Terms of Service

Effective Date: January 17, 2026

Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the Carnegie Mellon University Event Registration System (the "Service"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Carnegie Mellon University ("CMU," "we," "us," or "our") regarding your use of this event registration platform.

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

Eligibility and Account Requirements

Authorized Users

This Service is exclusively available to:

  • Current Carnegie Mellon University students, faculty, and staff
  • CMU alumni and emeritus faculty (for specific events)
  • Authorized guests invited by CMU community members
  • External participants specifically invited to university events

Account Responsibility

  • You must provide accurate and complete information during registration
  • You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials
  • You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
  • You may not share your account with others or create multiple accounts

Event Registration and Participation

Registration Process

  • Event registrations are confirmed upon successful completion of the registration process
  • For paid events, registration is complete only after successful payment processing
  • Registration confirmations will be sent to your registered email address
  • You must present valid identification and/or confirmation materials at events when requested

Ticket Purchases and Payments

  • All payments are processed securely through Cashnet (Transact Payments)
  • Payment methods accepted include credit/debit cards as specified during checkout
  • Ticket prices may vary based on user affiliation (student, faculty, staff, external)
  • Early bird pricing may apply and expires at specified deadlines
  • All sales are final unless otherwise specified in event-specific terms

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Standard Policy:

  • Free Events: Cancellations accepted until 24 hours before the event
  • Paid Events: Refunds available until 72 hours before the event start time
  • No-Show Policy: No refunds for unused tickets without prior cancellation
  • Event-Specific Terms: Some events may have different cancellation policies

University Cancellations: If CMU cancels an event, full refunds will be provided automatically. In case of weather-related cancellations or emergencies, refund policies will be applied at the university's discretion.

User Conduct and Responsibilities

Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Service only for legitimate purposes and in accordance with:

  • All applicable laws and regulations
  • Carnegie Mellon University policies and code of conduct
  • These Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy
  • Event-specific rules and requirements

Prohibited Activities

You may not:

  • Register for events using false or misleading information
  • Attempt to circumvent payment systems or security measures
  • Resell or transfer tickets without explicit permission
  • Use automated systems (bots) to register for events
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Service or other users' access
  • Access or attempt to access accounts that are not your own
  • Use the Service for commercial purposes without authorization

Event Attendance Requirements

  • Arrive on time and follow event-specific instructions
  • Comply with university safety and health protocols
  • Respect other attendees, speakers, and event staff
  • Follow photography and recording policies for each event
  • Dress appropriately according to event requirements

Event Management and Modifications

University Rights

Carnegie Mellon University reserves the right to:

  • Modify event details (date, time, location, format) with reasonable notice
  • Cancel or postpone events due to circumstances beyond our control
  • Refuse or revoke registration for any individual who violates these Terms
  • Implement additional health, safety, or security measures as needed
  • Record events for educational or promotional purposes (with notice)
  • Set capacity limits and registration deadlines for events

Event Changes and Communication

  • Important updates will be sent to your registered email address
  • It is your responsibility to check for event updates regularly
  • Changes to event format (online vs. in-person) may occur with notice
  • Venue changes will be communicated at least 24 hours in advance when possible

Privacy and Data Use

Your use of this Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy. Key points include:

  • Registration information may be shared with event organizers and relevant CMU departments
  • Attendance records may be maintained for university administrative purposes
  • Dietary restrictions and accessibility needs will be handled confidentially
  • Event photography/recording may include your image unless you opt out

Intellectual Property

The Service and all content, features, and functionality are owned by Carnegie Mellon University and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

  • You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from Service content
  • Event materials and presentations remain the property of their respective creators
  • The CMU name and logos may not be used without explicit written permission

Disclaimers and Limitations

Service Availability

  • The Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
  • We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation
  • System maintenance may result in temporary service interruptions
  • We are not liable for technical issues that prevent event registration or attendance

Event-Related Disclaimers

  • Event content and speaker information are subject to change
  • We are not responsible for personal property loss or damage at events
  • Parking availability and costs are not guaranteed for events
  • Weather-related cancellations may occur without advance notice

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Carnegie Mellon University's total liability for any claims arising from your use of the Service shall not exceed the amount you paid for event registration fees in the twelve months preceding the claim.

Account Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Service at any time for:

  • Violation of these Terms or university policies
  • Fraudulent or inappropriate use of the Service
  • Loss of eligibility (e.g., no longer affiliated with CMU)
  • Extended period of inactivity (as defined in our Privacy Policy)

You may deactivate your account at any time through the account settings page. Account termination does not automatically cancel existing event registrations.

Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes, we will:

  • Update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page
  • Provide notice of material changes through the Service or email
  • Allow a reasonable period for review before changes take effect

Continued use of the Service after changes constitute acceptance of the updated Terms.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service will be resolved through:

  1. Informal Resolution: Contact our support team first to attempt resolution
  2. University Procedures: Follow applicable CMU grievance or dispute procedures
  3. Legal Action: If necessary, disputes will be resolved in courts located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms or need support with the Service, please contact:

Carnegie Mellon University
Event Registration System Support
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Technical Support: it-help@cmu.edu

Event Questions: Contact the specific event organizer listed in event details

Phone: (412) 268-HELP (4357)

Additional University Policies

Your use of this Service is also subject to the following university-wide policies: