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    Terms & Conditions

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    • STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR IMD PROGRAMS

    Welcome to IMD -International Institute for Management Development. We are a foundation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Switzerland with its registered office at Chemin de Bellerive 23, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland (“IMD”).

    To meet both the professional and academic objectives, the IMD General Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) are set out below and govern the relationship between IMD and you, the applicant (the “Parties” and each a ”Party”) in relation to the programs IMD offers as set out on the IMD website (including, for the avoidance of doubt, programs held face-to-face and/or with technology mediation, liVe virtual, non-synchronous and blended) (www.imd.org) (the “Programs”). Acceptance of these Terms by you is a prerequisite for acceptance to a Program offered by IMD. Any deviations from these Terms must be agreed between the Parties in writing.

    These Terms apply specifically to Programs and no other topics that may be relevant to your relationship with IMD. This exclusion covers, for example, any specific agreement with IMD regarding your travel, accommodation, or social activities either during or after your participation in a Program.

    Additional terms may apply to each Program, based on information- and other documents communicated to you before, during, and/or after completion of the Program. This is specifically the case for our Degree Programs (MBA or EMBA), the terms of which are included in the program-specific part of the application process.

    These Terms may not be modified, superseded, or otherwise replaced, fully or in part, by other terms, conditions, contractual clauses, or sets of rules that would be communicated to IMD, unless they are accepted and signed in writing by duly authorized representatives of IMD. In particular, any communication to IMD of such other terms, conditions, contractual clauses, or other sets of rules (regardless of the way it is communicated to IMD) shall not be held as a valid modification of these Terms and IMD will not be required to respond to such communication.

    1. INFORMATION ON AND APPLICATION TO PROGRAMS
    1.1. General

    The completion of any enrolment or application form (on paper or online), or any other request to enroll in a Program, does not itself entitle you to be enrolled, or in any way participate, in any such Program. This does not imply any right to receive the reasons for the discontinuation or rejection of any application.

    1.2. Brochures, website content and col-laterals

    IMD’s brochures and website content are non-contractual and may not be used to request any special delivery or performance in the context of a Program.

    1.3. MyIMD account

    On applying to a Program through the IMD website or other IMD platform you will create a MyIMD account. All information provided therein must respect these Terms. Once accepted into a Program, you may be required to update your MyIMD account profile with additional information.

    1.4. Application

    It is your responsibility to ensure that all required information, supporting documents, and other elements of the enrolment process are received by IMD before the mentioned deadline and are true, accurate, complete, and in no way misleading or deceptive. IMD may not be held liable for any problem encountered with the filing of an application form, including when done through IMD’s website or any other IMD platform.

    IMD remains free to request, at any time, any additional document, information, or element of proof in relation to your application.

    When applying through IMD’s website or any other IMD platform, you should receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address provided. Should you not receive such an email, you should contact IMD immediately by sending an email to: [email protected].

    1.5. Insurance

    You hereby confirm and agree that you will maintain, at your own expense, valid and adequate health and accident insurance coverage for the entire duration of your participation in the Program. This insurance must cover you while you are in Switzerland and/or in any other countries where the Program is conducted.

    1.6. Application content

    Should one or more elements of information and/or supporting documents transpire to be wrong, inaccurate, or otherwise misleading or deceptive, IMD may cancel enrolment, exclude participation in the Program, and withdraw any award, certification, or degree. This shall also apply when failing to cite sources or using the work of others in your application. In such a case, no reimbursement of any Fees (as detailed under para. 2 of these Terms) shall be made. IMD reserves the right to claim compensation for any prejudice suffered.

    1.7. Application fee

    The application to a Program may require a fee the “Application Fee”. The amount of such fee is detailed in the information provided as applicable to the relevant Program.

    If an Application Fee is required, any application form or request shall only be processed after the full payment of the Application Fee.

    Under the provisions set forth herein, you are required to ensure timely settlement of the program fee. Payment must be made within 30 days of the invoice issuance and before the program’s commencement.

    In cases where registration occurs within one month of the program’s initiation, immediate settlement of the invoice is mandatory, without exception.

