Welcome to the Atlanta College of Liberal Arts and Sciences ("ACLAS," "we," "us," or "our"), an online private university registered in the USA. This Document Shipping Policy outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and conditions associated with the shipping of academic documents from ACLAS to ensure clarity and transparency for all stakeholders involved in the shipping process.
By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Document Shipping Policy and our Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use our services. For information on how we handle personal data, see our Privacy Policy.
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to detail the procedures and responsibilities involved in shipping academic documents from ACLAS, clearly delineating the terms and conditions for all users.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all graduates of ACLAS who request the issuance of official academic documents, including but not limited to hard copies of certificates, transcripts, and optional services (such as Apostille certification).
3. Eligibility
Graduates who have successfully completed their academic program and received the official electronic certificate and transcript are eligible to request hard copies of their academic documents. All personal information provided for shipping is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
4. Application Process
4.1 Timing
Applications for hard copies of official academic documents may only be submitted after the electronic certificate has been officially issued. Customers must confirm the accuracy of their e-certificate (e.g., name, degree details) before ordering hard copy documents to avoid errors.
4.2 Required Information
Applicants must provide accurate and complete shipping information, including:
- Full name
- Mailing address (in the standard format of the destination country, e.g., postcode and detailed street information for the United Kingdom)
- Contact phone number
- Email address
- For Apostille service (optional): A passport copy for annotation of passport details, if desired.
The personal information provided will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, shared solely with courier services (e.g., UPS, DHL) or third-party Apostille agencies as necessary for delivery or certification, and protected under strict confidentiality agreements.
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of this information. For non-standard addresses (e.g., temporary residences, hotels, PO boxes, military bases, embassies), customers should confirm deliverability with their local courier service before ordering. ACLAS may verify addresses using courier service tools. If an address is deemed undeliverable, we will contact the customer via email to provide an alternative address within 3 business days, or the order may be canceled without refund.
5. About the Package
Each standard hard copy package includes:
- One (1) hard copy official certificate
- One (1) hard copy transcript
- One (1) leatherette ACLAS certificate holder
ACLAS uses eco-friendly packaging materials where possible to minimize environmental impact.
6. Fees and Optional Services
| Item | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Official academic documents package | $399 (includes printing, packaging, global shipping, and recycled leatherette certificate holder) |
| Remote area surcharge (if applicable) | +$75 (applied to locations classified as remote or hard-to-reach by courier services; customers will be notified during checkout and must confirm acceptance before payment processing) |
| Express processing (optional) | +$299 (shipped within 5 business days) |
| Apostille service (Hague certification) | $300 (optional add-on, shipped within 5–10 business days) |
Prices are subject to change without prior notice, but ACLAS will notify customers of any changes before payment.
All fees are in U.S. dollars and must be paid in full prior to processing. Customers are responsible for any additional customs duties, taxes, or fees imposed by the destination country. For restricted destinations requiring third-country transshipment, additional fees will be mutually agreed upon after consultation via service@aclas.college.
7. Processing and Delivery Timeline
- Standard Processing: Documents, including those with Apostille service, will be processed and shipped on the 10th of the following month after payment confirmation.
- Express Processing: Documents will be shipped within 5 business days after payment confirmation.
- Apostille Service: ACLAS provides supporting documents to government notaries and delegates a third-party agency to complete the Apostille process. Apostille documents will be shipped together with official academic documents, on the 10th of the following month for standard processing or within 5 business days for express processing.
All documents are primarily dispatched from the United States. In some cases, documents may be shipped via transshipment through a third country to optimize delivery or comply with international regulations, with additional fees agreed upon by both parties.
8. Shipping Policy
8.1 Shipping Methods
Shipments are conducted using reputable international courier services, including but not limited to UPS, DHL, FedEx, and USPS. ACLAS selects the most suitable courier based on the destination country and region to ensure efficient delivery, prioritizing services committed to reducing carbon emissions where available. Customers cannot choose a specific courier. All certificates are officially issued and authorized by Atlanta College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. To ensure efficient delivery worldwide, we operate regional Certificate Distribution Centers in:
- Houston (USA) – primary hub for students in the United States.
- Hong Kong – supporting faster delivery across Asia and the Middle East.
- Malta – providing convenient access for students in Europe and Africa.
Please note that the regional centers are responsible only for printing and mailing. This system helps minimize delivery delays, reduce customs-related issues, and ensure students receive their certificates as quickly and securely as possible. Customers will receive a tracking number via email upon shipment. Courier services may use cookies or tracking technologies when you access tracking links; see our Cookie Policy for details.
8.2 Insurance Coverage
Each shipment is insured against loss or damage during transit. If a shipment is lost or damaged, customers must contact service@aclas.college within 15 days of receiving the tracking number. ACLAS will provide necessary documentation (e.g., proof of shipment) to assist with filing a claim with the courier service. Customers are responsible for negotiating claim outcomes directly with the courier. ACLAS may assist with documentation but is not liable for claim decisions. If the courier confirms the loss and the claim is denied, ACLAS may, at its discretion, reprocess and reship documents at a discounted rate (70% of the original fee).
