Terms & Conditions

Hazmat Authority is owned by Self Learning Solutions, LLC, a limited-liability corporation located in the state of Wisconsin. By using the Hazmat Authority website, you agree to accept the terms and conditions described below.

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• Copyright Policy
• Linking to Website
• Disclaimer
• Disclaimer of Warranties & Limitation of Liability
• Applicable Law
• Account Usage
• Review, Comment & Forum Policy
• Modification & Severability
• Discrimination & Harassment Policy
• Disclosure of Interest Policy
• Intellectual Property Rights Policy
• Records Retention & Release Policy
• Records Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

Copyright Policy

All content included on this site, including, but not limited to courses, text, graphics, logos, button icons, files and the collective arrangement, display and presentation of the content is the property of Self Learning Solutions, LLC and is protected by United States and international copyright laws. You may use, download, view and print content on this site for educational, non-commercial purposes only. This site or any portion of this site may not be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold, visited, or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose without the express written consent of Self Learning Solutions, LLC. You may not frame or utilize framing techniques to enclose any trademark, logo, or other proprietary information on this site without the express written consent of Self Learning Solutions, LLC. You may not use meta tags or any other “hidden text” utilizing the Hazmat Authority name or trademark without the express written consent of Self Learning Solutions, LLC.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, Self Learning Solutions, LLC does not grant any express or implied right to you. Self Learning Solutions, LLC enforces its intellectual property rights to the fullest extent of the law. The contents of Hazmat Authority are "Copyright © 2004 – present, Self Learning Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved."

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Linking to Website

You are granted a limited, revocable, and nonexclusive right to create a hyperlink to the home page of Hazmat Authority so long as your website or the link does not portray Hazmat Authority in a false, misleading, derogatory, or otherwise offensive manner. You may not use any Hazmat Authority logo or other proprietary graphic or trademark as part of the link without the express written permission of Self Learning Solutions, LLC.

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Disclaimer

The course content contained on this site is provided for educational purposes only. It is intended to assist professional engineers in retaining and expanding their knowledge base for the sole end purpose of attaining engineering professional development hours (PDH’s). Self Learning Solutions, LLC makes no claims or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of information contained on this site or linked to this site. Self Learning Solutions, LLC makes no claims or warranties, express or implied, regarding the applicability to a specific task or project the information contained on this site or linked to this site. The services of an experienced, registered professional engineer should be employed before attempting to apply any content on this site to a particular task, application or project.

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Disclaimer of Warranties & Limitation of Liability

Self Learning Solutions, LLC provides this site on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Self Learning Solutions, LLC makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of this site or the information, content, materials, or products included on this site. You expressly agree that your use of this site is at your sole risk.

To the full extent permissible by applicable law, Self Learning Solutions, LLC disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. Self Learning Solutions, LLC does not warrant that this site, its server, or email sent from Hazmat Authority are free of viruses or other harmful components. Self Learning Solutions, LLC will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this site, including, but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

Certain state laws do not allow limitations on implied warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. If these laws apply to you, some or all of the above disclaimers, exclusions, or limitations may not apply to you, and you might have additional rights.

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold Self Learning Solutions, LLC and its affiliates, employees, officers, directors, and agents, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorney's fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of anything you submit, post to or transmit through Hazmat Authority; your use of Hazmat Authority; your connection to Hazmat Authority; or your violation of this Agreement.

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Applicable Law

By visiting Hazmat Authority, you agree that the laws of the state of  Wisconsin, without regard to principles of conflict of laws, will govern these Terms of Use and any dispute of any sort that might arise between you and Self Learning Solutions, LLC.

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Account Usage

If you create an account with Hazmat Authority, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account, password and any discount codes issued to you and for restricting access to your computer and you agree to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account or password. Self Learning Solutions, LLC reserves the right to refuse service, terminate accounts or remove or edit content at any time without prior notification.

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Review, Comment & Forum Policy

HazmatAuthority.com provides an online forum for information sharing.  In addition, a growing number of consumers rely on reviews and ratings provided by others in order to judge products they purchase. Our customers are asked to review courses and webinars that they have completed, and these reviews and ratings are published on our website and made available to the general public. In order to provide fair and unbiased reviews of these products, Self Learning Solutions, LLC has established the following guidelines.

• All comments, forums and reviews will be monitored by our staff.
• Customers will be given the ability to use a pseudonym or “handle” rather than their real name if preferred.
• The course or webinar should have been completed personally by the reviewer.
• All comments are reviewed by staff members prior to publication and all reviews, both positive and negative, are considered for publication. A negative review does not make a comment ineligible for publication. In fact, we believe that all comments, both positive and negative, are important in the consumers’ decision-making process, and we will make a good-faith effort to be certain that no review is unduly rejected due to negative comments or rating points.
• We will not publish comments that are inflammatory, discriminatory, contain personal attacks, or are not related to the value of the course material or our service.
• No comment with reference to a specific quiz question or answer will be published, but will be responded to privately by email.
• Reviews containing specific questions or comments about the course material may take longer to publish as we will attempt to review and if necessary correct the course material before publication.
• In some instances we may provide “webmaster comments” added to the review in order to provide clarification.
• We reserve the right to edit or delete any comment that we feel is inappropriate for any reason.
• Published comments may be revised or removed at the request of the reviewer.

 

If you have any questions or comments regarding this policy, please contact us.

