GENERAL POLICIES, MEMBERSHIP, ENROLLMENT & REFUND POLICY
The Dante Alighieri Society, Inc., Michigan Chapter (“DAS” or “DAS of Michigan”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership is open to individuals of all nationalities, vocations, and ages who are interested in Italian language and culture. Membership dues and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
1. Membership Policies
*A valid DAS membership is required to borrow books and DVDs from the DAS library.
* Borrowed materials must be returned within two (2) weeks.
* DAS reserves the right to request a refundable security deposit for library materials.
* Membership is non-refundable, including in the event of course withdrawal.
* DAS reserves the right to decline or revoke membership at its discretion. If membership is declined prior to activation, any associated fees will be refunded.
2. Code of Conduct
Members, students, and event participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully toward staff, instructors, volunteers, and fellow participants.
The following are not permitted:
* Soliciting or selling outside products or services.
* Disruptive or inappropriate behavior.
Food and beverages are permitted in DAS offices; however, participants are expected to leave rooms in clean and orderly condition.
DAS reserves the right to remove any participant from a class or event for inappropriate conduct. No refund will be issued in such cases.
3. Class Enrollment Policies
* Students are not required to be DAS members to enroll in classes; however, membership is required to receive the discounted rate.
* Tuition fees do not include membership, textbooks, or shipping costs.
* Required textbooks must be purchased separately and are non-returnable once distributed or shipped.
* Payment for classes (including entry-level courses) and required materials must be made in full at the time of registration.
* Registration must be completed in advance.
Students should notify instructors of absences. Missed classes are not refundable.
Students may schedule a separate, paid private lesson to review missed material, subject to instructor availability.
4. Refund Policy
* A full refund will be issued only if a cancellation request is made before the first class session begins.
* No refunds will be issued after a course has started.
* No refunds will be issued after registration has been confirmed and scheduled.
* Membership fees are non-refundable.
* PLIDA examination registration fees are non-refundable after the official registration deadline.
DAS reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a class due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases:
* A full refund will be issued, or
* A credit may be applied at the student’s request.
5. Credits
Credits may be granted at DAS’s discretion on a case-by-case basis under the following conditions:
* Credits will not be issued if a student has attended two (2) or more sessions of a course.
* Credits will not be issued for voluntary withdrawal after the course has begun.
* Credits are valid for six (6) months from the last attended class.
* Credits are calculated based on the remaining unused instructional hours.
Credits are non-transferable.
6. Weather & Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances beyond DAS’s control, DAS may:
* Provide an online session in place of an in-person class, or
* Reschedule the session at a later date.
Class cancellations and make-up sessions will be communicated by email or phone.
7. Children’s Participation
* For children under five (5), a parent or legal guardian must remain present unless otherwise specified.
* Children aged six (6) to sixteen (16) may be dropped off for class.
* Parents or guardians are responsible for timely drop-off and pick-up.
8. Cultural Events & Member Discounts
Member discounts apply as follows:
* Individual Membership: One (1) discounted ticket
* Family Membership: Two (2) discounted tickets plus children up to age sixteen (16)
* Senior Membership: One (1) discounted ticket
* Senior Double Membership: Two (2) discounted tickets
* Patron Membership: One (1) discounted ticket
Non-member guests must pay the applicable non-member rate.
Event tickets are non-refundable once the venue has been booked and contractual obligations have been fulfilled.
9. Right to Refuse Participation
DAS reserves the right to decline or revoke enrollment in classes, event attendance, or membership at its discretion.
If DAS declines registration before the start of a program, any associated fees will be refunded.