Terms of Service

Last updated: December 2024
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the C. Aubrey Smith Center for Auditing Education and Research ("the Center," "we," "us," or "our") website and services. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, accessing our website, or using any of our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our services.

2. Description of Services

The Center provides the following services:

  • Professional Community Platform: Online forum and networking opportunities for auditing professionals, students, and academics
  • Event Management: Registration and management of professional events, symposiums, and educational programs
  • Educational Resources: Access to research, publications, and educational materials
  • CPE Tracking: Continuing Professional Education evaluation and tracking systems
  • Feedback Systems: Tools for providing feedback on events and services

3. User Accounts and Registration

Account Creation

  • You must provide accurate, current, and complete information when creating an account
  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
  • You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
  • You must be at least 13 years old to create an account

Account Types and Roles

  • Students: Current students in auditing or related fields
  • Practitioners: Working professionals in auditing, accounting, or related industries
  • Academics: Faculty members and researchers in auditing or accounting
  • Alumni: Former students and graduates

4. Acceptable Use Policy

Permitted Uses

  • Using our services for legitimate professional and educational purposes
  • Participating in community discussions and networking
  • Accessing educational resources and materials
  • Registering for and participating in events

Prohibited Uses

  • Violating any applicable laws or regulations
  • Posting content that is defamatory, harassing, or discriminatory
  • Sharing confidential or proprietary information without authorization
  • Attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems or other users' accounts
  • Using our services for commercial purposes without permission
  • Impersonating another person or entity
  • Uploading malicious software or content

5. User-Generated Content

Content Standards

  • You retain ownership of content you create and share
  • You grant us a license to use, display, and distribute your content on our platform
  • You are responsible for the accuracy and legality of content you post
  • Content must be professional, respectful, and relevant to the community

Content Moderation

  • We reserve the right to review, edit, or remove content that violates these Terms
  • We may suspend or terminate accounts for repeated violations
  • Users can report inappropriate content for review

6. Privacy and Data Protection

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

7. Intellectual Property

Our Content

  • The Center's content, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws
  • You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission
  • Educational materials may be used for personal, non-commercial purposes

Your Content

  • You retain ownership of content you create
  • You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your content on our platform
  • You represent that you have the right to grant this license

8. Disclaimers and Limitations

Service Availability

  • We strive to provide reliable services but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access
  • We may modify, suspend, or discontinue services with reasonable notice
  • We are not responsible for technical issues beyond our control

Content and Information

  • We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information
  • User-generated content represents the views of individual users, not the Center
  • We are not responsible for decisions made based on information from our platform

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Center shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or use, arising from your use of our services.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Center, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our services or violation of these Terms.

11. Termination

  • You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us
  • We may terminate or suspend your account for violations of these Terms
  • Upon termination, your right to use our services ceases immediately
  • Some provisions of these Terms survive termination

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be resolved in the courts of Travis County, Texas.

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new Terms on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
C. Aubrey Smith Center for Auditing Education and Research
McCombs School of Business
The University of Texas at Austin
Email: [Contact email to be added]