Disclaimer

Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer carefully before using Rybnik University Education Network (the “Platform” or “Website” at www.RybnikUniversity.edu.pl). By accessing or using our Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Disclaimer.


1. Nature of Our Platform

1.1 We Are NOT a University or Educational Institution

CRITICAL NOTICE: Rybnik University Education Network is NOT:

  • An accredited university, college, or educational institution in any jurisdiction
  • A degree-granting organization recognized by any governmental education authority worldwide
  • A licensed educational provider authorized to confer academic credentials
  • A certifying body for professional credentials or qualifications
  • An employer of the instructors listed on our platform

We ARE: An international directory and connection platform that showcases independent instructors from around the world who offer private educational services. We serve as a global marketplace connecting students with qualified independent educators.

1.2 No Accreditation

We do not hold, nor do we claim to hold, any institutional accreditation from educational accreditation bodies in Poland, the European Union, United States, or any other jurisdiction worldwide. We are not authorized to grant degrees, diplomas, academic credits, or any form of accredited academic credentials.

Name Clarification: The term “University” in “Rybnik University Education Network” refers to our network of independent educators and our commitment to connecting learners with educational expertise globally. It does NOT indicate:

  • Institutional status as a university
  • Accreditation by any education authority
  • Authority to grant degrees or academic credentials
  • Operation as a traditional educational institution
  • Recognition by governmental education bodies

We are a platform service, not an accredited educational institution.

1.3 Independent Instructors

All instructors featured on our platform are independent contractors who operate their own educational services businesses from various international locations. They are not our employees, agents, representatives, or partners. Each instructor is solely responsible for:

  • Their own services, qualifications, and business practices
  • The content and quality of instruction they provide
  • Their professional conduct and ethical standards
  • Compliance with laws in their jurisdiction
  • Their own taxes, insurance, and business operations
  • Agreements they enter into with students

2. No Formal Degrees or Accredited Credentials

2.1 Certificates and Completion Documents

Any certificates, completion documents, or acknowledgments provided by instructors listed on our platform are issued solely by those individual instructors and represent only their personal attestation of your participation in their courses.

These documents are NOT:

  • Accredited academic credentials recognized by education authorities
  • Equivalent to university degrees, diplomas, or certificates from accredited institutions
  • Transferable as academic credits to other educational institutions
  • Professionally certified credentials (unless specifically issued by a recognized certifying body separate from the instruction)
  • Recognized by governmental education departments or agencies
  • Valid for purposes requiring accredited education (unless explicitly accepted by relevant authorities)
  • Guaranteed to be accepted by employers, educational institutions, or licensing boards

These documents ARE:

  • Personal attestations by independent instructors
  • Evidence of participation in non-accredited instruction
  • Potentially useful as continuing education documentation (depending on context)
  • Subject to the policies and reputation of the individual instructor

2.2 Professional Licensing and Certification

Completion of courses offered by instructors on our platform does NOT automatically qualify you for:

  • Professional licensing in any jurisdiction
  • Professional certification from recognized certifying bodies
  • Registration with professional regulatory organizations
  • Employment in regulated professions
  • Practice in licensed fields (medicine, law, psychology, engineering, etc.)

Your Responsibility: You are responsible for verifying whether any instruction meets requirements for your intended professional purpose by:

  • Checking with relevant licensing boards in your jurisdiction
  • Consulting professional associations in your field
  • Reviewing specific requirements for any credentials you seek
  • Confirming acceptability with employers or educational institutions
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations in your location

2.3 Academic Credit

Instruction received through our platform does NOT automatically transfer as academic credit to universities, colleges, or other educational institutions. Each institution sets its own policies for accepting outside credits. You must verify directly with your institution whether they will accept any learning completed through our platform.


