Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

Welcome to TechForge Academy ("we", "our", "us", or "Academy"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Student", "you", or "your") and TechForge Academy regarding your use of our educational services, website, and related platforms.

By enrolling in our courses, accessing our website, or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

2. Educational Services

Course Offerings:

TechForge Academy provides educational services including but not limited to:

• Full-stack web development bootcamps and intensive programs
• Mobile application development courses
• Cloud computing and DevOps training
• Career coaching and professional development services
• Workshops, seminars, and specialized skill training
• Online learning platforms and educational resources

Course Delivery:

• Format: Courses may be delivered online, in-person, or in hybrid format
• Schedule: Course schedules are subject to change with reasonable notice
• Materials: Access to course materials requires active enrollment and account standing
• Prerequisites: Some courses may have technical or educational prerequisites

3. Enrollment and Payment

Enrollment Process:

• Application: Complete and accurate application information required
• Acceptance: Enrollment subject to acceptance and available capacity
• Payment: Full payment or approved payment plan required before course access
• Confirmation: Written confirmation of enrollment will be provided

Payment Terms:

• Tuition Fees: As published on our website or course materials
• Payment Methods: Credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or approved financing
• Payment Plans: Available for eligible students with approved credit
• Late Fees: May apply to overdue payments as specified in payment agreements
• Currency: All fees quoted in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified

4. Student Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

Academic Responsibilities:

• Attendance: Maintain regular attendance and active participation
• Deadlines: Complete assignments and projects by specified deadlines
• Academic Integrity: Maintain honesty in all academic work and assessments
• Collaboration: Follow guidelines for group work and peer collaboration
• Resources: Use provided resources responsibly and appropriately

Behavioral Standards:

• Respect: Treat instructors, staff, and fellow students with respect
• Professional Communication: Maintain professional standards in all interactions
• Diversity and Inclusion: Foster an inclusive learning environment
• Safety: Follow all safety protocols and guidelines
• Technology Use: Use technology resources appropriately and ethically

Prohibited Conduct:

• Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior
• Plagiarism, cheating, or academic dishonesty
• Sharing course materials without authorization
• Unauthorized access to systems or accounts
• Violation of intellectual property rights
• Any illegal or unethical activities

5. Intellectual Property Rights

Academy Content:

All course materials, including but not limited to:

• Lectures, presentations, and instructional videos
• Written materials, handouts, and assignments
• Code examples, templates, and project specifications
• TechForge Academy trademarks, logos, and branding

Are the exclusive property of TechForge Academy or licensed content providers and are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

Student Work:

• Ownership: You retain ownership of original work created in courses
• License Grant: You grant us limited rights to use your work for educational purposes
• Portfolio Use: We may showcase exceptional student work with permission
• Academic Assessment: We may use your work for evaluation and improvement

Usage Restrictions:

• Personal use only - no commercial redistribution
• No unauthorized copying, sharing, or distribution
• No reverse engineering or modification of platform code
• Respect third-party licenses and attributions

6. Technology and Platform Use

System Requirements:

• Hardware: Computer meeting minimum specifications for course software
• Internet: Reliable high-speed internet connection
• Software: Required applications and development tools
• Browser: Modern web browser with current security updates

Account Security:

• Login Credentials: Keep your username and password secure
• Account Sharing: Do not share account access with others
• Security Measures: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
• Suspicious Activity: Report any unauthorized access immediately

Platform Guidelines:

• Use platforms only for legitimate educational purposes
• Do not attempt to circumvent security measures
• Report technical issues promptly to support
• Respect system resources and bandwidth limitations

7. Certificates and Credentials

Certificate Requirements:

• Completion Standards: Meet all course requirements and assessments
• Attendance: Maintain minimum attendance requirements
• Project Submission: Complete all required projects and assignments
• Code of Conduct: Maintain good standing throughout the program

Certificate Validity:

• Certificates are issued only to students meeting completion criteria
• TechForge Academy reserves the right to revoke certificates for academic misconduct
• Certificates represent completion of specific curriculum versions
• Digital certificates include verification codes for authenticity

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, TechForge Academy's liability for any claims arising from or related to these Terms or our services is limited as follows:

Service Availability:

• We strive for high service availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access
• Technical issues, maintenance, or external factors may affect service delivery
• We are not liable for losses due to temporary service interruptions

Educational Outcomes:

• We provide quality education but cannot guarantee specific learning outcomes
• Career success depends on individual effort, market conditions, and other factors
• We are not responsible for employment outcomes or salary changes

Maximum Liability:

Our total liability for any claims shall not exceed the amount of tuition fees paid by you for the specific course or service in question.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.

Data Collection and Use:

• Educational records and progress tracking
• Communication and support interactions
• Payment and billing information
• Platform usage analytics and improvement

Student Rights:

• Access to your personal information
• Correction of inaccurate data
• Withdrawal of consent where applicable
• Data portability for educational records

10. Termination

Termination by Student:

• You may withdraw from courses subject to our refund policy
• Account closure requests must be submitted in writing
• Outstanding balances must be settled before account closure

Termination by Academy:

We may terminate your enrollment for:

• Violation of these Terms or our Code of Conduct
• Non-payment of tuition or fees
• Academic dishonesty or misconduct
• Disruptive behavior affecting other students
• Violation of applicable laws or regulations

Effects of Termination:

• Immediate loss of access to course materials and platforms
• Forfeiture of certificates or credentials in progress
• Refunds subject to our published refund policy
• Continuation of payment obligations for completed services

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Applicable Law:

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Dispute Resolution Process:

1. Direct Communication: Attempt to resolve disputes through direct communication
2. Formal Complaint: Submit written complaint to student services
3. Internal Review: Administrative review by senior staff
4. Mediation: Optional mediation through approved service providers
5. Legal Action: Court proceedings in Ontario, Canada if necessary

12. Changes to Terms

TechForge Academy reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website, except for changes affecting payment terms or fundamental service changes, which will have a 30-day notice period.

Notification of Changes:

• Email notification to active students
• Prominent notice on our website and learning platform
• Update to the "Effective Date" at the top of this document
• Summary of material changes when significant

Continued use of our services after changes constitute acceptance of the updated Terms. If you do not agree to changes, you may terminate your enrollment subject to our withdrawal policies.