Terms of Use
ASU Universal Learner® Courses Terms of Use
Last updated: October 7, 2026
THESE TERMS OF USE FORM A BINDING LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU (“USER”) AND ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (“ASU”). BY USING ASU UNIVERSAL LEARNER COURSES (“ULCs”), USER AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF USE AS WELL AS ALL ASSOCIATED POLICIES AND LAWS (COLLECTIVELY, THE “TERMS OF USE”). ASU MAY AMEND THESE TERMS PERIODICALLY.
1. BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION OF PLATFORM (PURPOSE/MISSION)
The ASU ULC platform offers Users access to online university courses developed by ASU and taught by ASU faculty and instructional teams. To gain and maintain eligibility to opt for ASU credit, Users must adhere to all associated rules and guidelines governing course participation, academic integrity, academic performance, fees/payments, and adding credits to transcript.
2. ABOUT ASU
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. These Terms of Use reflect the goal of ASU to foster academic freedom while respecting the principles of freedom of speech and the privacy rights of Users.
3. DESCRIPTION OF USERS
User is responsible for their use of ULCs and responsible for compliance with these Terms of Use and all applicable policies and laws. All uses and Users of ULCs must comply with ASU’s Terms of Use. Persons who violate any of these Terms of Use will be notified of the infraction and may be subject to removal from the platform.
4. REQUIRED USER INFORMATION
Through these Terms of Use, User agrees to provide complete and accurate information to confirm User’s identity. Provided information will assist in establishing required ULC user accounts. User details may also be used in the development and provision of ULCs user services by ASU and our Contractors. The ASU Privacy Statement provides information about our online information gathering and dissemination practices. Any falsification of information or unwillingness to provide requested and required identification details may result in ineligibility to participate in ULCs or obtain ASU credit.
5. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS OF USE
We may change these Terms of Use at any time without advance notice to User. Any changes will be effective immediately when we post them on the ULCs. If User continues to access and use the ULCs after we make any changes to the Terms of use, this means User agrees to all of the changes. Be sure to return to this page often to ensure familiarity with the most current version of the Terms of use.
6. COURSE INFORMATION
6.1. Course and Schedule Modification Rights
ASU reserves the right to modify online course elements, course runs, and the course catalogue as ASU and our Contractors deem appropriate. Course schedules and syllabi are to be used as guides only. Information contained in the syllabus, such as assignments, grading scales, deadlines, and other materials are subject to change. It is the User’s responsibility to read course announcements regularly to be aware of any changes or course updates.
6.2. Course Availability
User acknowledge and agree that course availability within the ASU Learning Enterprise Programs is subject to change due to catalog updates, curriculum reviews, or other internal decisions by ASU. ASU does not guarantee the continued availability of any specific course or program. In the event that a course or offering is modified, discontinued, or otherwise rendered unavailable, ASU will make reasonable efforts to work with Users to identify a suitable replacement offering that aligns with Users’ goals and the needs of the User.
6.3. Identity Authentication
Users interested in taking ULCs for ASU credit are required to authenticate their identity by deadlines posted within the respective course. A valid photo must be submitted, along with a second approved form of photo identification. User’s photo ID must match the name associated with User’s assigned ASU account. Provided items are collected and reviewed by ASU in accordance with these Terms of Use and the ASU Privacy Policy. It is the User’s responsibility to review the photo submission policies, associated fee schedules, and protocols listed at the start of the identity authentication process.
6.4. Proctoring
Some courses may require proctoring. Details about the proctored exam process and technical requirements for proctoring are included within each course. Users are expected to become familiar with the process and ensure compliance with additional and specified computer requirements and skills to access the remote proctor service. A practice proctored exam is available in each course to ensure available hardware meets technical requirements. The practice proctored exam has no impact on User’s grade in the course but provides guidance to set up online proctoring software and to perform various tests. ULC proctoring reviews are completed by an ASU Contractor for each proctored exam. Exams that fail the proctoring review are reviewed by ASU staff and may result in an assignment grade of 0 and User ineligibility to opt for ASU credit. ASU and its Contractors will maintain User data security as required by applicable data privacy laws.