3. No Guarantee of Educational Outcomes

3.1 Learning Results

We make NO representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding:

  • Academic achievement, grades, or test scores
  • Skill acquisition, proficiency levels, or competency development
  • Career advancement, promotion, or professional opportunities
  • Job placement, employment offers, or hiring decisions
  • Salary increases, income improvements, or financial benefits
  • Successful completion of courses or programs
  • Quality, effectiveness, or value of instruction
  • Learning outcomes or educational results
  • Preparation for exams, certifications, or credentials
  • Fitness for any particular purpose or goal

3.2 Individual Responsibility and Variables

Educational outcomes depend on numerous factors beyond our control, including but not limited to:

Student Factors:

  • Individual effort, motivation, and commitment
  • Prior knowledge, skills, and educational background
  • Learning ability, style, and preferences
  • Time investment and practice
  • Life circumstances and competing priorities
  • Physical and mental health
  • Access to resources and technology
  • Language proficiency and cultural background

Instructor Factors:

  • Teaching ability and effectiveness
  • Communication skills and style
  • Availability and responsiveness
  • Curriculum design and materials quality

External Factors:

  • Employer requirements and preferences
  • Market conditions and economic factors
  • Licensing board decisions and requirements
  • Educational institution policies
  • Professional association standards
  • Technological issues and internet connectivity
  • Cultural and linguistic differences

Your Success: Ultimately, success in learning is your responsibility. We provide a platform to connect with instructors; we do not guarantee outcomes.

3.3 No Employment or Career Guarantees

We do NOT guarantee, promise, or imply that:

  • Completing instruction will result in employment
  • You will receive job offers or career opportunities
  • Your salary will increase
  • You will be promoted in your current position
  • Employers will value or recognize your learning
  • You will successfully transition careers
  • You will achieve any specific career goals
  • Instruction will make you qualified for positions
  • You will pass job interviews or assessments

Employment depends on: Many factors including market conditions, employer needs, your overall qualifications, competition, economic factors, and circumstances beyond anyone’s control.


4. Instructor Verification and Credentials

4.1 Our Verification Process

While we conduct verification of instructor credentials through our published process, we:

Do Verify:

  • Academic degrees through documentation review
  • Professional certifications through issuing organizations (when possible)
  • Employment history through references and professional profiles
  • Teaching experience through documentation and references
  • Professional reputation through reference checks

Cannot Guarantee:

  • Accuracy, completeness, or currency of ALL information provided by instructors
  • Real-time accuracy of credentials (we verify annually, not continuously)
  • Every claim or statement made by instructors
  • Teaching quality, effectiveness, or student satisfaction
  • Instructor availability, responsiveness, or professionalism
  • Compatibility between instructor and student
  • Outcomes from instruction
  • That instructors will meet your expectations

Rely On:

  • Documentation provided by instructors themselves
  • Third-party verification sources (which may have limitations)
  • Information current at time of verification (which may change)

4.2 Student Due Diligence

You are responsible for:

  • Conducting your own independent research and due diligence before engaging any instructor
  • Verifying instructor credentials independently if critical to your needs (institution names and certification details are provided for this purpose)
  • Assessing whether an instructor’s qualifications truly meet your requirements
  • Evaluating the suitability of instruction for your specific purposes and goals
  • Checking instructor professional profiles, publications, and references
  • Discussing expectations, qualifications, and approach directly with instructors
  • Making informed decisions about which instructor to engage
  • Verifying any claims that seem questionable or too good to be true

Do Not Rely Solely On: Our verification as your only basis for decision. While we strive for accuracy, you should conduct additional verification for important decisions.

4.3 Credential Changes and Updates

Instructor credentials, qualifications, certifications, and professional status may change over time due to:

  • Expiration of certifications or licenses
  • Changes in employment or professional roles
  • Completion of new education or training
  • Loss of credentials due to various factors
  • Updates to laws or professional standards

We conduct annual reviews, but profile information may not always reflect real-time current status between reviews. Contact instructors directly to confirm current credentials if critical to your decision.

4.4 International Credentials

Our platform features instructors from around the world with credentials from various international institutions and organizations.

