Last Updated: August 21, 2018

Shorelight-Palmetto, LLC d/b/a International Accelerator Program and its affiliates ("we" or "us") are committed to protecting your privacy. We have prepared this Privacy Policy to describe our practices regarding the personal information that may be collected from users of sc.edu/study/international_accelerator website (the “SERVICES”). By submitting personal information through our Services, you expressly consent to the processing of your personal information in the U.S. in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
 
DATA YOU PROVIDE TO US.
We may collect information that you submit or otherwise provide to us, such as when you submit an application, submit comments or make an inquiry, or register from any component of the Services. For example, we may collect your email address and contact information when you e-mail us comments or inquiries.

DATA COLLECTED VIA TECHNOLOGY.
To make our Services more useful to you, our servers collect information from you, including browser type, operating system, Internet Protocol (IP) address, domain name, unique device identifiers, and information about how you use our Services. We also may collect information regarding the date and time of your visit and the solutions and information for which you searched and which you viewed. Like most Internet services, we automatically gather this data and store it in log files each time you visit our Services.

We, and third parties, may use cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies to collect this information. See below for information about the choices you may have in connection with such tracking technologies.   

“COOKIES” are small pieces of information that a website sends to your computer’s hard drive while you are viewing a website. We may use both session cookies (which expire once you close your web browser) and persistent cookies (which stay on your computer until you delete them) to provide you with a more personal and interactive experience on our Services. Most web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. If you prefer, you can typically remove and reject cookies from our Services with your browser settings. If you remove or reject our cookies, it will affect how our Services work for you.

“WEB BEACONS” are digital images we use to log information on our Services and in our emails. We use web beacons to manage cookies, count visits, and to learn what marketing works and what does not. We also use web beacons to tell if you open or act on our emails. You may render some web beacons unusable by rejecting their associated cookies. If you choose to decline such cookies, certain features of the Services that placed the cookie may not function properly or at all as a result.
 
“FLASH COOKIES” are used to store your preferences such as volume control or to display content based upon what you view on our websites to personalize your visit. Third party partners who provide certain features on our websites, such as videos, may place Flash cookies on your device. They may use Flash cookies to track your web browsing activity and to display personalized advertising. Flash cookies are different from other cookies because of the amount of, type of, and way in which data is stored. Cookie management tools provided by your browser usually will not remove Flash cookies. To learn more about Flash cookies, who has placed Flash cookies on your device, and how to manage privacy and storage settings for Flash cookies click here: http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager.html#117118. We do not control the privacy practices of the third parties who place or track Flash cookies and this Privacy Policy does not cover their practices. You should visit the privacy policies of companies who place Flash cookies to understand their practices.
 
ANALYTICS. 
We use analytics services to help analyze how users use the Services. These analytic services use cookies and scripts to collect and store information such as how users interact with our applications, errors users encounter when using our applications, device identifiers, how often users visit our website, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our website. One of the analytics providers we use to collect information to improve our services is Google Analytics. You may exercise choices regarding the use of cookies from Google Analytics by going to https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout or downloading the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
 
USE OF YOUR DATA.
Personal information you submit to us is used either to respond to requests that you make, or to aid us in serving you better. We use your personal information in the following ways: to operate, maintain, and improve our Services; to personalize and improve your experience; to respond to your inquiries and send you promotional communications about our products and services, unless you have opted out of such promotional materials, and other communications; and to protect, investigate, and deter against fraudulent, unauthorized, or illegal activity.
DISCLOSURE OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We will share your personal information with third parties, including as follows:
AFFILIATES. We may share your information with our parent company, subsidiaries, joint ventures, and other companies under a common control (collectively, “AFFILIATES”), to use consistent with this Privacy Policy.
 
THIRD PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS. 
We may share your personal information with third party service providers for the purpose of providing you with the Services. For example, we may share data with service providers who host our websites or provide email services on our behalf.
 
OTHER DISCLOSURES.
We may disclose information about you if we believe such disclosure is necessary to (a) comply with laws or to respond to lawful requests and legal process; or (b) protect or defend the rights, safety, or property of us, users of the Services, or any person including to enforce our agreements, policies, and terms of use, or (c) in an emergency to protect the personal safety of any person (collectively, “a”, “b” and “c”, ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES”). We may also share information about you in connection with or during negotiation of any merger, financing, acquisition, bankruptcy, dissolution, transaction or proceeding involving sale, transfer, divestiture or disclosure of all or a portion of our business or assets to another company. In these circumstances, we will only share information with a company that has agreed to data privacy standards no less stringent than our own. In the event that information is shared in this manner, notice will be posted through our Services.
 
In addition to the sharing described in this Privacy Policy, we may share information about you with others for their own uses whenever you consent to or direct such sharing. We also may share other information with third parties in a manner that does not identify particular users, including, for example, aggregated information.

YOUR CHOICES REGARDING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. 
We offer you choices regarding the collection, use, and sharing of your personal information. When you receive promotional communications from us, you may “opt-out” by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in e-mails you receive from us. Most web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. If you prefer, you can typically remove and reject cookies from our Services with your browser settings, as described in “Data Collected Via Technology” hereof. If you remove or reject our cookies, it will affect how our Services work for you. You may opt out of tracking of certain information collected by Google Analytics on the Services, as discussed above. While we and others give you the choices described in this Privacy Policy, there are many ways web browser signals and other similar mechanisms can indicate your choice to disable tracking, and we may not be aware of or honor every mechanism.
 
SECURITY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. 
We take steps to help protect your personal information in an effort to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Despite these measures, you should know that we cannot fully eliminate security risks associated with personal information. No method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. Any content you post while using the Services is at your own risk. If you have any questions about security on our Services, you can contact us at the contact information set forth below.
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
We welcome your comments or questions regarding this Privacy Policy. Please e-mail us at security@shorelight.comor contact us at the following address:

USC IAP
2 Seaport Ln., Suite 500
Boston, MA 02210
Attn: Legal Department
 
CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY.
We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make any changes to this Policy, we will change the "Last Updated" date above. If such changes are material, a notice of the changes will be posted along with the revised Privacy Policy, prior to the change becoming effective. We encourage you to visit this page from time to time for the latest on our privacy practices.

