Dec 15, 2021
Study Buddy, LLC Community Policies
Last updated: August 25, 2021
The following policies are applicable for any services that You purchase from SB and participation
in the SB community.
1. INTERPRETATION
The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following
conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear
in singular or in plural.
2. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Return and Refund Policy:
a. Study Buddy (referred to as either "SB" "the Company", "We", "Us" or "Our" in this
Agreement) refers to Study Buddy, LLC, 6714 N. Seeley, Chicago, IL 60645.
b. Platform refers to the Study Buddy Application and Website.
c. You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal
entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.
3. PURPOSE.
SB's guidelines were developed to help make every experience feel safe, respectful, and positive.
They apply to everyone who uses SB's platform including but not limited to tutors and students,
merchants, and businesses. It also includes interactions you may have with SB employees and
contractors, through online support systems, or over the phone. In some instances, our guidelines
apply to conduct outside the SB Platform that SB becomes aware of, including but not limited to
information from other platforms, when such conduct may threaten the safety of the SB Platform.
Thank you for joining SB in supporting and safeguarding a welcoming environment.
The guidelines below help explain some of the specific kinds of positive community engagement on
the SB Platform, as well as the behaviors or circumstances that may cause you to lose access to the
SB Platform. There will always be unforeseen events that may ultimately lead to your losing access
to using the SB Platform and services, but the following guidelines—which we’11 update
regularly—provide the basis for behavior we expect from all in the SB community. Not following any
one of our guidelines can constitute a material breach or violation of the terms of your agreement
with SB and may result in the loss of access to part or all of the SB Platform.
Please take a moment to read them.
4. GENERAL GUIDELINES
Everyone who signs up for an SB account is expected and required to follow SB's Community
Guidelines reflecting the standards of conduct that SB strives to embody.
A. Treat Everyone with Respect
Treat everyone in the SB community as you would like to be treated yourself: with respect. The
actions you take while using the SB Platform can have a big impact on the safety and comfort of
others. Courtesy matters. That's why you are expected to exercise good judgment and behave decently
toward other people when using the SB Platform and interacting with others in the SB community—just
as you would in any public place.
For example, always try to be on time for your tutoring session or to pick up your delivery. It's
also common courtesy not to shout, swear, or slam doors. And by tidying up after yourself—whether
it's taking your trash home or cleaning up a spilled drink—you'll help ensure that everyone has a
pleasant tutoring session. Most importantly, remember that when you interact with others in the SB
community, you may meet people who may look different from you or think differently than you.
Please respect those differences. We believe that everyone should feel supported and welcomed when
interacting with others in the SB community. That's why we've created standards and policies on
physical contact, sexual assault, and misconduct, threatening and rude behavior, post-session
contact, discrimination, and property damage.
B. Physical Contact
Don't touch strangers or anyone you just met while using the SB Platform. Limited exceptions are
permitted for people needing or requesting physical assistance. Hurting or intending to hurt anyone
is never allowed.
C. Sexual Assault and Misconduct
We all value our personal space and privacy. It's OK to chat with other people. But please don't
comment on someone's appearance or ask whether they are single. Sexual assault and sexual
misconduct of any kind is prohibited. Sexual assault and misconduct refer to sexual contact or
behavior without explicit consent of the other person.
Personal space and privacy should be respected. The following list provides examples of
inappropriate conduct but is not exhaustive.
a. Do not ask personal questions (for example, about relationship status or sexual orientation)
b. Do not comment on appearance (for example, derogatory or “complimentary” comments)
c. Do not make explicit comments or gestures (for example, slurs, or graphic or suggestive
messages)
d. Do not flirt (for example, nonverbal, suggestive flirting, or being too physically close)
e. Do not display indecent material (for example, sexually suggestive objects or pictures)
f. SB has a no-sex rule regardless of whether you know the person, or they give you their
consent
D. Threatening And Rude Behavior
Aggressive, confrontational, or harassing behavior is not allowed. Don't use language, make
gestures, or take actions that could be disrespectful, threatening, or inappropriate. For example,
don't share graphic images (such as those that are sexually explicit or depict physical violence)
with others in the SB community; this includes unsolicited sharing of such images through SB's
online support systems or in connection with an SB Platform experience. It is also a good idea to
stay away from personal topics that can potentially be divisive, like religion and political
beliefs.
E. Post-Session Contact
Contact should end when the session complete unless it is to return a lost item. Unwanted contact
can be seen as harassment and includes, for example, texting, calling, social media contact,
visiting, or trying to visit someone in person after a session. Do not share any unnecessary
contact information.
F. Discrimination
You should always feel safe and welcome. That's why SB does not tolerate discriminatory conduct or
behavior, including toward the SB Support team. Do not discriminate against someone based on
traits such as their age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status,
pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic
protected under relevant law.