6.5. Academic Integrity
Integrity is a character-driven commitment to honesty, doing what is right, and guiding others to do what is right. Academic integrity is expected of all Users in all ULCs coursework and exams. The possible sanctions for violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, grade penalties, course failure, loss of registration privileges, removal from courses and the platform, ineligibility to participate in future ULC activities, ineligibility to opt for ASU credit for respective ULCs taken on the platform, and ineligibility for regular admission to ASU. Violations of academic integrity fall into five broad areas that include but are not limited to the following:
6.5.1.
Cheating on an academic evaluation or assignment
6.5.2.
Unauthorized use of AI or digital translation tools
6.5.3.
Plagiarizing
6.5.4.
Academic deceit, such as fabricating data or information
6.5.5.
Aiding academic integrity policy violations and inappropriately collaborating, including posting answers to ULC quizzes or examinations in ULC course forums
6.5.6.
Falsifying academic record
6.5.7.
Course-specific Academic Integrity details can be found in the course syllabus.
7. Code of Conduct
Under Arizona law, the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) is responsible for the control and supervision of the state universities and their properties and activities. The Board is authorized to enact ordinances for the governance of the universities and the maintenance of public order upon all property under its jurisdiction. The following ABOR Code of Conduct policies shall apply to all Users, 5-301 Code of Conduct – Jurisdiction, Philosophy, Purpose and Limitations upon Code of Conduct Coverage, and Violations of Law and Code of Conduct Regulations
8. Academic Credit
Users wishing to take ULCs and be eligible for ASU credit are required to verify their identity by posted deadlines, opt in to proctoring for quizzes or exams that offer it, pass the proctoring review for each and all required proctored exams for a respective course, and, ultimately, pass the course with an overall grade/score of “C” (70%) or better. Provided all course requirements, including successful proctoring review, are met, Users become credit eligible and may pay to add the credit from ASU to their transcript for up to one year after becoming credit eligible for a respective course.
9. Course Payment (Fees)
User payments will be processed on a secure website hosted by an ASU third-party vendor. Receipt of payment will be acknowledged through a confirmation page and also via a confirmation email. The email will contain the course name, start and end dates, number of credits, order number, order date, and payment amount and should be retained for User’s records. Course fee information can be found at https://ulc.asu.edu/how-to-enroll/pricing/.
10. Course Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Users may un-enroll from ULCs at any time. Users have up to ten (10) calendar days after the course start date for session-based courses and ten (10) calendar days after the enrollment date for on-demand courses to un-enroll from a ULC (the “Drop Window”). Users who un-enroll and are in compliance with these Terms of Use and any applicable ASU policies may request a refund while within the Drop Window. Users who do not un-enroll from a ULC within ten (10) calendar days of the ULC start date are not eligible to request a refund for the respective course participation fees. Enrollment fee refunds will not be issued for learners who have been deemed to have violated ASU policies, including but not limited to academic integrity and code of conduct policies. Once a User has paid for and has received credit on their transcript, no refunds will be permitted.
11. User Content
Users retain all intellectual property rights in, and are responsible for, shared User Content. Unless ASU gives Users written permission, Users may not copy, modify, distribute, mirror, republish or transmit any of the Content or materials on the ULCs. User agrees not to “scrape, ” or download in bulk, any ULC content, including any lists or directories of Users, online learning materials or articles, User postings or User information. However, Users may make one copy of documents posted on the ULCs which are of interest to User for their personal, non-commercial, educational use as long as it does not contain personal information of other Users, including photographs and videos.
11.1.
Some content in ULCs may have copyright restrictions and thus may only be copied and used by Users in accordance with specified rules that must be followed by User. ASU will post these rules for Users when they apply. By using this copyright protected content in accordance with the specified rules, User agrees to accept and follow all rules and conditions that apply to it.
11.2.
User agrees to keep all copyright and other notices on all copies of any content User obtains from ULCs. All rights in ULCs and their content, if not expressly granted to User, are reserved to ASU.
