University Bridge Terms and Conditions

University Bridge Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (referred to as the “Terms and Conditions” or this “Agreement”) govern participation in University Bridge, a pathway program operated by CollegeSolved, LLC (d/b/a University Bridge) (“University Bridge,” “we,” or “us”), in partnership with Santa Monica College (“SMC”), Irvine Valley College (“IVC”), College of San Mateo (“CSM”), College of Marin (“COM”), Shoreline College (“Shoreline”) and Piedmont Virginia Community College (“PVCC”, together with SMC, IVC, CSM, COM and Shoreline, each a “Partner College”). By submitting a deposit, paying fees, and/or participating in University Bridge services, you (“student” or “you”) agree to the terms below. These Terms and Conditions form a binding agreement between you and University Bridge.

1. Program Overview and Eligibility

1.1. University Bridge provides academic support, advising, and student services to international and domestic students enrolled at a Partner College. University Bridge is not itself a college and does not offer instruction or confer degrees. All instruction is delivered by the Partner College, and academic transcripts and degrees are issued by the Partner College.

1.2. Students must meet eligibility requirements set by both University Bridge and the Partner College. These include minimum age, academic qualifications, and English language proficiency, as published in our marketing materials.

1.3. Students who are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise authorized to study in the U.S. must obtain a Form I-20 from the Partner College in order to granted an F-1 visa.

2. Enrollment Period and Program Duration

2.1. The minimum enrollment commitment is one academic year. For a student starting in Fall (August or September), the academic year runs from August through July. For a student beginning in other terms, the academic year runs from the intake date through July. At quarter-system schools (e.g., Shoreline), an academic year includes any four consecutive quarters.

2.2. Students may be invited to renew for additional academic years. Renewal requires a non-refundable deposit and is subject to continued compliance with these Terms and Conditions.

3. Services Provided by University Bridge

3.1. University Bridge provides academic advising, transfer guidance, and regular monitoring of academic progress. Services may include, but are not limited to:

• Course selection assistance
• Transfer and application planning
• Essay and resume review
• Regular academic check-ins and family updates

3.2. For a student electing housing, additional services beyond furnished housing may include, but are not limited to:

• Local SIM card with data
• Scheduled student activities
• Emergency assistance
• Move-in support

Such additional services are subject to change without notice.

3.3. Participation in academic services is mandatory. Housing services are optional.

4. Fees and Tuition Responsibilities

4.1. The total annual fee (outlined in the deposit and final invoices) covers:

• Tuition at the Partner College (up to the number of credits, if any, set forth in the final invoice)
• Health insurance (if an F-1 visa student)
• University Bridge academic services
• Housing and additional services (if elected)

4.2. University Bridge is responsible for making tuition payments to the Partner College on behalf of the student, up to the credit limits listed in the final invoice.  If the student exceeds the maximum number of credit hours, then University Bridge reserves the right to decide whether the excess credits are paid directly by the student or by University Bridge.  Should University Bridge pay for the excess credits, they will be billed to the student at the cost charged to University Bridge.

4.3. University Bridge may engage third-party service providers (including but not limited to, housekeeping, tutoring, apartment management) to fulfill its obligations without prior consent from the student.

4.4. All fees must be paid in accordance with invoice deadlines. Late or missed payments may result in suspension or termination of services.

4.5. Collection and Enforcement.  If any amount due remains unpaid by you after the stated deadline, University Bridge reserves the right to refer the balance to a third-party collections agency and/or pursue legal remedies to recover the unpaid amount. The student and their parent(s), guardian(s), or financial sponsor(s) shall be responsible for all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs. Unpaid balances may also result in holds on services or release of records.

5. Conduct and Legal Waivers

5.1. Students must follow all University Bridge and Partner College policies, including codes of conduct, academic rules, and housing regulations.

5.2. University Bridge may terminate services for violations including but not limited to non-payment, academic dishonesty, falsified application documents, non-participation, or disruptive behavior.

5.3. Students found to have submitted falsified application documents may be dismissed without refund.

5.4. The student and their parent(s), guardian(s), or financial sponsor(s) are jointly and severally liable for all payments and invoiced expenses, including, but not limited to, any damage to the student’s apartments, due under this Agreement.

5.5. Parent, Guardian, and Sponsor Conduct. University Bridge reserves the right to limit communication or modify services if a parent, guardian, financial sponsor, or agent behaves in a manner that is abusive, threatening, or obstructive toward University Bridge staff. In cases of repeated or severe misconduct, University Bridge may terminate services without refund.