Important Considerations:

  • Credentials recognized in one country may not be recognized in another
  • Educational systems vary significantly by country
  • Professional certifications have different standards globally
  • We verify documentation but cannot assess equivalency across all international systems
  • You should verify international credential recognition for your purposes

5. Third-Party Relationships and Liability

5.1 Independent Contracts

Any agreement for educational services is made directly between you (the student) and the instructor. Rybnik University Education Network is not a party to these agreements and has no obligations or liability under them.

All terms are determined solely by you and the instructor, including:

  • Specific curriculum, topics, and learning objectives
  • Course structure, materials, and resources
  • Session frequency, duration, and schedule
  • Total costs, payment terms, and methods
  • Cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policies
  • Communication expectations and methods
  • Assessment criteria and completion standards
  • Dispute resolution procedures

We Do Not:

  • Draft, review, or approve student-instructor agreements
  • Mediate terms or conditions
  • Enforce agreements or policies
  • Guarantee instructor compliance with agreements
  • Provide legal advice on agreements

5.2 No Liability for Instructor Actions

We are NOT responsible or liable for:

Quality and Performance:

  • Quality, accuracy, completeness, or effectiveness of instruction
  • Teaching methods, pedagogical approaches, or curriculum design
  • Materials, resources, or tools provided by instructors
  • Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in instruction
  • Instructor preparedness or expertise

Conduct and Behavior:

  • Instructor conduct, behavior, or professionalism (or lack thereof)
  • Communication style, responsiveness, or attitude
  • Ethical violations or unprofessional conduct
  • Discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behavior
  • Conflicts of interest or undisclosed relationships

Business Practices:

  • Cancellations, no-shows, or scheduling issues
  • Payment disputes, refund denials, or financial disagreements
  • Breach of contract or violation of agreements
  • Late arrivals, early departures, or shortened sessions
  • Changes to rates, policies, or terms

Credentials and Claims:

  • False or misleading claims about qualifications (beyond our verification efforts)
  • Exaggeration of experience or expertise
  • Misrepresentation of outcomes or capabilities
  • Outdated or expired credentials not yet discovered

Outcomes and Consequences:

  • Any harm, loss, damage, or injury resulting from instructor services
  • Educational failures or disappointing results
  • Wasted time, money, or opportunity
  • Emotional distress or frustration
  • Career setbacks or missed opportunities
  • Any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

Legal and Compliance:

  • Instructors’ compliance with applicable laws in their jurisdiction
  • Tax obligations or business licensing of instructors
  • Professional liability or malpractice of instructors
  • Intellectual property violations by instructors
  • Data protection and privacy practices of instructors

5.3 Disputes and Conflict Resolution

Any disputes regarding educational services must be resolved directly between you and the instructor.

We Do Not:

  • Mediate disputes between students and instructors
  • Arbitrate disagreements or conflicts
  • Adjudicate claims or make binding decisions
  • Enforce resolutions or agreements
  • Guarantee any particular outcome
  • Provide legal representation or advice
  • Take sides in disputes

We May:

  • Listen to concerns about serious violations of professional ethics or our terms
  • Investigate complaints about instructor conduct
  • Remove instructors who violate our terms or professional standards
  • Provide information about dispute resolution options

But we cannot: Control outcomes, force resolutions, guarantee remedies, or ensure your satisfaction.

