Terms & Conditions

1. Overview

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your enrollment and participation in programs offered by the School of Media and Motion Arts (SMMA), located at Auberge Junction, Bonduma, Buea, Cameroon.

By submitting an application, making a payment, or attending any class — whether on-site or online — you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms.

These Terms apply to all programs currently offered by SMMA, including but not limited to: Video Production, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, 3D Modeling, Web Design, and TV Broadcasting (9-month and short-course programs).

2. Enrollment Conditions

2.1 Eligibility

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of enrollment.
• A minimum of GCE Ordinary Level (or equivalent) is required for 9-month programs.
• There are no formal academic prerequisites for short-course or weekend programs.
• Non-Cameroonian students are welcome and must ensure they hold valid documentation permitting study in Cameroon.

2.2 Application Process

• Enrollment is confirmed only upon receipt of a completed registration form and the required initial payment (see Section 3).
• SMMA reserves the right to refuse or cancel any enrollment application at its discretion, including where misrepresentation is detected.
• Students enrolling in online programs must have access to a reliable internet connection and a compatible device; SMMA is not responsible for connectivity issues on the student's end.

2.3 Program Schedule & Attendance

• Timetables are provided at the start of each intake and are subject to change with reasonable notice.
• A minimum attendance of 75% is required to sit end-of-program assessments and receive a certificate of completion.
• Students who miss classes for medical or emergency reasons must notify administration within 48 hours and provide supporting documentation where applicable.
• SMMA may, at its sole discretion, reschedule or cancel classes due to public holidays, force majeure, or operational needs.

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Fees & Currency

• All tuition fees are quoted in Central African CFA Francs (XAF) unless otherwise stated.
• Fee schedules are published per intake and are subject to annual review. SMMA will provide a minimum of 30 days' notice before implementing any fee increase affecting enrolled students.
• Fees cover tuition and access to school facilities. Unless explicitly stated, they do not include personal equipment, software licenses, field-trip costs, or examination fees for external certifications.

3.2 Payment Schedule

Short-course fees are payable in full before the first class.

3.3 Accepted Payment Methods

• Mobile Money (MTN MoMo, Orange Money)
• Bank transfer to SMMA's designated account
• Cash paid directly to the SMMA finance office (official receipt will be issued)

3.4 Late Payments

• Payments not received within 14 days of the due date will attract a late fee of 5% of the outstanding installment amount per month.
• Students with overdue balances may be suspended from classes until the account is settled.
• SMMA reserves the right to withhold certificates of completion, transcripts, or project work until all outstanding fees have been paid in full.

4. Refund Policy

SMMA understands that circumstances change. Refund eligibility is determined by the date on which a written withdrawal notice is received by the school administration.

4.1 Non-Refundable Items

• The registration/deposit payment is non-refundable in all circumstances.
• Any costs incurred for materials, printed resources, or third-party software already procured on the student's behalf are non-refundable.

4.2 Program Cancellation by SMMA

• If SMMA cancels a program before it commences, enrolled students will receive a full refund of all fees paid, including the deposit.
• If a program is discontinued after commencement due to circumstances beyond SMMA's reasonable control (force majeure), a pro-rata refund will be calculated for the uncompleted portion of the program.

4.3 Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be processed within 21 working days of the written withdrawal request being approved. Refunds will be issued via the same payment method used for the original transaction wherever possible.

5. Student Conduct

SMMA is committed to maintaining a respectful, creative, and professional learning environment. All students are expected to:

• Treat staff, fellow students, and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Arrive on time and prepared for every session.
• Take reasonable care of school equipment, studios, and facilities.
• Refrain from harassment, discrimination, or any form of intimidation.
• Not engage in any activity that disrupts teaching or damages the school's reputation.

SMMA reserves the right to suspend or permanently expel any student whose conduct is deemed unacceptable. In cases of expulsion due to misconduct, no fee refund will be issued.

6. Intellectual Property

• All course materials, syllabi, video tutorials, and resources provided by SMMA are the intellectual property of SMMA and may not be reproduced, distributed, or resold without prior written permission.
• Original work created by students during their studies remains the intellectual property of the student. However, SMMA reserves the right to display, publish, or promote student work for marketing and portfolio purposes unless the student objects in writing.
• Students must not incorporate third-party copyrighted material into their project work without appropriate licensing or fair-use justification.

7. Limitation of Liability

• SMMA is not liable for any loss, damage, or injury to personal property or persons on school premises except where caused by the school's own negligence.
• SMMA does not guarantee employment or any specific career outcome upon completion of a program.
• In no event shall SMMA's total liability to a student exceed the total fees paid by that student for the specific program giving rise to the claim.
• SMMA is not responsible for technical outages, third-party platform failures, or connectivity issues affecting online learners.

8. Amendments to These Terms

SMMA may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, policy, or operations. When changes are made:

• The revised Terms will be published on this page with an updated effective date.
• Enrolled students will be notified of material changes via email or posted notice at least 14 days before the changes take effect.
• Continued enrollment after the effective date of any revision constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

9. Contact Us

For questions, complaints, or refund requests relating to these Terms, please reach out to us through any of the channels below. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 3 working days.