6. Student Records and Communication

6.1. Students consent to the disclosure of their academic, financial, and conduct records to their parent(s), guardian(s), sponsors, and agents.

6.2. Students must maintain current contact information with University Bridge, including a local address, valid email address and mobile number.

6.3. University Bridge may communicate important program updates and reports using the contact information provided by the student.

7. Academic Adjustments and Placement

7.1. Upon arrival, University Bridge may administer placement exams in English and/or math to determine appropriate course levels.

7.2. Based on these results, the student’s academic schedule or expected graduation timeline may be adjusted. Additional costs resulting from these adjustments are the responsibility of the student.

8. Refund Policy

All payments are non-refundable, except under the following limited conditions:

• if the student is denied admission by the Partner College, the student will eligible to apply for another Partner College or for a full refund of the deposit; or
• if the student (i) provides written confirmation of an F-1 visa denial (visa appointment confirmation including DS160 application number, SEVIS fee payment receipt and visa denial letter), (ii) participates in a University Bridge visa preparation session after such denial and (iii) provides written confirmation of a second F-1 visa denial (visa appointment confirmation including DS160 application number, SEVIS fee payment receipt and visa denial letter), then the student may request a refund of the deposit and University Bridge shall refund the deposit, minus a $750 administrative fee.

To be eligible for a refund of your deposit or other payments under the visa denial policy, you must submit the completed refund request form and provide all supporting documents no later than sixty (60) days after the “Start of Classes” as set forth on your Form I-20 from the Partner College.

For the avoidance of doubt, refunds will not be granted to students who:

• Transfer their Partner College-issued Form I-20 to another institution;
• Provide false, fraudulent, or misleading documents at any stage of the application or visa process;
• Engage in academic dishonesty (including but not limited to cheating or plagiarism), misconduct, or any behavior that results in loss of eligibility for admission or enrollment at the Partner College or University Bridge;
• Do not complete the visa application or attend a visa interview;
• Are U.S. citizens, green card holders or on other valid visas which do not require a new F-1 visa; or
• Withdraw or are dismissed by University Bridge or the Partner College.

9. Online Study and Mode Switching

9.1. Students may request to study online. Approval is at the sole discretion of University Bridge.

9.2. Students may switch between online and in-person learning only at the start of each term, and must obtain written approval from University Bridge in advance.

9.3. Online students receive the same academic services and pay the same fees as in-person students.

10. Housing

10.1. University Bridge housing is optional but must be elected by the deadline established by University Bridge. Late requests may not be accommodated.  Students who elect not to live with University Bridge must provide their local address to their University Bridge advisor and any update to such address.  Students are discouraged from living more than 30 minutes from the Partner College campus and any such student will be required to sign additional documentation related to attendance.

10.2. Housing terms, move-in dates, and deposits are listed on the student invoice.  General move-out periods will be listed on the student invoice, and specific dates will be provided to students.

10.3. Housing cancellations are not permitted, and no refunds will be issued for housing. Failure to pay may result in denial of access or eviction.

10.4. Students in housing must follow all University Bridge housing policies, including a signed code of conduct.

11. Transfer Assistance and University Admissions

11.1. Students must attend workshops, meet with advisors regularly, and meet deadlines in order to receive full transfer support.

11.2. While some universities offer guaranteed transfer pathways, University Bridge does not guarantee admission to any institution.

12. Deferral Policy

12.1. Students may defer enrollment once, for up to one year, by notifying [email protected].

12.2. Additional deferrals or deferrals longer than 12 months require written approval. Failure to receive written approval or to enroll within 12 months will result in forfeiture of all payments.

13. Health Insurance

13.1. All students must have valid health insurance while enrolled with University Bridge.

13.2. F-1 students will be provided health insurance either through the Partner College or by a third-party contracted by University Bridge. Other students are responsible for obtaining their own plan. Advisors are available to provide resources and direct students to options.

14. Expenses Not Covered

University Bridge fees do not include, among other things:

• Visa application costs
• Travel and airfare
• Meals and food
• Textbooks and supplies
• Personal spending
• ESL courses (if required)
• Tutoring services
• Medical care or additional insurance

15. Scholarships

15.1. Scholarships, when offered, are conditional and non-guaranteed.

15.2. Terms—including minimum GPA requirements—are specified in the student’s invoice and may vary.

15.3. Scholarship recipients agree to provide a photo and written testimonial upon university transfer, to be used in promotional materials.

