This Cookie Policy explains how the Master in Computational Finance (MCF) program at the School of Computing, Union University, Belgrade (“MCF”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on the website at https://mcf.raf.edu.rs (the “Website”).
This policy is part of our overall commitment to data protection, as further explained in our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work, work more efficiently, and provide information to website owners.
We also use similar technologies including:
- Local storage and session storage - for storing your preferences and session data
- Pixel tags - small transparent images for analytics
- Tracking scripts - JavaScript snippets that collect usage data
For simplicity, we refer to all of these as “cookies” in this policy.
2. Categories of Cookies We Use
Strictly Necessary Cookies (no consent required)
These cookies are essential for the Website to function. They cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set only in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
cf_clearance |
Cloudflare | Bot protection and security verification | Session or up to 30 days |
__cf_bm |
Cloudflare | Bot management | 30 minutes |
mcf_consent |
MCF (this Website) | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 12 months |
Functional Cookies (consent required)
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third parties whose services we use.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
mcf_preferences |
MCF | Remembers your display preferences (e.g., locale selection if applicable) | 12 months |
Analytics Cookies (consent required)
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our Website. They help us understand which pages are most popular, see how visitors move around the site, and identify areas to improve.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
Google Analytics 4 | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years (with IP anonymization enabled) |
_ga_<container-id> |
Google Analytics 4 | Persists session state | 2 years |
_gid |
Google Analytics 4 | Distinguishes unique users | 24 hours |
Google Analytics is configured with IP address anonymization to comply with EU data protection law. Aggregated, anonymized analytics data may be shared with us through the Google Analytics dashboard.
Embedded Content Cookies (consent required)
Pages that embed third-party content (e.g., Vimeo videos, YouTube videos) may set cookies from those providers when the embedded content loads or is interacted with. We use lazy-loading where possible, meaning these cookies are only set when you actively choose to play a video.
| Provider | When set | Cookies/storage |
|---|---|---|
| Vimeo | When you click play on a Vimeo video | Vimeo’s own cookies and local storage - see Vimeo Cookie Policy |
| YouTube | When you click play on a YouTube video (if any) | YouTube’s own cookies - see Google Privacy & Terms |
3. How We Obtain Your Consent
When you first visit the Website, you will see a cookie consent banner that explains your choices:
- Accept all - agree to all cookies
- Reject all (non-essential) - only strictly necessary cookies will be set
- Customize - choose which categories (functional, analytics, embedded content) you accept
Your choice is stored in the mcf_consent cookie for 12 months. After 12 months, we will ask you to renew your consent.
If you do not make a choice, only strictly necessary cookies will be set. We will not load analytics or functional cookies without your consent.
4. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:
1. Clicking “Cookie Settings” in the footer of any page of the Website. This reopens the consent banner where you can update your choices.
2. Adjusting your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- Block all cookies
- Accept only first-party cookies
- Delete existing cookies
- Set notifications when cookies are placed
For instructions on managing cookies in popular browsers:
Note: Blocking or deleting strictly necessary cookies may affect your ability to use parts of the Website (e.g., security features, form submission).
5. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) setting. Because there is no universally adopted standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals, our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals. You can still manage your cookie preferences using the methods in Section 4.
6. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the technologies we use, our practices, or legal requirements. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent version. If we make significant changes, we will notify you through a prominent notice on the Website or by re-requesting your consent.
7. Contact Us
For questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact:
Master in Computational Finance School of Computing, Union University Knez Mihailova 6/VI, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Email: mcf@raf.rs
For your rights under data protection law (including the right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority), see our Privacy Policy.