Undergraduate Enrollment Contract

TEMPORARY POLICY CHANGE ON DEPOSIT REFUNDS: Any student who pays a deposit between May 30, 2025 and July 15, 2025 will be eligible for a full refund of their deposit and any pre-paid tuition and fees if they are unable to obtain a visa appointment by August 30, 2025. To be eligible for the refund, you must request your refund by August 30, 2025. We will process all timely refund requests by September 15, 2025. Deferrals and deposits made after July 15, 2025 will be subject to the terms of your Enrollment Contract. Visa denials are subject to our standard policy as set forth in Section 3 of the Enrollment Contract.

1. By submitting this application, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions, which form a legal contract between you and the International Accelerator at American University (“IAP”). If you are submitting this application on behalf of another person, it is your responsibility to ensure that the person applying to the IAP at American University is aware of these terms and accepts them, and by submitting the application you are warranting that you have made the applicant aware of these terms and that they have accepted these terms.
2. If you are admitted, you will be placed in the appropriate program track based on your academic and English-language credentials submitted with this application and the results of the post-arrival English test. You acknowledge that there are price disparities between each program track based on length and course of study, which may include required English language courses.
3. Students applying with post-secondary college credits are subject to additional requirements. You must disclose any post-secondary college credits earned now. If you have taken credit-bearing university-level courses after the completion of high school, you must meet the current secondary school GPA requirements, as well as the GPA requirement of a U.S.-equivalent 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) for post-secondary college credits, regardless of whether or not you wish to transfer such credit. American University may accept up to 60 transfer credits. Vocational and ESL studies are not considered during the admissions review process. Transfer credits will not apply to the IAP curricular requirements and may only apply post-matriculation in academic years two, three, and four only. There is no guarantee that post-secondary college credits will be accepted.

Enrollment Contract – Student’s Acceptance of the Offer:

General

1. By submitting your deposit, you are agreeing to this Enrollment Contract, which forms a legal contract between you and the International Accelerator at American University (“IAP,” “we,” or “us”). IAP reserves the right to amend this Enrollment Contract from time to time.
2. In addition to this Enrollment Contract, please familiarize yourself with all documentation provided to you by IAP.
3. Degree Verification and Non-US Institutions. American University is an accredited university in the U.S. You may be required to submit your degree for verification (sometimes called “validation” or “authentication”), either by your employer or your country’s education authority if you wish to live and work in your home country. It is your responsibility to determine what level of verification is needed and how to obtain it. We do not guarantee that your American University degree will be verified outside of the U.S. Degree verification does not impact the validity or value of your degree in the U.S. Further, we do not guarantee that credits earned at American University will be transferrable to systems of higher education outside of the U.S. Whether and how much transfer credit to award is in the discretion of the foreign institution.

Tuition and Fees; Refunds

4. Tuition and Fees Payment. Following payment of the deposit, you must pay the remaining outstanding balance shown on your IAP invoice by the due date indicated on the invoice. You are responsible for paying the full invoice amount, including any banking or processing fees, to IAP. IAP has the right to amend prices due to University actions, governmental actions, or other events beyond its control.
5. Failure to Pay. Failure to pay by your payment deadline may lead to penalties, including late fees, inability to gain access to program housing and use of a meal plan, inability to progress after completion of your IAP program, and a hold on your account that will prevent you from enrolling in classes. If you are unable to enroll due to nonpayment of tuition and fees you may be in violation of your immigration status. You may be administratively separated from the IAP for failure to pay your account balance.
6. Deposit Refunds. To be eligible for a refund of your deposit, within 60 days after your program’s start date you must submit a written refund request together with documentation showing your visa application was denied before your move-in date. Otherwise, we do not refund deposits.
7. Undergraduate Enrollment Deferrals. Deferrals must be requested prior to or within 60 days after your original move-in date. You may defer your enrollment for up to one calendar year (i.e., three consecutive semesters, including summer); however, your deposit will roll-over for one deferral only (i.e., a Fall deposit will apply for Spring, but a new deposit is required starting with the Summer semester if you defer again). We will not refund your original deposit. After one calendar year, you will be required to re-apply with a new application and deposit.
8. Refunds for Cancellation of Enrollment. If you cancel your enrollment prior to your move-in date (found here), you may request a full refund of fees paid, less housing and any other non-refundable fees. After the start of your intake (initial) semester/term of enrollment in IAP, you may be eligible for the partial refunds listed in the table below. After the no-refund dates listed, all tuition and fees for the entire duration of your IAP program are nonrefundable.

   No Refunds for Immediate Transfer. You will not receive a refund of your deposit or any tuition or fees if you enter the United States on an American University-issued I-20 and immediately request a transfer of your I-20 to another program, school, college or university.

