Financial & refund policy
Claristrat Institute Tuition, Payment, and Program Access Policy
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the terms governing tuition, payment plans, certification rights, and financial obligations for participants enrolled in Claristrat Institute programs. It ensures transparent communication of fees, deadlines, and refund eligibility in compliance with ICF accreditation standards and consumer protection regulations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all students enrolled in our current and all future Claristrat programs, unless otherwise specified in individual program materials.
3. Tuition and Fees Disclosure
Program tuition and related fees are published on the Claristrat Institute website and in official program materials. The listed tuition covers the deliverables listed on the program brochure and website pages at the time of purchase.
4. Certification and Use of the Claristrat Methodology
Participants who successfully complete the program and receive the Certificate of Completion are granted non-exclusive rights to apply the Claristrat Method™ and Claripath™ frameworks in their own coaching practice with individual and organizational clients.
Graduates may identify themselves as Claristrat-Certified Coaches and may reference the Claristrat methodology in their professional materials, provided that:
- They represent the methodology accurately and in alignment with ICF ethical standards.
- They do not reproduce, teach, license, or resell Claristrat intellectual property, materials, or program content.
- Any use of the Claristrat name or trademark in marketing or educational materials beyond individual coaching practice requires prior written permission from the Institute.
This policy allows certified alumni to apply the Claristrat framework professionally while preserving the Institute’s intellectual property rights.
5. Payment Terms
- Tuition is due in full prior to the program start date unless a payment plan has been approved.
- Participants selecting a payment plan agree to make all scheduled payments on time according to the agreed-upon terms.
- Payment may be made by bank transfer, credit card, or approved electronic payment platform.
- Late payments of more than 10 days past due may result in suspension of access to the program until the balance is cleared.
- Certificates and transcripts will not be issued until all tuition and fees have been paid in full.
6. Payment Plans
Claristrat offers limited payment plans to support accessibility.
- Payment plans must be confirmed in writing prior to the program start date.
- Missed or delayed installments may incur an administrative late fee of $50 USD per missed payment.
- Repeated payment delays may result in suspension or removal from the program.
- Participants remain responsible for the full tuition amount once the program begins, regardless of participation status.
7. Refunds and Withdrawals
Refunds follow the terms defined in the Withdrawal and Refund Policy contained in the Enrollment Agreement. Refund amounts are calculated based on the participant’s withdrawal date relative to the program start date.
7a. Pathway Transitions During the Shared 12-Week Core
This section governs the $8,000 tuition differential between the Professional and Advanced Certificates for participants who change pathway direction before, during, or shortly after the 12-week shared curriculum concludes.
Cohorts run with a minimum group size. If a start date does not reach it, we will offer you the next available start or a full refund.
Upgrading from Professional to Advanced
| By week 6 | Pay the $8,000 differential in full. No penalty. |
|---|---|
| Weeks 6 to 12 | Pay the $8,000 differential. Three completed group mentoring sessions must be repeated. |
| Up to 3 years after Professional completion | $8,000 plus a $1,000 late-upgrade fee. All individual and group mentoring sessions must be repeated. |
| After 3 years | $8,000 plus a $2,000 fee. Mentoring must be repeated, plus a recalibration exam and new Hogan assessment. |
In all cases, seat availability in the next cohort is subject to the terms in Section 8.
Stepping back from Advanced to Professional
| Before week 6 | Refund of the $8,000 differential, minus a 5% processing fee. |
|---|---|
| Weeks 6 to 12 | Refund of the $8,000 differential, minus a 10% seat-holding fee. |
| Weeks 13 to 14 | Refund of the $8,000 differential, minus a 50% fee. |
| Week 15 onward | The $8,000 differential is not eligible for refund. |
Participants who step back after week 12 may complete required mentoring and graduate with the Professional Certificate rather than forfeiting their progress. Course materials, completed mentoring sessions, and the Hogan Leadership Series assessment remain non-refundable per Section 7.
