Terms & Conditions — Gordon University / Gordon College (Private Institute)

Welcome to Gordon University (also referred to as “Gordon College” or “the College”).
These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern your access to and use of the website located at https://gordon-college-edu.us and any related services, courses, learning platforms, materials, communication, or documents provided by Gordon University (“we”, “us”, “our”, “Gordon University”). By registering, enrolling, or using our website or services you accept and agree to be bound by this Agreement. If you do not accept these Terms, do not use Gordon University.

1. Nature of the Institution — Private Institute, Private College

Gordon University / Gordon College is a private higher learning institute that provides online and, where specified, on-site educational programmes across multiple levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, professional). We operate as a private institution and reserve the right to manage enrolment, access, and services in accordance with this Agreement.

Sponsored accounts & reservations: The College may issue sponsored or reserved accounts (for partners, staff, promotional access, or scholarship students). All sponsored accounts remain subject to these Terms and may be revoked at our discretion where misuse, breach, or non-compliance occurs.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using our services you confirm you have read, understood and agree to be legally bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy and other policies published on the Site.

3. Eligibility & Registration

Applicants must provide accurate, current, and complete personal details and documentation.
Minimum age and entry requirements are published for each programme; applicants under 18 require guardian consent.
Registration is conditional upon verification of identity and prior qualifications where required. We reserve the right to suspend or refuse registration pending verification.

4. Account Security & Reservation

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
We reserve the right to reserve, suspend or terminate any account (including sponsored accounts) pending investigation of suspected fraud, policy breach, or unlawful activity.
Where accounts are suspended or terminated, access to course materials, certificates and records may be withheld pending resolution.

5. Fees, Payment & Refunds

Course fees, instalment plans, and due dates are published at enrolment. Payment confirms your acceptance of payment terms.
Refunds will only be issued as set out in our Refund Policy or where required by law. Requests must be submitted in writing with supporting evidence.
Fraudulent payments, chargebacks or attempts to circumvent payment obligations may lead to account suspension, recovery actions and legal proceedings.
We may change tuition or fee schedules for future intakes; fees for current enrolments are honoured except where otherwise stated at the time of enrolment.

6. Course Delivery — Online & On-Site

The College provides course delivery online via our secure learning platforms. Some programmes may include scheduled on-site components (exams, workshops). Delivery mode is stated on each programme page.
Students are responsible for their own internet connection, device compatibility and software required to participate. We may provide minimum technical specifications.
We do not guarantee uninterrupted access; maintenance, third-party outages or force majeure events may interrupt delivery. Assessment and examination modalities (including remote proctoring) will be specified for each course.

7. Student Conduct, Academic Integrity & Professional Standards

Students must maintain high standards of conduct, academic honesty and professionalism. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to: plagiarism, falsifying records, harassment, hate speech, threats, abusive behaviour, and unlawful activities.
Use of College platforms to promote or plan criminal activity (including militia, paramilitary, extremist or violent groups) is strictly prohibited. Suspected misuse will result in immediate suspension pending investigation.
Disciplinary measures may include warnings, suspension, revocation of grades, withholding or cancellation of certificates, and referral to law enforcement.

8. Document Authentication, Security & Verification (Expanded)

To protect authenticity and prevent forgery, we apply robust security measures to all official outputs.

Official document features:

All printed official documents (certificates, diplomas, transcripts, verification letters) are produced on cotton-based security paper and include multiple security elements: holographic seals, embossed stamps, wet-ink (original) signatures by authorised officers, unique serial/verification codes, and QR authentication links.
Student identification cards are produced with holographic images, unique ID numbers and security print.
Electronic documents are issued via secure digital channels and embed tamper-resistant signatures or encrypted verification tokens where available.

Verification process:

Official verification is only provided by the Registry/Registrar upon request. To request verification, email official@gordon-college-edu.us and include the student’s full name and official student number. Do not post personal details publicly.
We do not publish editable or downloadable ‘blank’ versions of certificates or transcripts. Copies provided for informal purposes will be clearly watermarked as uncertified and will not bear security features.
Any suspected forged, altered, copied or unauthorised reproduction of documents should be reported immediately to the Registrar. We will take civil and criminal action against forgers and misusers to the fullest extent permitted by law.

9. Intellectual Property, Copyright & Legal Protections (Expanded)

All course content, learning resources, multimedia, courseware, software, logos and trademarks are the intellectual property of Gordon University or our licensors. They are protected by applicable national and international copyright, trademark and database laws.
Students receive a limited, non-transferable licence to access materials for personal, non-commercial educational use only. Any unauthorised copying, distribution, adaptation, commercial use, or posting of materials is prohibited.
We will enforce our IP rights under appropriate legislation, including but not limited to: the South African Copyright Act, the Czech Copyright Act, the Berne Convention, and applicable EU or international law where relevant. Legal remedies will be pursued where infringement occurs.