9. Visa-Denial Refund Exceptions – Virtual Start. You acknowledge that you must obtain a valid study-eligible visa to complete your degree or program in the U.S. if your program is no longer offered online. We cannot guarantee you will receive such visa. Moreover, you may not know if you are denied a visa until after substantially completing your online studies. If you are denied a visa after successfully completing any online portion of your Undergraduate Accelerator, you must adhere to the following process:
   1. You may reapply to the program and if you are admitted and able t0 obtain a visa within 12 months. We will place you in the program track consistent with your submitted English proficiency test scores as long as they remain valid. New English proficiency scores will be required if your original scores have expired. We will apply the balance of your original paid program tuition, less a housing fee equal to 25% of the housing cost for your intended first term on campus, towards your new program costs.
   2. You will need to retest your English proficiency if your original test scores have expired. Once admitted, we will apply the balance of your original paid program tuition, less a housing fee equal to 60%   of the housing cost for your intended first term on campus (for D.C. based housing only; Zhejiang University housing costs will not be refunded), towards your new program costs. We will retest your English proficiency after you arrive in the U.S. As a result of your new post-arrival English proficiency test scores, you may require a program that is longer and costlier than your original program. You may be required to repeat coursework and will be subject to the then-current progression requirements (found here).
   3. If you are readmitted to your program but cannot obtain a visa within 12 months, you may be eligible for a refund of future term tuition and health insurance paid, provided that (1) you submit documentation (your visa denial letter and proof of visa appointment) to [finance@auaccelerator.com] verifying at least two U.S. visa denials in the previous 12 months, and (2) you remain in good standing and achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher during the online portion of your program.

Exclusions:

10. No refund is provided if you continue your degree or program fully online (except a 40% credit of the housing cost for a Washington, DC based housing option; Zhejiang University housing costs are not refunded), if you withdraw and do not reapply to your program within 12 months, or if you are not eligible to reapply to the Undergraduate Accelerator or American Collegiate program due to poor behavioral or academic performance (i.e. if you are administratively separated or dismissed).
11. If you had confirmed an on-campus program but cannot obtain a visa you may enroll in an online program (if offered). You may request a credit of 40% of your Fall 2021 housing funds paid with proof of your visa denial. If you are unable to travel to campus for other reasons related to COVID-19, such as a travel ban, you may also submit a refund request to sharmeen.ahsanbracciale@auaccelerator.com no later than 8/29/21 for the Fall 2021 semester. Please note decisions on such requests will be made on a case-by-case basis.
12. Refunds Generally. You must submit your refund request for all eligible refunds within 60 days of program completion, withdrawal, or dismissal. The request form can be found at the IAP office. All refunds will be issued in U.S. Dollars, minus bank transfer and processing fees, including any fees incurred for a rejected payment, according to the exchange rate in place at the time of the refund. All eligible refunds will be processed when students complete, withdraw, or are dismissed from our program. This may be transferred to the student’s university account or processed as a refund directly to the student. Refunds are typically issued within 60 business days from receipt of completed form.

Accommodations & Services

13. Airport Transfers. Requests for airport transfer service must be made at least two weeks in advance of arrival by visiting https://accelerator.american.edu/before-you-arrive/. Airport transfers are available for your initial arrival on campus for flights arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAPD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). We cannot guarantee a reservation for a request made less than two weeks in advance. If your flight is cancelled or delayed, you must call the emergency telephone number published in the Next Steps Brochure to inform IAP staff of the new arrival date or time. Any airport transfer fees paid are non-refundable.
14. Housing Accommodation and Meal Plan. Undergraduate IAP and Pre-Sessional students are required to commit to a reservation in approved IAP housing. We will provide you with a housing contract prior to your move-in date containing the terms of your residency. If you are unable to live in IAP housing, you must request a housing waiver by completing the housing preference form prior to arrival and move-in. Please be aware that we will only waive the housing requirement in extenuating circumstances. Payment for housing is due in full two weeks prior to the move-in date unless you are on a payment plan pre-approved by IAP. Late housing payments or failure to pay housing costs may result in additional fees. You will not receive a refund of housing fees for your first semester if you cancel your housing contract after the payment due date indicated on your Statement of Fees.  If you withdraw from the IAP, you will not receive refund of program housing for the term following your semester of withdrawal.  If you begin your IA program virtually and withdraw more than 45 days before the start of your next term, you are eligible for future term housing refunds.  If you withdraw within 45 days of the start of your next term, you will not receive refund of program housing for the term following your semester of withdrawal.  Students living in on-campus housing must also purchase and enroll in a meal plan. Questions regarding meal plans, including meal plan refunds, may be directed to mealplans@american.edu.
15. Health Insurance. All international students studying at IAP are required to be covered by health insurance that meets the U.S. Government and District of Columbia requirements. Not all services are covered, and the student is responsible for any outstanding balances for non-covered services.
    1. You are required to purchase coverage from an IAP-designated health plan as a condition of enrollment.
    2. You must have a completed Student Health Center Mandatory Immunization Form documenting proof of immunity to Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and German Measles (Rubella) [MMR]; one Diphtheria/Tetanus booster within the past ten years; two doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine; series of Hepatitis B vaccine; polio vaccine (if under the age of 18), and the Meningococcal vaccine. Mandatory Immunization Forms may be obtained here: www.american.edu/ocl/healthcenter. You must have completed immunization documentation prior to class registration in order to enroll in any courses. Failure to comply with Washington DC immunization requirements may lead to the inability to register for classes and possible administrative separation from the program. All immunization forms must be translated into English.
    3. You are fully and solely responsible for the payment of any premiums or other costs associated with maintaining health insurance coverage, and neither American University nor IAP shall be responsible for payment of any funds related to a student’s health insurance. Be advised that the cost of health insurance non-refundable.