    The payment is effective as soon as the full amount of the Application Fee is received in IMD’s bank account. Application fees are non-refundable and no reimbursement shall be made, including in case of failure to properly complete an application or rejection of an application.

    2. FEES, COSTS AND EXPENSES

    Fees are required for Programs at IMD and are divided into:

    • An Application Fee, if applicable, for the application process (see para. 1.6 above);
    • A tuition fee for the Program in which you are enrolled (the “Program Fee”).

    The Application Fee must be paid by the applicant in conformity with para. 1.6 above.

    Except as specifically provided for with respect to IMD’s MBA and EMBA Programs (please refer to the specific additional terms for those programs) the Program Fee must be entirely paid before the start of the relevant Program, i.e. must be received on IMD’s bank account as per the specific payment terms and dates mentioned on your Program Fee invoice, failing which your enrolment may be canceled.

    Unless expressly stated otherwise, the fees are exclusive of any value-added or other indirect taxes that may be due in any country.

    The payment of these fees must be done by wire transfer to IMD’s bank account or another IMD-approved method of payment. Any costs or expenses linked to such payment shall be borne exclusively by you.

    Reimbursement of the Program Fee shall be in line with the IMD program cancellation and transfer policy as set out in para. 3.4 below. Any cancellation or transfer fees due in accordance with para. 3.4 must be paid as per the specific payment terms and dates mentioned on your Program Fee invoice.

    Failing the payment of the applicable Program Fee (fully or for each invoice), IMD retains the right to dismiss you from the Program. It may also lead to IMD withholding Program certification and/or alumni status. Any costs and expenses that are incurred in the context of a Program, or as a member of the Alumni network, are borne exclusively by you. This includes, without limitation, any costs or expenses for events, meetings, or conferences organized in the context of a Program or of IMD in general. This also includes any costs or expenses to apply to or be enrolled in a Program. Any accommodation costs, regardless of whether the accommodation has been booked directly by you or through IMD, including any fees following a late accommodation cancellation, are borne exclusively by you.

    3. ENROLLMENT AND ACCEPTANCE ON A PROGRAM
    3.1. Acceptance

    Should you be accepted by IMD as a participant in a Program, IMD shall notify you by email. The email address we use is the one you provided us on your application. Once IMD has sent such notification you shall be deemed to have enrolled in the Program (i.e., “Enrolment”).

    3.2. Changes to a program

    IMD shall at all times have the right to make changes to any of its Programs, INCLUDING AFTER YOUR ACCEPTANCE.

    3.3. Cancellation of a program by imd

    Should the Program be canceled by IMD after your acceptance, for whatever reason, IMD will make every effort to transfer you to a replacement Program in accordance with the transfer policy as set out in para. 3.4 below.
    You may refuse to be transferred to a replacement Program by notifying IMD.

    Should you not wish to be transferred to a replacement Program, or should an appropriate replacement Program not be available, any paid Program fee shall be reimbursed to you in conformity with the IMD cancellation policy as set out in para. 3.4 below. IT IS EXPRESSLY SPECIFIED AND UNDERLINED THAT THERE SHALL BE NO FURTHER RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMD FOLLOWING SUCH CANCELATION OF A PROGRAM, INCLUDING FOR ANY COSTS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICIPATION IN A PROGRAM SUCH AS TRAVEL OR ACCOMMODATION COSTS.

    3.4. Cancellation by a participant or transfer to another session requested by a participant

    You may cancel or transfer the Enrolment by giving IMD written notice either to your IMD contact or by sending an email to [email protected]

    IMD will honor cancellations or transfers more than 30 days before the Program Start Date with no further fees payable. In this case, you will receive a full refund of the program fee or may transfer to the next available program with no transfer fee.

    If you cancel your participation in the Program less than 30 days before the Program Start Date, you shall be obligated to pay IMD one of the percentages of the Program Fee set out below, depending on the advance notice of your cancellation:

    • 30 to 14 days before the Start Date: 50% of the Program Fee.
    • within 13 days or less before the Start Date: 100% of the Program Fee.