Web Site Terms of Use Agreement

Last Updated: May 22, 2019 

1. General. Please read these Terms of Use (“Terms”) carefully, as it constitutes a legal agreement between USC IAP and its affiliates (“We” or “Us”) and you. By accessing this web site (“Website”), you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these Terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this Website are protected by applicable copyright and trade mark law.

2. Use License. Permission is granted to temporarily download one copy of the materials (information or software) on the Website for personal, non-commercial transitory viewing only. This is the grant of a license, not a transfer of title, and under this license you may not:

·      modify or copy the materials;

·      use the materials for any commercial purpose, or for any public display (commercial or non-commercial);

·      attempt to decompile or reverse engineer any software contained on the Website;

·      remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials; or

·      transfer the materials to another person or “mirror” the materials on any other server.

This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions and may be terminated by Us at any time. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format. 

3. Disclaimer. The materials on the Website are provided “as is”. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaim and negate all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, We do not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on the Website or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.

4. Limitations. In no event will We or our suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on the Website, even if We or our authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.

5. Revisions and Errata. The materials appearing on the Website could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. We do not warrant that any of the materials on the Website are accurate, complete, or current. We may make changes to the materials contained on the Website at any time without notice. We do not, however, make any commitment to update the materials.

6. Links. We have not reviewed all of the sites linked to the Website and are not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Us of the site. Use of any such linked web site is at the user’s own risk.

7. Site Terms of Use Modifications. We may revise these Terms at any time without notice. By using the Website you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these Terms.

8. Governing Law. Any claim relating to the Website shall be governed by the laws of the South Carolina without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

BY CLICKING THE BOX ON YOUR APPLICATION INDICATING YOUR ACCEPTANCE (THE “ACCEPTANCE”) OF THIS ENROLLMENT CONTRACT (THIS “AGREEMENT”), YOU AGREE YOU HAVE READ AND ARE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU ARE AN APPLICANT, YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU ARE EITHER (A) THE AGE OF MAJORITY IN YOUR JURISDICTION OR OLDER OR (B) YOU HAVE YOUR PARENT’S OR GUARDIAN’S PERMISSION TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU ARE AN AGENT FOR AN APPLICANT, YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT AND THAT THE APPLICANT (OR THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN, AS APPLICABLE) HAS REVIEWED AND AGREED TO THESE TERMS.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS AGREEMENT, YOU MUST NOT ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT AND MAY NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION OR SUBMIT AN ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT.  IF YOU ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD, AND ARE BOUND BY, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS STATED HEREIN. 

This Agreement is by and between you and Shorelight- Palmetto, LLC d/b/a the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program (“The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program” “we”, “our” or “us”) and is effective as of the date of Acceptance (the “Effective Date”).  It governs your application to, and if you are admitted, your enrollment and participation in, the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program. We reserve the right to change or modify portions of this Agreement at any time.  If we do so, we will notify you via email or through other reasonable means of the changes.

Please read this Agreement in its entirety.  It includes important information regarding our services as well as policies and rules related to the University of South Carolina.  In particular, we note that you will find the following information covered within the following provisions in this Agreement:

• Application Terms (Section 1)
• Enrollment; Tuition and Fees (Section 2)
• Deposit Refunds (Section 3)
• Tuition Refunds (Section 4)
• Legal (Section 5)
• Accommodations and Services (Section 6)
• Other Policies, Procedures & Requirements (Section 7)
• Miscellaneous (Section 8)

 

1. APPLICATION TERMS. If you are admitted, you will be placed in the appropriate program track based on your academic and English language credentials submitted with your application. You acknowledge that there are price differences between each program track based on program track length and course of study. Please note that different courses of study may include required English language courses as part of the curriculum. You acknowledge that by submitting your application, you are not guaranteed admission at University of South Carolina. If you are currently seeking or intend to seek permanent resident status at any point during your anticipated tenure at University of South Carolina, you must disclose such intent at the time of application and you will not be permitted to apply to The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.
2. ENROLLMENT; TUITION AND FEES.

                  2.1   Once your application has been reviewed, and if you are conditionally accepted to the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program, a conditional offer of enrollment in the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program will be extended to you. Once you have received your conditional offer, you must pay your enrollment deposit (“Deposit”), and meet all other listed conditions, to be eligible for admission. As part of your conditional offer you will receive other important information and documents that contain additional terms and conditions governing your participation in the program. Please familiarize yourself with all documentation provided to you by The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.

              2.2 Following payment of your Deposit, an invoice (the “Statement of Fees”) will be sent to you which will contain your remaining outstanding balance (the “Outstanding Balance”) and your payment due date. You acknowledge and agree that you will pay to The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program the Outstanding Balance shown on your Statement of Fees, including any banking or processing fees, by the indicated due date. The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program has the right to amend its prices from time to time and will provide you with notice of any amended prices via email or through other reasonable means.

             2.3  Failure to pay the Outstanding Balance by the due date may lead to penalties, including late fees, inability to gain access to housing, inability to use a meal plan, and a hold on your account that will prevent you from enrolling in classes. If you are unable to enroll in classes due to your failure to pay the Outstanding Balance and any applicable fees, you may violate the terms of your immigration status, and we will be required to report such violation to the SEVIS database. As a result, you may lose your immigration status and be deported from the United States. More information regarding your obligations to maintain proper immigration status is included below.

           2.4 You will be required to take an English language assessment test upon arrival to campus. The results of the assessment test are used to place you on the program track that is appropriate for your skill level, and which may be different from what was indicated in your conditional offer letter. If your assessment test score does not meet the criteria for your assigned program track, you will not be able to enroll on that track. As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated and involve additional costs.

          2.5  Once you receive your visa, you are required to maintain proper F-1 visa status. To maintain proper F-1 visa status, you must comply with all applicable federal regulations related to study in the United States, including the pursuit of a full course of study. Please review University of South Carolina’s policies on student visa status. You will be in danger of losing your immigration status if you fail to maintain the necessary academic standing. We will be required to report any violation by you of your F-1 status to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (“SEVIS”) database maintained by the United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”). Your personally identifiable information, including course enrollment details and changes, and circumstances of any suspected breach by you of University of South Carolina’s or The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program’s policies may be shared with the DHS, University of South Carolina and accrediting agencies, designated authorities, your parents, and the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program staff and agents. Please be aware that scheduling and class attendance conflicts that arise from pursuing immigration status changes will not be accommodated and may prevent you from continuing your studies. You may be dismissed from The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program if you seek or obtain a change in your permanent residency after you begin your program.