16. Promotional Use and Publicity

16.1. By enrolling, students and their parents/guardians consent to a royalty-free and perpetual right to use any photos, videos, academic results, testimonials, and other identifying information for marketing purposes, in a manner consistent with the mission of University Bridge and the promotion of educational outcomes, without additional consent.

16.2. These materials may be used by University Bridge or shared with third parties such as agents or partner publications, provided such use remains consistent with University Bridge’s educational mission and values.

17. Late Arrival and Attendance

17.1. Students must arrive by the program start date set by University Bridge. Unapproved late arrivals may be denied entry for the term.

17.2. No refunds will be issued for late arrivals. Late arrival may affect class registration, housing, or eligibility to begin studies.

18. Program and Degree Changes

If a Partner College cancels or changes a degree program, University Bridge will work with the student to find alternatives, but we do not guarantee replacement or provide refunds.

19. Legal

19.1. Force Majeure.  University Bridge and its Partner Colleges shall not be held liable or responsible for any failure or delay in performing their obligations under these Terms and Conditions if such failure or delay is due to causes beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Acts of God (e.g., earthquake, flood, hurricane, wildfire)
• War, terrorism, civil unrest, or acts of public enemies
• Government restrictions or regulations (including travel bans or visa suspensions)
• Epidemics, pandemics, or public health emergencies (including COVID-19 and its variants)
• Labor strikes or industrial disputes not caused by the affected party
• Failure of utilities or internet infrastructure
• Acts or omissions of third-party service providers

In such cases, University Bridge will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide alternative services (including virtual advising, if applicable), but shall not be deemed in breach of contract for any failure to perform or delay in performance under these circumstances. No refunds will be issued for service interruptions or cancellations due to force majeure events.

19.2.  Limitation on Liability.  WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL UNIVERSITY BRIDGE BE LIABLE TO YOU UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER BASED UPON BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY) IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER UNIVERSITY BRIDGE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE, AND THE LIABILITY OF UNIVERSITY BRIDGE FOR ALL DAMAGES OR ALLEGED DAMAGES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, IS LIMITED TO, AND WILL NOT EXCEED THE FULL AMOUNT PAID TO UNIVERSITY BRIDGE BY YOU. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE DISCLAIMER OR EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. ACCORDINGLY, SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU OR BE ENFORCEABLE WITH RESPECT TO YOU.

19.3. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, such provision will be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder will continue in effect, to the extent consistent with the intent of the parties as of the effective date of this Agreement.

19.4. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution.

19.4.1. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including applicable statutes of limitation, without giving effect to any conflict-of-law or other principle that would result in the application of the law of any other jurisdiction.

19.4.2 Agreement to Arbitrate. Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the student’s participation in the University Bridge program, or the relationship between the student and University Bridge (whether arising in contract, tort, statute, or otherwise) shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration, rather than in court, except as provided for in section 19.4.4 below.

19.4.3. Arbitration Rules and Venue. Arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules then in effect, except as modified by this provision. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the arbitration shall take place in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, and proceedings shall be conducted in English. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award any relief permitted by applicable law. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

19.4.4. Jurisdiction for Limited Matters.  The state and federal courts located in Charlottesville, Virginia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any action (i) to enforce an arbitration award, (ii) to obtain temporary injunctive or equitable relief in aid of arbitration, or (iii) if, for any reason, arbitration is held unenforceable as to a particular dispute. Each party irrevocably consents to such jurisdiction and waives any objection to venue in those courts.

19.4.5. Class Action Waiver. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties agree that all claims must be brought in their individual capacities, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, consolidated, or representative proceeding.

19.4.6. Survival. This provision shall survive termination or expiration of the student’s participation in the University Bridge program.

20. Reliance on Third Parties.

20.1. Independent Agents. University Bridge may work with third-party agents, advisors, or representatives (“Agents”) who provide information about University Bridge programs to prospective students and their families. Agents are independent contractors and are not employees or legal representatives of University Bridge.

20.2. No Authority to Bind. Agents are not authorized to make promises, representations, or commitments on behalf of University Bridge. Only written materials published directly by University Bridge on its official website, or written agreements signed by an authorized University Bridge officer, shall be binding on University Bridge.

20.3. Disclaimer of Reliance. By enrolling, you acknowledge that you have not relied on any statements, representations, or promises made by an Agent or other third party that are inconsistent with the official written information provided directly by University Bridge.

20.4. Limitation of Liability. To the maximum extent permitted by law, University Bridge shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or claim arising from misrepresentations or unauthorized statements made by an Agent or other third party.