Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 15/07/2025
Language: English
Entity Name: Institute of Inclusion and Diversity (“IID”)

1.Scope and Binding Effect

1.1. These Terms of Use (the “Academy Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you, the individual user (“you”, “User”, or “Learner”), and the Institute of Inclusion and Diversity (“IID”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), governing your access to and use of the IID Academy platform, accessible at academy.theiid.com (“IID Academy” or the “Academy Site”).

1.2. By registering for, accessing, browsing, or using any learning module, certification program, assessment tool, or related service on the Academy Site, you expressly acknowledge and agree to be bound by the following, which are hereby incorporated by reference:

• These Academy Terms;
• The Main Terms of Use – www.theiid.com;
• The Privacy Policy, which governs the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information.

1.3. If you do not agree with these Academy Terms or any referenced policies, you must immediately discontinue use of IID Academy.

1.4. These Academy Terms are supplemental to, and shall be read in conjunction with, any additional terms or conditions published by IID’s academic or certification partners, including but not limited to eligibility, academic integrity, or credentialing policies, where applicable.

2. Overview of IID Academy Services

2.1. IID Academy is a specialized microsite operated by the Institute of Inclusion and Diversity (IID). It serves as IID’s flagship platform for structured learning and professional development in the fields of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with a focus on workplace ethics, legal compliance, and inclusive leadership.

2.2. The services offered through IID Academy include, but are not limited to:

• Self-paced, online certification programs developed in accordance with current DEI standards, workplace compliance norms, and relevant legal frameworks;
• Instructional content, including pre-recorded lectures, curated reading materials, interactive assignments, and timed assessments;
• Credential issuance in the form of digital or physical certificates, subject to completion of program requirements and academic performance benchmarks;
• In-person workshops, seminars, and classroom-style training, including practical modules, expert-led sessions, and live group interactions, conducted either independently by IID or in partnership with academic or institutional collaborators;
• Collaborative program delivery through recognized academic institutions and thought leadership entities, including but not limited to the Government Law College, Mumbai (“Partner Institutions”).

2.3 IID Academy is not a university, college, or statutory certification authority under applicable Indian law. It does not confer degrees, diplomas, or government-recognized professional licenses, unless explicitly stated and offered pursuant to a valid agreement with an authorized body.

3. Eligibility and User Responsibilities

3.1. To access and participate in any course or certification program offered through IID Academy, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age, or
• Be at least 16 years of age with verifiable parental or legal guardian consentsubmitted in the form prescribed by IID.

3.2 By registering for a course, you represent and warrant that:

• All personal, academic, and professional information submitted by you during registration or throughout your use of the Platform is true, accurate, complete, and current;
• You are solely responsible for all activity conducted through your user account;
• You will maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials and will not share, distribute, or otherwise allow any third party to access the platform through your account.

3.3 You are individually responsible for:

• Managing your learning progress, including completing all course components (e.g., lectures, assignments, assessments) within the specified time limits;
• Adhering to all academic, ethical, and conduct standards defined in these Academy Terms.

3.4 All certificates or credentials issued by IID Academy are:

• Issued exclusively to the registered user who has completed the course requirements;
• Non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and subject to revocation for breach of these Terms or academic misconduct.

4. Course Enrolment and Access

4.1 Enrolment and Payment
Access to any paid course, certification program, or offline training under IID Academy is conditional upon:

• Successful account registration on academy.theiid.com;
• Full payment of applicable fees through IID’s designated and secure payment gateways (e.g., Razorpay), in accordance with the pricing terms displayed at the time of enrollment.

4.2 Course Components
Each program may include one or more of the following instructional elements:

• Pre-recorded video lectures;
• Self-paced learning modules;
• Timed quizzes, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), or scenario-based evaluations;
• Assignments, downloadable templates, or case study exercises;
• Final assessments, which may be reviewed for certification eligibility by IID or a Partner Institution;
• In certain cases, offline workshops or live classroom sessions, the schedules and participation requirements of which shall be communicated in advance.

4.3 Access and Usage Restrictions

• Course access is granted solely to the individual who has registered and paid for the program;
• Such access is non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and may not be shared, distributed, or licensed to others in any manner;
• Access shall remain valid for a defined period (e.g., six months from the date of enrollment), unless a different timeline is explicitly stated in the course description or communicated in writing by IID.