For example, it is unacceptable to:
a. Refuse to provide services based on characteristics like a person's age, color,
disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, or any other characteristic protected under relevant law.
b. Rate another user—whether tutors, students, merchants, restaurants, or businesses—based
on these traits.
G. Discriminate on the basis of a student's location. We understand how important it is to
fit tutoring around your life, rather than the other way around. It is not a violation of these
guidelines to decline a session because it does not work for you. But intentionally refusing or
canceling requests or using features on the SB Platform to avoid receiving session or delivery
requests, solely for the purpose of avoiding a particular neighborhood due to the characteristics
of the people or businesses that are located in that area, is not allowed.
SB also wants to help increase the tutoring option for people with disabilities. Tutors using the
SB Platform must comply with all relevant laws governing the tutoring of students with
disabilities, including allowing service animals and assistive devices during the tutoring session
(such as wheelchairs).
G. Property Damage
Damaging property is never allowed. Some examples include breaking or vandalizing a phone or
tablet, intentionally spilling food or drink, smoking during a tutoring session, damaging a
merchant's premises, or vomiting due to excessive alcohol consumption or otherwise. If you damage
property, you're responsible for the cost of cleaning and repair fees, outside of normal wear and
tear.
H. Help Keep One Another Safe
Everyone has a role to play in helping to create a safe environment. That's why we have standards
on account sharing, account holder age, and more.
I. Account Sharing
Account sharing is not allowed. To use the SB Platform, you need to register and maintain an active
account. Don't let another person use your account, and never share your personal information used
in connection with your account, including but not limited to username, password, or photos of
yourself, with anyone else to access the SB Platform.
J. People Under the Age Of 18
You must be 18 years or older to have an SB account. This means that you must be at least 18 years
old to request tutoring session. Account holders can't request a tutoring session for someone under
the age of 18 who will not be accompanied by either the account holder or another adult during the
tutoring session.
These age limitations apply unless our local guidelines, terms, or other policies say otherwise.
K. Extra Students and Non-Account Students
When tutoring with SB, no one other than the tutors, the requesting student, and the student's
guests should be in the vehicle. These guidelines apply unless our local guidelines, terms, or
other policies say otherwise. When tutoring with SB, the account holder is responsible for the
behavior of their entire party. If you request a tutoring session for another adult, you're held
responsible for their behavior during their session.
L. Be Alert
Being out means doing your part to help keep yourself and others safe. This means being aware of
your surroundings and being well rested, so you can quickly react to any situation. We review
reports of potentially unsafe tutoring behavior.
M. Proper Maintenance and Upkeep
Pursuant to the terms of their agreement with SB, tutors are expected to keep their materials
maintained and devices in good operating condition, including but not limited to organization of
files, calculators, and computers.
N. Public Emergencies
SB may take additional measures to try to preserve the safety of our platform during public
emergencies, including but not limited to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and public
crisis situations.
For example, if SB receives notice from a public health authority that someone using the SB
Platform may present a potential for public harm, we may temporarily block the individual's access
until it is reasonably safe to allow the individual to resume using the SB Platform. Similarly, we
may prevent individuals in an entire city or region from using part or all of the SB Platform or
impose other requirements to comply with guidance from authorities during a time of public health
emergency, natural disaster, or other public crisis situation, or when the continued availability
of the SB Platform might present a danger.
0. Follow the law
We have standards based on applicable laws and regulations that everyone must follow. For example,
using the SB Platform to commit any crime—such as transporting drugs, money laundering,
committing drug or human trafficking, or sexually exploiting children—or to violate any other law
is strictly prohibited.
P. Follow All Laws
Everyone is responsible for always knowing and obeying all applicable laws when using the SB
Platform.
All relevant licenses, permits, and any other legal documents required of tutors must be kept up to
date. For tutoring sessions sharing, this also includes meeting the applicable regulatory
requirements for tutoring session share or for-hire tutors in your area. Local rules about parking
may limit where tutors and can park their vehicle when arriving for a tutoring session. For
example, stopping in bike lanes or blocking accessibility ramps may violate the law.
For students, let your tutors handle the tutoring. For example, for students, don't touch the
tutors' computers or material (unless otherwise stated by the tutor). For students and, don't ask a
tutor to speed or to make i11ega1 stops, drop-offs.
5. SERVICE ANIMALS AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES
Tutors using the Tutors app may not deny a tutoring session to a student with a service animal or
assistive devices (such as a wheelchair or crutches) because of the service animal or assistive
devices. Applicable laws generally prohibit tutors from denying service to students because of
their service animals or assistive devices, and from otherwise discriminating against students with
service animals or assistive devices. Knowingly refusing a student a tutoring session because of
their service animal or assistive devices will result in losing access to the SB Platform. In the
US there are no exceptions to this policy, even if a tutor has documented allergies, religious
objections, or a fear of animals.
6. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Drug use and open containers of alcohol are never allowed while using the SB Platform.
If you're a tutor, by law you cannot drive or bike while intoxicated. The law prohibits driving or
biking while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that impairs your
ability to safely operate a vehicle or bicycle. If you encounter a student who is too drunk or
rowdy, you have the right to decline the session for your own safety.
If you're a student and you have reason to believe your tutors may be under the influence of drugs
or alcohol, ask the tutors to end the session immediately. Then leave the tutoring location and
call 911. Once you have left the tutoring location, please also report your experience to SB.
7. FIREARMS BAN
Students and their guests, as well as tutors, are prohibited from carrying firearms while using the
SB Platform, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
8. FRAUD
Deception can weaken trust and also be dangerous. Intentionally falsifying information or assuming
someone else's identity, for example when signing in or undergoing a security check, isn't allowed.
It is important to provide accurate information when reporting incidents, creating and accessing
your SB accounts, disputing charges or fees, and requesting credits. Only request fees or refunds
that you are entitled to, and use offers, and promotions only as intended. Do not knowingly
complete invalid transactions.
Fraudulent activity may also include, but not be limited to: deliberately increasing the time a
tutoring session for fraudulent purposes or otherwise; accepting tutoring session requests without
the intention to complete, including provoking students to cancel for fraudulent purposes; creating
dummy accounts for fraudulent purposes; claiming fraudulent fees or charges, like false cleaning
fees; intentionally requesting, accepting, or completing fraudulent or falsified tutoring sessions;
actions intended to disrupt or manipulate the normal functioning of the SB Platform, including
manipulating the settings on a phone to prevent the proper functioning of the platform and the GPS
system; abusing promotions and/or not using them for their intended purpose; disputing charges for
fraudulent or illegitimate reasons; creating improper duplicate accounts; or falsifying documents,
records, or other data for fraudulent purposes.
9. OTHER UNACCEPTABLE ACTIVITIES
Never use SB's trademark or intellectual property without permission. If it's required under local
law to display SB-branded items, tutors should only use SB-branded items that are obtained from
SB. Tutors should not display SB-branded items when they are not accessing the platform.
Tutors should also return SB-branded items to SB if they lose access to the platform. The use of
unauthorized or third-party items—such as lights, placards, signs, or similar items bearing SB's
name or trademark—may confuse students.
10. YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS
If something happens, whether it's good or bad, we make it easy for you to tell us. Our team is
continually improving our standards, and your feedback is important to keep our standards relevant
as our technology evolves. Please rate your experience at the end of each session.
Honest feedback helps ensure that everyone is accountable for their behavior. This accountability
helps create a respectful, safe environment. In case of an emergency or if you find yourself in
immediate danger, alert your local authorities or emergency services before notifying SB.
11. RATINGS
Tutors, students can give and receive ratings, as well as give feedback on how the session or
delivery went. This feedback system improves accountability and helps create a respectful, safe,
and transparent environment for everyone. Tutors can see their current rating in the app. Students
can see their rating displayed under their name by opening the app and touching the menu.
There is a minimum average rating in each city. This is because there may be cultural differences
in the way people in different cities rate each other. Tutors or students that don't meet the
minimum average rating for their city may lose access to all or part of the SB Platform. If your
rating is approaching this limit, we will let you know and may share information that may help you
improve your rating.
If you are looking to keep your average rating high, it is helpful to be courteous and respectful
to all people while using the SB Platform and interacting with others in the SB community. Tutors
using the SB Platform typically provide excellent service to their students and most students, are
courteous and respectful, so most sessions run smoothly. Contacting Support will not lead to an
individual rating being removed. We know that sometimes a session doesn't go well—that is why your
rating is an average rating.
If you are a tutor and you lose access to your SB account for low ratings, you may have the
opportunity to get back on to tutoring if you meet eligibility requirements and provide proof that
you have successfully taken a quality improvement course.
12. HOW SB ENFORCES OUR GUIDELINES
Losing access to the SB Platform may be disruptive to your life or to your business. That's why we
believe it is important to have clear standards that explain the circumstances in which you may
lose access to the SB Platform. If you violate any terms of your contractual agreement with SB, or
any applicable terms or policies, including any one of these Community Guidelines or any additional
policies and standards that are communicated by SB to you from time to time, you can lose access
to all or part of the SB Platform. If you have more than one SB account, such as a student account
and a tutors account, violating the Community Guidelines could also lead you to lose access to all
SB accounts. If you believe an error caused you to lose access to your account, you may contact the
SB Support team.
SB receives feedback through a variety of channels, reviews reports submitted to our Support team
that may violate our Community Guidelines and may investigate through a specialized team. If we are
made aware of potentially problematic behavior, we may contact you so we can
look into it. We may, at our sole discretion, put a hold on your account or turn your account
inactive until our review is complete.