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Modification & Severability

Self Learning Solutions, LLC reserves the right to make changes to our website, policies and these Terms of Use at any time. If any of these conditions shall be deemed invalid, void, or for any reason unenforceable, that condition shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining condition.

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Discrimination & Harassment Policy

GENERAL POLICY 

Self Learning Solutions LLC is committed to providing an environment which is free of any form of harassment and discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, socioeconomic status or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law, so that all members of the community are treated at all times with dignity and respect. It is our policy, therefore, to prohibit all forms of such harassment or discrimination among our faculty, students, staff, and administration. 

The organization’s administration, faculty, staff, and students are each responsible for creating and maintaining an environment conducive to work, study, and learning and for cooperating with the organization’s officials who investigate allegations of policy violations. Harassment and discrimination, in any form prohibited by this policy, impede the realization of our mission to provide an education of distinction in a dignified and respectful learning environment. It is the duty of every member of the faculty, staff, and administration to assure compliance with this policy by promptly reporting allegations of policy violations to our Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officer. Students are also strongly encouraged to report any alleged violations of this policy, and may do so by contacting the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officer or the Dean of Students. We will strive to review any charges in a confidential, sensitive, and expeditious manner. 

DEFINITIONS 

Discrimination: For purposes of this Policy, the term "discrimination" refers to conduct that subjects an individual to disparate treatment based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other classification protected by law. This would include within its scope alleged conduct that deprives an individual of academic, employment, or other opportunities offered by Self Learning Solutions LLC on the basis of such protected characteristics. Examples of types of discriminatory conduct prohibited by this policy include: 

• Depriving an individual of employment opportunities based on a protected characteristic such as: 
  • refusing to hire or promote a person because of a protected characteristic; 
  • terminating a person based on a protected characteristic; 
  • subjecting an employee to different performance standards or reviews because of a protected characteristic, other than in conjunction with a reasonable accommodation offered to a qualified individual with a disability, or 
  • depriving an employee of job benefits on the basis of a protected characteristic. 
• Depriving an individual of academic opportunities on the basis of a protected characteristic such as: 
  • refusing admission to academic programs on the basis of a protected characteristic; 
  • subjecting individuals to different academic standards on the basis of a protected characteristic; 

 

Harassment: For purposes of this policy, the term "harassment" refers to conduct that meets all of the three criteria defined below: 

• Unwelcome; 
  • For purposes of this policy, conduct is considered "unwelcome" if, under the totality of the circumstances it is 1) neither solicited nor incited; and 2) it is regarded by the recipient as undesirable or offensive. 
• Directed or related to an individual's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by law; 
• When either of the following conditions exist: 
  • It is implicitly or explicitly suggested that submission to or rejection of the conduct will be a factor in academic or employment decisions, evaluations, or permission to participate in our activities; or 
  • The conduct would be offensive to a reasonable person under the circumstances in question and, if not corrected, could interfere with an individual's academic or work performance or create or substantially contribute to an intimidating or hostile work, academic, or student living environment. In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes discrimination or harassment under this policy, consideration of the incident will include but not limited to the totality of the circumstances, the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred, the relationship of the parties, whether the alleged offending party was asked to cease the offending conduct and principles of academic freedom. 

 

Examples of types of harassment prohibited by this policy include: 

• Verbal harassment, such as harassing phone calls, jokes, slurs, epithets, anecdotes, or other derogatory statements directed to an individual’s or group of individuals’ race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by law other than in an appropriate academic study of such activity; or 
• Visual, through the use of writings, graffiti, e-mail, posters, objects, or symbols that ridicule or demean an individual’s or group of individuals’ race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by law other than in an appropriate academic study of such material; or 
• Physical, such as unwanted touching, stalking, or impeding an individual's free movement on the basis of a protected characteristic. 

 

SCOPE OF THE SELF LEARNING SOLUTIONS’ HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION POLICY 

This policy applies to all Self Learning Solutions LLC administrators, faculty, and staff. This policy also applies to all students, although alleged violations of this policy and disciplinary actions involving students shall be conducted and determined by the Dean of Students or his/her designee in accordance with the Student Conduct Code. Independent contractors and others conducting business in our facilities or events are also expected to conform their conduct to our Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and alleged violations of this policy by such persons should be reported. 

This policy applies to all during any of Self Learning Solutions LLC activities.  This policy also applies to "off campus" activities that are related to our organization.  Examples of activities that normally would fall into the “off campus” category are: 

• For all persons (Self Learning Solutions administrators, faculty, staff, and students): 
  • off-campus activities that are sponsored by or associated with our organization; or - off-campus activities that derive from class assignments or for which credit may be received; 
• For the organization personnel (administrators, faculty and staff): 
  • off-campus activities that occur during their normal working hours; 
  • off-campus activities that involve students; or off-campus activities that occur outside their normal working hours that materially derive from, relate to, or bear upon their official capacities. 

 

CONFIDENTIALITY 

To the extent possible, the organization will make a reasonable effort to conduct all proceedings related to harassment and discrimination allegations in a manner which will protect the confidentiality and privacy interests of all parties. Examples of situations where confidentiality cannot be maintained include circumstances when the organization is required by law to disclose information, when disclosure is warranted by the organization to protect the rights of others or is necessary to facilitate our legitimate processes including investigation and resolution of harassment and discrimination allegations. In addition to these efforts by our organization, all parties to the alleged complaint should treat the matter under investigation with discretion and respect for the reputation of all parties involved. 