4.4 Monitoring and Enforcement

IID reserves the right to:

• Monitor access logs and usage patterns to detect unauthorized account sharing;
• Temporarily suspend or permanently revoke access to the course if such violations are confirmed, without refund.

5. Certification and Credential Issuance

5.1 Eligibility for Certification

A certificate or credential from IID Academy will be awarded only upon the successful completion of all the following:

• Fulfillment of all mandatory course components, including instructional modules, assignments, quizzes, and final assessments;
• Attainment of the minimum passing score prescribed for the program, as evaluated by IID or any relevant Partner Institution;
• Verification of user identity, where IID deems it necessary for certification integrity or where required by the certification partner.

5.2 Nature of Certificates

All certificates issued under IID Academy:

• May be awarded solely by IID, or jointly with recognized Partner Institutions (e.g., Government Law College, Mumbai), as explicitly stated at the time of course enrollment;
• Are intended for informational and professional development purposes only and shall not be construed as equivalent to a university degree, statutory license, or government-accredited qualification;
• Are issued to the registered learner only and are non-transferable, non-assignable, and non-sublicensable;
• Must not be misused to imply affiliations, endorsements, qualifications, or professional eligibility beyond their stated scope.

5.3 Revocation of Credentials

IID reserves the right to revoke any certificate or credential awarded under IID Academy without refund if:

• The user is found to have engaged in plagiarism, academic dishonesty, or submission of false information;
• There is a material breach of these Academy Terms or the Main Terms of Use;
• The certificate is used for misleading or fraudulent representations, including false claims of recognition or employment eligibility.

5.4 Certification Disclaimer

Unless explicitly stated in writing, certification issued by IID Academy:

• Does not constitute a degree, license, or statutory qualification recognized by the Government of India or any regulatory authority;
• Does not guarantee employment, admission into any academic program, or eligibility for government examinations or licensing procedures.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Ownership of Content

All content provided through IID Academy, whether accessed online, downloaded, or delivered during offline workshops, is the exclusive intellectual property of the Institute of Inclusion and Diversity (IID) or its Partner Institutions, unless otherwise expressly stated. This includes, without limitation:

• Pre-recorded video lectures and audio content;
• Slide decks, e-learning modules, and reading materials;
• Assignments, quizzes, assessment formats, and answer keys;
• Templates, toolkits, downloadable resources, and interactive documents;
• Platform layouts, graphic elements, instructional design, and user interfaces.

All intellectual property is protected under applicable Indian and international laws, including the Copyright Act, 1957, and may also be subject to contractual protections under collaboration agreements.

6.2 Permitted Use

Subject to compliance with these Academy Terms, users are granted a limited, non-exclusive, revocable, and non-transferable license to access and use the course content solely for personal, non-commercial educational purposes during the validity period of the enrolled course.

6.3 Prohibited Uses

Except as expressly permitted in writing by IID, you may not, directly or indirectly:

• Copy, reproduce, screenshot, download, record, or archive course content or platform material in any form;
• Translate, adapt, modify, publish, or create derivative works based on the content;
• Reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract the source code or structure of any digital content or platform feature;
• Use any content for:
  o Commercial training,
  o Public display or resale,
  o Academic redistribution, or
  o Institutional integration without a valid license from IID.

6.4 Infringement Consequences

Violation of this section may result in:

• Immediate suspension or termination of user access;
• Revocation of any awarded certification;
• Legal proceedings for infringement, including civil and criminal remedies under Indian law.

7. Prohibited Conduct

7.1 Academic and Platform Integrity

You agree to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and ethical behavior while using IID Academy. You shall not, under any circumstances:

• Engage in cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or submit work that is not your own;
• Impersonate any other person, falsely claim credentials, or misrepresent your identity for the purpose of assessments or certification;
• Use another user’s account or allow someone else to access your account or credentials;
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any course materials, content, or administrative areas of the platform.

7.2 Technical Misuse and Platform Abuse

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

• Uploading or distributing malicious software, including viruses, spyware, or other harmful code;
• Attempting to breach, test, or exploit vulnerabilities in the platform’s security infrastructure;
• Using automated scripts, bots, crawlers, or scraping tools to extract, harvest, or index data from the platform;
• Disrupting or interfering with the performance of the platform or tampering with other users’ access.

