Refund & Cancellation Policy

1. Introduction

This Refund & Cancellation Policy ("Policy") outlines the terms governing cancellations, refunds, and payment adjustments for services facilitated through MentorsGate ("Platform").

By engaging with MentorsGate services, users agree to the terms set forth in this Policy.

2. Scope of Policy

This Policy applies to:

• Individual mentee engagements
• Institutional collaborations
• MG Moderator (MentorsGate Assist) services
• Advisory sessions and milestone-based projects
• Consortium-based academic programs (where applicable)

Additional contractual terms may apply to institutional agreements.

3. Nature of Services

MentorsGate provides advisory and mentorship services. Given the intellectual and time-based nature of services:

• Refunds are subject to scope completion status
• Refunds are not automatic
• Each case is reviewed individually

Administrative and coordination fees may be non-refundable unless otherwise specified.

4. Cancellation by Mentee

4.1 Before Project Commencement

If cancellation is requested before mentor allocation or commencement of services:

• A refund may be processed after deduction of applicable administrative charges.

4.2 After Project Commencement

If services have commenced:

• Fees corresponding to completed milestones or advisory sessions are non-refundable.
• Partial refunds may be considered for uninitiated milestones.
• Any documented work delivered remains payable.

4.3 Session-Based Engagements

For scheduled advisory sessions:

• Cancellation requests made within the permitted notice period (as defined at booking) may be rescheduled or partially refunded.
• No-shows or late cancellations may be non-refundable.

5. Cancellation by Mentor

If a mentor is unable to continue due to unforeseen circumstances:

• MentorsGate may propose a replacement mentor.
• Where replacement is not feasible, a proportional refund for incomplete services may be processed.

6. MG Moderator (MentorsGate Assist) Fees

Administrative or coordination fees under MG Moderator:

• May be partially refundable only if mentor matching has not been initiated.
• Are non-refundable once oversight services have commenced.

Specific terms are communicated prior to engagement.

7. Institutional Engagements

For institutional contracts:

• Refund terms are governed by formal agreements or MoUs.
• Cancellation must be submitted in writing by authorized representatives.
• Refunds, if applicable, are calculated based on documented deliverables and incurred commitments.

8. Non-Refundable Circumstances

Refunds will not be issued in the following cases:

• Change of mind after services have been delivered
• Journal rejection or publication delay
• Dissatisfaction unrelated to defined scope
• Failure to provide required materials or information
• Breach of academic integrity by the mentee

MentorsGate does not guarantee publication outcomes.

9. Quality Concerns & Dispute Review

If a mentee raises concerns regarding quality or scope alignment:

1. Documentation of agreed scope will be reviewed.
2. Mentor response will be evaluated.
3. Corrective measures may be proposed.

Refund decisions are made based on documented evidence and policy compliance.

10. Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be:

• Processed through the original payment method where feasible
• Subject to applicable banking or transaction charges
• Completed within a reasonable administrative timeframe

MentorsGate is not responsible for delays caused by payment providers.

11. Force Majeure

Refund obligations may be adjusted where performance is affected by events beyond reasonable control, including regulatory restrictions, technical disruptions, or other force majeure events.

12. Limitation of Liability

Refund liability, where applicable, shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific incomplete portion of the engagement.

MentorsGate shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, or reputational losses.

13. Policy Amendments

MentorsGate reserves the right to modify this Policy at any time. Updated versions will be published through official channels.