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Self Learning Solutions LLC is an institution dedicated to learning and teaching and for this reason it is committed to the protection of the principle of academic freedom. All members of the community have a right to use the academic forum provided by the administration to discuss subjects and to express ideas with which members of the community may disagree or be uncomfortable. Within an organization committed to the principle of academic freedom there can be no forbidden ideas. Consequently, faculty members, as experts in their disciplines, have not only the right but also the responsibility to select those materials and pedagogical tools which are appropriate to the content of the courses they teach. 

Faculty members and students engaged in the creation and presentation of works of the visual and the performing arts are as much engaged in pursuing our mission as are those who write, teach, and study in the other academic disciplines. These presentations, therefore, merit no less protection. 

This policy fairly balances the imperative of protecting academic freedom while providing a learning and working environment free of harassment and discrimination. Words, visual images, and behavior which are disturbing to an individual or group of individuals are not necessarily a violation of this policy. Concerns or alleged charges regarding a violation of this policy will, therefore, be carefully reviewed with full consideration given to the protection of freedom of speech, academic freedom, and the pedagogical requirements of the course. As an academic institution, Self Learning Solutions LLC is obliged to ensure that regulations and procedures do not impair freedom of expression or discourage creativity by subjecting artistic work to tests of propriety or ideology. 

In the context of conduct, speech, or ideas that occur or are shared as part of a class or course, the following considerations should be applied in assessing whether the conduct is harassing conduct and whether the conduct would be "offensive to a reasonable person under the circumstances": 

• whether the conduct seeks to demean or ridicule a specific individual, such as a class participant based on that individual's protected characteristic; 
• whether the conduct involves an offensive touching;
• whether the conduct was directed to a person; and 
• whether the conduct was persistent and pervasive. 

 

PROTECTION AGAINST RETALIATION 

Retaliation against an individual who in good faith brings a charge of harassment or discrimination, otherwise reports harassment or discrimination, or participates in an investigation under this policy is prohibited by our policy and state and federal law. Retaliation is a serious violation which can subject the offender to sanctions independent of the merits of the harassment or discrimination allegation. 

EDUCATION 

Self Learning Solutions LLC recognizes that educating faculty, staff, students and administrators about this policy and the problems it addresses plays a significant role in maintaining an environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. There are at least four major goals to be achieved through education: (1) ensuring that all victims and potential victims are aware of their rights; (2) notifying individuals of conduct that is proscribed; (3) informing administrators about the proper way to address complaints of alleged violations of this policy; and (4) helping educate the uninformed about the behavior this policy addresses. 

In keeping with this objective, our Harassment and Discrimination Policy will be reviewed annually.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY OVERVIEW 

Self Learning Solutions LLC is committed to providing an environment which is free of sexual harassment in any form.  The policy applies regardless of the gender of the alleged victim or of the alleged offending party and would include within its scope harassment directed to members of the same sex as well as harassment of members of the opposite sex. Sexual harassment is a form of harassment and discrimination strictly prohibited under our Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Accordingly, the provisions of that policy shall apply fully to the interpretation, application, and enforcement of this Sexual Harassment Policy. 

Because our goal is to create an environment free of any form or degree of sexual harassment, the scope of conduct prohibited under this policy is intended to be broader in scope than the definition of unlawful sexual harassment under state and federal non-discrimination laws while still including such unlawful conduct within its scope. Thus, a person may be found to be in violation of our Sexual Harassment Policy even though the conduct in question does not rise to the level of unlawful sexual harassment. 

DEFINITIONS 

Sexual Harassment: For purposes of this Policy, the term "sexual harassment" refers to unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature when: 

• it is implicitly or explicitly suggested that submission to or rejection of the conduct will be a factor in academic or employment decisions, evaluations, or permission to participate in our activities; or 
• the conduct would be offensive to a reasonable person under the circumstances in question and, if not corrected, could interfere with an individual's academic or work performance or create or substantially contribute to an intimidating or hostile work, academic, or student living environment. 

 

In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment under this policy, consideration shall be given to the record of the incident as a whole including but not limited to repetitive, persistent, and accumulative alleged incidents. Harassment and discrimination as defined by this policy constitutes a form of intimidation which is inconsistent with a campus that fosters a free and supportive learning and academic environment. 

Conduct of a Sexual Nature: This includes conduct that is verbal, visual, or physical. Conduct of a sexual nature may either be explicitly sexual or may involve conduct that derives its sexual nature from the circumstances in which the conduct occurs or when combined with other conduct that occurs in a sexual context. Conduct does not need either to express any sexual desire or to be directed to a specific person and can include conduct that attempts to demean, control, or stereotype others on the basis of their sex. While it is not possible to list every form that sexual conduct may take, the following are illustrative: 

• sexual jokes, innuendoes, slurs or sexually suggestive comments other than in an appropriate academic study of such activity; 
• sexually explicit or sexist statements or anecdotes or questions or statements about sexual activity other than in an appropriate academic study of such activity; 
• unwanted sexual advances, propositions, invitations, or other forms of pressure (either blatant or subtle) for sexual activity; 
• offensive touching, including engaging in unwanted hugging, patting, kissing, or brushing up against someone's body, or other inappropriate sexual touching; 
• knowingly invading another's personal space in a sexually suggestive manner; 
• displaying sexually suggestive pictures, objects, posters, cartoons, or calendars other than in an appropriate academic study of such activity; 
• making sexual gestures; 
• sending suggestive or obscene notes or phone calls or e-mail. 

