Terms of Service

Acceptance of terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") are a binding agreement between you and AIITE Services LLC, operating as the American Institute for Information Technology and Engineering ("AIITE," "we," "us," or "our"). They govern your access to theaiite.org (the "Site") and your participation as an Ambassador, Fellow applicant, or Fellow. By using the Site, joining as an Ambassador, or applying for Fellow status, you agree to these Terms and to our Privacy Policy.

Description of service

AIITE operates a two-grade professional membership structure: an active Ambassador grade carrying no annual fee and admitted on reviewed application, and a selective Fellow grade conferred only by the independent Review Panel. The grades are independent, and Ambassador status confers no eligibility, preference, or presumption of approval in the Fellowship process. AIITE also convenes topic-focused Councils. The current criteria, process, and safeguards are described on the Site and may be updated from time to time as described in Section 15.

Eligibility and accounts

You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract to join AIITE or use the Site's account features. If you create an account, including via Google Sign-In, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials and for all activity under your account. You agree to provide accurate information and to keep it up to date.

Ambassador membership

Ambassador membership carries no annual fee and is admitted on reviewed application from practitioners, researchers, and working IT or engineering professionals. Ambassador status grants access to the Institute newsletter, Council activities, events, and eligibility to nominate candidates for Fellow status. Formal Council membership and Council leadership are restricted to Fellows. AIITE may decline or revoke Ambassador membership at its discretion, including for conduct that violates Section 8.

Fellow application and selection

Fellow status follows the nomination, Supporter endorsement, application, Panel review, and determination process described on the Site. By applying, you agree that:

• Satisfying the published eligibility categories makes you eligible for review — it does not guarantee approval. The Review Panel makes Final Fellowship Determinations based on the totality of the record, and those determinations are final.
• You are responsible for the accuracy of all evidence, biographical information, and endorsements you submit. Misrepresentation or fraudulent evidence is grounds for immediate disqualification or, if discovered after approval, revocation of Fellow status.
• Application-specific materials are reviewed only by your assigned rotating sub-panel, consistent with the confidentiality and recusal safeguards described on the Site.
• AIITE does not guarantee, and Fellow status does not itself constitute, any professional, immigration, employment, licensing, or legal outcome. Fellow status is a professional credential reflecting the Panel's independent assessment — nothing more.

Fees and payment

Ambassador membership is free. Fellow applications require a non-refundable assessment fee that covers the cost of review and is charged regardless of outcome, plus an annual fee for Fellows in good standing, each as published on the Site at the time of application. Fees are processed by our third-party payment processor, Stripe, Inc.; see our Privacy Policy for details. AIITE may change published fees for future applicants at any time.

Use of the FAIITE designation and marks

Fellows in good standing may use the FAIITE post-nominal designation and reference their Fellow status, provided such use accurately reflects the nature of the credential and does not state or imply that Fellow status is issued, endorsed, or guaranteed by any government body, or that it guarantees any particular outcome in an unrelated proceeding. AIITE's name, logo, seals, and the FAIITE designation are the property of AIITE and may not be used in a way that suggests an affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement that does not exist. The right to use the FAIITE designation ends automatically if Fellow status is suspended, revoked, or lapses.

Acceptable use

You agree not to: misrepresent your identity or credentials; submit false or misleading information in a nomination, endorsement, or application; attempt to improperly influence Panel members or the review process; interfere with or disrupt the Site or its security; or use the Site to violate applicable law. AIITE may suspend or terminate access for violations of this section.

Intellectual property

The Site's content, criteria, branding, and design are owned by AIITE or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property law. You may not copy, reproduce, or create derivative works from AIITE's criteria, branding, or seals without prior written permission, except as reasonably necessary to describe your own Fellow status.

Disclaimers

The Site and AIITE's programs are provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. AIITE does not warrant that the Site will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free, or that any application outcome will meet your expectations.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, AIITE and its officers, Panelists, Council members, and staff will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, opportunities, or goodwill, arising from your use of the Site or participation in AIITE's programs, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. AIITE's total liability for any claim arising from these Terms is limited to the amount of fees, if any, you paid to AIITE in the twelve months preceding the claim.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold AIITE harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your violation of these Terms or from evidence, endorsements, or representations you submit as part of a nomination or application.

Suspension and termination

AIITE may suspend or terminate your Ambassador membership, application, or Fellow status for violation of these Terms, submission of fraudulent or materially misleading information, or conduct that undermines the integrity of AIITE's credentialing process, following the notice procedures AIITE publishes from time to time. You may close your account or withdraw an application at any time by contacting us.

Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of the Site will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in North Carolina, and you consent to personal jurisdiction there.

Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice. Continued use of the Site or continued Ambassador/Fellow status after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Contact us

Questions about these Terms can be sent to support@theaiite.org.