        2.6  All payments for housing are due in full by the payment due date indicated on your Statement of Fees unless you are on a payment plan pre-approved by The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program. Late housing payments or failure to pay housing costs may result in additional fees. Cancelling your housing contract may result in forfeiture of your entire housing payment. You may also be required to purchase a meal plan. Your published move-in date can be found here: Link (the “Move-In Date”).

       2.7  You may defer your enrollment for up to one calendar year (i.e., two consecutive semesters, including summer); however, your deposit will roll-over for one semester only, not including summer (i.e., a Spring deposit will apply for next Fall, but a new deposit is required starting with the following Spring semester). We will not refund your original deposit. After one calendar year, you will be required to re-apply with a new application and deposit. You must request an enrollment deferral no later than 60 days after your original Move-In Date. Contact your Enrollment Advisor for additional information.

        3. DEPOSIT REFUNDS.

        3.1 You are only eligible for a deposit refund in the following circumstances:

(a)  if you have both (i) an admissions offer for a particular semester and (ii) you provide us with written notification and documentation (visa appointment confirmation including DS160 application number, SEVIS fee payment receipt and visa denial letter) confirming your visa was denied prior to the Move-In Date of that same semester (to illustrate, if you receive an admissions offer for the fall semester and, following a visa denial for that fall semester you defer your admission to the spring semester, we will only refund your deposit if you can demonstrate a visa denial for the spring semester); or

(b)  if you have obtained a visa but are denied entry upon arrival to the U.S., provided that you have already paid your Outstanding Balance in full (including any housing or other fees), have completed your pre-arrival documentation, and are not denied entry to the U.S. because of your own wrongdoing. 

Otherwise, we do not provide Deposit refunds.  You must submit your deposit refund request form and supporting documents within sixty (60) days following the Move-In Date. For the avoidance of doubt, we do not provide Deposit refunds for students who (i) transfer their University of South Carolina-issued I-20 to another institution, or (ii) have provided false or fraudulent documents, have engaged in academic dishonesty or misconduct (including cheating), or who have otherwise committed acts of wrongdoing that make them ineligible for admission to The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.

       4.  TUITION REFUNDS.

       4.1 If you cancel your enrollment prior to your Move-In Date, you may request a full refund of tuition and fees paid, minus non-refundable fees, subject to the exclusions stated in the following paragraphs. After the start of the semester you may be eligible for a partial refund calculated according to the table below. Non-refundable fees include, but are not limited to, your Deposit, housing fees, first semester meal plan fees, insurance, and a $500 processing fee.

Intake Semester	Last day for 100% refund	Last day for 50% refund	Last day for 20% refund	Begin 0% refund
Fall	Prior to published move-in date	16 Days After First Day of Class	26 Days After First Day of Class	27 Days After First Day of Class
Spring	Prior to published move-in date	16 Days After First Day of Class	26 Days After First Day of Class	27 Days After First Day of Class
Summer	Prior to published move-in date	9 Days After First Day of Class	14 Days After First Day of Class	15 Days After First Day of Class

          4.2 If you transfer your University of South Carolina-issued I-20 to another institution prior to or within the first two weeks of your first semester classes, we will not refund any portion of your tuition or fees.

          4.3 All refund requests (other than those for Deposit refunds) must be submitted within sixty (60) days following the date that you either complete or withdraw from your program. All refunds will be issued in United States Dollars, minus bank transfer and processing fees, including any fees incurred for a rejected payment, according to the exchange rate in place at the time of the refund. All refunds will be made to eligible parties within 30 days following receipt of an accurate and completed refund submission and finance approval. All refunds must be processed to the originating bank account that funds were initially paid from.

       4.4 In addition to the restrictions described above, no refunds will be given: (i) if you must withdraw due to your actual or anticipated change to permanent resident status (ii) for any housing-related fees, (iii) for any insurance-related fees, and (iv) in cases of dismissal, suspension or expulsion. The cost of a meal plan is not refundable during the semester it is purchased, but you may be eligible to receive a meal plan refund for future semesters depending on the specific circumstances and in our sole discretion.

        4.5 In the event that you are granted a valid medical withdrawal tuition refund by University of South Carolina which is in conflict with this Agreement, we will honor that refund (minus non-refundable fees).

 

         5. LEGAL

        5.1 WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program BE LIABLE TO YOU UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER BASED UPON BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY) IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE, AND THE LIABILITY The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program FOR ALL DAMAGES OR ALLEGED DAMAGES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, IS LIMITED TO, AND WILL NOT EXCEED THE FULL AMOUNT PAID TO The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program BY YOU. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE DISCLAIMER OR EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. ACCORDINGLY, SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU OR BE ENFORCEABLE WITH RESPECT TO YOU.

       5.2 You acknowledge and agree that The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program or its representatives, affiliates, successors, and related companies may photograph, video or otherwise record you and/or other students. If you do not wish to have your photograph or video taken, you must advise us in writing and state, at the time of the photography or recording, your desire not to participate. Unless you have provided us with notice regarding your desire not to participate, you hereby irrevocably grant The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program and its assigns, licensees, successors in interest, legal representatives, employees, consultants and agents (collectively, the “Program Entities”) the irrevocable and unrestricted right to copy, publicly display, distribute, modify, create derivative works of and otherwise use your name, image, voice and likeness and any photograph, video or audio recording in which you appear (collectively, the “Images”). You acknowledge and agree that you have no right, title or interest in or to any Images, and that the Program Entities own all right, title and interest in and to all Images. You hereby waive any right to inspect or approve any Images. You hereby waive all rights and release and discharge the Program Entities from and shall neither sue nor bring any proceeding against the Program Entities for, any claim, demand or cause of action based upon, arising from or related to the Program Entities use or exploitation of the Images (or the use of your name, image, voice or likeness in connection therewith), including without limitation, claims for libel or invasion of right to privacy, publicity or personality.