 

Unwelcome conduct: For purposes of this policy, conduct is considered "unwelcome" if, under the totality of the circumstances it is 1) neither solicited nor incited; and 2) if it is regarded by the recipient as undesirable or offensive. 

Offensive to a Reasonable Person: For purposes of this policy, a determination whether the conduct would be offensive to a reasonable person shall be determined under the totality of the circumstances, including but not limited to the nature and context of the conduct, its frequency, the relationship of the parties, whether the offending party was asked to cease the offending conduct, and whether the offending party did so. 

PROHIBITED CONDUCT 

The following conduct is strictly prohibited: 

• Engaging in sexual harassment as defined by this policy; 
• Engaging in threats or reprisals to dissuade another from reporting sexual harassment under this policy; 
• Impeding or obstructing the investigation under this Policy of complaints of sexual harassment; or 
• Retaliating in any manner against someone from pursuing or participating in a charge of sexual harassment. 

 

CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIPS 

There are special risks in any sexual or romantic relationship between individuals in inherently unequal positions (such as teacher and student, supervisor and employee, student and administrator, or student resident and the individual who supervises the day-to-day student living environment). 

These risks are particularly high in relationships involving students. Because of the respect and trust accorded a professor or administrator by a student and the power exercised by the professor or administrator in giving praise or blame, grades, recommendations for further study or future employment, the students actual freedom of choice is greatly diminished when sexual demands are made. Therefore, consenting romantic and sexual relationships between faculty or administrators and students, while not expressly forbidden, are generally deemed unwise. Codes of ethics for most professional associations forbid professional-client sexual relationships. Therefore, faculty and administrators need to be aware of the possible costs of even an apparently consenting relationship, regarding the academic efforts of both faculty member and student. 

A faculty member or an administrator, who enters in a sexual relationship with a student (or supervisor with an employee) where a professional power differential exists, must realize that if a charge of sexual harassment is subsequently lodged, it will be exceedingly difficult to prove immunity on grounds of mutual consent. Parties in such a relationship assume those risks. Such relationships may undermine the real or perceived integrity of the supervision and evaluation provided, and the trust inherent particularly in the student-faculty relationship. They may, moreover, be less consensual than the individual whose position confers power believes. The relationship is likely to be perceived in different ways by each of the parties to it, especially in retrospect. 

Moreover, such relationships may harm or injure others in the academic or work environment. Romantic and sexual relationships between supervisor and employee are also discouraged, and for the same reasons. Relationships in which one party is in a position to review the work or influence the career of the other may provide grounds for complaint when that relationship gives undue access or advantage, restricts opportunities, or creates a hostile environment for others. 

Furthermore, circumstances may change, and conduct that was previously welcome may become unwelcome. Even when both parties have consented at the outset to a romantic involvement, this past consent does not remove grounds for a charge based upon subsequent unwelcome conduct. 

In any such relationship, mutual consent will not guarantee immunity from charges of sexual harassment. 

PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION 

OVERVIEW 

Self Learning Solutions LLC has developed a range of resources to address issues of harassment and discrimination. They have been structured to offer a range of options for resolving questions and concerns. The procedures range from training designed to assist persons in understanding this policy, the conduct prohibited by this policy, and their rights and duties hereunder, to complaint proceedings where disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion, may be taken. 

Persons seeking assistance under this policy may select at their option which step or steps to take. These steps are not required to be followed in any specific order, and initiating the process at one step does not preclude a party from changing to another step at a later point in time. 

Persons desiring more information about these procedures are invited to contact the administration. 

COMPLAINTS OF HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION 

Any person who feels he or she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination in violation of this policy or who feels he or she is aware of prohibited harassment or discrimination directed toward others may file a complaint with the our Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officer ("EODO"), Ramon J. Figueroa. 

We request that complaints be made in writing to assure the accuracy of the charge, although verbal complaints will also be accepted. You can write to [email protected] 

Upon receipt of a complaint, the EODO will conduct a preliminary assessment of the complaint to determine whether the complaint can be handled through an informal resolution process. To resolve a complaint informally, it is necessary to obtain the written consent of 1) the complaining party; 2) the accused; and 3) Self Learning Solutions LLC.  Faculty may instead choose to file a grievance related to this policy, however, a faculty member must choose one process or the other and may not have the complaint reheard or removed from one process to the other once it has been filed.  Likewise, students may seek to have their concerns heard as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct but must choose one process or the other and may not have the complaint reheard or removed from one process to the other once it has been filed. 

Complaints that are not eligible for informal resolution and that are not under review in accordance with the Faculty Manual or Student Conduct Code shall be further investigated by the EODO, and the results of such investigation shall be submitted for formal resolution to the appropriate personnel. The applicable procedure for formal resolution shall depend primarily upon the status of the person or persons accused of a policy violation. The status of the accusing party may be taken into consideration in cases in which the accusing party is a student and modification of the procedures is necessary to protect the well-being of the student while still assuring a full and fair investigation for the accused. Complaints of harassment or discrimination against students shall be reviewed and resolved in accordance with the disciplinary procedure for student conduct violations. Complaints against faculty generally will be reviewed and resolved under the disciplinary procedure in the Faculty Manual, and charges directed against staff or administration generally will be reviewed and resolved under the disciplinary procedures in Self Learning Solutions LLC, Staff and Administrative Handbook. 

