• Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
• Scan your computer for spyware on a regular basis.
• Do not download programs or files from unknown sources.
• Install a pop-up blocker from a trustworthy source.
• Disconnect from the Internet when you are not online.

Note: This ATRS Security Policy is subject to change without notice and reflects current ATRS business practices. Your use is subject to the most current version of the security statement. You should check this statement from time to time. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the ATRS website.

Last updated:  August 20, 2014.

Contact Information

Any additional questions, concerns or statements regarding confidentiality and data usage may be directed to info@artrs.gov or in writing to:

Arkansas Teacher Retirement System
1400 West 3rd Street
Little Rock, AR 72201