Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Asan Holdings LLC, a Texas limited liability company doing business as Astral Fellows ("Astral Fellows," "we," "us," or "our"), governing your access to and use of the Astral Fellows website, applicant portal, and fellowship program (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our Services.

2. Eligibility

To participate in the Astral Fellows program, you must:

• Be at least 13 years of age (participants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent)
• Have basic Python programming experience
• Be able to commit to the program schedule and requirements
• Provide accurate and complete information in your application
• Not be prohibited from receiving services under applicable law

3. Fellowship Program

3.1 Program Description

Astral Fellows is a research fellowship program designed to help early-stage researchers produce publication-ready work for academic conferences and journals. The program includes mentorship, lectures, peer collaboration, and publication support.

3.2 Program Tracks

We offer multiple tracks (Research Apprentice, Research Scholar, Research Fellow, and Distinguished Fellow) with varying levels of mentorship, target venues, and pricing. Track details and pricing are subject to change and will be communicated prior to enrollment.

3.3 No Guarantee of Publication

While we provide guidance and support for research and publication, acceptance at academic venues is determined by independent peer review processes. We do not guarantee publication at any specific venue or at all.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Program Fees

Program fees vary by track and are due according to the payment schedule provided upon acceptance. All fees are in U.S. dollars.

4.2 Scholarships

Financial aid and merit-based scholarships may be available. Scholarship awards are at our sole discretion and are non-transferable.

4.3 Refund Policy

Refund requests must be submitted in writing to admissions@astralfellows.org. Refunds may be granted at our discretion based on the timing of the request and circumstances. Refunds are generally not available after the program start date.

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Your Research

You retain ownership of the research and intellectual property you create during the program. By participating, you grant Astral Fellows a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your name, likeness, and descriptions of your work for promotional and educational purposes.

5.2 Our Materials

All program materials, including lectures, guides, templates, and other content provided by Astral Fellows, are our proprietary property. You may use these materials for personal, non-commercial purposes only during and after the program.

6. Code of Conduct

Participants agree to:

• Conduct research with integrity and adhere to ethical standards
• Treat mentors, staff, and fellow participants with respect
• Not engage in plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of data
• Maintain confidentiality of other participants' unpublished work
• Comply with all applicable laws and institutional policies

Violations may result in dismissal from the program without refund.

7. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ASAN HOLDINGS LLC AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE THE SERVICES.

Our total liability for any claims arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the amount you paid to us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Asan Holdings LLC and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of the Services or your violation of these Terms.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Texas, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

10. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated Terms on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at: