TERMS OF SERVICE FOR MEMBERSHIP

These Terms of Service (“Agreement”) govern your membership in The National Neurotrauma Society (“NNS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By completing the membership application and payment process, you (“Member,” “you”) agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the NNS Bylaws, and any other policies referenced herein .

1. MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSES

NNS offers several classes of membership. By applying, you certify that you meet the eligibility criteria for the membership class you have selected.

• Standard Member: Open to professionals who share the stated purpose of the Society.
• Student Trainee Member: Open to individuals enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or those in postdoctoral/residency training. Proof of status (e.g., letter from supervisor) is required.
• Non-Student Trainee Member: Available to postdoctoral fellows and residents who have obtained their doctoral degree.
• Associate Member: Available to members of the International Neurotrauma Society (INTS) or individuals in associated professions not covered by other categories.
• Emeritus Member: Available to retired or emeritus academics upon application to the NNS Council.

2. TERM, FEES, AND PAYMENT

• Membership Term: Membership is on an annual basis. Your membership term begins on the date your application and payment are processed (the “Effective Date”) and continues for one (1) year.
  
  
• Membership Fee: The annual dues are as set forth on the NNS website at the time of your application (e.g., $235 for Standard, $150 for Associate). These fees are subject to change for future renewal terms.
  
  
• Payment and Refund Policy:
  • Full payment is due upon application.
  • Errors by NNS: In the event of an error by the NNS at the time of member registration or payment, the NNS will refund the incorrectly charged membership fees or other payment.
  • No Refunds After Benefits Administered: Once a membership application and payment have been processed by the NNS, resulting in benefits being administered to the member (such as activation of the Journal of Neurotrauma subscription or receipt of a conference discount), there will be no refund or reimbursement of the membership dues payment.
  • General Non-Refundability: The NNS will not refund any fees for the preceding period after termination of membership. Payments are not exchangeable, transferable, and may not be applied as credit to other products or services now, in the future, or toward past debts.
  • Scope: This policy applies to all forms of payment whether online, paper, or otherwise paid for with a credit card, check, cash, or wire transfer.
    
    
• No Automatic Renewal: Your membership does not automatically renew. You will be required to submit a new application and payment to renew your membership for a subsequent term.

3. MEMBER OBLIGATIONS AND CONDUCT

• Compliance: You agree to abide by the NNS Bylaws, the policies of the Society (including the Investment Policy and Nomination Committee procedures), and any rules established for NNS events and online platforms.
• Professional Conduct: Members are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism. The NNS is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment at all its events and activities.
• Accuracy of Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process and to update this information as necessary to keep it accurate.

4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

• Termination by NNS: The NNS Council, by a majority vote, may terminate, suspend, or expel a member for:
  • Failure to pay dues.
  • Conduct deemed detrimental to the objectives or interests of the Society.
  • Violation of the NNS Bylaws or this Agreement.
    
    
    
• Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your membership benefits cease immediately, and you must not represent yourself as a member of NNS. Membership fees are not refunded in the event of early termination.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA USE

• Member Data: NNS respects your privacy. We will handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do not sell member lists to third parties.
• Confidential Information: Members may be exposed to confidential Society information (e.g., financial data, unpublished strategic plans) through committee or council service. Such information must be kept strictly confidential.

6. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

• General: Membership benefits, including access to the website, journals, and events, are provided “as is” without any warranty of any kind.
• Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, NNS, its officers, and council members shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with your membership.

7. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless NNS and its representatives from any claims, losses, or damages arising out of your acts or omissions in connection with your membership or your violation of this Agreement.

8. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising out of this Agreement shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiations. If unresolved, the dispute shall be submitted to mediation in the State of Texas before resorting to litigation.

9. AMENDMENTS

NNS reserves the right to amend this Agreement, its Bylaws, and any policies at any time. Notice of material changes will be provided to members (e.g., via email or posting on the NNS website). Your continued membership after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

BY SUBMITTING A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE NNS BYLAWS, AND ALL APPLICABLE POLICIES.