         5.3 The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program will not be liable under this Agreement for its failure or delay in performing any of the obligations imposed by this Agreement to the extent such failure or delay is the result of any event beyond its reasonable control, including: (a) any fire, explosion, unusually severe weather, natural disaster or Act of God; (ii) epidemic, disease or pandemic; any nuclear, biological, chemical, or similar attack; any other public health or safety emergency; any act of terrorism; and any action reasonably taken in response to any of the foregoing; (iii) any act of declared or undeclared ware or of a public enemy, or any riot or insurrection; (iv) damage to machinery or equipment; any disruption in transportation, communications, electric power or other utilities, or other vital infrastructure; or any means of disrupting or damaging internet or other computer networks or facilities; (v) any strike, lockout or other labor dispute or action; (vi) any action taken in response to any of the foregoing events by any civil or military authority; or (vii) any other similar event beyond The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program's control.

          5.4 The law, including the statutes of limitation, of the state of South Carolina will govern this Agreement, the interpretation and enforcement of its terms and any claim or cause of action (in law or equity), controversy or dispute arising out of or related to it or its negotiation, execution or performance, whether based on contract, tort, statutory or other law, in each case without giving effect to any conflicts-of-law or other principle requiring the application of the law of any other jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Carolina and of the United States of America located in South Carolina (the “South Carolina Courts”) for any litigation among the parties hereto arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the negotiation, validity or performance of this Agreement, waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such litigation in the South Carolina Courts and agrees not to plead or claim in any South Carolina Court that such litigation brought therein has been brought in any inconvenient forum or that there are indispensable parties to such litigation that are not subject to the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Courts.

          5.5 We have a legal obligation to comply with U.S. laws and regulations. We may use certain information you provided to us on your application to ensure our compliance with export and other regulations by screening you against lists prepared by federal government agencies, such as those prepared by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You hereby consent to the transfer of your personally identifiable information to third-party screening services that we have retained solely to conduct such screenings.

          5.6 In the event that any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, such provision will be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder will continue in effect, to the extent consistent with the intent of the parties as of the Effective Date.

 6. ACCOMMODATIONS & SERVICES.

          6.1 Requests for airport transfer service must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of arrival by visiting Link. Airport transfers are available for your initial arrival on campus for flights arriving at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). We cannot guarantee a reservation for a request made less than 2 weeks in advance.

        6.2 You are required to commit to a reservation in approved The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program housing. We will provide you with a housing contract containing the terms of your residency. We reserve the right to terminate your residency if you are dismissed or withdraw from your program. Please be aware that we will only waive the housing requirement in extenuating circumstances. If you meet the conditions outlined in the housing waiver request form, you may submit the waiver request for review and decision. Contact your Student Success Coordinator for additional information.

       6.3 All international undergraduate students are required to be covered by health insurance that meets all United States government, South Carolina, local, and University of South Carolina requirements. To that end:

1. You are required to purchase coverage from The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program, offered through University Health Plans (a licensed insurance producer), as a condition of enrollment. 
2. Information about mandatory immunization requirements may be reviewed here: Link, and the mandatory immunization forms may be obtained here: Link. You must have completed immunization documentation prior to class registration in order to enroll in any courses. All immunization forms must be translated into English.
3. You are solely responsible for the payment of any premiums or other costs associated with maintaining health insurance coverage. Be advised that the cost of health insurance is non-refundable. 
4. You must be enrolled in The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program to be eligible for coverage under the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program-designated health plan. Your coverage will be terminated if you are dismissed or withdraw from the program.

 

7. OTHER POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS.

         7.1 Please familiarize yourself with the University of South Carolina’s calendar for holidays and vacations. Classes will not be held on designated school vacations and may be cancelled on public holidays. We do not provide refunds for classes not offered due to planned or unplanned school closures.

         7.2 You must complete your coursework in consecutive semesters. This requirement may be waived by the Managing Director of The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program only in extenuating circumstances.

         7.3 Students are accepted to the University of South Carolina IAP with the understanding that they will adhere to the University of South Carolina Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_conduct_and_academic_integrity/index.php, each of which may be amended from time to time. You may be suspended or expelled if you violate any of University of South Carolina’s policies, rules, or regulations, which may result in the revocation of your immigration, and you will not be allowed to continue in the program if you do not meet the minimum standards set by The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program. If you are unable to continue due to a suspension or expulsion or because you have failed to meet the minimum standards set by The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program, you may be offered advice on suitable alternatives, including repeating courses or dismissal from The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program. These alternative options may involve additional time and costs, including tuition and other fees which may require presenting additional proof of finances.

         7.4 You may be suspended or expelled if you violate any of The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program's or University of South Carolina’s policies, rules, or regulations, which may result in the revocation of your immigration status.

         7.5 If you are dismissed from the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program for any reason you may not-reapply to the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.

 

8. MISCELLANEOUS.

          8.1 University of South Carolina is a U.S. accredited university. If you wish to live and work in your home country, you may be required by your employer or your home country’s education authority to submit your degree for verification (sometimes called “validation” or “authentication”). It is your responsibility to determine what level of verification is needed and how to obtain it. While we do not guarantee that your University of South Carolina degree will be verified outside of the United States, degree verification does not impact the validity or value of your degree in the United States. We also do not guarantee that credits earned at University of South Carolina will be transferrable to systems of higher education outside of the U.S.  Whether and how much transfer credit to award you is in the discretion of each foreign institution.

        8.2 All internship and externship opportunities, such as CAP Premier, will be awarded by a third-party organization at such organization’s sole discretion.

BY CLICKING THE BOX ON YOUR APPLICATION INDICATING YOUR ACCEPTANCE (THE “ACCEPTANCE”) OF THIS ENROLLMENT CONTRACT (THIS “AGREEMENT”), YOU AGREE YOU HAVE READ AND ARE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU ARE AN APPLICANT, YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU ARE EITHER (A) THE AGE OF MAJORITY IN YOUR JURISDICTION OR OLDER OR (B) YOU HAVE YOUR PARENT’S OR GUARDIAN’S PERMISSION TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU ARE AN AGENT FOR AN APPLICANT, YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT AND THAT THE APPLICANT (OR THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN, AS APPLICABLE) HAS REVIEWED AND AGREED TO THESE TERMS.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS AGREEMENT, YOU MUST NOT ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT AND MAY NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION OR SUBMIT AN ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT.  IF YOU ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD, AND ARE BOUND BY, THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS STATED HEREIN.

