Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Use ("Terms") are entered into by and between you ("User," "you," or "your") and GradNextSteps LLC, a Massachusetts limited liability company ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other documents expressly incorporated by reference (collectively, the "Agreement"), govern your access to and use of www.gradnextsteps.com and all related services, content, and functionality (collectively, the "Service").

By accessing or using our Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Service.

Age Requirements: You must be at least 13 years of age to use our Service. If you are between 13 and 18 years of age (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you represent that your parent or legal guardian has reviewed and agreed to these Terms on your behalf.

2. Description of Service

GradNextSteps provides educational guidance, career counseling, mentorship matching, and related services designed to help college graduates transition into their careers. Our services include: career guidance and planning resources, mentor matching and connection services, video mentorship sessions and consultations, educational content and workshops, job search assistance and resources, professional development tools and materials, and communication platform for mentor-mentee interactions.

3. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time in our sole discretion. When we make changes, we will: post the updated Terms on our website with a new "Last Updated" date, notify you via email (if you have provided an email address) for material changes, and provide at least 30 days' notice before material changes take effect. Your continued use of the Service after the effective date of any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the Service.

4. User Accounts and Security

To access certain features of our Service, you must create an account by providing accurate, current, and complete information. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the accuracy of your account information
• Keeping your login credentials confidential
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

We may require verification of your identity, educational background, or professional credentials to access certain features. You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms or engage in harmful conduct.

5. Video Mentorship Sessions

Sessions must be scheduled through our platform. Cancellation policies apply as specified in your service agreement. Rescheduling is subject to mentor availability and our policies. No-show policies may result in forfeited sessions.

Recording Policies

• Video sessions are NOT recorded by default
• Any recording requires explicit written consent from both mentor and mentee
• All participants will be clearly notified when recording begins
• Recordings are encrypted and stored securely for maximum 90 days
• Only authorized session participants can access recordings
• Recordings are automatically deleted after 90 days unless extended by mutual consent

Technical Requirements

You are responsible for having adequate internet connection and compatible devices. We are not liable for technical issues beyond our reasonable control.

Session Conduct

• Maintain professional and respectful communication
• Arrive on time and prepared for scheduled sessions
• Follow mentor guidance and engagement protocols
• Report any inappropriate behavior immediately

6. Mentor-Mentee Relationships

Mentors are independent contractors or volunteers, not our employees. We conduct reasonable verification of mentor credentials but do not guarantee accuracy. Background checks may be performed at our discretion but are not guaranteed.

• Mentorship relationships are professional and educational in nature
• Personal relationships beyond the platform scope are discouraged
• Financial transactions between mentors and mentees outside our platform are prohibited
• Direct solicitation of services outside our platform is not permitted

Report any inappropriate behavior, harassment, or safety concerns immediately. Emergency situations should be reported to local authorities first, then to us.

7. Acceptable Use and Prohibited Conduct

Permitted Uses

• Access and use the Service for personal, non-commercial purposes
• Participate in mentorship programs and educational activities
• Download materials expressly made available for download
• Print pages for personal reference
• Communicate professionally with mentors and other users

Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party rights
• Engage in any unlawful, harmful, or fraudulent activity
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or other users' accounts
• Use automated tools to access or interact with the Service without permission
• Interfere with or disrupt the Service or connected servers/networks
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract source code
• Post, transmit, or share illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, or defamatory content
• Share content that infringes intellectual property rights
• Distribute spam, unsolicited advertising, or promotional materials
• Upload malicious code, viruses, or harmful software
• Harass, bully, or intimidate other users
• Record sessions without proper consent
• Impersonate any person or entity, or falsely represent your affiliation
• Create false identities or accounts
• Use the Service for unauthorized commercial purposes
• Solicit users for external services or competing platforms

8. Platform Communication Standards

Maintain respectful and professional tone in all interactions. Use appropriate language suitable for educational and professional contexts. Respect cultural differences and diverse backgrounds. We reserve the right to monitor, review, and moderate communications. Inappropriate content may be removed without notice. Repeated violations may result in account suspension or termination.

Private messages between users are subject to our Privacy Policy. We may access communications for safety, security, or legal compliance. Users should not share sensitive personal or financial information through our platform.

9. Intellectual Property Rights

The Service and all content, features, and functionality are owned by the Company, our licensors, or content providers and are protected by copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Service for your personal, non-commercial use.

You retain ownership of content you create and submit ("User Content"). By submitting User Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such content in connection with operating and providing the Service.

Educational content provided through our platform is for your personal use only. You may not redistribute, sell, or commercialize our educational materials. Mentors retain rights to their original methodologies and proprietary content. Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas you provide to us become our property.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By using the Service, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

11. Third-Party Services and Content

Our Service may integrate with or contain links to third-party websites, services, or content not owned or controlled by us, including: payment processing services (Stripe), video calling platforms, email communication services, social media platforms, job search and career platforms, and educational content providers.

