Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: June 20, 2025

Please read these terms carefully. By accessing the Site or applying to the Program, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the Site.

To ensure clarity, the following terms used throughout this Terms of Service document are defined below:

  • "Pebble Circle," "we," "us," or "our" refers to Pebble Circle LLC, the organization operating the Site and offering the Program.

  • "User" or "you" is any individual or entity who accesses the Site, submits an application, participates in the Program, or otherwise uses our Services.

  • "Site" is the website located at www.pebblecircle.com, including all content, functionality, and services made available through it.

  • "Program" or "Services" is the educational research and mentorship offerings provided virtually by Pebble Circle, including workshops, case studies, and mentor guidance.

  • "Mentor" is a qualified PhD-level or industry professional affiliated with Pebble Circle who provides guidance and feedback to student participants.

  • "Content" is any materials provided through the Site or Program, including curriculum, videos, presentations, and written materials.

  • "User Content" is any original work, submissions, or materials (e.g., essays, resumes, presentations) uploaded or submitted by users.

  • "Third-party Service Providers" are external vendors that support Pebble Circle’s operations, including hosting, communication, and payment platforms.

  • "Terms" is the Terms of Service agreement, which governs use of the Site and participation in the Program.

Definitions

By visiting the Site, submitting an application, creating an account, or participating in the Program, you agree to these Terms and to our Privacy Policy. These Terms form a binding agreement between you ("User") and Pebble Circle LLC.

Acceptance of Terms

  • Users must be at least 13 years old. Users under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian review and accept these Terms and any enrollment agreements.

  • We may request written consent forms and proof of age/identity.

Eligibility & Parental Consent

Pebble Circle provides online research‑simulation experiences, case studies, and one‑on‑one or group mentorship by PhD‑level and industry professionals (collectively, "Services"). Pebble Circle does not guarantee admission to any educational institution, future employment, or research placement.

Program Overview

  • Application deadlines, required essays, and résumé format are posted on the Site.

  • Admission decisions are at Pebble Circle’s sole discretion. We may maintain a wait‑list.

  • You agree that all information provided is accurate and complete.

Application & Enrollment

  • Tuition and fees are published on the Site or in your acceptance email.

  • Payments are processed via Squarespace Payments; you authorize us to charge your payment method.

  • Refunds: Full refund if cancelled within 7 days of payment and at least 30 days before the Program start date; otherwise non‑refundable except as required by law.

Fees & Payments

By participating, you agree to:

  1. Maintain academic integrity (no plagiarism or unauthorized collaboration).

  2. Treat mentors and peers with respect; no harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior.

  3. Attend scheduled sessions punctually and prepare assigned work.

  4. Uphold confidentiality of other participants’ personal information and project materials.

Violation may result in immediate suspension or expulsion without refund.

Code of Conduct

All Site content, curriculum, videos, and case studies are owned by Pebble Circle or its licensors and protected by intellectual‑property laws. Except for limited access rights, no license is granted to you.

Intellectual Property

You retain ownership of your original project work. By submitting any content (essays, presentations, recordings) you grant Pebble Circle a non‑exclusive, royalty‑free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, modify, and display such content in anonymized or aggregated form for promotional, educational, or research purposes.

User Content License

You may not:

  • Copy, reproduce, or redistribute curriculum or recordings for commercial purposes.

  • Use the Site in any manner that violates applicable laws or regulations.

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to accounts or systems.

  • Transmit viruses or harmful code.

Prohibited Uses

The Site may contain links to third‑party websites or resources. Pebble Circle is not responsible for their content or practices.

Third-Party Links

THE SITE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” PEBBLE CIRCLE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON‑INFRINGEMENT.

Disclaimers

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, PEBBLE CIRCLE’S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) FEES PAID BY YOU IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM OR (B) ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS (US $100).

Limitation of Liability

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Pebble Circle, its officers, employees, and mentors from any claim, loss, or demand arising out of: (i) your violation of these Terms; or (ii) your infringement of any intellectual‑property or other right of any person.

Indemnification

Pebble Circle may suspend or terminate your access for breach of these Terms or if required by law. Upon termination, provisions that by their nature should survive (e.g., intellectual‑property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, dispute resolution) shall remain in effect.

Suspension & Termination

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict‑of‑law principles. Any dispute shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by JAMS in Orange County, California, under its Streamlined Rules, except that either party may bring an individual action in small‑claims court. YOU AND PEBBLE CIRCLE WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS ACTIONS.

Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted on the Site with a new effective date. Continued use after the changes constitutes acceptance.

Changes to Terms

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

  • By email: info@pebblecircle.com

  • By visiting the Contact Us page of our website: www.pebblecircle.com