11.3. User Content Representations and Warranties
By submitting or distributing User Content, User affirms, represents and warrants (1) that User has the necessary rights, licenses, consents and/or permissions to reproduce and publish User Content within ULCs and to authorize ASU and its users to reproduce, modify, publish and otherwise use and distribute User Content in a manner consistent with the ULCs and these Terms of Use, and (2) that neither User’s submission of User’s Content nor the exercise of the licenses granted below will infringe or violate the rights of any third party. User, and not ASU, are solely responsible for User Content and the consequences of posting or publishing them.
11.4. License Grant to ASU
By submitting or posting User Content within ULCs, User hereby grants to ASU a worldwide, non-exclusive, sub-licensable, fully paid-up, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to host, display, perform, reproduce, modify, distribute, redistribute, relicense and otherwise use, make available and exploit the User Content, in whole or in part, in any form and in any media formats and through any media channels (now known or hereafter developed).
11.5. License Grant to ASU Users
By submitting or distributing User Content within ULCs, User hereby grants to each other ULC user a non-exclusive license to access and use the User Content in connection with the ULCs for their own personal purposes.
12. NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
12.1.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act specifies that all infringement claims must be in writing (either electronic mail or paper letter) and must include certain information. If User believes that User Content has been copied and posted within the ULCs, please provide ASU with the following information:
12.1.1.
a description of the copyrighted work or works that User claims has been infringed;
12.1.2.
a description of the allegedly infringing material, including its location on the site;
12.1.3.
User’s address, telephone number, and e-mail address;
12.1.4.
a statement by User that User have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law;
12.1.5.
a statement by User made under penalty of perjury, that the above information in User’s notice is accurate and that User is the copyright owner or authorized to act for the copyright owner; and
12.1.6.
an electronic or physical signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
12.2.
The Designated Agent to respond to reports alleging copyright infringements on the ULCs platform and ASU web site locations or networks, in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, may be emailed at [email protected].
12.3.
ASU reserves the right to remove Content alleged to be infringing without prior notice, at our sole discretion.
13. PROHIBITED USE AND ACCEPTABLE USE POLICIES
By participating in ULCs, User agrees to be bound by the Terms of Use applicable to users of ASU’s Computing and Communication Resources, as if fully restated herein, including but not limited to the following prohibited conduct:
13.1.
Unlawful communications, including threats of violence, obscenity, child pornography, and harassing communications, are prohibited.
13.2.
Use of ASU Computing and Communication Resources for private business or commercial activities, or for fund-raising or advertising on behalf of non-ASU organizations, is prohibited.
13.3.
The unauthorized reselling of ASU Computing and Communication Resources is prohibited.
13.4.
Unauthorized use of ASU’s trademarks or logos and other protected trademarks and logos is prohibited.
13.5.
Any alteration of addresses, uniform resource locator (URL), or other action that masks the asu.edu domain as a host site is prohibited unless authorized by ASU.
13.6.
Unauthorized anonymous and/or pseudonymous communications are prohibited. All Users must cooperate with appropriate ASU personnel or other authorized personnel when investigating the source of anonymous messages.
13.7.
Misrepresenting or forging the identity of the sender or the source of an electronic communication is prohibited.
13.8.
Unauthorized attempts to acquire and use passwords of others are prohibited.
13.9.
Unauthorized use and attempts to use the computer accounts of others are prohibited.
13.10.
Altering the content of a message originating from another person or computer with intent to deceive is prohibited.
13.11.
Unauthorized modification or deletion of another person’s files, account, or news group postings is prohibited.
13.12.
Use of ASU Computing and Communication Resources or data without authorization or beyond one’s level of authorization is prohibited.
13.13.
Interception or attempted interception of communications by parties not authorized or intended to receive them is prohibited.
13.14.
Making ASU computing resources available to individuals not affiliated with ASU without approval of an authorized ASU official at or above the level of dean/university librarian or director is prohibited.
13.15.
Compromising the privacy or security of electronic information is prohibited.
13.16.
Infringing upon the copyright, trademark, patent, or other intellectual property rights of others in computer programs or electronic information (including plagiarism and unauthorized use or reproduction) is prohibited. The unauthorized storing, copying, or use of audio files, images, graphics, computer software, data sets, bibliographic records, and other protected property is prohibited except as permitted by law.
13.17.
