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
| Version | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Feb 25, 2023 | Original Terms of Use publication |
| 2.0 | Jul 10, 2025 | Major update to align with governance structure, Privacy Policy, KYC, and Code of Conduct |