Your Options: If you cannot resolve a dispute with an instructor:

  • Seek legal advice in your jurisdiction
  • Pursue small claims court (if applicable)
  • Report to relevant professional licensing boards (if applicable)
  • Report to consumer protection agencies
  • Leave honest reviews (where appropriate)

6. Website Information and Content

6.1 Information Accuracy

While we strive to provide accurate, current, and complete information on our Website, we make NO warranties or representations regarding:

  • Accuracy, completeness, reliability, or currentness of any content
  • Suitability of information for any particular purpose
  • Absence of errors, omissions, or outdated information
  • Reliability of links to external websites or resources
  • Accuracy of information provided by instructors in their profiles

Information May:

  • Become outdated between updates
  • Contain errors or inaccuracies despite our efforts
  • Be incomplete or lack important details
  • Change without notice
  • Vary from current reality

6.2 No Professional Advice

Information on our Website is provided for general informational purposes only and does NOT constitute:

NOT:

  • Educational advice or recommendations
  • Career counseling or guidance
  • Professional guidance in any field
  • Legal, financial, tax, or accounting advice
  • Medical, psychological, or health advice
  • Investment or business advice
  • Recommendations or endorsements of specific instructors
  • Guarantees about instructor quality or outcomes

IS:

  • General platform information
  • Description of services offered
  • Presentation of instructor profiles
  • Explanation of how the platform works

If You Need Professional Advice: Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields (lawyers, accountants, career counselors, licensed medical professionals, etc.).

6.3 Content Changes and Updates

We reserve the right to modify, update, or remove any content on our Website at any time without notice, including:

  • Instructor profiles (additions, updates, removals)
  • Platform features or functionality
  • Policies, terms, or legal documents
  • Pricing or business model information
  • Educational resources or articles

Information may become outdated, and we are not obligated to update all content immediately or continuously.

6.4 Third-Party and User-Generated Content

Instructor Profiles: Content in instructor profiles is provided by instructors themselves. While we verify credentials, we do not endorse, verify, or take responsibility for the accuracy of all self-reported information beyond our verification process.

Student Reviews/Testimonials (if applicable): Reflect individual experiences and opinions. Results vary, and reviews may not represent typical outcomes.

External Links: Links to instructor websites, professional profiles, or other external resources are provided for convenience. We do not control or endorse external content.


7. Technical and Operational Disclaimers

7.1 Website Availability

We do NOT guarantee that:

  • The Website will be available at all times without interruption or downtime
  • The Website will be free from errors, bugs, viruses, or technical issues
  • All features will function as intended or described
  • The Website will be compatible with all devices, browsers, or operating systems
  • Access will be uninterrupted by maintenance, updates, or unforeseen issues
  • Data transmission will be secure or error-free
  • The Website will meet your expectations or requirements

We May:

  • Experience temporary outages or interruptions
  • Conduct maintenance requiring downtime
  • Encounter technical difficulties beyond our control
  • Make changes that affect functionality
  • Discontinue features or services

You Accept: The risk that the Website may be unavailable when you need it.

7.2 Security Limitations

While we implement reasonable security measures, we CANNOT guarantee:

  • Absolute security of data transmission over the internet
  • Complete protection of information stored on our servers
  • Prevention of all cyber threats, hacking attempts, or unauthorized access
  • Immunity from viruses, malware, or harmful code
  • Protection against all data breaches or security incidents

The Internet is Inherently Insecure: Data transmission over the internet and information storage involve security risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

Your Responsibility:

  • Use strong passwords and protect your credentials
  • Keep your devices and software updated
  • Use antivirus and security software
  • Be cautious about information you share
  • Report any suspected security issues immediately

7.3 Links to Third-Party Sites and Services

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources (including instructor personal websites, professional profiles, scheduling platforms, payment processors, video conferencing services, social media, academic databases, and professional organizations).

We Are NOT Responsible For:

  • Content, accuracy, or practices of third-party sites or services
  • Availability, functionality, or reliability of third-party services
  • Privacy practices or data security of third parties
  • Any harm, loss, or damage resulting from use of third-party sites
  • Terms, conditions, or policies of third-party services
  • Fees, charges, or costs imposed by third parties
  • Quality or safety of third-party products or services

Third-Party Terms Apply: Your interactions with third-party sites and services are governed by their terms, policies, and practices, not ours.

No Endorsement: Inclusion of links does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or approval of third-party sites or services.