Interference with or disruption of the computer or network accounts, services, or equipment of others is prohibited.
13.18.
The propagation of computer “worms” and “viruses,” the sending of electronic chain mail, denial of service attacks, and inappropriate “broadcasting” of messages to large numbers of individuals or hosts are prohibited.
13.19.
Failure to comply with requests from appropriate ASU officials to discontinue activities that threaten the operation or integrity of computers, systems, or networks, or that otherwise violate these Terms of Use is prohibited.
13.20.
Revealing passwords or otherwise permitting the use by others (by intent or negligence) of personal accounts for computer and network access without authorization is prohibited.
13.21.
Altering or attempting to alter files or systems without authorization is prohibited.
13.22.
Scanning of networks, networked devices, or applications for security vulnerabilities without specific authorization by ASU is prohibited.
13.23.
Attempting to alter or connect any computing or networking components (including, but not limited to, bridges, routers, DHCP servers, wireless access points, and hubs) on ASU’s technology network without approval of ASU is prohibited.
13.24.
Installation or alteration of wiring, including attempts to create network connections, or any extension or retransmission of any computer or network services without the approval of ASU is prohibited.
13.25.
Conduct leading to disruption of electronic networks or information systems is prohibited.
13.26.
Conduct leading to the damage of ASU electronic information/data, or ASU Computing and Communication Resources is prohibited.
14. VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT
14.1. Terms of Use
. Users are subject to ASU’s standard Terms of Use Policy (“TOU”).
14.2. Reporting Violations
Any actual or suspected violation of these Terms of Use or the TOU should be brought to the attention via email to [email protected].
14.3. ASU Response to a Reported Violation
14.3.1.
Upon receiving notice of a violation, ASU may temporarily suspend User’s privileges, move, or delete the allegedly offending material pending further proceedings.
14.3.2.
A User accused of a violation will be notified of the charge and have an opportunity to respond before ASU imposes a permanent sanction. Appropriate cases will be referred to the ASU disciplinary authority appropriate to the violator’s status or to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
14.3.3.
In addition to sanctions available under applicable law and ASU and ABOR policies, ASU may impose a temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of access privileges to ASU Computing and Communication Resources, and other services or facilities.
14.3.4.
If ASU believes it necessary to preserve the integrity of Computing and Communication Resources or data, ASU may temporarily suspend any account, whether or not the account User is suspected of any violation. ASU will provide appropriate notice to the User. Servers and computers that threaten the security of ASU Computing and Communication Resources will be removed from the network and allowed to reconnect only with the approval of ASU.
14.3.5.
User can communicate issues related to violations and enforcement [email protected].
14.3.6.
ASU reserves the right to remove Content alleged to be infringing without prior notice, at our sole discretion.
15. INDEMNIFICATION BY USERS
User agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the State of Arizona, its departments, agencies, boards, commissions, universities, and its and their board members, officials, agents and employees for, from, and against any and all claims, actions, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including court costs, attorneys’ fees, and costs of claim processing, investigation, and litigation) for bodily injury or personal injury (including death), or loss or damage to tangible or intangible property to the extent caused, or alleged to be caused, by (i) User’s negligence, acts or omissions; (ii) User’s breach of the Terms of Use; (iii) User’s infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property or other proprietary rights, or (iv) User’s failure to comply with any applicable law. User will be responsible for primary loss investigation, defense and judgment costs where this indemnification is applicable.
16. PRIVACY
ASU takes steps to ensure that confidential information collected online is secure. These steps include: ongoing User education; using tools in an effort to restrict unauthorized access, viruses, phishing, and hacking attempts; and monitoring activity to identify potential system threats. ASU routinely assesses and enhances tools and processes available to strengthen our online security. For more details, please refer to https://www.asu.edu/about/privacy.
17. DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTY / LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITIES
17.1.
THE ULCS AND ANY INFORMATION, CONTENT OR SERVICES MADE AVAILABLE ON OR THROUGH THE ULC PLATFORM ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND (EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE), INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, EXCEPT INSOFAR AS ANY SUCH IMPLIED WARRANTIES MAY NOT BE DISCLAIMED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.
17.2.