IAP Policies, Procedures and Requirements

16. Vacation, Holidays and School Closures. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s Academic Calendar at american.edu/provost/registrar/academic-calendar.cfm for holidays and vacations. Classes will not be held on designated school vacations and may be cancelled on public holidays. We do not reimburse for classes not offered due to planned or unplanned school closures.
17. Absences. Failure to meet attendance requirements may lead to penalties, including loss of immigration status and grades of FX or FZ. Students with such grades on their transcript may be administratively separated and will receive no refund.
18. Withdrawal or Medical Leave of Absence. To voluntarily withdraw from the program, you must submit a withdrawal form through the IAP. Health insurance, tuition and fees will not be refunded for voluntary withdrawals. Please see Housing Accommodation and Meal Plan section for housing refund information. To request a withdrawal or Leave of Absence (LOA) due to medical reasons, you must apply through the IAP and the Dean of Students office; IAP will honor any tuition refunds granted by the University for a medical withdrawal in conflict with this Enrollment Contract, however certain housing and other IAP fees may not be refundable. No refunds are issued for LOAs but unused balance may be applied to a future semester in IAP. Be aware that your program’s tuition and fees may be higher at your semester of return, and you will be required to pay the difference before you can enroll.
19. Program of Study. Upon arrival on campus, you will be required to take an English-language assessment test. The results of the assessment test are used to place you on the program track that is appropriate for your skill level, which may be different from what was indicated on your admissions letter. If your post-arrival assessment test score does not meet the criteria for your assigned program track you will not be able to enroll in that track. As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated and involve additional costs, including tuition and other fees. If you choose to withdraw from IAP because you do not wish to enroll in the track that your post arrival English-language assessment test results require, the refund terms contained in this Enrollment Contract will apply to you. Students who do not complete the English-language assessment test and any retesting requirements by the end of orientation week may be dropped from their course registration, which may have negative implications for your immigration status.
20. Consecutive Semesters. Undergraduate Accelerator students and undergraduate Pre-Sessional English students must complete their program in consecutive semesters. Depending on your start date, a summer term may be included in your program and is therefore required. This policy extends to students who successfully complete the Pre-Sessional English program in the spring semester; these students are required to continue into the Extended Accelerator Program beginning in the summer term.
21. Concurrent Enrollment: Enrollment at another higher education institution is not permitted while in the IAP.
22. Academic Performance. Students are accepted to IAP with the strict understanding that satisfactory attendance, successful attainment of specified progression criteria, and adherence to AU’s Academic Rules and Regulations, which can be found atwww.american.edu/ocl/sccrs/upload/AU-Student-Conduct-Code.pdf, are required. You must be in compliance with the IAP academic standards and progression requirements, which can be found at: accelerator.american.edu/undergraduate-accelerator/progression-requirements/, and may be amended. You will not be allowed to proceed if you do not meet the minimum standards set by AU and IAP. If you are unable to proceed, you may be offered advice on suitable alternatives, including repeating courses or administrative separation from IAP. These alternative options may involve additional time and costs, including tuition and other fees that may require presenting additional proof of finances.
23. Academic or Conduct Rule and Policy Violations. You may be suspended, dismissed or administratively separated if you violate any of AU’s or IAP’s policies, rules, or regulations, which may result in the revocation of your immigration status. No refund will be given in cases of suspension, dismissal or administrative separation.
24. Re-Application. If you are dismissed or administratively separated from the IAP for any reason, you may not reapply to your current program, the American Collegiate DC program, or any other program offered by IAP. Voluntary or medical withdrawal process must be completed, and you must be officially withdrawn from IAP and AU before you may submit a new application to IAP or AU. IAP Refund policies outlined in the section Tuition and Fees; Refunds, above, will apply.
25. Withdrawal. IAP refund policies outlined in section ‘Tuition and Fees; Refunds’ above will apply.
26. IAP Pre-Orientation Program (POP). If you are beginning your IAP program early through an in-person or virtual pre-orientation program, you are agreeing to the additional terms set forth here. If you cancel your POP enrollment prior to its start date, you may request a full refund of POP fees paid, less any non-refundable fees such as banking, housing and administrative fees. After start date, all tuition and fees for the entire duration of your Pre-Orientation Program at IAP are nonrefundable.