7.3 Unlawful and Offensive Behaviour

Users shall refrain from submitting or posting any content, including but not limited to discussion forums, assignment responses, or written materials that:

• Are defamatory, harassing, hateful, obscene, or discriminatory;
• Promote violence, misinformation, or illegal activity;
• Violate any applicable local, national, or international law, regulation, or intellectual property right.

7.4 Enforcement and Consequences

IID reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without notice, to take one or more of the following actions if a violation of this section occurs:

• Suspend or permanently terminate your access to the Academy;
• Revoke any certification or credentials issued to you;
• Block future participation in IID services or microsites;
• Pursue civil, contractual, or criminal remedies, including reporting to regulatory or law enforcement agencies where applicable.

8. Fees, Payments, and Refunds

8.1 Course Fees – Online Certification Programs

• The standard course fee for IID Academy’s structured online certification programs is ₹7,500 per participant, unless expressly stated otherwise on the relevant course enrollment page.
• The fee covers access to all applicable course materials, instructional content, assessments, and certificate issuance (subject to successful completion).

8.2 Workshop Fees – In-Person or Hybrid Events

• IID Academy also conducts offline or blended workshops, seminars, and training sessions which are distinct from the online certification programs.
• Such workshops may carry:

o A basic registration fee, which varies based on the location, duration, and nature of the event;

o Tiered or subsidized pricing for students, nonprofit organizations, or MSMEs, subject to eligibility;

o Clearly defined inclusions such as training kits, meals, or printed materials (if applicable).

• The workshop fees and any applicable discounts or eligibility criteria will be communicated in the official registration announcement or event page.

8.3 Payment Terms

• All payments must be made in advance and processed through authorized third-party payment gateways (e.g., Razorpay), using secure, PCI-DSS-compliant infrastructure.
• IID does not store credit card or financial data on its servers.
• Upon successful payment, a tax invoice including applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) (If Applicable by Law) will be issued to the registered email address.

8.4 Refund Policy

Refunds are governed by the nature of the service purchased:

(a) Online Courses:

• No refunds shall be issued once access to the course content has been granted.
• A 50% refund may be considered if the user requests cancellation before activation of the course, subject to written request and approval.
• No refunds will be processed for breaches of these Terms, academic dishonesty, or non-completion of the course.

(b) Workshops / Events:

• Cancellations made at least 5 business days prior to the event date may be eligible for a partial refund, subject to administrative charges.
• No refunds will be given for no-shows, late cancellations, or once the event has commenced.
• In the event of workshop cancellation by IID (e.g., due to low registrations or force majeure), full refunds will be issued within a reasonable timeframe.

8.5 Non-Transferability

• Course enrollments and workshop registrations are non-transferable and intended solely for the individual named at the time of registration.
• Substitution or reassignment is not permitted unless expressly allowed by IID in writing under exceptional circumstances.

9. Accessibility and Accommodations

9.1 Commitment to Inclusion

IID Academy is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and equitable learning environment for all users, including individuals with disabilities or special needs, in alignment with the principles under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and globally recognized digital accessibility standards.

9.2 Reasonable Accommodations

We recognize that certain users may require accommodations to fully participate in our programs. Subject to reasonable review and verification, IID Academy may provide individualized support measures, which may include, but are not limited to:

• Extended time on assessments
• Alternative content formats (e.g., screen-reader compatible PDFs)
• Flexible access arrangements
• Captioned video content (where applicable)

9.3 Request Process

Users seeking accommodations must submit a written request to support@theiid.com, including relevant details of the accommodation sought and any supporting documentation (e.g., disability certificates, prior academic accommodations).

• IID Academy may follow up for clarification or verification, but all documentation will be treated confidentially.

9.4 Case-by-Case Evaluation

All accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the program, the user’s needs, and operational feasibility.

• IID does not guarantee the provision of all requested accommodations but will make reasonable efforts to support learner participation wherever practicable.

10. Data Use and Privacy

10.1 Acknowledgment and Consent

By accessing or using IID Academy, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the IID Privacy Policy, and you expressly consent to the collection, use, processing, storage, and disclosure of your personal data in accordance with its terms.

