Sommelier Certification Program

Enrollment Agreement, Terms and Conditions, Liability Waiver, and Release

Effective upon enrollment

1. Enrollment Agreement

By enrolling in the Olive Oil Times Education Lab Sommelier Certification Program (the “Program”), you (“Participant”) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Enrollment Agreement, including all Terms and Conditions, the Liability Waiver and Release, and all related policies referenced herein. Enrollment is expressly conditioned upon acceptance of these terms.

2. Eligibility and Participation

  1. Age Requirement. Participation is limited to individuals who are eighteen (18) years of age or older.
  2. Program Participation. The Program may include, without limitation, in-person or virtual instruction, olive oil tastings, practical exercises, written assignments, examinations, and evaluations. Participants are expected to engage fully and conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.
  3. No Obligation to Participate. Participation is voluntary. Olive Oil Times LLC does not require participation in any activity, tasting, or exercise.

3. Merit-Based Certification

  1. Certificate of Completion. A Certificate of Completion may be awarded to participants who successfully meet the Program’s established requirements.
  2. Evaluation Criteria. Certification criteria will be communicated at the start of the Program and may include attendance, participation, assignments, examinations, and practical evaluations.
  3. No Guarantee of Certification. Enrollment in the Program does not guarantee issuance of a Certificate. Certification decisions are made solely on merit and performance.
  4. Assessment Standards. Olive Oil Times LLC reserves the right to establish, apply, and modify assessment standards as necessary to preserve academic integrity and program quality.
  5. Non-Discrimination. All evaluations and certification decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis and solely according to established criteria.

4. Assumption of Risk

Participant acknowledges that participation in the Program involves inherent risks, including but not limited to allergic reactions, illness, physical discomfort, risks associated with food and beverage tasting, travel-related risks, and risks arising from facilities, equipment, or the actions or omissions of others.

Participant knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable, arising from participation in the Program.

5. Liability Waiver and Release

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Participant hereby releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue Olive Oil Times LLC and its officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, affiliates, instructors, volunteers, and representatives (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, damages, losses, costs, or causes of action, including those arising from negligence, related to or arising out of participation in the Program, presence at Program premises, or travel to or from Program activities.

This release includes, without limitation, claims for personal injury, illness, allergic reaction, property damage, or death.

6. Indemnification

Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to Participant’s actions, omissions, or participation in the Program.

7. Cancellation and Refund Policy

  1. Participant Cancellation. Cancellations made at least thirty (30) days prior to the course start date are eligible for a refund, minus a cancellation fee of US$81.50. Cancellations made fewer than thirty (30) days before the course start date are non-refundable, except as required by law.
  2. Cancellation by Olive Oil Times LLC. If the Program is canceled by Olive Oil Times LLC for any reason, participants will receive a full refund.
  3. Postponement or Rescheduling. If the Program is postponed or rescheduled, participants may maintain enrollment or request a full refund.

8. Installment Payment Terms (If Applicable)

  1. Availability. Installment payment plans may be offered at Olive Oil Times LLC’s sole discretion and may be modified or withdrawn prior to enrollment.
  2. Authorization. By selecting an installment plan, Participant authorizes Olive Oil Times LLC to charge the payment method on file according to the disclosed schedule. Participant remains responsible for the full Program fee.
  3. Refunds and Administrative Fee. Any refund issued in connection with installment payments shall be reduced by a five percent (5%) non-refundable administrative fee, calculated on amounts paid to date.
  4. Missed or Failed Payments. Olive Oil Times LLC reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to Program content, assessments, and certification eligibility for non-payment, without refund.
  5. No Impact on Certification. Participation in an installment payment plan has no effect on academic standards, evaluation criteria, or certification decisions.

9. Modifications to Terms

Olive Oil Times LLC reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Material changes will be communicated to participants in a reasonable manner.

10. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Rhode Island, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

11. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12. Acknowledgment

By enrolling in the Program, Participant acknowledges that they have read and understood this Agreement, understand that they are waiving substantial legal rights, including the right to sue, and enter into this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily.