Terms of Engagement & Payment Policy

1. Scope of Services

• All services are delivered 100% remotely via Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive/SharePoint
• Business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
• All appointments, deadlines, and communication are in ET unless otherwise agreed in writing

2. Payment Terms & Retainer

• A non-refundable 30% retainer is required to reserve your spot and start services
• Retainer is credited toward your total package fee
• All payments in U.S. Dollars (USD) via Stripe or Zelle
• Client is responsible for any bank or conversion fees

3. Installment Options

Remaining balance can be paid:

• In full (best value)
• In two equal monthly payments
• In multiple equal monthly installments (based on package length)

Installments due on the 1st of each month

4. Grace Period & Late Fees

• No penalty if paid by the 5th of the month
• Starting on the 6th: 2% late fee per day on outstanding balance
• On the 11th: All services automatically suspended — no refunds or credits for missed work

5. Cancellation Policy

• You may cancel at any time
• All payments made are 100% non-refundable
• You will receive all completed work and deliverables up to the cancellation date

6. Rescheduling & No-Show Policy

• Rescheduling or no-shows: $35 administrative fee
• Fee waived only with 24+ hours notice or documented emergency (medical, bereavement, etc.)
• No make-up sessions or refunds for missed appointments

7. Your Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and complete information at all times
• Write your own original essays and application content (we guide and edit only)
• Attend all scheduled sessions on time
• Respond promptly and complete assigned tasks

8. Confidentiality & Data Security

• All client information is strictly confidential
• Stored securely in encrypted Microsoft 365 environment
• Never sold, shared, or disclosed without your written consent (except when required by law)

9. Code of Conduct

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Harassment, discrimination, or abusive language
• Threatening or unethical behavior

Violations may result in immediate termination without refund.

10. Disclaimer & Policy Updates

• Spartan Scholars is not a law firm or immigration agency
• We do not guarantee admission, scholarships, or visa outcomes
• We reserve the right to update these terms with 30 days written notice to active clients
• Continued use after notification = acceptance of updated terms