8. Financial Disclaimers

8.1 No Payment Processing

We do NOT process, hold, escrow, or receive payments for instructional services. All financial transactions occur directly between students and instructors using payment methods they mutually agree upon.

We Have No Control Over:

  • Payment amounts or pricing
  • Payment methods or processors used
  • Transaction security or fraud protection
  • Payment disputes or chargebacks
  • Currency conversion or fees
  • Tax implications of payments

8.2 No Refund Responsibility

We are NOT responsible for:

  • Refunds for instructional services (determined by individual instructors)
  • Payment disputes between students and instructors
  • Enforcement of instructor refund policies
  • Financial losses resulting from instructor services
  • Costs incurred for materials, software, or resources
  • Opportunity costs or lost time
  • Any other financial losses or damages

Refund Policies: Each instructor sets their own refund policy. Review and agree to instructor policies before engaging services. We do not guarantee refunds or enforce refund policies.

8.3 Pricing Information

Pricing information displayed on instructor profiles:

  • Is provided by instructors and may change without notice
  • May not include all costs (materials, software, etc.)
  • May vary by currency, location, or time
  • Is subject to instructor discretion and policies
  • Does not include any fees from payment processors or banks

We are NOT responsible for pricing accuracy, changes, or discrepancies.

8.4 Economic and Career Outcomes

We make NO representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding:

  • Return on investment (ROI) from educational services
  • Cost-benefit ratio of instruction
  • Economic value or financial benefit of learning
  • Salary increases or income improvements
  • Career advancement or promotion
  • Job offers or employment opportunities
  • Business success or entrepreneurial outcomes

Economic outcomes depend on: Numerous unpredictable factors including market conditions, individual circumstances, effort, skills, timing, luck, and factors beyond anyone’s control.


9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Maximum Extent Permitted by Law

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

NO WARRANTIES: THE WEBSITE, ALL INFORMATION, CONTENT, AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ACCURACY, OR RELIABILITY.

9.2 Exclusion of Damages

WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

Financial Damages:

  • Lost profits, revenues, or income
  • Lost business opportunities or contracts
  • Costs of substitute services or instruction
  • Wasted money on ineffective instruction
  • Financial losses of any kind

Educational and Career Damages:

  • Lost educational opportunities or time
  • Academic failures or poor grades
  • Failed exams or assessments
  • Career setbacks or missed promotions
  • Lost job opportunities or employment
  • Damage to professional reputation

Personal and Intangible Damages:

  • Lost data, work, or creative output
  • Emotional distress, frustration, or disappointment
  • Loss of goodwill or reputation
  • Wasted time or effort
  • Stress, anxiety, or mental anguish

Technical Damages:

  • Computer damage or data loss
  • Internet connectivity issues
  • Software or hardware problems

WHETHER RESULTING FROM:

  • Use or inability to use the Website or services
  • Reliance on Website information or instructor claims
  • Instructor services, conduct, or performance
  • Educational outcomes or lack thereof
  • Disputes with instructors
  • Unauthorized access to your data or accounts
  • Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in content
  • Technical failures or interruptions
  • Any other matter relating to the Website, platform, or services

EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

9.3 Maximum Liability Cap

OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THE WEBSITE, PLATFORM, OR THESE TERMS SHALL NOT EXCEED:

€100 (ONE HUNDRED EUROS)

OR

THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US (NOT TO INSTRUCTORS) IN THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS

WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

Since students typically pay nothing to us (payments go directly to instructors), our liability in most cases is capped at €100.

9.4 Jurisdictional Variations

Some jurisdictions do not allow exclusion or limitation of certain warranties or damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law.

9.5 Basis of the Bargain

You acknowledge that these limitations of liability are fundamental elements of the basis of the bargain between you and us, and that we would not provide the platform without these limitations.


10. Geographic and Jurisdictional Limitations

10.1 International Platform

Our Website operates as an international platform accessible globally from various jurisdictions with different laws and regulations.

