Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Stumath platform ("Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Platform. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Stumath regarding your use of our services.

2. Definitions

• "Platform" refers to the Stumath website, mobile application, and all related services.
• "Tutor" refers to a user who provides educational services through the Platform.
• "Student" refers to a user who receives educational services through the Platform.
• "Session" refers to a tutoring lesson scheduled and conducted through the Platform.
• "Booking" refers to a confirmed arrangement for a Session.
• "Content" refers to all information, materials, and communications shared on the Platform.
• "Payment Processor" refers to third-party services that handle financial transactions.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Registration

To use our Platform, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account.

3.3 Age Requirements

You must be at least 13 years old to use the Platform. If you are between 13 and 18, you must have parental or guardian consent. Tutors must be at least 18 years old and have completed our verification process.

4. Tutor Obligations

4.1 Qualifications

Tutors represent and warrant that they possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and expertise to provide the tutoring services they offer. Tutors must provide accurate information about their credentials and experience.

4.2 Verification

Tutors agree to undergo our verification process, which may include identity verification, qualification checks, and background screening. We reserve the right to reject or remove any tutor who fails to meet our standards.

4.3 Professional Conduct

Tutors agree to:

• Deliver sessions in a professional, punctual, and effective manner
• Prepare appropriate materials for sessions
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information
• Not engage in any form of academic dishonesty
• Adhere to our code of conduct at all times

4.4 Pricing

Tutors set their own hourly rates, subject to our minimum and maximum rate guidelines. Stumath deducts a service fee from each completed session, as specified in the tutor agreement.

5. Student Obligations

Students agree to:

• Provide accurate information about their learning needs and academic level
• Attend scheduled sessions punctually
• Treat tutors with respect and professionalism
• Not request or engage in academic dishonesty
• Provide feedback to help improve the quality of tutoring
• Ensure a suitable learning environment for online sessions

6. Bookings & Payments

6.1 Booking Process

Students can browse tutor profiles, view availability, and book sessions. A booking is confirmed when payment is processed and the tutor accepts the request. Both parties will receive confirmation via email.

6.2 Payment Terms

All payments must be made through our Platform using approved payment methods. We use secure third-party payment processors. Students are responsible for all fees associated with their bookings.

6.3 Tutor Payments

Tutors receive payment for completed sessions, less our service fee. Payments are processed according to our payment schedule and are subject to applicable taxes and withholding requirements.

6.4 Promotional Offers

From time to time, we may offer promotional codes or discounts. These are subject to specific terms and conditions and cannot be combined with other offers unless specified.

7. Cancellations & Refunds

7.1 Student Cancellations

Students may cancel a booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled session for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may result in a partial or no refund, at the tutor's discretion. No-shows are not eligible for refunds.

7.2 Tutor Cancellations

If a tutor cancels a session with less than 24 hours' notice, students are entitled to a full refund. Repeated cancellations may result in account suspension or termination.

7.3 Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises regarding session quality or cancellations, we will review the case and make a determination. Both parties agree to cooperate with our investigation.

8. Code of Conduct

All users agree to:

• Not engage in harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior
• Not share inappropriate or offensive content
• Not use the Platform for illegal activities
• Not attempt to circumvent our booking or payment systems
• Not solicit or share contact information for off-platform arrangements
• Not impersonate others or provide false information
• Not interfere with the Platform's functionality
• Not engage in academic dishonesty or cheating

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Platform Content

All content on the Platform, including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, and software, is the property of Stumath or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

9.2 User Content

Users retain ownership of content they create and share on the Platform. By posting content, you grant Stumath a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content for Platform operations.

9.3 Session Materials

Materials shared during sessions may not be reproduced or distributed without permission from the content owner.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Stumath and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including without limitation, loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from:

• Your use or inability to use the Platform
• Any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform
• Unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content
• Any other matter relating to the Platform

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Stumath and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees) arising from:

• Your use of and access to the Platform
• Your violation of any term of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party right, including without limitation any copyright, property, or privacy right
• Any claim that your content caused damage to a third party

12. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and bar access to the Platform immediately, without prior notice or liability, under our sole discretion, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation a breach of the Terms.

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease. If you wish to terminate your account, you may simply discontinue using the Platform or contact us to close your account.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim against Stumath, you agree to try to resolve the dispute informally by contacting us. We will attempt to resolve the dispute internally.

13.2 Binding Arbitration

Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, in accordance with the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA).

13.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any arbitration or proceeding shall be conducted in your individual capacity only and not as a class action or other representative action. You expressly waive your right to file a class action or seek relief on a class basis.

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at our sole discretion.

By continuing to access or use our Platform after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms. If you do not agree to the new terms, please stop using the Platform.

15. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of South Africa, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of those rights.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:

• Email: legal@stumath.org
• Address: 123 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
• Phone: +27 12 345 6789