    In the event that you have already paid the full Program Fee and the cancellation occurs within the period specified under the first condition, IMD will proceed to refund you the remaining 50% of the Program Fee.

    If you request a transfer to another session of the Program less than 30 days before the Program Start Date of the session in which you are enrolled, you shall be liable to pay IMD the percentage of the Program Fee set out below:

    • 30 to 14 days before the Program Start Date: 10% of the Program fee.
    • within 13 days or less before the Program Start Date: 100% of the Program fee.

    A maximum of one transfer per Program will be allowed with requisite transfer fees applying in each instance.

    If you propose another participant to the session of the Program as your replacement, the new candidate will be subject to the standard admissions process. If the proposed replacement participant is accepted by IMD, no cancellation fee will apply.

    You shall not be entitled to transfer to another session of the Program after the Program Start Date, including in-between Program modules.

    In the event that you fail to get transferred to another program within a period of 24 months, the program fee shall be deemed forfeited and non-refundable.

    4. PARTICIPATION IN A PROGRAM AND GENERAL CONDUCT

    You are required to act professionally during a Program, when on and off campus.

    Failure to comply with the principles outlined below, or in any way deemed relevant to IMD, shall be qualified as unprofessional behavior and may result in sanctions, including exclusion from a Program.

    IMD does not endorse the opinions and views expressed by the candidates and organizations admitted to its Programs.

    4.1. Professional integrity

    You are expected to behave with integrity and shall abide by all applicable rules of IMD. IMD is committed to providing a working environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and shall take all measures to that effect. Certain behaviors are deemed unacceptable including the following:

    • Abusive, defamatory, or hurtful statements, including but not limited to ethnic, racial, religious, or gender-attacking language, are not tolerated in the Programs and may lead you to exclusion from the Program.
    • Any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for any reason whatsoever committed by a person present on a Program.
    • Behaviour that is offensive, disrespectful, demeaning, or oppressive and undermines the positive environment necessary for learning. Arriving late or leaving early from Programs, coming late to class, entering and leaving class while in session, surfing smartphones, or leaving group work discussions may be considered disruptive behaviors.
    • Failing to cite sources or claiming the work of others as one’s own work.
    • Deceiving or misrepresenting oneself in an injurious way to peers, faculty, any IMD team member, or any third parties.

    • Contributing less than an equal or one’s fair share to group assignments.
    • Receiving external support for assignments (team or individual) other than editing/proofreading for language syntax.
    • Disrespect of Program deadlines and attendance requirements.

    This list is not exhaustive. You are always expected to display appropriate standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in your actions and relationships.

    Your participation in a Program is personal to you and you may not share or transfer your rights to access to any Program to which you are enrolled or provide access to the Program to any third party.

    IMD reserves the right to monitor location-based information (including but not limited to IP addresses) that is used to access a Program (including any materials provided) if you are found to be in contravention of the access rule set out above IMD may terminate your access to the Program. In such circumstances, no refunds will be given.

    4.2. IMD’s reputation

    You are expected to abide by the laws of Switzerland or any country where the Program takes place. In addition, engaging in any action or displaying any attitude that may affect the reputation of IMD negatively shall be considered unprofessional and may result in sanctions including your exclusion from a Program.

    5. GRADING AND EVALUATION

    IMD is at liberty to identify and determine the applicable grading system and criteria. You shall be informed of the details and changes in the Program grading system.

    5.1. Programs with degrees

    IMD offers several Programs that offer a degree upon successful completion of requirements. The Programs IMD offers are set out on the IMD website at https://www.imd.org/.

    The bestowing of a degree, as well as all grades that are given to you, shall be decided by the faculty members and other course providers responsible for each assignment within the Program.

    It is essential for IMD to ensure that any grades and evaluations are done according to clear standards. The goal of graded feedback is to maintain degree standards and to ensure the acquisition of learning. The level of feedback is at the discretion of the faculty member responsible for each assignment.

    5.2. Programs without degrees

    For non-degree Programs, you shall receive a certificate of attendance on the condition that attendance and participation requirements specified for the Program are met.