We do not endorse or assume responsibility for third-party content or services. Your interactions with third parties are solely between you and the third party. Your use of integrated third-party services is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.

12. Payment Terms

Certain features of our Service may require payment. All fees are stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified. You agree to pay all applicable fees as described on the Service.

• Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled
• You may cancel subscriptions through your account settings or by contacting us
• Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
• No partial refunds for unused portions of subscription periods

Refund Policy

All sales are final. We do not offer refunds for any services, subscriptions, or individual sessions once payment has been processed, except: where required by applicable law, in cases of technical failure that prevents service delivery through no fault of the user, or at our sole discretion in exceptional circumstances.

Massachusetts residents may have additional rights under Massachusetts consumer protection laws. You are responsible for all applicable taxes, duties, and government fees related to your use of the Service.

13. Service Availability and Technical Support

We strive to maintain reasonable service availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. Scheduled maintenance will be announced in advance when possible. Emergency maintenance may occur without advance notice.

Support is available through our designated channels during business hours. You must use compatible devices and browsers as specified on our website. We maintain data backups through our service providers, but you are responsible for maintaining your own backups of important personal content.

14. Educational Services and Mentorship Disclaimers

• No Guarantee of Outcomes: We do not guarantee employment, admission to educational programs, or specific career results
• Educational Purpose: Our services are for educational and informational purposes only
• Individual Results: Success depends on various factors including your effort, qualifications, and market conditions
• Professional Advice: Our services do not constitute professional career counseling, legal advice, or financial advice
• Mentor Qualifications: While we verify mentor credentials, we do not guarantee their expertise or suitability for your specific needs

Our services supplement but do not replace formal education or professional training. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of any content.

15. Emergency Situations and Crisis Management

Life-threatening emergencies should be reported immediately to local emergency services (911 in the US). Contact law enforcement directly for criminal activities or threats. Report platform-related emergencies to us as soon as possible after ensuring your safety.

We may provide information about mental health and crisis intervention resources for informational purposes only. We will cooperate with law enforcement investigations when legally required.

16. Disclaimers and Warranties

17. Limitation of Liability

Massachusetts Residents: These limitations do not apply to violations of Massachusetts consumer protection laws or other rights that cannot be waived under Massachusetts law. Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability.

18. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company and its officers, directors, employees, agents, mentors, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or relating to: your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, your User Content, your violation of third-party rights, your violation of applicable law, your interactions with mentors or other users, or your participation in video sessions.

19. Termination

You may terminate your account at any time by using account closure features, contacting us at info@gradnextsteps.com, or following any other termination procedures specified in the Service.

We may terminate or suspend your access, with or without notice, for: violation of these Terms, suspected fraudulent or illegal activity, extended inactivity (typically 24 months), technical or security reasons, discontinuation of the Service, inappropriate conduct, or failure to pay required fees.

Upon termination: your right to access ends immediately, we may delete your account and User Content, certain provisions survive termination, you remain liable for fees incurred before termination, and access to recordings and materials may be revoked.

20. Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Massachusetts.

Before filing any formal legal action, you agree to first contact us at info@gradnextsteps.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally within 60 days.

Massachusetts Residents: You retain all rights under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A, including the right to seek damages and attorney's fees for unfair or deceptive practices.

21. International Considerations

The Service may be subject to U.S. export control laws. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars unless otherwise specified. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate. Session scheduling accounts for different time zones. Business hours and support availability are based on Eastern Time (US).

22. Accessibility

We are committed to making our Service accessible to users with disabilities. We provide: screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation support, color contrast considerations, alternative text for images, and captioning options for video content (where available). If you experience any accessibility issues, please contact us at info@gradnextsteps.com.

23. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including: acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, government actions, labor disputes, Internet service provider failures, cyber attacks, or pandemic or public health emergencies.

24. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

25. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other documents expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding the Service and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals.

26. Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction. Any attempted assignment in violation of this section is void.

27. Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative.

28. Survival

The following sections shall survive termination: Intellectual Property Rights, User-Generated Content licenses, Payment obligations, Disclaimers, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, Dispute Resolution, and any other provisions that by their nature should survive.

29. Language

These Terms are written in English. Any translation is provided for convenience only, and the English version shall prevail in case of any conflicts.

30. Notices

All notices required under these Terms shall be in writing and delivered to:

• For Company: info@gradnextsteps.com
• For Users: The email address associated with your account

31. Contact Information

GradNextSteps LLC

Email: info@gradnextsteps.com

Mailing Address: 265 Franklin Street, Suite 1702, Boston, MA 02110

For Massachusetts Consumer Protection Inquiries: Massachusetts residents may also contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office at www.mass.gov/ago or (617) 727-2200.