8.3 Delivery Restrictions
ACLAS reserves the right to refuse shipping to locations deemed inaccessible, unsafe, or restricted by U.S. export regulations or international trade sanctions (e.g., Cuba, Iran, North Korea). ACLAS may cancel orders to restricted destinations, with full refunds issued within 7 business days if payment has been received.
For restricted destinations requiring third-country transshipment, additional fees will be mutually agreed upon via service@aclas.college.
Delivery times may vary based on local customs regulations, remote area classifications, and other factors beyond ACLAS’s control.
Customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or fees imposed by the destination country. Customs fees vary by country/region, and customers should contact their local customs authority for details. ACLAS can provide invoices and documents to assist with customs clearance but is not liable for delays or additional costs. We recommend customers confirm their destination’s customs requirements before ordering to avoid delays or extra fees. ACLAS is not responsible for any customs delays, taxes, or fees imposed by destination countries.
If a shipment is returned due to an undeliverable address, customers may request reshipment at their expense (70% of the original fee) after providing a valid address.
9. Return and Refund Policy
9.1 All Sales Final – No Returns
ACLAS operates under a strict no-return policy. Once educational documents are processed and shipped, orders cannot be altered, canceled, or refunded, except as noted in Section 9.2.
Per the EU Consumer Rights Directive (Directive 2011/83/EU), physical goods purchased online typically have a 14-day withdrawal right. However, due to the personalized nature of academic documents, this right does not apply.
9.2 Important Policy Details
If documents contain errors caused by ACLAS (e.g., printing mistakes, shipment to an incorrect address caused by ACLAS), customers must report the issue within 7 days of receipt via service@aclas.college. ACLAS will reprocess and reship corrected documents free of charge.
“Official standards” for documents mean accurate content, clear printing, and no visible physical damage. All documents undergo a dual quality check before shipment to ensure compliance with ACLAS standards.
Orders are non-refundable and non-modifiable for issues including, but not limited to:
- Customer-provided incorrect shipping information
- Changes in personal circumstances (e.g., alterations in academic plans or immigration status)
- Delivery delays due to customs processing or other external factors
10. Payment Policy
10.1 Payment Methods
Full payment is required at the time of purchase. ACLAS does not offer segmented payment plans, financing options, or deferred payments.
10.2 Order Confirmation and Processing
Upon successful submission of an order, an order confirmation will be communicated via email. If payment fails (e.g., declined card), ACLAS will notify the customer via email within 1 business day. Customers must resolve payment issues within 5 business days, or the order may be canceled without refund of any partial payments. Orders will not proceed to processing until full payment is confirmed and received.
11. Customer Responsibilities
Customers are expected to:
- Provide accurate shipping and contact information in the format required by their country/region. ACLAS holds no liability for errors in shipping or resulting consequences due to customer-provided inaccuracies.
- Regularly check email for communications related to their order, including updates regarding processing, shipping, and tracking information.
- Monitor shipment status using the provided tracking number and report any issues (e.g., loss, damage) within 15 days of receiving the tracking number.
12. Limitation of Liability
ACLAS’s liability is limited to the original purchase price paid for documents. ACLAS shall not be responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages related to shipping, including but not limited to:
- Loss or damage due to local customs processing or postal services
- Errors in documentation resulting from customer input
- Delays due to factors outside ACLAS’s control, including issues with courier services
Nothing in this policy shall exclude or limit ACLAS’s liability for fraud or willful misconduct.
If ACLAS errors (e.g., printing mistakes, incorrect shipping address) are identified, we will reprocess and reship documents at no additional cost, as outlined in Section 9.2.
13. Policy Updates
We may update this policy to reflect changes in operations or legal requirements. Updates will be posted at www.aclas.college/shipping-policy, with significant changes (e.g., fee or processing time adjustments) notified via email or the student portal. Customers can subscribe to policy update notifications via the student portal or by contacting service@aclas.college.
14. Force Majeure
ACLAS is not liable for shipping delays or failures due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters and adverse weather conditions
- Changes in government regulations or actions
- Labor strikes or interruptions
- Pandemics or public health crises
- International conflict or security concerns
If delays due to force majeure exceed 30 days, customers may contact service@aclas.college to request delayed processing or a refund, subject to case-by-case review. Customers should track order status via email or the student portal and communicate promptly during such events.
15. Customer Support
For inquiries related to shipping or to report issues (e.g., document errors, shipment loss), please contact:
Email: service@aclas.college
We aim to respond to inquiries within 2 business days during ACLAS business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM EST). For information on how personal data is handled, see our Privacy Policy.
By placing an order, customers acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Document Shipping Policy.
Last Updated: Aug 27, 2025