    5.3. Dismissal

    If you do not demonstrate sufficient competence in the subject area requirements of the Program, and/or behave unprofessionally, you cannot remain in the Program. Dismissal may also imply a chronic situation that does not respect subject matter and assignment requirements or professional conduct, and which is deemed irreversible. Dismissal means that you must leave the Program and cannot reenter that Program at any point in the future.

    The dismissal decision is taken by the Program Director. It is final and has immediate effect.

    6. ALUMNI

    The policy governing alumni status and related rights and obligations of an IMD alumnus/alumna is set out on the IMD website at https://www.imd.org/alumni/alumni-policy/ as is updated from time to time. This policy is hereby fully integrated into these Terms.

    6.1. Alumni communications

    Alumni are regularly updated on the activities of IMD and the Alumni network, including information on IMD Programs and events. Surveys may also be sent to an alumnus/a in relation to his/her experience at IMD.

    Such communications are, as a rule, sent by email using the email address contained in your MyIMD profile. These communications compose an essential part of your status as an IMD alumnus/a and enable you to be kept up-to-date on all of IMD’s, the IMD International Alumni Association (“IAA”) and IMD Alumni Clubs’ (as defined hereunder) activities.

    Should you wish to limit the alumni communications received from IMD, you may at any time change the privacy settings through your MyIMD account.

    6.2. IAA and alumni clubs

    The IAA and IMD Alumni Clubs are separate and independent legal entities that are not directly linked to, nor integrated within, IMD. Their purpose is to administer the alumni network and to ensure the implementation of activities and events for alumni.

    Upon completion of a Program that grants alumni status, IMD shall communicate the name, postal address, and email address of the alumnus/a to the Alumni Club based on the member’s place of residence or work. This transfer is aimed at enabling the Alumni Club to make contact with the Alumnus/a and extend an invitation to join the Alumni Club.

    To enable the IAA and Alumni Clubs to keep in touch with their members and other Alumni, while ensuring at all times the correctness of the information and to avoid unnecessary duplication, IMD provides each Alumni Club and the IAA with access to a platform hosted by IMD. Such platform is solely provided for Alumni-related activities organized by the IAA and Alumni Clubs and contains only the following information:

    • Contact information (name, postal address [professional and private], email address [professional and private], and telephone number) of the alumni member;
    • Gender of the alumni member;
    • Current professional status of the alumni member (active or retired, name of the employer or professional activity);
    • Program taken or event attended by the alumni member.

    An opt-out option is provided allowing any Alumnus/a to maintain personal data privacy.

    Please note that IMD does not control the activities, gatherings, or other events organized by the IAA or Alumni Clubs and may not be held responsible for any prejudice that would be suffered further to their actions.

    6.3. Alumni directory

    IMD keeps a directory listing all IMD alumni containing the names and contact details of each alumnus/a. This information is based on the information provided in your MyIMD profile. You may at all times modify, through your MyIMD profile, the available information on the Alumni directory. It is your responsibility to ensure that this information is up to date. You may also choose not to appear in the Alumni Directory on MyIMD: https://myimd.imd.org/MyIMD/s/home?redirect_type=alumniDirPref.

    This directory is only available to IMD alumni and enables you to keep in contact with the alumni community. The information provided through the Alumni directory is intended solely for use within the alumni network. It may not be copied, transferred, or otherwise communicated to third parties, or used to facilitate bulk or group communication nor used in any way that would be incompatible with the rights and obligations of each IMD alumni.

    7. PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
    7.1. Processing of personal data

    In the context of the Programs, IMD needs to process personal data relating to you. Such processing is done at all stages linked to the Programs, i.e. downloading of information, application, enrolment, participation, and management of the Alumni network.

    All processing activities of personal data by IMD are subject to and framed by IMD’s Privacy Notice. This Privacy Notice is available on IMD’s website (https://www.imd.org/settings/privacy/).

    To facilitate the smooth running of a Program within the Program portal, the following data (all of which has been provided by you during the application process or in your MyIMD account) is shared between you, the IMD team, and any third party having authorized access to such portal:

    • Contact information (first and last name, email address);
    • Current job title and company;
    • Profile photo; and
    • Biographical details.