False or bad faith complaints of harassment, discrimination or retaliation undermine the purposes of this Policy, may result in the waste of valuable time and resources and/or may improperly implicate our employees or others.  No employee shall be discriminated against or otherwise treated unfairly for filing a complaint or assisting in the investigation process pursuant to this Policy; however, it is a violation of this Policy to misuse or abuse the procedures available under this Policy, for example, by knowingly misrepresenting facts in a complaint or investigation, or initiating multiple complaints based on the same facts and circumstances previously addressed in a prior complaint which has been previously investigated.  Employees found to have violated this Policy are subject to disciplinary action under the policies governing his or her position. 

ANONYMOUS INQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS 

Members of our community and/or students may contact our administration at any time to ask questions about discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or complaint procedures without disclosing their names and without filing a complaint. Because of the inherent difficulty in investigating and resolving allegations from unidentified persons, we discourage individuals from making anonymous complaints. However, if an individual desires to make a complaint anonymously, then we will weigh factors such as the following to determine the appropriate response to an anonymous allegation: 

• The source, specificity and nature of the information provided; 
• The seriousness of the alleged conduct; 
• The objectivity and credibility of the source of the report; 
• Whether other individuals potentially can be identified who were privy to the alleged policy violation; and 
• Whether those individuals are willing to pursue the matter.

 

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Disclosure of Interest Policy

It is the policy of Self Learning Solutions LLC to require instructors to disclose proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, technology or material discussed during Self Learning Solutions LLC training events, and to disclose the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation. Instructors are required to disclose this information in the form of a verbal/written announcement at the commencement of any of Self Learning Solutions LLC training sessions.

Self Learning Solutions LLC instructors are required to refrain from product or service endorsements of any of Self Learning Solutions LLC training events. This policy appears as a written requirement in the personal service contracts held with each Self Learning Solutions LLC instructor and signed by Self Learning Solutions LLC and the instructor.

This policy applies to employees of Self Learning Solutions LLC and to individuals under contract to Self Learning Solutions LLC for services in development, administration, instruction and delivery of our training events.

Furthermore, Self Learning Solutions instructor disclosure policy is made available to learners in advance of any of our trainings through a posting on our web site under our privacy policy page and a notation on the online course listing so students can see it prior to registration.

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Intellectual Property Rights Policy

1. Policy Overview and Purpose

Self Learning Solutions LLC seeks to encourage creativity and invention among its faculty members and students. In doing so, the Institution affirms its traditional commitment to the personal ownership by its faculty members and students of Intellectual Property Rights in works they create. This Policy governs the Intellectual Property Rights of the Institution, faculty members and students in the work product, ideas and inventions (regardless of the medium) created in connection with activities associated with the Institution (the "Work" or "Works"). The term "Intellectual Property Rights," as used in this Policy, refers to copyrights, rights in trademarks and service marks, patents, moral rights, and other intangible proprietary rights. The term "Works," as used in this Policy, does not include any Works created by faculty or students outside the scope of their activities in connection with the Institution, except to the extent that such activities fall within one of the limited Exceptions set forth below or the policy concerning disclosure of faculty-student agreements. 

The Institution supports the Intellectual Property Rights of its faculty and students in materials which they create or otherwise author related to academic work, including, but not limited to art objects, lecturer notes, lecture transcripts and tapes (audio or video), works of original authorship (including both literary and artistic works, and including documentations of these such as photographs or art works), software, compilations of information such as databases, and any other research, scholarly or creative work and its derivatives, in any medium, except as otherwise set forth in this Policy. 

The Institution recognizes that individuals may have dual roles at the Institution and that faculty members may also act in an administrative capacity ("Faculty-Administrators). This Policy does not apply to Works created by (i) staff members or (ii) administrative personnel or Faculty-Administrators acting within the scope of their administrative duties because such Works are governed by the "work for hire" doctrine or are otherwise the property of the Institution. Works by Faculty-Administrators acting within the scope of their faculty duties are subject to this Policy.

1. General Rule

Faculty members and students will own all Intellectual Property Rights in Works they create in connection with activities associated with the Institution, subject only to the limited Exceptions to the General Rule and the Institution’s Minimum Rights. If more than one person contributes to a Work, then the contributions of each contributor shall be acknowledged and each contributor shall be treated as having Intellectual Property Rights in the Work under this Policy. 

No Limitation on Fair Use: Nothing in this Policy shall limit the rights of faculty members, students, or the Institution to make a "fair use" of copyrighted Works as that term is defined in the Copyright Act.

III. Exceptions to the General Rule

When any one of the following Exceptions applies to a Work, then faculty members and students who participate in the creation of the Work will retain the following "Faculty/Student Minimum Rights": the right to make and retain a reproduction; the right to include that reproduction in their portfolio; and the non-transferable right to copy, use, display, and distribute that reproduction for non-commercial purposes. Such Faculty/Student Minimum Rights are in addition to any interest of the creator set forth in Section IV below. 

