Website Terms of Use

Effective Date: December 7, 2021

Welcome to BAI. Through our bai.org website (“Website”) we provide information related and services (collectively, the “Services”). The Website is owned and operated by Bank Administration Institute and BAI Center (collectively, with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “BAI”, “we”, “us” or “our”). Your use of our Website and our Services is governed by these Terms of Use (“Agreement”) and our privacy policy (available at https://www.bai.org/privacy-policy/, which may be amended from time to time and effective upon posting, and which is incorporated by reference herein (“Privacy Policy”). References to “you” or “your” mean you as a casual visitor, as someone who has created a user account for receiving information from us, as a user of our Services, or as a member or customer, as applicable.

Restrictions on Use of Materials
Our Website is protected by United States and international copyright laws. It contains various material such as content, software, video, audio, art, graphics, text, etc. (collectively, the “Materials”). You may not copy, reproduce, modify, make derivative works, publish, upload, post, transmit or distribute in any way, without BAI’s prior written permission, any of the Materials. You may download or print one copy of any of the items that are included in the Materials for personal, non-commercial use. Sponsored content may have different restrictions as noted on the download form. You may not remove any copyright, trademark or other proprietary notices from the Materials. You agree to prevent any unauthorized copying or use of the Materials. The use of any Material on any other Website or networked computer environment is strictly prohibited. Notwithstanding the forgoing, educational institutions may copy materials for classroom use and libraries may permit library users to print one copy for personal, non-commercial use.

Disclaimer
THIS WEBSITE, THE MATERIALS, AND ALL OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THE FOREGOING ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, FREEDOM FROM COMPUTER VIRUS, AND WARRANTIES ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING, OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE OR USAGE OF TRADE ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.

WE DO NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE WEBSITE, SOFTWARE, MATERIALS, OR RELATED TO THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE WEBSITE, SOFTWARE, MATERIALS, OR RELATED TO THE SERVICES OR THE SERVER THAT ENABLES THE SERVICES TO BE AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. WE DO NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF THE CONTENT ON THE WEBSITE IN TERMS OF ITS COMPLETENESS, CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, ADEQUACY, USEFULNESS, TIMELINESS, RELIABILITY OR OTHERWISE. DEPENDING ON THE STATE IN WHICH YOU RESIDE SOME OR ALL OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OR INFORMATION OF THIRD PARTIES, AND YOU RELEASE US FROM ANY CLAIMS AND DAMAGES, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH ANY CLAIM YOU HAVE AGAINST ANY SUCH THIRD PARTIES.

We do not warrant that the functions contained in the Materials will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that our Website or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or other harmful components. We do not warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the Materials including Software in the Website in terms of their correctness, accuracy, reliability, usefulness or otherwise. Applicable law may not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. In such states, the exclusion of implied warranties shall be as broad as the greatest extent permitted by such state.

Other Third Party Content Disclaimer
The Website contains other content provided by third parties. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of BAI. Neither we nor any third-party provider of information guarantees the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content posted and/or accessed through the Website, nor its merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.

In many instances, the content available and/or accessed through the Website represents the opinions and judgments of the respective information provider or other user not under contract with us. We neither endorse nor are responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice or statement made on our Website by anyone other than authorized BAI employee spokespersons while acting in their official capacities. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on information obtained through our Website. It is your sole responsibility of the user to evaluate the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, opinion, advice or other content available and/or accessed through our Website. Please seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding the evaluation of any specific information, opinion, advice or other content.

User Feedback; Third-Party Social Media Postings
By submitting any ideas or suggestions to us (through our Website, social media sites, or other digital platforms, or through Google, or other review sites, or other means) related to improvements to the Website or Services (collectively, “Feedback”) you agree that such Feedback shall be deemed, and shall remain, our property, and you agree to and do hereby assign to us all your right, title, and interest in and to all Feedback (including without limitation intellectual property rights and moral rights) without compensation or further notice to you. We shall be entitled to use of the Feedback without restriction for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or otherwise, without compensation or further notice to you,. None of the Feedback shall be subject to any obligation of confidentiality on our part and we shall not be liable for any use or disclosure of any Feedback.

