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Legal

Terms of Service

Last updated: September 18, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the HOPSA USA-Canada Alumnae website, member portal, and related services (collectively, the "Service"). By creating an account or using the Service, you agree to these Terms.

1. Acceptance of terms

By accessing or using the Service, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy . If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

2. Eligibility

HOPSA USA-Canada membership is open exclusively to alumnae of Holy Child Schools (Cape Coast, Ghana and affiliated institutions) residing in the United States or Canada. You must be at least 18 years of age and provide accurate verification documents (diploma, transcript, yearbook, letter from school, or other) to apply.

We reserve the right to verify your alumna status, request additional documentation, or decline any application that cannot be verified.

3. Account responsibilities

  • You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential.
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized account access.
  • You agree to provide accurate, current information and keep your profile up to date.
  • One account per person. Sharing or transferring your account is prohibited.

4. Membership dues & renewals

Annual membership dues are $25 per year, payable upon approval of your alumna verification and at each annual renewal.

  • Refunds: Membership dues are refundable within 7 days of payment if you have not yet used any member-only feature. After 7 days, dues are non-refundable.
  • Automatic renewals: If you opt in to automatic renewal during signup or in your portal, your payment method will be charged on the renewal anniversary. We will email a renewal notice at least 14 days before the charge. You may turn off auto-renewal in your portal at any time before the charge date.
  • Lapsed memberships: If dues are unpaid for more than 30 days past expiry, your membership status moves to "inactive" and member-only features become unavailable.

5. Donations

All donations to HOPSA USA-Canada are final and non-refundable once processed by Stripe, except in cases of duplicate charges, manifest error, or fraud. Donations may be tax-deductible depending on your jurisdiction; consult a tax advisor. Tax receipts are emailed automatically upon successful donation.

6. Store purchases

Merchandise orders are fulfilled within the timeframe noted on each product page. Items may be returned in unworn, unwashed condition with tags attached within 14 days of delivery for a refund, excluding shipping. Custom or made-to-order items are non-returnable.

7. Code of conduct

While using the Service, you agree NOT to:

  • Misrepresent your identity, alumna status, or eligibility.
  • Harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any member, staff member, or guest.
  • Post or share content that is unlawful, defamatory, obscene, hateful, or infringing.
  • Scrape, harvest, or misuse member directory data for unsolicited marketing or any purpose outside HOPSA USA-Canada.
  • Use the Service to send spam, malware, or any disruptive content.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any account, system, or data.
  • Resell, sublicense, or commercially exploit HOPSA USA-Canada content, branding, or member data without written permission.

Violations may result in suspension or termination of your membership without refund and may be reported to law enforcement where appropriate.

8. Content ownership

All HOPSA USA-Canada content — logo, branding, written materials, photographs, video, page copy — is owned by HOPSA USA-Canada or licensed to HOPSA USA-Canada and protected by copyright and trademark law. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

Content you submit (profile bio, business spotlight, event RSVPs, volunteer applications, messages) remains yours. By submitting, you grant HOPSA USA-Canada a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display, store, and share it within the Service in accordance with your visibility settings.

9. Communications

By creating an account you consent to receive transactional emails (receipts, security, membership status) that are essential to the Service. Members also receive the newsletter and program updates by email as part of membership, and can turn them off at any time. SMS messages are sent only with your separate consent and may be stopped at any time by replying STOP.

10. Termination

You may close your account at any time from your portal or by emailing info@hopsausa-canada.org. We may suspend or terminate your account for violations of these Terms, non-payment, or as required by law.

11. Disclaimers

The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access, and we are not responsible for the conduct of any member outside the Service. Networking, business introductions, and mentorship facilitated through HOPSA USA-Canada are at your own discretion and risk.

12. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HOPSA USA-Canada, its officers, board members, and volunteers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, or for lost profits or revenue, arising from your use of the Service. Our total liability for any claim is limited to the amount you have paid HOPSA USA-Canada in the 12 months preceding the claim.

13. Dispute resolution & governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any dispute that cannot be resolved informally will first proceed to good-faith mediation. If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration in New York County, New York, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive any right to a jury trial or to participate in a class action.

14. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be announced by email and posted here with a new "Last updated" date. Continued use of the Service after the effective date constitutes acceptance.

15. Contact

Questions about these Terms?
Email: info@hopsausa-canada.org
Mailing address: 7216 Culloden Ct, Wilmington, NC 28411, USA