Terms of Service

Effective Date: August 30, 2026

1. Overview

By accessing or using Research Roomies (the "Service"), you affirm that you are 18 years of age or older and agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service.

We may modify these Terms at any time. If changes are made, we will post the revised version with an updated date. Continued use of the Service after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

Our Privacy Policy and all other posted rules are incorporated into these Terms.

2. Nature of the Service

Research Roomies is a platform to help academics connect and coordinate shared expenses (such as lodging or transportation) for conferences. Research Roomies currently requires an .edu email address to create an account and use account-based features, including posting and contacting other users. Publicly available posts and other content on the website may be viewed by anyone, including visitors who do not have an .edu email address. The .edu email requirement is intended to promote a safer academic community. However, possession of an .edu email address does not constitute verification of a user's identity, academic status, affiliation, or intentions.

We only facilitate introductions. We do not:

• Verify user identities
• Screen or endorse users
• Guarantee the accuracy of user-submitted information
• Participate in or mediate agreements, payments, or disputes

3. User Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Verify the identity and intentions of anyone you contact
• Use the Service only for lawful purposes consistent with the intended purpose of the Service
• Not post false, misleading, or illegal information
• You are solely responsible for any arrangements, agreements, payments, travel, lodging, transportation, or other interactions you undertake with other users, whether on or off the Service

Research Roomies is not responsible for user behavior or outcomes of user interactions.

4. Content Ownership and License

You retain ownership of the content you post. You grant Research Roomies a limited, non-exclusive, worldwide license to host, display, and use your content for operating and improving the Service. We may remove content that violates these Terms.

5. Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

• Use the Service for unlawful, fraudulent, or deceptive purposes
• Harass, impersonate, or misrepresent yourself
• Collect or harvest user data
• Reverse-engineer, interfere with, or disrupt the Service
• Misuse reporting/flagging features
• Sell, license, or distribute Service content (other than your own)
• Create or use an account for another person without authorization
• Attempt to circumvent the Service's .edu email requirement for creating or using an account.
• Use another person's email address or credentials
• Post personal information about another person without their permission

6. No Professional Advice / No Endorsement

We do not verify or endorse users or any arrangements they make. You are solely responsible for your interactions and decisions.

7. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the accuracy, safety, or reliability of user content or connections.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Research Roomies and its operators are not liable for any damages or losses related to your use of the Service, including fraud, disputes, misrepresentation, or interactions with other users.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Research Roomies and its operators from any claims arising out of your use of the Service or content you post.

10. Termination

We reserve the right, but do not assume the obligation, to remove, edit, restrict, or disable access to content or accounts at our discretion that we believe violate these Terms, applicable law, or the safety or integrity of the Service.

11. Third-Party Links

Users may share external links. We are not responsible for third-party sites, content, or interactions.

12. Donations

Any voluntary contributions (e.g., "Buy Me a Coffee") do not create any obligation, service guarantee, or customer relationship.

13. Dispute Resolution / No Class Actions

Any disputes will be handled individually. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you waive the right to bring class or collective actions against Research Roomies or its operators.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the State of Indiana, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

15. Copyright and Content Removal Requests

If you believe content violates your rights, contact us at the email below with details and we will investigate and remove content as appropriate.

16. Contact

For questions about these Terms contact: admin@researchroomies.com