Limitation of Liability
WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR COMPANY MAY SUFFER. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, YOU AGREE THAT IN NO EVENT WILL WE BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS AND DAMAGES RELATED TO CORRUPTION OR DELETION OF THE WEBSITE OR SERVICES) ARISING OUT OF OR IN RELATION TO THIS AGREEMENT OR YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INOPERABILITY OF OUR OR OUR CONTRACTORS’ SERVERS), REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF, KNEW, OR SHOULD HAVE KNOW OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND EVEN IF DIRECT DAMAGES DO NOT SATISFY A REMEDY. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, ANY ACTION TAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTIGATION BY US OR LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES REGARDING YOUR OR ANY THIRD PARTY’S USE OF THE WEBSITE, ANY LOSS THAT MAY OCCUR DUE TO ANY LOSS OF THE SERVICE, THE USE OF THE WEBSITE OR THE SERVICE, ACCESS DELAYS OR ACCESS INTERRUPTIONS TO THE WEBSITE OR THE SERVICE, THE NON-DELIVERY OR MIS-DELIVERY OF DATA BETWEEN YOU AND US, EVENTS BEYOND OUR REASONABLE CONTROL, THE NON-RECOGNITION OF OUR HOSTING SERVERS, THE PROTECTION OR PRIVACY OF ELECTRONIC MAIL OR OTHER INFORMATION TRANSFERRED THROUGH THE INTERNET OR ANY OTHER NETWORK PROVIDER OR SERVICE ITS CUSTOMERS MAY UTILIZE, OR THE APPLICATION OF ANY POLICY SET FORTH HEREIN.

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY DISPUTE WITH US, OUR OWNERS, SUBSIDIARIES, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND LICENSORS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE WEBSITE OR SERVICE, OR ANY MATERIALS IS TO STOP USING THE WEBSITE, THE SERVICES, AND THE MATERIALS, AND TO CANCEL YOUR ACCOUNT. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT WE, OUR OWNERS, SUBSIDIARIES, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND LICENSORS ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ACT OR FAILURE TO ACT BY THEM OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR COMPANY REGARDING CONDUCT, COMMUNICATION OR CONTENT ON THE WEBSITE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF US, OUR OWNERS, SUBSIDIARIES, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND LICENSORS TO YOU EXCEED THE GREATER OF THE AMOUNT THAT YOU PAID TO US FOR THE SERVICE OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS (US$100). Applicable law may not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability or incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. In such states, our liability is limited to the greatest extent permitted by such state law.

Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold BAI, its officers, directors, owners, agents and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorney fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of your use of the Website, the Materials including Software, the violation of this Agreement by you, or the infringement by you, or other user of the Website using your computer or login credentials, of any intellectual property or other right of any person or entity. We reserve the right, at your expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of (but not the liability for) any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you.

Links to Other Websites
BAI makes no representation whatsoever regarding the content of any other websites, which may be accessed from our Website. We are not responsible for the accuracy or availability of non-BAI websites and we do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products, or other materials on or available from such websites or resources. We shall not be liable for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on non-BAI websites or resources. All concerns regarding any external link should be directed to its respective website administrator or webmaster.

Cooperation with Law Enforcement and Government Agencies; Required Disclosures
You acknowledge that we have the right to investigate and prosecute violations of these Terms, including intellectual property, publicity and privacy rights infringement and website security issues, to the fullest extent of the law. We may involve and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in prosecuting users who violate these Terms. You acknowledge that we have no obligation to monitor your access to or use of the Website or the Services, but we have the right to do so for the purpose of operating the Website, to ensure your compliance with these Terms or to comply with applicable law or the order or requirement of a court, administrative agency or other governmental or regulatory body.

You understand and agree that we may disclose your Personal Information if required to do so by law, court order, legal process, or subpoena, including to respond to any government or regulatory request (after, if permitted, giving reasonable notice to you and using commercially reasonable efforts to provide you with the opportunity to seek a protective order or the equivalent (at your expense), or if we believe that such action is necessary to (a) conform to the law, comply with legal process served on us or our affiliates or partners, or investigate, prevent, or take action regarding suspected or actual illegal activities; (b) to enforce these Terms (including for billing and collection purposes), take precautions against liability, to investigate and defend ourselves against any third-party claims or allegations, to assist government enforcement agencies, or to protect the security or integrity of our Website; or, (c) to exercise or protect the rights, property, or the safety of us, our users or others.

