Terms of Use

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Terms of Use

Effective Date: July 10, 2025

Previous Version: February 25, 2023

1. Introduction

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) are a legal agreement between you and the Harvard Aerospace and Defense Alumni Organization (HADAO), a not-for-profit association existing under the laws of the State of Massachusetts, U.S.A, and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively “HADAO,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

These Terms govern your access to and use of all digital and physical services operated by HADAO, including but not limited to:

  • Websites, mobile applications, online platforms, registration systems

  • Donation links, digital exhibits, forms, surveys, and member portals

  • Any future interactive features or tools

By accessing or using any HADAO-operated site or service (“Sites”), you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not access or use our Sites or Services.

2. Eligibility & Identity Verification (KYC)

To access HADAO services, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age in your jurisdiction), unless explicitly participating in a HADAO-approved program for younger members (e.g., pre-college, interns, or student fellows) with verified parental or institutional consent

  • Accurately complete our membership registration

  • Undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, including proof of Harvard affiliation when applicable

We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 13 (or 16 in the EU), and minors under the age of majority must have verified consent to participate.

We reserve the right to deny or revoke access at any time if eligibility or authenticity cannot be confirmed.

3. Governance and Oversight

HADAO is governed by a Board of Directors and a team of Officers responsible for operational execution and oversight. These governing bodies ensure:

  • Strategic alignment of activities

  • Legal and ethical compliance

  • Enforcement of these Terms

  • Fair resolution of disputes

The Board and Officers also oversee the organization’s privacy practices and ensure alignment with applicable international data protection laws, such as GDPR and CCPA.

4. Acceptance of Terms

By using any HADAO service, you:

  • Confirm eligibility under Section 2

  • Accept these Terms and any Additional Terms that may apply

  • Acknowledge that HADAO may revise Terms and policies at its discretion

5. Code of Conduct and Political Neutrality

To ensure a positive and inclusive environment, HADAO has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all volunteers, members, staff, and guests. This Code reflects our shared values and expectations for respectful behavior and responsible engagement.

The Code is publicly available via HADAO’s bylaws and is referenced across key communication channels including the website, event registration pages, and community platforms.

Guiding Principle: “In cases where conduct by any individual—volunteer, member, staff, or guest—is deemed harmful to the welfare of HADAO or its community, the Board of Directors may, by majority vote, suspend or revoke privileges in accordance with the bylaws.”

To support accountability, HADAO maintains a clear process for reviewing issues and addressing concerns, ensuring that all matters are handled transparently and fairly.

Member Portal Governance
The HADAO Member Portal is a valuable resource for collaboration, networking, and engagement. All content shared through the platform must align with HADAO’s bylaws and the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) Code of Conduct. Regular moderation ensures that member contributions reflect the high standards of our global alumni community.

Political Neutrality
As a global, inclusive organization representing alumni from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, HADAO upholds a position of political neutrality. In alignment with the Harvard Alumni Association’s Clubs and SIGs Operating Agreement:

“The Club/SIG may not engage in any political campaign/issue or make statements for or against any candidate for public office.”

This policy helps protect HADAO’s credibility, foster inclusivity, and ensure the organization remains focused on its core mission: advancing innovation, collaboration, and impact in the aerospace and defense sectors.

6. Intellectual Property and Use Restrictions

Unless otherwise indicated, HADAO owns all intellectual property, including trademarks, logos, digital content, and program materials.

You may not:

  • Copy, distribute, or reproduce site content without permission

  • Misrepresent affiliation with HADAO

  • Use HADAO’s branding or logo without written consent

7. Member Contributions

HADAO may allow submission of content (“Member Contributions”) including:

  • Text, images, media, or survey responses

  • Forum comments, event uploads, or ideas

By submitting content, you:

  • Grant HADAO a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use it

  • Confirm you have full rights to your submissions

  • Acknowledge public visibility and moderation (including AI tools)

HADAO is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of user-submitted content.

8. Programs and Services

HADAO offers:

  • Membership engagement opportunities

  • Events, webinars, and training programs

  • Philanthropic and fundraising campaigns

  • Research, fellowships, and innovation initiatives

  • Access to member directories and private forums

These services are subject to change or discontinuation without notice.

9. Data Privacy and Security

All personal data is collected and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which complies with applicable regulations including:

  • GDPR (EU/UK)

  • CCPA (California)

  • KYC obligations

We implement technical and administrative safeguards to protect your data.

To learn about your rights regarding data access, correction, deletion, and how we use cookies and analytics tools, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

10. Community Moderation and Enforcement

HADAO reserves the right to monitor content and user behavior. We may:

  • Remove or restrict access to material that violates these Terms

  • Use automated tools to identify inappropriate or harmful content

  • Report suspected violations to relevant authorities or partners

Repeat or severe violations may lead to termination of access.

11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

All HADAO content and services are provided “as is.” We make no warranties, express or implied.

We are not liable for:

  • Inaccuracies, errors, or interruptions in service

  • Losses due to unauthorized access or use

  • Third-party links or content

12. Termination of Use

We may suspend or terminate your access for any breach of these Terms or other community violations. You may terminate your membership by contacting info@harvardaerodefense.org

13. International Use and Jurisdiction

Accessing HADAO services from outside the United States is done at your own risk. You are responsible for compliance with local laws. Your data may be stored or processed in the U.S. or other jurisdictions where HADAO operates.

14. Updates to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Updates will be posted with a new effective date. Continued use of our services signifies acceptance.

15. Contact Us

Questions or concerns?
📧 info@harvardaerodefense.org

Version History

VersionDateDescription
1.0Feb 25, 2023

Original Terms of Use publication

2.0Jul 10, 2025

Major update to align with governance structure, Privacy Policy, KYC, and Code of Conduct

Programs

Hybrid Museum

Support a hybrid virtual museum showcasing the history and achievements of the aerospace & defense industry.

Scholarship Program

Support the next generation of leaders in the aerospace & defense fields through financial support and mentorship.

Space Shelters

Support developing innovative, sustainable, and efficient shelter solutions for use on Mars and beyond.

Events

Any upcoming events will show here soon.