Exception 1: Outside Sponsored Research/Activities

Exception 1 applies to Works created as part of activities sponsored by an outside sponsor.  "Sponsored Research" is used here to mean all research or activities for which financial support or contribution has been received from an external organization or sponsor, including commercial establishments ("Outside Sponsor").  If the activities meet any of these conditions, then

1. at the outset, the activity will be identified as falling within Exception 1 under the Policy so that student and faculty members know in advance of the terms of this Exception and its applicability; and 
2. with knowledge of the terms of this Exception, each student and faculty member will have the option not to participate in the activity; and 
3. each student and faculty participant will enter into a written agreement, when appropriate, with the Institution and/or Outside Sponsor specifying the Intellectual Property Rights to be transferred to the Institution and/or Outside Sponsor and other terms; and 
4. the sponsored activity must be approved by the Provost or the Provost's designee.

In all cases under Exception 1, students and faculty shall retain Faculty/Student Minimum Rights. All other Intellectual Property Rights retained by the students and faculty and all Intellectual Property Rights transferred to the Institution and/or Outside Sponsor will be governed by the provisions of the agreement with the Institution and/or Outside Sponsor. The Institution may transfer some or all of its Intellectual Property Rights to the Outside Sponsor. Any revenue received by the Institution from commercialization of the Intellectual Property Rights will be distributed as set forth in Section IV below.

Exception 2: Institution Commissioned or Sponsored Activities

Exception 2 applies to activities or Works which are commissioned or sponsored by the Institution. The Institution commissioned activity or Work is one in which the Institution specifically commissions a faculty member or student to create a Work which will be either covered by the "work for hire" doctrine or the subject of a separate agreement, such as an agreement with respect to a faculty development grant or other type of grant. 

An activity or Work is sponsored by the Institution when the Institution support makes the Work possible or when the Institution provides exceptional support, either with money, facilities, equipment or staff, for the development or production of a Work that is to be introduced commercially. In such instances, if a Work developed or produced by means of such Institution support is introduced commercially, it is reasonable for the Institution to participate in the fruits of the enterprise and/or to be reimbursed for the Institution's extra or special costs, and the Institution will be entitled to do so. Use of library facilities and facilities available to the general public, occasional use of office equipment and office staff, and works created during the course of classroom instruction will not ordinarily be considered the basis of the Institution sponsorship of a project. 

The Institution may designate certain Institution resources (i.e., facilities, equipment, funding) (the "Designated Facilities") in which the Institution (i) has made an exceptional investment and (ii) has recognized at the outset that the use of such Designated Facilities may give rise to a commercially viable product. The Provost will create and revise the list of Designated Facilities as necessary, after consultation with an advisory group composed of members of the Institution community including faculty members. Students or faculty who create Works through the use of any Designated Facilities are responsible for disclosing such Works to the Institution. Such disclosure shall be made when it can be reasonably concluded that the Works have been created, and sufficiently in advance of any publications, presentation, or other public disclosure to allow time for possible action that protects the Intellectual Property Rights for the creator and the Institution. Failure to make such disclosure is a violation of the Institution Policy. At any time after disclosure, the Institution may agree in writing to waive its rights to participate under this Exception. 

Faculty members or students may seek exemption from the terms of this Exception and from the Institution participation. Faculty members will not be considered to have made the requisite use of Designated Facilities if the faculty member receives advance written approval of the proposed use from the Department Chair on one of the following grounds: (i) the Work to be produced through the use of the Designated Facilities or equipment is for academic purposes only and the faculty member does not use any Institution-provided funds or Institution-administered funds in connection with the activity; or (ii) the faculty member compensates the Institution for the fair market value of the Designated Facilities used for the project. Students will not be considered to have made the requisite use of Designated Facilities if (i) the student receives advance written approval of the proposed use from the Department Chair; or (ii) the student does not use any of the Institution-provided funds or the Institution-administered funds in connection with the activity. Projects which are exempted for one of the foregoing reasons shall be reported to and reviewed by the Provost. 

In all cases under Exception 2, students and faculty shall retain Faculty/Student Minimum Rights. Any revenue received by the Institution from commercialization of the Intellectual Property Rights will be distributed as set forth in Section IV below.

Exception 3: Student or Faculty Initiated Agreements

Exception 3 applies to Works created by a student or faculty member where the student or faculty member either:

1. seeks and receives assistance from the Institution with obtaining intellectual property protection (i.e., getting a patent) or assistance with an agreement or with commercialization of a Work; or 
2. seeks permission and the Institution, in its sole discretion, grants permission to use one of the Institution's names, trademarks or other Institution intellectual property rights in connection with a Work.  

 

Faculty members and students must obtain the Institution's approval before using one of the Institution's names or trademarks in connection with a Work.

When either (1) or (2) is the case, then the student or faculty member shall enter into an agreement whereby the Institution, or affiliate of the Institution, will provide such assistance or an agreement whereby the Institution will provide such permission to use the name or trademark. The agreement will establish the structure and goals of the initiative, and it will outline the obligations of each party contributing to it. 

In all cases under Exception 3, the student or faculty member shall retain Faculty/Student Minimum Rights. The agreement will allocate Intellectual Property Rights and compensation among the parties in light of, among other things, the contribution of each party to the initiative, the rights that the parties may require to perform their roles within the initiative, or the scope of use of the Institution's name or trademark. Any revenue received by the student or faculty member from commercialization of the Intellectual Property Rights or use of the Institution's name or trademark will be distributed as set forth in Section IV below.