Dispute Resolution

  1. Time Limitation. Any claim or action against us must be brought within twelve (12) months of the cause arising, otherwise such claim or action is permanently barred.
  2. MANDATORY BINDING ARBITRATION
    1. Other than for the grounds set forth in the section below labeled “Exceptions to Agreement to Arbitrate”) in the event of any dispute, claim, question or disagreement arising from or relating to the Terms or the breach thereof or the access or use of the Website, Materials, or Services, the parties hereto shall use reasonable efforts to settle the dispute, claim, question, or disagreement. To this effect, the parties shall consult and negotiate with each other in good faith and, recognizing their mutual interests, attempt to reach a just and equitable solution satisfactory to both parties. If the parties do not reach such solution within a period of thirty (30) days, then, upon notice by either party to the other, such dispute, claim, question or disagreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois, USA in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”), subject to the limitations of this Section. This agreement to arbitrate will be specifically enforceable under the prevailing law of any court having jurisdiction. Notice of a demand for arbitration shall be filed in writing with the other party hereto and with the AAA. The demand for arbitration shall be made within a reasonable time after the dispute has arisen, and in no event shall any such demand be made after the date when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such dispute would be barred by the applicable statute of limitations. The parties agree that one (1) arbitrator shall arbitrate the dispute. The arbitrator shall be selected by the joint agreement of the parties, but if they do not so agree within twenty (20) days after the date of the notice of a demand for arbitration referred to above, the selection shall be made pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA from the panels of business arbitrators maintained by the AAA. The decision of the arbitrator shall be made in writing and shall be final. Judgment may be entered upon it in any court having jurisdiction thereof, and the decision shall not be subject to vacation, modification or appeal, except to the extent permitted by Sections 10 and 11 of the Federal Arbitration Act, the terms of which Sections the parties agree shall apply. The expenses of arbitration, including and the fees and expenses of the arbitrator and the AAA, shall be shared equally by the parties.
    2. The arbitrator will have no authority to award attorneys’ fees, punitive damages, or any other monetary relief not measured by the prevailing party’s actual damages and each party irrevocably waives any claim thereto. The award may include equitable relief. The arbitrator will not make any ruling, finding, or award that does not otherwise conform to the Terms. The arbitrator may render a summary disposition relative to all or some of the issues, provided that the responding party has had an adequate opportunity to respond to any such application for such disposition.
    3. The parties agree to treat all aspects of the arbitration as confidential, as provided in the AAA Rules. Before making any disclosure permitted by the Rules, a party shall give written notice to the other party and afford such party a reasonable opportunity to protect its interests. Further, judgment on the arbitrators’ award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.
  3. Exceptions to Agreement to Arbitrate. You and we agree that we may bypass arbitration and go to court to resolve disputes relating to your or our intellectual property (e.g., trademarks, trade dress, domain names, trade secrets, copyrights or patents).

Class Action Waiver. Any proceedings to resolve or litigate any dispute in any forum will be conducted solely on an individual basis. You agree that neither you nor we will seek to have any dispute heard as a class action or in any other proceeding in which either party acts or proposes to act in a representative capacity, and each party hereby waives any right to assert consolidated claims with respect to any disputes subject to arbitration under these Terms or any disputes between the parties. No arbitration or proceeding will be combined with another without the prior written consent of all parties to all affected arbitrations or proceedings.

Waiver of Jury Trial. Each party irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right we or you may have to a trial by jury for any legal action arising out of or relating to these Terms or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Location of Operation. Our Website is operated in the United States of America, and we make no representation that content provided is applicable or appropriate for use in other locations. We make no claims that the Website or any of its content is accessible or appropriate outside of the United States. Access to the Website may not be legal by certain persons or in certain countries. If you access the Website from outside the United States, you do so on your own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws. Your use of the Website does not subject us to judicial process in or to the jurisdiction of courts or other tribunals in your jurisdiction or location.

Communications/Notice

By creating a User account or giving us any contact or other information, you agree to and do hereby consent to receive mail and email communications from us and/or by posting the communications on the Website (e.g., by posting notices on your account profile page) concerning information and/or our Services (collectively, “Communications”). For Users with an account, Communications may be those that we are required to send to you by law (e.g., data security incident notifications) concerning us, your account or information, the Website, or the Services (“Required Communications”). The Communications may also be those that we send to you for other reasons. You may change the email or mobile phone number on file for your account by visiting your account profile page or by contacting us. You may opt out of receiving all Communications, other than Required Communications, via email by sending a notice to us that identifies your full name, user name and email address; however, you will not receive any further electronic notices from us (other than Required Communications), which notices may include important notices or announcements.

General
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, U.S.A. You hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. in all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of the Website, Services, Materials, or this Agreement, as permitted in the Mandatory Binding Arbitration section above. Use of the Website is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these terms and conditions, including without limitation this paragraph. You agree that no joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and us as a result of this Agreement or use of the Website. Our performance of this Agreement is subject to existing laws and legal process, and nothing contained in this Agreement is in derogation of our right to comply with governmental, court and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of the Website or information provided to or gathered by us with respect to such use. If any part of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in effect. Unless otherwise specified herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the user and BAI with respect to the Website and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral or written, between the user and us with respect to the Website. A printed version of this Agreement and of any notice given in electronic form shall be admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings based upon or relating to this Agreement to the same extent and subject to the same conditions as other business documents and records originally generated and maintained in printed form.

Copyright and Trademark Notices
All contents of the Website are: Copyright © 1986-2021 BAI, and/or its licensors. All rights reserved.

Trademarks
BAI, the BAI logo, and other brands referenced herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of BAI. The names of other companies and products mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Changes to this Agreement
We regularly update and improve our Website, Materials, and Services, and we may at times add, change, or remove features, and this Agreement may also need to change. The current version of this Agreement will be posted on our Website and will be effective immediately upon posting. By continuing to use the Website or Services following any such change, you accept and agree to be bound by such modified Agreement.