This Agreement is by and between you and Shorelight-Palmetto, LLC d/b/a University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program (“University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program” “we”, “our” or “us”) and is effective as of the date of Acceptance (the “Effective Date”).  It governs your application to, and if you are admitted, your enrollment and participation in, Master’s Accelerator Program (“MAP”), Advanced Master’s Accelerator Program (“Advanced MAP”) and Direct Master’s Accelerator Program (“Direct MAP”) at USC. We reserve the right to change or modify portions of this Agreement at any time.  If we do so, we will notify you via email or through other reasonable means of the changes.

Please read this Agreement in its entirety.  It includes important information regarding our services as well as policies and rules related to the University of South Carolina.  In particular, we note that you will find the following information covered within the following provisions in this Agreement:

• Application Terms (Section 1)
• Enrollment; Tuition and Fees (Section 2)
• Deposit Refunds (Section 3)
• Tuition Refunds (Section 4)
• Legal (Section 5)
• Accommodations and Services (Section 6)
• Other Policies, Procedures & Requirements (Section 7)
• Miscellaneous (Section 8)

1. APPLICATION TERMS.  If you are admitted, you will be placed in the appropriate program track based on your academic and English language credentials submitted with your application. You acknowledge that there are price differences between each program track based on program track length and course of study. Please note that different courses of study may include required English language courses as part of the curriculum. You acknowledge that by submitting your application, you are not guaranteed admission at University of South Carolina. If you are currently seeking or intend to seek permanent resident status at any point during your anticipated tenure at University of South Carolina, you must disclose such intent at the time of application and you will not be permitted to apply to University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.

2. ENROLLMENT; TUITION AND FEES. 

       2.1 Once your application has been reviewed, and if you are conditionally accepted to the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program/Master’s Accelerator Program (“MAP”), Advanced Master’s Accelerator Program (“Advanced MAP”) and Direct Master’s Accelerator Program (“Direct MAP”) at USC, a conditional offer of enrollment will be extended to you. Once you have received your conditional offer, you must pay your enrollment deposit (“Deposit”), and meet all other listed conditions, to be eligible for admission. As part of your conditional offer you will receive other important information and documents that contain additional terms and conditions governing your participation in the program. Please familiarize yourself with all documentation provided to you by University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.

      2.2 Following payment of your Deposit, an invoice (the “Statement of Fees”) will be sent to you which will contain your remaining outstanding balance (the “Outstanding Balance”) and your payment due date. You acknowledge and agree that you will pay to University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program the Outstanding Balance shown on your Statement of Fees, including any banking or processing fees, by the indicated due date. University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program has the right to amend its prices from time to time and will provide you with notice of any amended prices via email or through other reasonable means.

       2.3 Failure to pay the Outstanding Balance by the due date may lead to penalties, including late fees, inability to gain access to housing, inability to use a meal plan, and a hold on your account that will prevent you from enrolling in classes. If you are unable to enroll in classes due to your failure to pay the Outstanding Balance and any applicable fees, you may violate the terms of your immigration status, and we will be required to report such violation to the SEVIS database. As a result, you may lose your immigration status and be deported from the United States. More information regarding your obligations to maintain proper immigration status is included below.

       2.4 You will be required to take an English language assessment test upon arrival to campus. The results of the assessment test are used to place you on the program track that is appropriate for your skill level, and which may be different from what was indicated in your conditional offer letter. If your assessment test score does not meet the criteria for your assigned program track, you will not be able to enroll on that track. As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated and involve additional costs.

       2.5 University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program, Master’s Accelerator Program (“MAP”), Advanced Master’s Accelerator Program (“Advanced MAP”) and Direct Master’s Accelerator Program (“Direct MAP”) at USC students are not eligible to receive any tuition reduction through graduate assistantships, scholarships, stipends or other forms of financial support for their graduate studies.

          2.6 Once you receive your visa, you are required to maintain proper F-1 visa status. To maintain proper F-1 visa status, you must comply with all applicable federal regulations related to study in the United States, including the pursuit of a full course of study. Please review University of South Carolina’s policies on student visa status. You will be in danger of losing your immigration status if you fail to maintain the necessary academic standing. We will be required to report any violation by you of your F-1 status to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (“SEVIS”) database maintained by the United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”). Your personally identifiable information, including course enrollment details and changes, and circumstances of any suspected breach by you of University of South Carolina’s or University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program’s policies may be shared with the DHS, University of South Carolina and accrediting agencies, designated authorities, your parents, and University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program staff and agents. Please be aware that scheduling and class attendance conflicts that arise from pursuing immigration status changes will not be accommodated and may prevent you from continuing your studies. You will be dismissed from University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program if you seek or obtain a change in your permanent residency after you begin your program.

         2.7 All payments for housing are due in full by the payment due date indicated on your Statement of Fees unless you are on a payment plan pre-approved by University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program. Late housing payments or failure to pay housing costs may result in additional fees. Cancelling your housing contract may result in forfeiture of your entire housing payment. You may also be required to purchase a meal plan. Your published move-in date can be found here: Link (the “Move-In Date”).

        2.8 You may defer your enrollment for up to one calendar year (i.e., two consecutive semesters, including summer); however, your deposit will roll-over for one semester only, not including summer (i.e., a Spring deposit will apply for next Fall, but a new deposit is required starting with the following Spring semester). We will not refund your original deposit. After one calendar year, you will be required to re-apply with a new application and deposit. You must request an enrollment deferral no later than 60 days after your original Move-In Date. Contact your Enrollment Advisor for additional information.