Force majeure
Participants unable to continue for verified hardship reasons may pause the program for up to one year before resuming, per Section 8. Payment plan installments continue on schedule during a pause. The seat-holding fee above may be waived at faculty discretion in verified force majeure cases.
8. Deferrals and Transfers
Participants may request a one-time deferral to a future cohort in cases of verified hardship, subject to faculty approval and seat availability.
- A written request must be sent to institute@claristrat.com prior to the completion of the current cohort.
- Deferrals are valid for up to 12 months and are non-transferable to another person.
- Any tuition increase between cohorts will apply to the new enrollment.
9. Currency and Transaction Fees
All tuition and fees are listed in U.S. Dollars (USD). Participants are responsible for any applicable currency conversion, international transfer, or bank processing fees.
10. Institutional Cancellations
If Claristrat cancels or postpones a program before its start date, participants will receive the option of a full refund or transfer to a future cohort. If a program is interrupted after commencement due to force majeure or similar circumstances, Claristrat will make reasonable efforts to resume or adapt delivery.
Cohorts run with a minimum group size. If a start date does not reach it, we will offer you the next available start or a full refund.
11. Financial Integrity and Accountability
Claristrat Institute maintains all financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and retains student payment records for a minimum of five years. All transactions are securely processed through authorized and compliant payment platforms.
12. Contact for Financial Inquiries
For questions regarding tuition, payment plans, certification, or refund status, contact:
Email: institute@claristrat.com
Mail: Claristrat Institute, 400–418 Broadway St., Albany, NY 12207, USA
Claristrat Institute – Refund Policy
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the conditions under which tuition refunds are granted to participants who withdraw, defer, or are unable to complete Claristrat Institute programs. It ensures fairness, transparency, and compliance with ICF accreditation standards and consumer protection regulations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all participants in the Claristrat Core Method™ Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (ICF Level 1) and future Claristrat programs, regardless of payment method or location.
3. Withdrawal Notification
All withdrawal or deferral requests must be submitted in writing to institute@claristrat.com. The date of withdrawal is determined by the date the written notice is received by the Institute.
4. Refund Schedule
Refunds are calculated based on the number of calendar days prior to or following the official program start date, as defined in the participant’s registration confirmation.
- Withdrawals received 14 or more days before the program start date: Full refund minus a 10 percent administrative fee.
- Withdrawals received within 14 days before the program start date: 50 percent refund.
- Withdrawals received within 7 days after the program start date: 25 percent refund.
- Withdrawals received after 7 days of instruction: Not eligible for refund.
All approved refunds will be processed within 15 business days of written notification.
5. Deferrals and Tuition Credits
In verified cases of hardship (e.g., medical emergency, family crisis, or severe unforeseen circumstances), Claristrat may offer a one-time deferral or partial tuition credit toward a future cohort.
- Deferral requests must be received prior to the completion of the current cohort.
- Tuition credits are valid for up to 12 months from the original program start date and are non-transferable.
- Any tuition increase between cohorts will apply to the new enrollment.
6. Program Cancellation by the Institute
If Claristrat cancels or postpones a program prior to its start date, participants will be offered the choice of:
- A full refund, or
- Transfer to a future cohort of equal value at no additional cost.
Cohorts run with a minimum group size. If a start date does not reach it, we will offer you the next available start or a full refund.
If a program is disrupted or interrupted after commencement due to force majeure or circumstances beyond the Institute’s control, Claristrat will make reasonable efforts to resume or adapt delivery. In such cases, refunds or credits will be evaluated proportionally.
7. Non-Refundable Items
The following are non-refundable once delivered or accessed:
- Course materials and digital platform access
- Completed mentor-coaching sessions or individual coaching hours
- The Hogan Leadership Series assessment once administered and debriefed
8. Processing and Communication
Approved refunds are issued using the original payment method whenever possible. Communication regarding refund eligibility and processing timelines will be handled in writing via institute@claristrat.com.
9. Policy Review and Recordkeeping
Claristrat Institute reviews its refund policy annually for fairness, compliance, and alignment with ICF standards. Financial and refund records are retained securely for a minimum of five years.