Not following any one of our guidelines may result in the loss of access to all or part of the SB
Platform. This can include reported violations of our Community Guidelines and certain actions you
may take outside of the SB Platform, including but not limited to information from other
platforms, if we determine that those actions threaten the safety of the SB community, our
employees, and contractors, or cause harm to SB's brand, reputation, or business. And if the issues
raised are serious or a repeat report, or you refuse to cooperate, you may lose access to the SB
Platform. Any behavior involving violence, sexual misconduct, harassment, fraud, or discrimination,
or deceptive, illegal, or unsafe activity, while using the SB Platform can result in the immediate
loss of access to the SB Platform. Additionally, when law enforcement is involved, we will
cooperate with their investigation in accordance with our Guidelines for Law Enforcement
Authorities for the US.
Many states, cities, and airports regulate the provision of certain services, including tutoring
session sharing services, on the SB Platform. If we determine that your tutors account is not in
compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, we may be required to remove your access to
the SB Platform.
Lastly, all tutors wanting to use the SB Platform undergo a screening process, including motor
vehicle record and criminal background checks. A tutors will lose access to their SB account(s) if
a criminal background check, or other check uncovers a violation of SB's Community Guidelines or
other criteria required by local regulators.
13. SB FIREARMS PROHIBITION POLICY
SB's goal is to ensure that everyone has a safe and tutoring session. That's why SB prohibits
Students, as well as Tutor, from carrying firearms of any kind while engaging in any tutoring
session arranged through SB's platform. *
Anyone who violates this policy may lose access to SB's platform in the sole discretion of SB.
*To the extent permitted by applicable law.
14. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY.
SB seeks to ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion and striving to provide safe,
reliable, and high-quality service options to everyone. SB and its affiliates therefore prohibit
discrimination against users based on race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual
orientation, sex, marital status, gender identity, age or any other characteristic protected under
applicable law. Such discrimination includes, but is not limited to, any user refusing to provide
or accept services based on any of these characteristics. Any user found to have violated this
prohibition will lose access to the SB platform. Applicable laws in certain jurisdictions may
require and/or allow the provision of services by and for the benefit of a specific category of
persons. In such jurisdictions, services provided in compliance with these laws and the relevant
applicable terms are permissible under this policy.
15. SERVICE ANIMAL AND ASSISTIVE DEVICE POLICY (UNITED STATES)
A. Prohibition of Denial of Service.
State and federal law generally prohibit providers from
denying service to students because of their service animals, and from otherwise discriminating
against students with service animals. For this reason, and because it's the right thing to do,
SB's policy also prohibits tutors who use the SB Tutor App from denying service to a student
because of the student's service animal. There are no exceptions to this policy due to allergies,
religious objections, or a generalized fear of animals. As explained in SB's Community Guidelines,
tutors who engage in discriminatory conduct in violation of SB's policy may lose their ability to
use the Tutor App. SB will make this determination in its sole discretion following a review of the
incident.
B. What is a Service Animal?
A service animal is an animal that is trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a
disability.
If a tutor is not sure if a student's animal is a service animal, you can always ask if it is a
service animal, and what tasks the animal is trained to perform.
Consistent with legal requirements, service animals are not required to wear a tag, be registered,
or display any kind of proof that it is a service animal. Students are not required to provide
documentation to tutors.
C. How to Report a Service Animal Complaint
If a student has an issue related to his or her service animal—including issues regarding ride
cancellations, harassment, or improper cleaning fees—SB requests that the student please report the
issue to SB.
Please do not call the Critical Safety Line to report a service animal issue, unless at the time of
your call you are in an acute incident threatening your safety or the safety of others. The
Critical Safety Line is not for reporting past service denials.
We investigate and act against false claims. Our teams proactively monitor the platformfor fraud,
and we are continuously implementing new processes and technology to identify and prevent
fraudulent activity. Any report we find to be related to fraud would not affect a tutor's account.
D. Cleaning Fees
Students with service animals are not required to pay cleaning fees for hair or shedding from a
student's service animal, and tutors are not entitled to such fees. If you are a student with a
service animal, and you are charged a cleaning fee for your service animal's hair or shedding, you
may be eligible for a refund. Please let us know, and we will process your request according to
SB's Refund Policy.
16. ASSISTIVE DEVICES
A. Prohibition of Denial of Service. The law generally prohibits providers from denying
service to a person with a disability. For this reason, and because it's the right thing to do,
SB's policy prohibits tutors who use the SB Tutor App from refusing service to a student with a
disability.
B. How to Report an Assistive Device Issue
If a student has an issue related to his or her assistive device—including ride cancellations or
harassment—SB requests that the student, please report the issue to SB.
*Note: Tutors and delivery people are independent contractors and not agents or employees of SB.
Tutors do not act on or pursuant to any authority, either actual or apparent, on behalf of SB.