    IMD is not responsible for the processing of personal data by other participants of Programs, including when such processing is done in the context of a Program, on IMD’s premises, and/or otherwise during an event or activity organized by, or linked to, IMD. It is your responsibility to ensure that the processing of personal data respects all applicable laws, in particular, but not limited to, the Swiss Federal Data Protection Act.

    7.2. Pictures and videos

    Photographs, pictures, audio, live streams, and videos may be taken during events at IMD (conferences, dinners, etc.) as well as in the context of the Programs. Such photographs, pictures, audio, live streams, and videos constitute an essential part of such events or Programs.

    As a rule, you shall always be informed before any such photographing and audio and/or video recording, when they are specific to your person. Should you not wish to appear on specific pictures or videos, you must inform the responsible person for a specific event, at the latest when the information is provided to you.

    Regarding general pictures and videos linked to activities at IMD, they might be taken both by IMD and by other participants. You understand that you may appear in such pictures and videos. Overall, IMD may not be held responsible for pictures or videos taken by other participants, including in the context of Programs or events at IMD.

    All such videos, photos, and recordings (the “Material”) may be used by IMD – within the applicable legal frame – for any educational, commercial, and/or promotional purposes worldwide in any medium and in any form whatsoever. This includes without limitation the reproduction, display, publication, performance, distribution, broadcast, and making it available in whole or in part. Such uses include the publication of videos online on IMD’s website, on sharing platforms such as YouTube, on presentation platforms such as Kulu Valley, in concurrent broadcasts such as live video streaming, and in photographs appearing in print or online.

    Where you have provided your consent to specific pictures, videos, or recordings, you waive all moral rights in the Material, including the right to inspect or approve any display. You assign all author’s and neighboring rights in the Material to IMD, and you waive any right to compensation for, or ownership of, such Material.

    7.3. CCTV systems

    For security reasons, IMD’s premises are protected by a general CCTV system. The CCTV system is contracted by IMD to a third-party supplier (data processor).

    As a rule, the images of the IMD CCTV system are stored for no longer than 14 days. Exceptions may apply, however, particularly where the observation, or suspicion, of any wrongful or damageable activity on IMD’s premises.

    The images of the CCTV systems may be communicated to state authorities upon their request or in any other case in which such communication would be required to protect IMD’s lawful interests.

    7.4. Confidential information

    You must respect the confidentiality of all confidential information that you acquire in the course of participating in a Program, and comply with all applicable laws of the territory where the Program is delivered.

    7.5. Technical support and access

    Where IMD has direct control over the system, software, or setting involved, if you are unable to access a Program that is delivered virtually, IMD will use reasonable endeavors to provide a solution. If the issue lies with your hardware, systems, software, WiFi, network, or settings, IMD may, solely at its own discretion, provide assistance to help you resolve the issue. Please note any failure by you to connect to a virtually delivered Program shall not give rise to any refund of a Program Fee.

    You accept and acknowledge that periods of downtime may be required with respect to the information technology infrastructure connected to the Program and that technical assistance may not be available during such periods of downtime. Further, you accept that you will not have a claim for breach of contract or otherwise in respect of such period of unavailability.
    IMD will use reasonable endeavors to make a virtually delivered Program available but cannot guarantee uninterrupted, timely, or error-free availability, or that defects will be corrected. IMD reserves the right to suspend access to a virtually delivered Program for the purpose of scheduled or emergency maintenance, repairs, or upgrades to improve the performance or functionality of the related website.
    You also accept and acknowledge that IMD cannot be held responsible for any delay or disruptions to your access to a virtually de-livered Program as a result of such suspension or any of the following:
    (a) the operation of the internet and the world wide web, including but not limited to viruses;
    (b) any firewall restrictions that have been placed on your network or the computer you are using to access the Program;
    (c) failures of telecommunications links and equipment; or
    (d) updated browser issues.

    IMD does not make any commitment to you that a virtually delivered Program will be compatible with or operate with your software or hardware.