Legal

27. Photography, Filming and Sound Recording. IAP or its representatives, affiliates, successors and related companies may arrange to photograph or shoot video footage of students for purposes of advertising, public relations, and/or promotion in any medium throughout the world, including on social media sites and on the internet. If you do not wish to participate you must advise us in writing and state at the time of the photography or video shooting the wish not to participate. By accepting this Enrollment Contract you are indicating your consent to use these photographs or video footage without further consent or notifications unless you follow the above opt-out requirements.
28. Force Majeure. IAP will not be liable in cases where AU and/or IAP is unable to fulfill any services because of fire, natural disaster, disease or pandemic, national emergency, act of government, acts of war or terrorism, failure of suppliers or subcontractors, labor disputes or any other reasons which are beyond AU’s or IAP’s control.
29. Liability. The liability of Shorelight-Capitol, LLC d/b/a International Accelerator at American University, its parent Shorelight Education, LLC, and their group companies, their directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, and partners with respect to losses arising from negligence (except where such liability cannot be excluded as a matter of law), breach of contract, or otherwise will be limited in all circumstances to the full amount paid to AU, IAP, or the relevant group company by the relevant student for the particular program. Such companies and persons will in no circumstances have any liability for indirect or consequential losses or damages. Any dispute, claim, or other matter arising will be subject to the jurisdiction and laws of the District of Columbia without regard to the choice of law rules. Any legal suit, action, or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right or issues arising out of or related to, this Enrollment Contract shall be brought exclusively in the United States District for the District of Columbia. By submitting your deposit, you hereby consent to this Enrollment Contract and accept the jurisdictions of such courts for the purpose of any such action or proceeding and agree to waive any objection to venue being laid therein.
30. Legal Compliance. We have a legal obligation to comply with U.S. laws and regulations. We may use certain information you provided to us on your application to ensure our compliance with export and other regulations by screening you against lists prepared by federal government agencies, such as those prepared by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. You hereby consent to the transfer of your personally identifiable information to third-party screening services that we have retained solely to conduct such screenings.

University Policies, Procedures and Requirements

31. As a student at American University you are also bound by the rules and regulations governing American University (“AU” or “University”), as those may be amended from time to time. These rules and regulations may be found at: www.american.edu/policies/index.cfm.
32. In addition to this Enrollment Contract, and as part of your offer you have received other University information or documents that contain additional terms of your participation. Please familiarize yourself with all documentation provided to you by AU.
33. In addition to the health insurance requirements listed in this Enrollment Contract, the terms of your health insurance must meet AU requirements. You are fully and solely responsible for the payment of any premiums or other costs associated with maintaining health insurance coverage, and AU is not responsible for payment of any funds related to your health insurance.
34. Academic Integrity Code, Student Conduct Code, and Policy Violations. You are required to adhere to the AU’s Academic Integrity Code which can be found at https://www.american.edu/academics/integrity/index.cfm, and AU’s Student Conduct Code which can be found at https://www.american.edu/ocl/sccrs/. You may be suspended or dismissed if you violate any of AU’s policies, rules, or regulations, which may result in the revocation of your immigration status. No refund will be given in cases of suspension or dismissal.
35. Dismissal or Administrative Separation. If you are dismissed or administratively separated from the University for any reason you may not reapply to the IAP, the American Collegiate DC program, or any other program offered by International Accelerator.
36. Force Majeure. AU is not liable in cases where AU is unable to fulfill any services because of fire, natural disaster, disease or pandemic, national emergency, act of government, acts of war or terrorism, failure of suppliers or subcontractors, labor disputes, or any other reasons that are beyond AU’s control.

Visa Status

37. The U.S. Government regulations require maintaining a full course of study and good academic status while attending school in the United States as an F-1 student. Failure to maintain good academic status will lead to loss of your immigration status. If you intend to seek permanent resident status at any point during your anticipated tenure at AU, you must disclose such intent at the time of application. Please be aware that scheduling and class attendance conflicts that arise from pursuing immigration status changes will not be accommodated and may prevent you from continuing your studies. You may be administratively separated from IAP if you seek or obtain permanent residency. No refunds will be given if you must withdraw due to your actual or anticipated change to permanent resident status.