1. Distribution of Royalties Derived from Commercialization

Royalty income and other non-equity revenue derived from the licensing of Intellectual Property Rights under any of the Exceptions listed above will be distributed as follows, unless the Institution and the creator have agreed in writing upon an alternative distribution arrangement:

1. The Institution will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in obtaining and maintaining intellectual property protection for a Work, and in evaluating and marketing such Work 
2. The remaining net income will be distributed as follows:  
   • 50% to the creator(s) (any portion of such revenue payable to student and faculty participants will be divided among them in accordance with the degree to which each contributed)
   • 20% to the Institution
   • 10% to the creator's department or equivalent unit
   • 10% to the creator's school or academic division
   • 10% to faculty development programs or student scholarships. 

 

1. Minimum Rights of the Institution through a Non-Exclusive License

In keeping with the long-standing traditions of academic institutions, the Institution shall receive a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the Works for archival, reference, research, classroom, and other educational purposes (the "License"). With regard to tangible works of fine art or applied art, this License will attach only to stored images of such Work (e.g., slides, videos, digitized images) and does not give the Institution a right to the tangible works themselves. With regard to literary, artistic and musical Works, this License will only attach to brief excerpts of such Works for purposes of education. If the Institution wishes to acquire rights to use the Work or a reproduction or image of the Work for advertising, promotional or fund-raising purposes, the Institution will negotiate directly with the creator in order to obtain permission. 

This License includes a right in the Institution to offer any course, or to develop and offer derivative courses of instruction, in both conventional and nonconventional settings (including courses intended for use in Internet distance education projects). The License shall continue to be available to the Institution even if the faculty member should leave the Institution. The Institution may, at its discretion, alter, add to, or otherwise change course materials in keeping with the educational purposes of the License. If they wish to do so, faculty members may also make necessary changes to maintain the accuracy and currency of their course materials. 

This License to the Institution is not intended to inhibit the faculty member or student's ownership or use of the Work and the Intellectual Property Rights therein. The Institution will make reasonable efforts to display indicia of the authorship of a Work. This License shall be presumed to arise automatically and no additional formality shall be required, and shall be in addition to any interests received by the Institution in Section IV above.

1. Agreements Between Faculty and Students

From time to time, current faculty members may wish to enter into agreements with current students relating to the creation of Works (and commercialization thereof) outside of the scope of their activities with the Institution. Except to the extent that such Works fall within one of the Exceptions, the Institution will have no stake in any Intellectual Property Rights therein. However, the faculty members are required to disclose the existence and general nature of such agreements to the Provost in order for the Institution to safeguard against any impropriety or unfairness or the appearance thereof.

VII. Conflict Resolution

Administration of this Policy shall be the responsibility of the Office of the General Counsel. Questions should be directed to the Office of the General Counsel regarding the application, interpretation or implementation of the Policy, or regarding any disagreement among creators concerning assignment or apportionment of Intellectual Property Rights or sharing of royalties. 

VIII. Changes to this Policy

The Institution reserves the right to change this Policy from time to time. The Board of Trustees has sole authority to approve changes to this Policy. 

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Records Retention & Release Policy

1. PURPOSE

To establish Self Learning Solutions LLC policy for the administration of the Records Management Program and to develop procedures for the creation, use, retention, storage, and destruction of the Institution records to ensure sound records management practices and comply with all applicable retention laws and regulations.

1. ACCOUNTABILITY

Under the direction of the President and the Vice Presidents shall ensure compliance and implementation of this policy.

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all facilities, academic schools, and administrative offices of the Institution.

1. DEFINITIONS

Record – “A record” is defined as recorded information that is generated internally or received from external sources that is either utilized in the transaction of Institution business, related to the Institution legal obligations, documenting a transaction or verifying a receipt.  All records must be tangible and retrievable.  Recorded information can be comprised of various characteristics and can be found on different media.  Some examples of recorded media are paper, microfiche, microfilm, audio or video recordings, computer hard drives, computer tapes and discs, and electronic messages.

Non-Record - A non-record is defined as materials that do not qualify as records and include duplicate copies of records where original copies exist, or records, regardless of media, used for the informal communication of information.  Informal communication is defined as records that do not set policy nor establish guidelines or procedures, document a transaction, or become a receipt.  The retention of non-records is discretionary and not subject to retention guidelines.

1. POLICY

The Institution will create and maintain complete, accurate, and high quality records. These records will be managed in an orderly manner that facilitates timely retrieval when necessary.

All Institution records will be retained in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and this policy.

Records, which contain confidential and/or proprietary information, will be maintained in a secure environment, which ensures no unauthorized access.

All records are the property of the Institution and no employee has any personal or property right to such records regardless of his or her position or the fact that he or she may have developed or compiled them.

The unauthorized destruction, removal, or use of the Institution records is prohibited.

The falsification or inappropriate alteration of any record is prohibited.

When records have satisfied their required period of retention, they will be destroyed in an appropriate manner.

Records will not be destroyed without the prior consent of the President and Vice President.

1. PROCEDURES

Electronic records, including but not limited to electronic, human resources, and student records, shall be created using the Self Learning Solutions LLC standard software.  Mainframes, servers, PCs, and other devices containing the electronic files must adhere to Self Learning Solutions LLC standards and procedures for data security, business continuity, and disaster recovery.  All other Institution procedures, timeliness, and requirements for records management and retention shall apply to electronic records.  The Institution does not archive, save, or otherwise preserve e-mail transmissions or voice mail.

Records will be maintained and distributed in accordance with all appropriate laws, regulations, and guidelines regarding confidentiality and proprietary rights (patents, copyrights, etc.).

