United States Gemological Institute   Student Agreement and Form

Please read this information fully. This agreement establishes your rights and responsibilities as a USGI student.

Term of Registration: The terms of registration for the USGI course programs are as follows:

• Registered Gemologist Appraiser: 1 year or 12 months
• Registered Gemologist: 6 months
• Individual Certificate Courses: 4 months 

The USGI does not provide time extensions for any course or program registration. Students are expected to complete their course work within the registration period. 

Legal Jurisdiction. The United States Gemological Institute is registered in Bexar County, Texas, USA. It is agreed that all parties will abide by the laws of the State of Texas in all matters relating to this agreement. And that in the case of any dispute, the legal jurisdiction of resolution shall be Bexar County, Texas.

Right of Cancellation. The Student has the right to cancel this agreement within 3 days (72 hours) of receipt of the USGI Website Access Codes, based on the laws of the State of Texas, USA and the elements of this agreement. By registering for an USGI course, the Student agrees to this and the limitations set forth in this agreement. The Student further agrees to not make any attempt to create a credit card charge back after this 3-day time limit. The student will have access to the written course notes sections in order that a full evaluation of the course material can be made during the initial 3-day time period. Full refunds will be given to anyone who requests same within this 3-day review period based on the above.  

Maintain Services. The USGI agrees to provide the courses in a 24-hour internet based format, and to provide all due diligence in maintaining the website services, course quality, timely customer service, and support for The Student. USGI office hours will be 0900 until 1400 hrs. CST Monday through Friday. The USGI makes every effort to ensure that our program is as mobile friendly and responsive as possible, but limitations beyond our control still exist due to the many different formats on the internet.

Program Items. The USGI reserves the right to alter items listed in any promotional offering at any time based on availability of gemstones and/or gemological equipment. In the event that an item is added or removed from a promotion, that change will be published in advance of the change whenever possible. However, the USGI reserves the right to make changes and substitutions of equal or greater value if the availability of certain items becomes limited.

Hold Harmless. The Student agrees to hold harmless the USGI and all employees for loss of service due to internet service provider problems, Acts of God, Acts of War, criminal acts against the website by hackers, and any other problems resulting in loss of access to the USGI internet courses that are beyond the direct control of the USGI.

Respect of Copyrights. The Student agrees that the USGI course materials are copyrighted by the USGI, and further agrees to not copy, publish, or otherwise disseminate the USGI course materials for any reason other than their own personal study and reference. Should the student be found to have violated this section, student agrees to pay all legal costs of the USGI for damage recovery as a result of their publishing or distributing USGI course materials without permission. 

Professional Conduct Code. The Student agrees to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times when dealing with other students and USGI staff members. This includes, but is not limited to, emails, forums board participation, and phone calls. Violations of the professional conduct agreement may lead to temporary or permanent suspension at the discretion of the USGI.

Registration Activation: Students Registering through the USGI portal will start immediately. Those using our Klarna Payment System: Upon receipt of the USGI Student Registration Form and Tuition Payment, the New Student File will be created and the USGI Student Number and Password, along with other information required for the student to get started, will be sent within 24 hours. If the student does not receive their USGI Student Number and Password within 24 hours we ask that you contact the USGI office in case of communication problems. Phone to USGI: 210-464-1473

By your paid registration, you acknowledge and agree to the above Student Agreement form and agree to abide by the conditions of registration as set forth.