NEITHER ASU NOR ITS CONTRACTORS WARRANT THAT THE ULCS WILL OPERATE IN AN UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE MANNER, THAT THE ULCS PLATFORM IS FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS, OR THAT THE COURSES OR CONTENT PROVIDED WILL MEET USER’S NEEDS OR EXPECTATIONS. NEITHER ASU NOR ITS CONTRACTORS MAKE ANY WARRANTY ABOUT THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, TIMELINESS, OR QUALITY OF THE ULCS OR ANY COURSES OR CONTENT, OR THAT ANY PARTICULAR COURSES OR CONTENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE.
17.3.
USE OF THE ULCS, AND THE CONTENT AND SERVICES OBTAINED FROM OR THROUGH THE PLATFORM, IS AT USER’S OWN RISK. USER’S ACCESS TO OR DOWNLOAD OF INFORMATION, MATERIALS OR DATA THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY REFERENCE SITES IS AT USER’S OWN DISCRETION AND RISK, AND USER WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO USER’S PROPERTY (INCLUDING USER’S COMPUTER SYSTEM) OR LOSS OF DATA THAT RESULTS FROM THE DOWNLOAD OR USE OF SUCH MATERIAL OR DATA, UNLESS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED FOR IN THESE TERMS OF USE.
18. User Postings Disclaimer
18.1.
User understands that when using the ULCs Platform, User will be exposed to User Content from a variety of sources and that neither ASU nor its Contractors are responsible for the accuracy, usefulness, reliability or intellectual property rights or relating to such User Content. User further understands and acknowledge that User may be exposed to User Content that is inaccurate, offensive, defamatory, indecent or objectionable and User agree to waive, and hereby do waive, any legal or equitable rights or remedies User have or may have against ASU or any of the ASU’s contractors with respect thereto. Neither ASU nor its Contractors endorse any User Content or any opinion, recommendation or advice expressed therein. Neither ASU nor its Contractors have any obligation to monitor any User Content or any other user communications through the ULCs.
18.2.
ASU reserves the right to review User Content and to exercise its sole discretion to edit or remove, in whole or in part, any User Content at any time and for any reason, or to allow ASU Contractors to do so. Without limiting the foregoing, upon receiving notice from a user or a content owner that a User Content allegedly does not conform to these Terms of Use, ASU may investigate the allegation and determine in its sole discretion whether to remove the User Content, which it reserves the right to do at any time and without notice.
19. CONTRACTORS
From time to time, ASU may contract with third-parties to host or provide other services related to the ULCs platform, payment processing, integrity and courseware, and their related services, processing and functionality (collectively, “Contractors” or “ASU Contractors”).
20. Third-Party Links and Resources
The ULCs Platform may contain links to third-party websites or resources. Users acknowledge and agree that neither ASU nor its Contractors are responsible or liable for: (i) the availability or accuracy of such websites or resources; or (ii) the content, products, or services on or available from such websites or resources. Links to such websites or resources do not imply any endorsement by ASU or its contractors of such websites or resources or the content, products, or services available from such websites or resources. User acknowledges sole responsibility for and assume all risk arising from User’s use of any such websites or resources. If User accesses a third-party website or service from the ULCs platform or share User Content on or through any third-party website or service, User does so at their own risk, and User understands that these Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy do not apply to User’s use of such sites.
21. TRADEMARKS
“ASU,” “Arizona State University” and the related names and logos are trademarks of Arizona State University. User may not use any of these trademarks, or any trademarks of ASU Contractors, without prior written permission.
22. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
22.1.
Under Arizona law, the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) is responsible for the control and supervision of the state universities and their properties and activities. The Board is authorized to enact ordinances for the governance of the universities and the maintenance of public order upon all property under its jurisdiction.
22.2.
User agrees that these Terms of Use and any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use or any content or service obtained from or through the ULCs will be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona, United States of America, excluding any conflict of law provisions. User agrees that all such claims and disputes will be heard and resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Maricopa County, Arizona. User consents to the jurisdiction of those courts over User for this purpose, and User waives and agrees not to assert any objection to such proceedings in those courts (including any defense or objection of lack of proper jurisdiction or venue or inconvenience of forum).