    8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

    All Intellectual Property in materials designed and/or developed by IMD and utilized in the Program, including the pedagogical outputs, platforms, webinars, video recordings, and all online tools and documents developed for the purposes of student assessment, academic engagement, feedback, and other curriculum-related purposes as well as all work that you have done in the course of a research project managed by IMD, shall belong to IMD (“IMD Intellectual Property”). IMD may use IMD Intellectual Property in the development of other Programs in its general provision of academic services.

    IMD grants you a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, non-transferable right and license to access, view, and use the IMD Intellectual Property only for the purposes of receiving instruction and participating in the Program. For the avoidance of doubt, the license granted by IMD does not include the rights to: transfer, sell, or license IMD Intellectual Property to any Third Party; reuse or reproduce IMD Intellectual Property for any purposes including internal communication and training purposes; modify or adapt IMD Intellectual Property for any purpose; communicate, display, upload or publish IMD Intellectual Property on any medium; or use IMD Intellectual Property in any other way not consistent with the conducting of the Program. You and the Company or legal entity invoiced and paying your Tuition Fee for your participation in the Program will observe all the legal requirements of copyright for all materials at IMD.

    9. FORCE MAJEURE

    For the purposes of this clause, the term “Force Majeure Event” shall mean any event, cause or occurrence or series of events, causes, or occurrences beyond the control of a Party, including without limitation, strikes, natural disasters, telecommunication outages, riots, terrorist acts, explosions, hostilities, chemical or biological contamination, epidemic, pandemic, civil or military disturbances, and any other event or circumstance which leads to a general disinclination to travel.

    In no event shall a Party be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from any delay or failure in the delivery of a Program or any part thereof, or its ability to perform its obligations hereunder, if such delay or failure is caused directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by a Force Majeure Event. Once the Force Majeure Event has ended, the parties shall, as soon as practicable, resume the performance of all its obligations.

    10. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

    These Terms, as well as any and all matters arising out or in relation to them (including non-contractual disputes or claims and their interpretation) shall be governed by the laws of Switzerland, to the exclusion of the rules on conflicts of laws.

    Any claim or dispute regarding the Terms or in relation to them shall (including for non-contractual disputes or claims and their interpretation) be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Lausanne, Any claim or dispute regarding the Terms or in relation to them shall (including for non-contractual disputes or claims and their interpretation) be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Lausanne, Switzerland, subject to an appeal at the Swiss Federal Court.

    11. MISCELLANEOUS

    It is your sole responsibility to ensure that all required conditions to attend the Program are met. This includes any requirements linked to visas or other authorizations required. IMD has no responsibility in this context.

    IMD does not provide advice or legal guidance surrounding visas and other requirements.

    IMD complies at all times with Swiss and applicable foreign laws, including anti-money laundering, corruption, and sanctions laws and regulations. BY ACCEPTING THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT THE PAYMENT OF ANY PROGRAM FEES TO IMD IS NOT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY DERIVED FROM ANY ENTERPRISE OR ACTIVITIES THAT CONTRAVENE SWISS OR APPLICABLE FOREIGN LAWS, INCLUDING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING, CORRUPTION, AND SANCTIONS LAWS AND REGULATIONS. You also agree and undertake to provide any information or documents deemed necessary by IMD to comply with any of its Know-Your-Customer or management risks guidelines or program, and related responsibilities from time to time.

    IMD will never make or offer any payments to or confer or offer any benefit upon any third party, including any person/ firm employed by or on behalf of any government official/ employee, political party, employee of any political party, or political candidate with the intent to influence the conduct such third party in any manner.

    IMD cannot accept responsibility and expressly excludes liability for any loss or damage to your property that occurs whilst you are on the Program. You should take particular care not to leave personal belongings unattended at any time.

    If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable for any reason, it shall be replaced rather than voided, if possible, in order to achieve the intent of the Parties to the fullest extent possible. In any event, all other provisions of these Terms shall remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent possible.

    Open Program General Terms and Conditions. Last updated on: August 2024