Refund Policy

9.1 Policy Purpose

This Refund Policy establishes the standards governing payments for all programs, Honorary Doctoral Leadership Programs, Degrees, Certificates, events, ceremonies, and commencement-related fees administered by Ekklesia Institute Inc.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure:

• Financial transparency and fairness

• Protection of institutional and administrative resources

Consistency with governance, ethical, and faith-based standards

9.2 General Refund Policy (Strict No-Refund Standard)

All payments made to Ekklesia Institute Inc.™ are administrative, programmatic, ceremonial, or ecclesiastical fees.

Unless otherwise required by law:

• All fees are NON-REFUNDABLE

• No refunds are issued once payment is submitted

• Submission of payment constitutes full acknowledgment and acceptance of this Refund Policy and all related governance documents

This policy applies regardless of participation level, completion status, attendance, or outcome.

9.3 Non-Refundable Fees (Inclusive List)

The following fees are strictly non-refundable, including but not limited to:

• Required Application fees ($125)

• Nomination processing fees

• Program enrollment fees

• Honorary Doctoral Leadership Program fees

• Honorary Degree issuance fees

• Honorary Leadership Certificate fees

• Graduation & Commencement Participation & Regalia Package Fees

• Regalia production and shipping costs

• Diploma production and fulfillment costs

• Administrative and processing fees

• Optional add-ons once ordered (memorabilia packages, photo packages, reception tickets, etc.)

These fees represent costs incurred immediately upon processing, administrative review, production, or logistical preparation.

9.4 Graduation & Commencement Fees (No Refunds / No Exceptions)

All graduation and commencement-related fees are non-refundable, including the required

$3500 Participation & Graduation Regalia Package Fee, once:

• A Graduation or Participation Agreement has been executed, or

• Regalia, diplomas, invitations, or ceremony logistics have been initiated

If a participant is unable or elects not to attend commencement:

• Fees are not refunded

• Participation may be deferred to a future ceremony at the sole discretion of the Institute

• Additional fees may apply for future participation

9.5 Program Withdrawal, Non-Completion, or Inactivity

If a participant:

• Withdraws voluntarily

• Fails to complete program requirements

• Misses deadlines

• Becomes inactive

• Is unable to complete participation for any reason

No refunds will be issued for any fees paid.

Program access, portals, or privileges may be revoked without financial reimbursement.

Failure to meet requirements does not constitute grounds for a refund.

9.6 Denial, Revocation, or Termination by the Institute

If Ekklesia Institute Inc.™ denies admission, revokes recognition, or terminates participation due to:

• Misrepresentation or falsification of information

• Policy violations

• Ethical misconduct

• Failure to meet eligibility requirements

• Non-payment of required fees

No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

All determinations by the Institute are final.

9.7 Event Changes, Rescheduling, or Force Majeure

Ekklesia Institute Inc.™ reserves the right to modify, postpone, reschedule, or relocate programs, ceremonies, convocations, or events due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to:

Acts of God

Public health or safety concerns

Governmental restrictions

Venue or logistical limitations

Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund.

At its discretion, the Institute may offer alternative participation or rescheduling options.

9.8 Diploma & Regalia Accuracy

Participants are solely responsible for verifying name spelling and personal details prior to submission.

A non-refundable $50 processing fee applies for diploma reorders due to participant error

Errors caused by the Institute will be corrected at no additional cost

9.9 Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

Unauthorized chargebacks or payment disputes may result in:

• Immediate suspension or termination of participation

• Revocation of honorary recognition, credentials, or privileges

• Permanent ineligibility for future Ekklesia Institute Inc.™ programs

Participants are required to contact the Institute directly to resolve billing concerns prior to initiating disputes.

9.10 Exceptions (Rare & Documented Only)

Any exception to this Refund Policy must:

• Be approved in writing by authorized Ekklesia Institute Inc.™ leadership

• Be formally documented and retained in official financial records

Verbal assurances or informal communications do not constitute approval.

9.11 Acknowledgment & Acceptance

Submission of payment to Ekklesia Institute Inc.™ constitutes:

Acknowledgment of this Refund Policy

Acceptance of all Terms & Conditions and Disclaimers

Agreement to be bound by institutional governance documents

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ekklesia Institute Inc.™ shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from participation in our offerings, honorary recognitions, or use of our content.

GOVERNING LAW

These Terms & Policies are governed by and interpreted in accordance with applicable laws of the United States, structured to comply with consumer standards applicable in Georgia and Florida, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding these policies, please contact:

Ekklesia Institute Inc.™

[email protected]

www.ekklesiainstitute.com