10. Privacy, Data Protection & Student Confidentiality (Expanded)

We respect student privacy and process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws (including GDPR and POPIA where applicable).
Student records are confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties except with your consent or where required by law.
As a private institute we will safeguard your data and will only confirm accreditation, verification or similar sensitive information directly to verified requestors (via email to official@gordon-college-edu.us) and only after validating the student number and identity.

11. Cookies, Trackers & Analytics (Detailed)

Our website uses cookies and tracking technologies for essential operation, analytics, performance monitoring and limited marketing. Cookie categories:
- Strictly necessary: required for login, course access and payment processing.
- Performance & analytics: used to measure site traffic and improve services.
- Functional: to remember preferences and learning progress.
- Marketing: used for advertising and retargeting; optional and disabled by default unless you consent.
You can manage cookie preferences via browser settings or our cookie management tool. Disabling optional cookies may reduce functionality and the personalised learning experience.

12. Disclaimers, Warranties & Limitation of Liability (Expanded)

Services and materials are provided “as is”. We do not guarantee employment outcomes, professional recognition, external accreditation, or specific earnings upon completion.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Gordon University disclaims all implied warranties. Our aggregate liability for any claim arising from these Terms is limited to the amount of fees paid for the relevant course in the preceding 12 months (or a nominal amount where local law prohibits such limits).
We are not liable for indirect, consequential or punitive damages, or for losses arising from internet outages, third-party platform failures, or force majeure events.

13. Misuse by Militias, Extremist or Criminal Organisations (Expanded)

Use of College platforms, content, academic credentials or documents by extremist, militia, or unlawful organisations is strictly forbidden.
Upon any reasonable suspicion that credentials or courses are being misused to support unlawful or violent aims, we will: immediately suspend accounts, revoke credentials, secure evidence, and cooperate with law enforcement and relevant authorities. Civil and criminal actions will be pursued where appropriate.

14. Enforcement, Suspension, Termination & Revocation (Expanded)

We may, at our sole discretion and without prior notice, suspend or terminate access, withhold grades, revoke certifications or cancel enrolments where these Terms are breached, fraud is suspected, or unlawful use is detected.
Actions may include account suspension, blocked access to learning platforms, revoked access to transcripts, and permanent ban from future enrolment.
We will notify affected parties of enforcement action where feasible, except in circumstances where notification could compromise investigations or legal obligations.

15. Accreditation, Recognition & Programme Status

Important: Gordon University is a private institute. Some programmes are fully accredited by recognised authorities; others are pending validation or are not accredited. We endeavour to indicate accreditation status clearly on each programme page. Please email for list.
Verification: To confirm the accreditation or recognition status of any programme, please contact official@gordon-college-edu.us with the programme name and student or applicant details. We will confirm status and provide available documentation.
Where a programme lacks formal accreditation, the College will make this clear and will advise on recognition implications. Students who require accredited qualifications for professional registration or immigration should verify suitability with the relevant external bodies before enrolment.
We may assist with applications for validation or accreditation, but the granting of accreditation is a decision for the recognised accrediting authority and not guaranteed by Gordon University.

16. Refunds, Chargebacks & Recovery of Losses

Refunds are governed by our Refund Policy (published separately). We may withhold refunds where accounts are terminated for breach or fraud. Recovery of losses and legal costs will be sought where the College suffers damages.

17. Changes to Terms, Subjects & Course Offerings

We may update these Terms, subject lists, delivery methods or programme content. Where material changes occur, we will notify registered students via their official email address and provide information on how changes affect ongoing enrolments. Students will be given reasonable notice of significant changes and any transitional arrangements.

18. Governing Law, Dispute Resolution & Jurisdiction (Expanded)

These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction(s) in which Gordon University operates. Where applicable, this may include the laws of the Czech Republic and the laws of the Republic of South Africa, depending on the student’s place of residence and the College’s operational locus for the student’s programme.
Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in the relevant jurisdiction unless the parties agree to alternative dispute resolution. Students are entitled to seek independent legal advice before enrolling.

19. Severability & Entire Agreement

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of these Terms remains in force. These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and course-specific enrolment terms, form the entire agreement between you and the College.

20. Notices, Contact & Verification Requests

For all official communications, accreditation enquiries, document verification, or to report suspected forgeries or misuse, please contact the Registrar:

Registrar — Gordon University / Gordon College
Email: official@gordon-college-edu.us
(Please include the student’s full name and official student number for verification requests.)

21. Operational Recommendations (For the Institute)

We recommend a visible Accreditation & Recognition webpage listing programmes that are accredited, pending or unaccredited.
Maintain a secure Registrar inbox for verification requests and log all verification replies, with timestamps and the verifying officer’s details.
Retain an up-to-date Copyright & IP enforcement policy and a digital forensics procedure for document fraud investigations.

Final Note

This draft reflects your requested adjustments: accreditation content placed at steps 15 onward, expanded sections on account reservation and sponsored accounts, detailed document authentication (cotton paper, holograms, signatures), extended IP/privacy/cookie language, stronger enforcement and militia misuse provisions, and the requirement that students contact the official email for verification.