We Make No Representation that:

  • Content or services are appropriate or available for use in all locations
  • The platform complies with laws in every jurisdiction
  • Instructors or their services comply with your local regulations
  • Instruction meets requirements in your jurisdiction
  • International instruction is permitted in your location

10.2 Your Responsibility for Legal Compliance

You are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction regarding:

  • Online education services and distance learning
  • International transactions and cross-border services
  • Professional licensing requirements
  • Educational credential requirements
  • Tax obligations related to payments or services
  • Consumer protection laws
  • Data protection and privacy regulations
  • Import/export regulations for educational services
  • Any other applicable laws in your location

Before Using Our Platform: Verify that your use complies with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction.

10.3 No International Accreditation Claims

We make NO claims regarding:

  • Recognition of instructors or instruction in any specific jurisdiction
  • Accreditation or approval by education authorities in any country
  • Validity of credentials earned in any jurisdiction
  • Compliance with educational regulations in specific locations
  • Transferability of learning across borders or education systems

Each Country Has Its Own Standards: What is recognized or accepted in one country may not be recognized in another. You must verify acceptability for your purposes in your jurisdiction.

10.4 Instructor Jurisdiction

Instructors operate from various international locations and are subject to laws in their own jurisdictions. We are not responsible for:

  • Instructors’ compliance with laws in their location
  • Legal issues arising in instructor jurisdictions
  • Cross-border legal complications
  • Jurisdictional conflicts or disputes

11. Language and Translation

11.1 Official Language

The English version of this Disclaimer is the official and controlling version. Any translations provided to other languages are for convenience only and are not legally binding.

11.2 Translation Accuracy

We do NOT guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any translations. Translations may contain errors, omissions, or inaccuracies.

In Case of Discrepancies: If there are discrepancies or conflicts between the English version and any translated version, the English version prevails and controls.

11.3 Instructor Languages

Instructors offer instruction in various languages. We verify language capabilities but:

  • Cannot guarantee language proficiency levels
  • Are not responsible for language-related misunderstandings
  • Do not guarantee translation or interpretation quality
  • Cannot verify specialized terminology accuracy in all languages

Verify Language Compatibility: Discuss language proficiency and expectations directly with instructors before engaging services.


12. Changes to This Disclaimer

We reserve the right to modify this Disclaimer at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date at the top.

Material Changes: If we make material changes that significantly affect your rights or responsibilities, we will provide additional notice (such as by email to registered users or through a prominent notice on the Website).

Your Acceptance: Continued use of the Website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Disclaimer.

Review Regularly: We encourage you to review this Disclaimer periodically to stay informed of any updates.


13. Severability

If any provision of this Disclaimer is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.


14. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of this Disclaimer shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. No waiver shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by our authorized representative.


15. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Disclaimer, please contact us:

Email: legal@rybnikuniversity.edu.pl
General Inquiries: info@rybnikuniversity.edu.pl
Website: www.RybnikUniversity.edu.pl


16. Acknowledgment

BY USING THIS WEBSITE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

✓ You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Disclaimer
✓ You understand that Rybnik University Education Network is NOT an accredited university or degree-granting institution
✓ You understand that instructors are independent contractors, not our employees
✓ You understand that educational agreements are directly between you and instructors
✓ You accept all risks associated with using the Website and engaging instructors
✓ You will conduct appropriate due diligence before engaging any instructor
✓ You understand that we do NOT guarantee educational outcomes, instructor performance, or any results
✓ You understand and accept all limitations of liability described in this Disclaimer
✓ You will comply with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction
✓ You are solely responsible for your decisions regarding instructors and education

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY PART OF THIS DISCLAIMER, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY STOP USING THE WEBSITE.


Rybnik University Education Network
www.RybnikUniversity.edu.pl

International Platform Connecting Students with Independent Instructors

This platform connects independent instructors with students globally. We are not an accredited educational institution and do not grant degrees or formal academic credentials.