3. DEPOSIT REFUNDS.

         3.1 You are only eligible for a deposit refund in the following circumstances:

(a)  if you have both (i) an admissions offer for a particular semester and (ii) you provide us with written notification and documentation (visa appointment confirmation including DS160 application number, SEVIS fee payment receipt and visa denial letter) confirming your visa was denied prior to the Move-In Date of that same semester (to illustrate, if you receive an admissions offer for the fall semester and, following a visa denial for that fall semester you defer your admission to the spring semester, we will only refund your deposit if you can demonstrate a visa denial for the spring semester); or

(b)  if you have obtained a visa but are denied entry upon arrival to the U.S., provided that you have already paid your Outstanding Balance in full (including any housing or other fees), have completed your pre-arrival documentation, and are not denied entry to the U.S. because of your own wrongdoing. 

Otherwise, we do not provide Deposit refunds.  You must submit your deposit refund request form and supporting documents within sixty (60) days following the Move-In Date. For the avoidance of doubt, we do not provide Deposit refunds for students who (i) transfer their University of South Carolina-issued I-20 to another institution, or (ii) have provided false or fraudulent documents, have engaged in academic dishonesty or misconduct (including cheating), or who have otherwise committed acts of wrongdoing that make them ineligible for admission to The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.

4.  TUITION REFUNDS.

        4.1 If you cancel your enrollment prior to your Move-In Date, you may request a full refund of tuition and fees paid, minus non-refundable fees, subject to the exclusions stated in the following paragraphs. After the start of the semester you may be eligible for a partial refund calculated according to the table below. Non-refundable fees include, but are not limited to, your Deposit, housing fees, first semester meal plan fees, insurance, and a $500 processing fee.

Intake Semester	Last day for 100% refund	Last day for 50% refund	Last day for 20% refund	Begin 0% refund
Fall	Prior to published move-in date	16 Days After First Day of Class	26 Days After First Day of Class	27 Days After First Day of Class
Spring	Prior to published move-in date	16 Days After First Day of Class	26 Days After First Day of Class	27 Days After First Day of Class
Summer	Prior to published move-in date	9 Days After First Day of Class	14 Days After First Day of Class	15 Days After First Day of Class

       4.2 If you transfer your University of South Carolina-issued I-20 to another institution prior to or within the first two weeks of your first semester classes, we will not refund any portion of your tuition or fees.

        4.3 All refund requests (other than those for Deposit refunds) must be submitted within sixty (60) days following the date that you either complete or withdraw from your program. All refunds will be issued in United States Dollars, minus bank transfer and processing fees, including any fees incurred for a rejected payment, according to the exchange rate in place at the time of the refund. All refunds will be made to eligible parties within 30 days following receipt of an accurate and completed refund submission and finance approval. All refunds must be processed to the originating bank account that funds were initially paid from.

        4.4 In addition to the restrictions described above, no refunds will be given: (i) if you must withdraw due to your actual or anticipated change to permanent resident status (ii) for any housing-related fees, (iii) for any insurance-related fees, and (iv) in cases of dismissal, suspension or expulsion. The cost of a meal plan is not refundable during the semester it is purchased, but you may be eligible to receive a meal plan refund for future semesters depending on the specific circumstances and in our sole discretion.

       4.5 In the event that you are granted a valid medical withdrawal tuition refund by University of South Carolina which is in conflict with this Agreement, we will honor that refund (minus non-refundable fees).

5. LEGAL

        5.1 WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program BE LIABLE TO YOU UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER BASED UPON BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY) IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE, AND THE LIABILITY University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program FOR ALL DAMAGES OR ALLEGED DAMAGES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, IS LIMITED TO, AND WILL NOT EXCEED THE FULL AMOUNT PAID TO University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program BY YOU. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE DISCLAIMER OR EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. ACCORDINGLY, SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU OR BE ENFORCEABLE WITH RESPECT TO YOU.

        5.2 You acknowledge and agree that University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program or its representatives, affiliates, successors and related companies may photograph, video or otherwise record you and/or other students. If you do not wish to have your photograph or video taken, you must advise us in writing and state, at the time of the photography or recording, your desire not to participate. Unless you have provided us with notice regarding your desire not to participate, you hereby irrevocably grant University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program and its assigns, licensees, successors in interest, legal representatives, employees, consultants and agents (collectively, the “Program Entities”) the irrevocable and unrestricted right to copy, publicly display, distribute, modify, create derivative works of and otherwise use your name, image, voice and likeness and any photograph, video or audio recording in which you appear (collectively, the “Images”). You acknowledge and agree that you have no right, title or interest in or to any Images, and that the Program Entities own all right, title and interest in and to all Images. You hereby waive any right to inspect or approve any Images. You hereby waive all rights and release and discharge the Program Entities from and shall neither sue nor bring any proceeding against the Program Entities for, any claim, demand or cause of action based upon, arising from or related to the Program Entities use or exploitation of the Images (or the use of your name, image, voice or likeness in connection therewith), including without limitation, claims for libel or invasion of right to privacy, publicity or personality.

          5.3 University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program will not be liable under this Agreement for its failure or delay in performing any of the obligations imposed by this Agreement to the extent such failure or delay is the result of any event beyond its reasonable control, including: (a) any fire, explosion, unusually severe weather, natural disaster or Act of God; (ii) epidemic, disease or pandemic; any nuclear, biological, chemical, or similar attack; any other public health or safety emergency; any act of terrorism; and any action reasonably taken in response to any of the foregoing; (iii) any act of declared or undeclared ware or of a public enemy, or any riot or insurrection; (iv) damage to machinery or equipment; any disruption in transportation, communications, electric power or other utilities, or other vital infrastructure; or any means of disrupting or damaging internet or other computer networks or facilities; (v) any strike, lockout or other labor dispute or action; (vi) any action taken in response to any of the foregoing events by any civil or military authority; or (vii) any other similar event beyond University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program's control.

        5.4 The law, including the statutes of limitation, of the state of South Carolina will govern this Agreement, the interpretation and enforcement of its terms and any claim or cause of action (in law or equity), controversy or dispute arising out of or related to it or its negotiation, execution or performance, whether based on contract, tort, statutory or other law, in each case without giving effect to any conflicts-of-law or other principle requiring the application of the law of any other jurisdiction.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Carolina and of the United States of America located in South Carolina (the “South Carolina Courts”) for any litigation among the parties hereto arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the negotiation, validity or performance of this Agreement, waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such litigation in the South Carolina Courts and agrees not to plead or claim in any South Carolina Court that such litigation brought therein has been brought in any inconvenient forum or that there are indispensable parties to such litigation that are not subject to the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Courts.