10.2 Categories of Data Collected

In the course of delivering educational services, IID Academy may collect and process the following types of personal and academic data:

• Registration and profile information (e.g., name, email address, phone number, occupation)
• Course progress metrics (e.g., modules completed, video watch logs, log-in frequency)
• Assessment performance (e.g., quiz scores, assignment grades, time spent on evaluations)
• Certification records (e.g., date of issuance, course completed, certificate ID)

10.3 Purpose of Processing

Personal data is processed strictly for the following lawful purposes:

• Delivering and administering courses
• Monitoring learning progress and providing user support
• Generating and authenticating certificates of completion
• Conducting performance analytics to improve curriculum quality
• Fulfilling academic reporting obligations to partner institutions

10.4 Data Sharing and Academic Validation

Where a program is delivered in collaboration with a Partner Institution, relevant learner data may be securely shared with that institution for:

• Credential issuance
• Academic moderation
• Program evaluation and audit purposes

Such sharing is subject to confidentiality agreements and strictly limited to authorized academic use.

10.5 Third-Party Processors

Certain technical functions (e.g., cloud hosting, payment processing, analytics) may be performed by verified third-party service providers. These vendors are contractually bound to handle data in compliance with applicable Indian data protection laws and IID’s data processing terms.

10.6 No Unauthorized Sale or Marketing Use

IID does not sell, license, or exploit your personal data for advertising or marketing purposes without your explicit consent. Data is not shared with unauthorized third parties.

10.7 Your Rights Under the DPDPA, 2023

You may exercise your statutory rights under Indian data protection law, including:

• Right to access your stored data
• Right to request correction or erasure of personal data
• Right to withdraw consent (subject to consequences on service delivery)
• Right to lodge a grievance through IID’s Data Protection Officer (DPO)

10.8 Link to Full Policy

For detailed information, please refer to the [IID Privacy Policy] (hyperlinked), which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1 Platform Provided “As Is”

IID Academy, including all course materials, certification services, online assessments, and offline training events, is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. No express or implied warranties are made regarding the uninterrupted availability, completeness, accuracy, or suitability of any content or services.

11.2 Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, IID expressly disclaims all warranties, whether express or implied, statutory or otherwise, including but not limited to:

• Warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement;
• Any assurance regarding the quality, effectiveness, or professional outcomes of the training or certification;
• Recognition of the certificate for academic credit, licensure, or government employment, unless such recognition is explicitly stated in writing for a specific program.

11.3 Exclusion of Liability

IID shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to:

• Failure to complete a course or access related services;
• Misuse or misrepresentation of any certificate issued by IID or its partners;
• Interruptions, delays, or technical failures caused by factors outside IID’s reasonable control, including third-party infrastructure failures, force majeure events, or network disruptions;
• User-submitted content, inaccurate registration data, or academic misconduct.

11.4 Cap on Liability

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these Terms, the total aggregate liability of IID, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, shall be limited to the amount actually paid by the user to IID for the relevant course or workshop during the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

11.5 Jurisdictional Limitation

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain liabilities. To the extent that applicable law does not permit the disclaimer or limitation of such liability, the terms of this clause shall be modified and interpreted to provide IID with the maximum protection permissible under law.

12. Modifications and Disruptions

12.1 Right to Modify Services

IID reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without liability, to make changes to any aspect of IID Academy’s offerings. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Updating, replacing, or reorganizing course content, assessments, reading materials, or learning tools;
• Modifying platform features or functionality to improve user experience or technical performance;
• Substituting, modifying, or discontinuing academic or institutional partnerships, including certificate co-issuance arrangements.

12.2 Temporary Service Disruptions

IID may temporarily suspend access to the platform or specific course elements to conduct scheduled maintenance, perform upgrades, or resolve technical issues.

• While IID strives to minimize such disruptions, it does not guarantee uninterrupted access at all times.

12.3 Notice of Material Changes

Users will be provided with reasonable notice of any material modifications to course terms, certification conditions, or platform access mechanisms.

• Notifications may be delivered via:
  o Registered email address
  o Platform pop-up banners or dashboard alerts
  o Official blog or update pages on the Academy site

12.4 No Obligation to Maintain Legacy Content

IID does not guarantee continued availability of prior versions of course content, academic partnerships, or access pathways once a course is revised or updated, unless expressly committed in writing at the time of enrollment.

13. Termination of Access

13.1 Grounds for Termination or Suspension

IID reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or permanently disable your access to IID Academy, with or without prior notice, if it determines that you have:

• Violated any provision of these Academy Terms or the Main Terms of Use;
• Engaged in academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, impersonation, or falsification of identity or submissions;
• Misused any course content, credentials, or certificates issued by IID or its partner institutions;
• Acted in a manner that disrupts the integrity, security, or lawful operation of the platform or its learning community.

