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Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Updated: November 7, 2025 

This Legal Notice governs your use of all websites, courses, digital products, and services provided by Systems Thinking Standards Institute, LLC (“STSI”) and STSI Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit). It contains our Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Refund Policy for Digital Goods

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By accessing or using any of our Services, you agree to all sections of this Legal Notice.

1. PRIVACY POLICY

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1.1 Who We Are

This Privacy Policy explains how Systems Thinking Standards Institute, LLC (“STSI”) and STSI Foundation (“the Foundation”) are separate legal entities that share a common mission to make systems thinking education more accessible. STSI LLC is a for-profit company that develops and sells systems thinking tools, courses, and certifications. STSI Foundation is a separate nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides scholarships and charitable programs to expand access to systems thinking education. This Privacy Policy describes how both organizations (“we, us, our”) collect, use, share, and protect your personal information. Our commitment is to safeguard your privacy while providing trusted educational services through STSI LLC and charitable programs through the STSI Foundation.

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1.2 Information We Collect

We collect information in three ways:

A. Information You Provide to Us

When you create an account, enroll in a course, or make a purchase (name, email, billing address, payment details).
When you apply for a scholarship or donation receipt (name, contact information, and optional personal statements).
When you contact us for support or feedback.

B. Information We Collect Automatically

Log data such as IP address, browser type, device information, and usage statistics when you visit our site.
Cookies and analytics data to help us understand how our site is used and improve your experience.

C. Information from Third Parties

Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) when you make a purchase or donation.
Educational or affiliate partners when you access courses through other platforms.

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1.3 How We Use Your Information

We only use your personal information to:

Provide and personalize courses, content, and user experience.
Process transactions, donations, and scholarship applications.
Send updates, promotions, and newsletters (you can opt out anytime).
Improve our products and services through analytics and feedback.
Comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations.

We do not rely on consent for core service delivery.

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1.4 How We Share Information

We never sell your personal information.
We only share when necessary:

With service providers who help us operate (e.g., payment processors, hosting, analytics).
Between STSI LLC and STSI Foundation when necessary to administer scholarships, discounts, or cross-program services, and only under confidentiality and data-protection agreements.
As required by law, such as in response to legal requests or to protect our rights, users, or property.

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1.5 How We Protect Your Information

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data, including encryption of sensitive information, secure payment gateways, and restricted employee access.
While no system is perfectly secure, we continuously monitor and update our practices to align with current industry standards.

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1.6 Your Rights and Choices

You may:

Access, correct, or delete your account information.
Request a copy of your personal data.
Opt out of marketing emails anytime by clicking “unsubscribe.”
Decline cookies in your browser settings.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hub@stsi.pro.

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1.7 Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
Provide our services,
Comply with tax or legal requirements, or
Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

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1.8 Children’s Privacy

Our website and programs are designed for general audiences and are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

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1.9 International Users

If you are accessing the site from outside the United States, you agree that your information may be transferred and processed in the U.S., where data-protection laws may differ from those in your country.

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1.10 Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date at the top reflects the latest version. Any material changes will be posted on this page with notice as required by law.

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2. TERMS OF SERVICE

2.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using any STSI or STSI Foundation website, course, digital product, membership, certification program, or related service (“Services”), you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, you may not use the Services.

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2.2 Use of Digital Courses, Tools, and Content

All digital content—including courses, belt programs, assessments, badges, certificates, downloads, templates, and online materials—is licensed to you for personal, non-transferable use.
You may not reproduce, distribute, resell, share access, or claim credit for any STSI or STSI Foundation materials.

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2.3 Digital Goods Are Non-Refundable Once Accessed

Digital goods, including online courses, certifications, badges, and downloadable materials, are non-refundable once accessed.
Accessing, opening, streaming, or beginning any portion of a digital product constitutes full delivery of the service.
Because digital goods cannot be returned, all sales become final at the moment of access.

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2.4 Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

You agree not to initiate a chargeback for any digital product you have accessed.
If you believe a charge was made in error, you must contact us directly at hub@stsi.pro.
Fraudulent or bad-faith chargebacks may result in:

• immediate revocation of course access, badges, and certificates,

• permanent account suspension, and

• submission of evidence to the payment processor or relevant authorities.

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2.5 User Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Provide accurate account information,

• Maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials,

• Use the Services only for lawful purposes,

• Avoid attempts to bypass access controls or security systems.

 

2.6 Intellectual Property

All content provided through STSI LLC and STSI Foundation is protected by U.S. and international copyright, trademark, and IP laws.
You receive a limited license to access the content; ownership remains with STSI.

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2.7 No Warranty

Services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
We do not guarantee uninterrupted service, perfect accuracy, specific learning outcomes, or certification completion.

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2.8 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, STSI LLC, STSI Foundation, their officers, directors, staff, and partners are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Services.

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2.9 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Montana, without regard to conflict-of-law rules.

 

3. REFUND POLICY FOR DIGITAL GOODS

Digital goods, including online courses, certifications, badges, and downloadable materials, are non-refundable once accessed. Accessing, opening, viewing, streaming, or beginning any portion of a digital product constitutes full delivery of the service.
Because these products are immediately available and cannot be returned, all sales become final at the moment of access.

For refund-related questions, email hub@stsi.pro.

 

4. CONTACT

For privacy or legal questions:
hub@stsi.pro

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