        5.5 We have a legal obligation to comply with U.S. laws and regulations. We may use certain information you provided to us on your application to ensure our compliance with export and other regulations by screening you against lists prepared by federal government agencies, such as those prepared by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You hereby consent to the transfer of your personally identifiable information to third-party screening services that we have retained solely to conduct such screenings.

        5.6 In the event that any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, such provision will be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder will continue in effect, to the extent consistent with the intent of the parties as of the Effective Date.

6. ACCOMMODATIONS & SERVICES.

        6.1 Requests for airport transfer service must be made at least 2 weeks in advance of arrival by visiting Link. Airport transfers are available for your initial arrival on campus for flights arriving at Columbia International Airport (CAE). We cannot guarantee a reservation for a request made less than 2 weeks in advance.

        6.2 You are eligible to commit to a reservation in approved University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program housing. We will provide you with a housing contract containing the terms of your residency. We reserve the right to terminate your residency if you are dismissed or withdraw from your program. If you elect not to live in University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program-approved housing, you must indicate this choice on your housing preference form (available LINK here).]

       6.3 All international graduate students are required to be covered by health insurance that meets all United States government, South Carolina, local, and University of South Carolina requirements. To that end:

1. You are required to purchase coverage from The University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program, offered through University Health Plans (a licensed insurance producer), as a condition of enrollment. 
2. Information about mandatory immunization requirements may be reviewed here: Link, and the mandatory immunization forms may be obtained here: Link. You must have completed immunization documentation prior to class registration in order to enroll in any courses. All immunization forms must be translated into English.
3. You are solely responsible for the payment of any premiums or other costs associated with maintaining health insurance coverage. Be advised that the cost of health insurance is non-refundable. 
4. You must be enrolled in University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program to be eligible for coverage under the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program-designated health plan. Your coverage will be terminated if you are dismissed or withdraw from the program.

7. OTHER POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS.

         7.1 Please familiarize yourself with University of South Carolina’s calendar for holidays and vacations. Classes will not be held on designated school vacations and may be cancelled on public holidays. We do not provide refunds for classes not offered due to planned or unplanned school closures.

        7.2 You must complete your coursework in consecutive semesters. This requirement may be waived by the Managing Director of University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program only in extenuating circumstances.

        7.3 Students are accepted to the University of South Carolina IAP with the understanding that they will adhere to the University of South Carolina Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_conduct_and_academic_integrity/index.php, which may be amended from time to time. You may be suspended or expelled if you violate any of University of South Carolina’s policies, rules, or regulations, which may result in the revocation of your immigration, and you will not be allowed to continue in the program if you do not meet the minimum standards set by University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program. If you are unable to continue due to a suspension or expulsion or because you have failed to meet the minimum standards set by University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program, you may be offered advice on suitable alternatives, including repeating courses or dismissal from University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program. These alternative options may involve additional time and costs, including tuition and other fees which may require presenting additional proof of finances.

       7.4 You may be suspended or expelled if you violate any of University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program's or University of South Carolina’s policies, rules, or regulations, which may result in the revocation of your immigration status.

      7.5 If you are dismissed from University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program for any reason you may not-reapply to University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program.

8. MISCELLANEOUS.

       8.1 University of South Carolina is a U.S. accredited university. If you wish to live and work in your home country, you may be required by your employer or your home country’s education authority to submit your degree for verification (sometimes called “validation” or “authentication”). It is your responsibility to determine what level of verification is needed and how to obtain it. While we do not guarantee that your University of South Carolina degree will be verified outside of the United States, degree verification does not impact the validity or value of your degree in the United States. We also do not guarantee that credits earned at University of South Carolina will be transferrable to systems of higher education outside of the U.S.  Whether and how much transfer credit to award you is in the discretion of each foreign institution.

       8.2 All internship and externship opportunities, such as CAP Premier, will be awarded by a third-party organization at such organization’s sole discretion.

University of South Carolina LIVE Program

ENROLLMENT CONTRACT

General

1. By participating in the University of South Carolina LIVE program (the “Program”) at the University of South Carolina (UofSC), you are agreeing to this Enrollment Contract, which forms a binding agreement between you and the Program operator, the University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program (hereafter “UofSC IAP”).
2. In addition to this Enrollment Contract, as part of your enrollment confirmation you have received other information and documents that contain additional terms of your participation. Please familiarize yourself with all documentation provided to you by the Program and the Uof
3. Degree Verification and Non-US Institutions: The University of South Carolina is a U.S. accredited university.  You may be required to submit your degree for verification (sometimes called “validation” or “authentication”), either by your employer or your country’s education authority if you wish to live and work in your home country.  It is your responsibility to determine what level of verification is needed and how to obtain it.  We do not guarantee that your USC degree will be verified outside of the U.S.  Degree verification does not impact the validity or value of your degree in the U.S.  Further, we do not guarantee that credits earned at USC will be transferable to systems of higher education outside of the U.S.  Whether and how much transfer credit to award is in the discretion of the foreign institution.

Tuition and Fees; Refunds

4. Program fee payment: Following the initial payment, you must pay the balance shown on your Statement of Fees by the indicated due date in order to reserve your seat in the program. You are responsible for paying the full invoice amount, including any banking or processing fees.
5. Failure to Pay: Failure to pay by the payment due date may lead to penalties, including late fees and a hold on your account. You cannot participate in the Program unless you have paid the required Program tuition and fees as outlined on your Statement of Fees.
6. Live Graduate Enrollment Deferrals. Deferrals must be requested prior to or within 60 days after your original move-in date. You may defer your enrollment for up to one calendar year (i.e., two consecutive semesters, not including summer); however, your deposit will roll-over for one deferral only, not including summer (i.e., a Spring deposit will apply for next Fall, but a new deposit is required starting with the following Spring semester if you defer again). We will not refund your original deposit. After one calendar year, you will be required to re-apply with a new application and deposit. 
7. Refunds for Cancellation of Enrollment: If you cancel your enrollment prior to the Program start date, we will refund your full or partial fees paid, less your non-refundable deposit, subject to the timeline in the table below. Please submit your request to finance@uofsc.org. Please note your program’s 0% tuition refund date in the applicable table below; after this date, you agree that the paid tuition for your entire program is nonrefundable.