If a specific type of a document is not referenced in the schedule or it is unclear as to what category the document falls under, please contact the President and Vice President.

All departments within Self Learning Solutions LLC should strive to keep the current and previous years records on site.  The number of years for which records are maintained on site beyond that time frame is dependent upon the space constraints of the department.

All electronic records of the Institution shall be stored on approved mainframes, servers, PCs, external drives, or other storage media.  Electronic records will be backed up according to the Institution business continuity and disaster recovery plans.  Back-up copies of electronic records will be stored off site.

The Vice President and Data Control unit of Self Learning Solutions is responsible for coordinating the storage of new records, the retrieval and return of previously stored, and the destruction of records.

• General Information:
  • Off-site storage is maintained at two different locations.
  • Additional details regarding the fee structure and relevant forms will be sent by Data Control to those units requesting off-site storage.
• Storage of New Records:
  • Off-site storage is available to the various units at Self Learning Solutions LLC.  This function will be coordinated by the Vice President and Data Control unit.
• Retrieval and Return of Stored Records:
  • All requests for storage of records and return of previously retrieved records must be coordinated by Data Control through the use of appropriate forms.  
  • Special accommodations are available to departments with a requisite need and will be coordinated by Data Control.
• Destruction of Records:
  • Records may not be destroyed without prior consent of the President and Vice President.
  • The department requesting record destruction should coordinate this request with Data Control.
  • Upon receipt of the approved destruction document from the President and Vice President, Data Control will initiate the appropriate destruction of records and confirm the record disposal with the requestor.

 

Self Learning Solutions LLC Office of Business Conduct will be responsible for performing annual reviews of selected units and departments of the Institution to review record retention procedures and ensure compliance with the Institution Records Management Policies and Procedures.

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Records Privacy & Confidentiality Policy

Records Privacy Policy (Effective January 1, 2005)

Self Learning Solutions LLC is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information submitted by participants who are registering for Continuing Education programs. You may be asked to submit as part of the registration process certain personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and bank card information. Self Learning Solutions LLC will only use this information for the purposes internal to Self Learning Solutions LLC for which such information was provided. Self Learning Solutions LLC does not share personally identifiable information with others. 

You may update most of your personally identifiable information in our system at any time by going to Edit Personal Information online.

Self Learning Solutions LLC Continuing Education's registration system utilizes industry standard security measures to protect against the loss, misuse, and alteration of information under its control. While there is no such thing as absolute security on the Internet, Self Learning Solutions LLC will take reasonable and prudent steps to promote the security of the personally identifiable information which you provide.

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or any other aspects of the registration process, you may contact us at [email protected]

Confidentiality of Records Policy

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) controls access to student education records. Self Learning Solutions LLC will make a reasonable effort to extend to eligible students and their parents the rights granted by the act. On presentation of appropriate identification and under circumstances that prevent alteration or mutilation of records, a student will be able to inspect all education records not considered by the Self Learning Solutions LLC to be held under a pledge of confidentiality or considered to be private records of the Institution personnel. Those with legitimate access to the records will be charged a reasonable fee for copies.

A student is entitled to an explanation of any recorded data and may initiate action pursuant to Self Learning Solutions LLC policy through the Exception to Self Learning Solutions LLC Policy Committee, if necessary, to correct or expunge information he or she considers inaccurate or misleading.

Faculty and administrative officers who have a legitimate need to use a student's education records will be allowed access to such records as needed without prior permission from the student. A request from an educational institution to which a student has applied for admission or from a lending institution from which a student is seeking financial aid will be granted without a student's permission. In addition, statistical data may be furnished to the Institution accrediting bodies and governmental officials without a student's permission.

No personally identifiable information contained in a student's educational records, other than directory information, will be given to any third party, except as authorized by the act, without the student's written consent, and then only those records that are accessible to the student. The term third party is construed to include parents, spouse, employers, government agencies, or any other people or organizations. Parents or guardians may have access to grade reports and other reports of a student's activity if they establish to the satisfaction of the Self Learning Solutions LLC that the student is dependent, for income tax purposes, on the parents or guardians for their support.

Any eligible student or parent who believes that Self Learning Solutions LLC has violated FERPA may file a complaint with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

Directory information (i.e. information contained in the educational record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed) will be released to news media and to others on request. Directory information includes the following:

1. Name
2. Addresses and phone numbers
3. Month, date, and place of birth
4. Current class schedule
5. Pictures
6. Dates of attendance (current and past)
7. Number of months/semesters enrolled
8. Class standing (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
9. Total hours earned
10. Anticipated future enrollments
11. Course registrations prior to the beginning of a semester or term
12. Deferred registration eligibility

 

Students have the right, however, to refuse to permit the designation or disclosure of the above directory information. In that case, this information will not be disclosed except with the consent of the student or as otherwise allowed by FERPA. Any student wishing to restrict the release of directory information must file a written notification via email to [email protected]

Email Address Privacy

Email addresses are kept private and secure at Self Learning Solutions LLC. Self Learning Solutions LLC will only use this personally identifiable information for the purposes internal to Self Learning Solutions LLC for which such information was provided, which includes contacting you regarding your enrollments as well as informing you of other programs offered. Self Learning Solutions LLC does not share personally identifiable information with others.

Providing your email address is voluntary. You may change or remove your email address from our system at any time by editing your personal information online.

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