13.2 Consequences of Termination

If your access is terminated or suspended by IID:

• You may lose access to any ongoing or completed course, including assessments, historical performance data, and downloadable materials;
• Any certificate(s) issued may be revoked, and you may be barred from future participation in IID programs;
• No refunds or compensation shall be payable to you in connection with such termination, unless expressly required under applicable consumer law.

13.3 Voluntary Deactivation

You may request deactivation of your account at any time by submitting a written request to support@theiid.com.

• Upon confirmation, IID will deactivate your account within a reasonable time frame and in accordance with its data retention policy.
• Voluntary deactivation does not entitle you to refunds for active or previously purchased programs.

13.4 Effect of Termination

Termination of access—whether initiated by IID or requested by the user—does not affect any:

• Rights or obligations accrued before termination;
• Licenses granted to IID under the User-Generated Content provisions (if applicable);
• Legal remedies available to IID under law or equity.
  
  14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

14.1 Applicable Law

These IID Academy Terms, and any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or in connection with your use of IID Academy, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

14.2 Jurisdiction

Subject to Clause 14.3 below, you agree that all disputes or claims relating to these Terms or your use of the Academy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

14.3 Optional Arbitration Clause for Commercial Disputes

In the case of disputes arising from paid services, particularly those involving organizational or institutional users, IID reserves the right—at its sole discretion—to refer such matters to arbitration under the following terms:

• The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (as amended);
• The seat and venue of arbitration shall be Mumbai, Maharashtra;
• The proceedings shall be conducted in the English language;
• The arbitral award shall be final and binding on the parties.

14.4 Injunctive and Interim Relief

Nothing in this clause shall prevent IID from seeking urgent interim, injunctive, or equitable relief before any court of competent jurisdiction where necessary to protect its intellectual property or proprietary interests.

15.Contact and Grievance Redressal

15.1 General Support

For technical issues, account-related queries, or assistance with accessing course materials, users may contact IID Academy’s support team at:
support@theiid.com

15.2 Academic, Legal, or Certification Grievances

For concerns relating to course content, academic evaluation, certificate issuance, or matters of legal interpretation or breach of terms, users may write to:
support@theiid.com

15.3 Grievance Redressal Mechanism

IID Academy is committed to providing timely and fair redressal of all legitimate user grievances in accordance with its internal escalation and compliance protocols.

All grievances must:

• Be submitted in writing to one of the official email addresses;
• Include the user’s full name, registered email address, enrollment ID (if applicable), and a detailed description of the grievance.

15.4 Response Timelines

• An initial acknowledgment of your grievance will be sent within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt.
• A final response or resolution shall be provided within fifteen (15) business days, unless a longer timeline is reasonably required based on the complexity of the issue, in which case you will be informed of the expected delay.

15.5 Escalation

If a grievance remains unresolved within the specified timeline, users may request that the matter be escalated for further review by a senior academic or legal officer designated by IID.

16. Miscellaneous Provisions

16.1 Entire Agreement

These IID Academy Terms, together with the Main Terms of Use available at www.theiid.com, the Privacy Policy, and any specific program-level notices issued by IID or its Partner Institutions, constitute the entire agreement between you and IID with respect to your access and use of IID Academy.

• They supersede any prior oral or written understandings, communications, or agreements relating to the same subject matter.

16.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.

16.3 No Agency or Employment Relationship

Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, employment, franchise, or agency relationship between you and IID.

• You acknowledge that you are participating in the program as an independent learner and not as a representative, agent, or employee of IID.

16.4 Force Majeure

IID shall not be held liable for any delay or failure in performance under these Terms resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Acts of God, natural disasters, epidemics, or pandemics;
• Governmental actions or regulatory restrictions;
• Internet outages, cyberattacks, or third-party service disruptions;
• Strikes, labor unrest, or civil disturbances.

16.5 Assignment

You may not assign, delegate, sublicense, or otherwise transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without prior written consent from IID.

• IID may freely assign or transfer its rights and obligations under these Terms to any of its affiliates, successors, or authorized contractors without notice or consent.

16.6 No Waiver

The failure of IID to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not be construed as a present or future waiver of such provision, nor in any way affect IID’s right to enforce such provision thereafter.