Refund Schedule - 3 or fewer semester programs:

Last day for 100% Refund	Last day for 70% Refund	Last day for 50% Refund	Begin 0% Refund
30 days prior to Semester 1 Orientation start	15 days prior to Semester 1 Orientation start	2 days prior to Semester 1 Orientation start	1 day prior to Semester 1 Orientation start

Refund Schedule- 4+ semester programs*:

Last day for 100% Refund	Last day for 70% Refund	Last day for  50% Refund	Begin   40% Refund	Begin   0% Refund
30 days prior to Semester 1 Orientation start	15 days prior to Semester 1 Orientation start	2 days prior to Semester 1 Orientation start	1 day prior to Semester 1 Orientation start	1 day prior to Semester 4 Orientation start

*5 semester program students may cancel and receive a refund of semesters 4 and 5 at any time prior to the day before Semester 4 Orientation. Semesters 1, 2 and 3 are nonrefundable as of the day before Semester 1 Orientation.

7. Refunds Generally: Except for deposit refund requests, you must submit your refund request for all eligible refunds within 60 days of program completion, withdrawal, or dismissal. other amounts during the semester in which you are eligible for such refund. The request form can be found at the USC IAP office. All refunds will be issued in U.S. Dollars, minus bank transfer and processing fees, including any fees incurred for a rejected payment, according to the exchange rate in place at the time of the refund.  All eligible refunds will be processed when students complete, withdraw, or are dismissed from our program.  This may be transferred to the student’s university account or processed as a refund directly to the student. Refunds are typically issued within 60 business days from receipt of completed form.  All refunds will be made to eligible parties within 60 days of a written request.
8. Refunds for Certain Restrictions: It is your responsibility to ensure, prior to your program’s start date, that you have a suitable internet connection and meet the technical requirements to receive and participate in UofSC LIVE lectures and other online content. If, after your start date, you become unable to receive course lectures due to regional internet restrictions, regulations that prohibit the delivery of UofSC LIVE content or its modality, or for other reasons outside of your control, please contact finance@uofsc.org as you may be entitled to a refund of all or a portion of your tuition and fees.

University Policies, Procedures and Requirements

9. Academic Content and Transfer: Qualified students who successfully complete UofSC LIVE courses in good standing may be able to transfer credits to the University of South Carolina and other US institutions.
10. Non-U.S. Institutions: The University of South Carolina is a U.S. accredited university. Please be aware that credits earned in your UofSC LIVE courses may not be transferrable to systems of higher education outside of the U.S.
11. As a UofSC LIVE student, you may be eligible for admission to select U.S. universities, and receive academic credit for coursework completed in your UofSC LIVE program. By participating in UofSC LIVE, you consent to the disclosure of your educational records, including records relating to your academic performance and behavioral conduct, and any personally identifiable information therein, by UofSC IAP to universities with which UofSC IAP is affiliated for the purpose of evaluating your eligibility for admission.

Program Policies, Procedures and Requirements

12. Vacation, Holidays and Closures: Please familiarize yourself with the UofSC’s calendar for holidays and vacations. Classes will not be held on designated school vacations and may be cancelled on public holidays. We do not make reimbursements for classes not offered due to planned or unplanned school closures.
13. Medical Withdrawal: If you need to withdraw for medical reasons, you must apply for a valid medical withdrawal.  Refunds for medical withdrawal issued by the university are not guaranteed and are decided on a case by case basis by a committee disconnected from UofSC IAP. We will honor any tuition refunds granted by the University for a medical withdrawal in conflict with this Enrollment Contract, but please be aware that certain LIVE Program fees may not be refundable.
14. Academic or Conduct Rule and Policy Violations: you may be dismissed from the Program if you violate any of the Program's or the UofSC’s policies, rules, or regulations, including academic integrity violations. You will not receive a refund if you are dismissed for rule or policy violations.
15. Internships and Externships: If you are accepted into an internship or externship option, such as Career Premium, all opportunities will be awarded by a third-party organization at such organization’s sole discretion.

Legal

16. Photography, Filming and Sound Recording: UofSC IAP or its representatives, affiliates, successors and related companies may arrange to photograph or shoot video footage of students for purposes of advertising, public relations, and/or promotion in any medium throughout the world, including on social media sites and on the internet. If you do not wish to participate you must advise us in writing and state at the time of the photography or video shooting the wish not to participate. By accepting this Enrollment Contract you are indicating your consent to use these photographs or video footage without further consent or notifications unless you follow the above opt-out requirements.
17. Legal Compliance: We have a legal obligation to comply with U.S. laws and regulations. We may use certain information you provided to us on your application to ensure our compliance with export and other regulations by screening you against lists prepared by federal government agencies, such as those prepared by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You hereby consent to the transfer of your personally identifiable information to third-party screening services that we have retained solely to conduct such screenings.
18. Force Majeure: UofSC IAP and UofSC will not be liable in cases where either party is unable to fulfill any services because of fire, natural disaster, disease or pandemic, national emergency, act of government, acts of war or terrorism, failure of suppliers or subcontractors, labor disputes or any other reasons which are beyond our or the UofSC’s control.
19. Liability: The liability of Shorelight-Palmetto, LLC, operator of the UofSC IAP, its parent Shorelight, LLC, and their group companies, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and partners with respect to losses arising from negligence (except where such liability cannot be excluded as a matter of law), breach of contract or otherwise will be limited in all circumstances to the full amount paid to UofSC IAP or the relevant group company for the particular program. Such companies and persons will in no circumstances have any liability for indirect or consequential losses or damages. Any dispute, claim or other matter arising will be subject to the jurisdiction and laws of the State of South Carolina without regard to the choice of law rules. Any legal suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right or issues arising out of or related to this Enrollment Contract, shall be brought exclusively in the United States District Court for the State of South Carolina. By accepting this Enrollment Contract, you consent to and accept the jurisdictions of such courts for the purpose of any such action or proceeding and agree to waive any objection to venue being laid therein.