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Privacy Policy - Abdel-Mawgoud Academia

Version: January 12, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Abdel-Mawgoud Academia ("the Platform"). This platform is operated by Professor Ahmad Saleh as part of teaching and research activities at Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use this platform.

By using Abdel-Mawgoud Academia, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Data Controller and Contact Information

Data Controller:
Professor Ahmad Saleh
Université Laval
Quebec City, QC, Canada

Contact Email:
ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca

For privacy-related inquiries, complaints, or to exercise your rights, please contact us using the email addresses above.

3. Important Notice About Data Storage Location

CRITICAL DISCLOSURE - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Your personal information is stored on servers operated by BlueHost, a US-based hosting provider. This means your data is physically stored in the United States and is subject to United States laws, including but not limited to:

• The USA PATRIOT Act
• The CLOUD Act (Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act)
• Other US federal and state laws

What This Means for You:

Under these US laws, American authorities (such as law enforcement, national security agencies, or courts) may access your data stored on US servers under certain circumstances, potentially without your knowledge or consent. This access may occur through legal processes such as:

• Court orders
• Subpoenas
• National security letters
• Other lawful requests

Your Choice:

By continuing to use this platform, you explicitly consent to your personal information being stored and processed in the United States, and you acknowledge the risks associated with cross-border data transfer as described above.

If you do not consent to your data being stored in the United States, you should not use this platform and should contact the course instructor for alternative arrangements.

4. Legal Basis and Compliance

This platform operates in compliance with:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• Quebec's Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (Law 25)
• Université Laval's institutional policies
• Applicable US laws where data is hosted

5. What Personal Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information:

5.1 Information You Provide Directly:

• Full name
• Email address (institutional and/or personal)
• Username and password
• Profile photo (if you choose to upload one)
• Academic work (assignments, exams, projects, reports)
• Course discussion posts and communications
• Research data and lab notebooks (for researchers)

5.2 Information Generated by Your Use of the Platform:

• Course enrollment and completion records
• Grades and assessment results
• Login dates, times, and frequency
• Pages and resources accessed
• Time spent on activities
• Quiz and assignment submission data
• System-generated logs and metadata

5.3 Research-Specific Information (for research team members):

• Lab notebook entries and observations
• Experimental data and results
• Project documentation
• Internal communications related to research
• Access records for lab protocols and inventories

6. How We Use Your Personal Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

6.1 Educational Purposes:

• Delivering course content and learning materials
• Assessing and grading your academic work
• Providing feedback on assignments and exams
• Tracking your academic progress
• Communicating course announcements and updates
• Facilitating student-instructor and peer interactions
• Maintaining academic records

6.2 Research Purposes (for research team members):

• Facilitating research collaboration
• Documenting experimental procedures and results
• Managing lab protocols and resources
• Maintaining research project records
• Enabling communication among research team members

6.3 Platform Administration:

• Managing user accounts and access permissions
• Maintaining platform security and integrity
• Troubleshooting technical issues
• Improving platform functionality and user experience
• Ensuring compliance with institutional and legal requirements

6.4 Legal and Compliance:

• Complying with legal obligations
• Responding to lawful requests from authorities
• Protecting rights, property, and safety
• Enforcing Terms of Service and policies

7. Data Retention

We follow a principle of retaining data only as long as necessary for legitimate purposes, while respecting legal and institutional requirements for academic record-keeping. We categorize data into two main retention classes:

7.1 Permanent Academic Records (Indefinite Retention)

The following information constitutes your official academic record and is retained indefinitely to allow for degree verification, transcript requests, and institutional accountability:

Core Identity and Enrollment Information:

• Full legal name
• Student identification number (if assigned)
• Dates of enrollment and attendance (start and end dates for each course)
• Program or course of study
• Academic status changes (enrollment, withdrawal, completion)

Final Academic Assessment:

• Final course grades and marks
• Official transcripts and grade records
• Degree completion records (for graduate students)
• Academic standing (pass/fail, honors, distinctions)
• Credits earned and awarded

Essential Documentation:

• Academic integrity violation records (if any)
• Formal appeals or grade disputes and their resolutions
• Official correspondence regarding academic standing
• Degree conferral documentation (for graduate degrees)

Rationale for Indefinite Retention:

• Alumni may request transcripts decades after graduation
• Employers and educational institutions may verify degrees and credentials at any time
• Professional licensing bodies may require verification of historical academic records
• Legal or regulatory requirements may necessitate long-term record-keeping
• Institutional accreditation and quality assurance processes require historical data
• Protection against credential fraud requires permanent verification capability

This aligns with standard university practices and allows verification of your academic credentials 20, 30, or even 50 years from now.

7.2 Transitory Learning Data (Time-Limited Retention)

The following information relates to the learning process but is not essential for long-term credential verification. This data is retained for a limited period and then systematically deleted:

Course Interaction and Participation Data (20-30 years after course completion):

• Discussion forum posts and comments
• Peer interactions and collaborative activities
• Assignment submissions (non-final drafts and homework)
• Quiz attempts and practice assessments
• Course feedback and evaluations
• Activity logs and engagement metrics
• Learning analytics data

Personal Profile Information (20-30 years after last login or graduation):

• Profile photographs and images
• Personal biography or "about me" sections
• Optional contact information (beyond institutional email)
• User preferences and settings
• Display names or nicknames

Communication Records (20-30 years after course completion):

• Private messages between students and instructors (non-official)
• Informal communications through the Platform
• Announcements and notifications
• Email correspondence (non-official)

Detailed Assessment Materials (20-30 years after course completion):

• Individual assignment submissions and drafts
• Detailed feedback and comments on assignments
• Essay drafts and iterative work
• Exam responses and detailed scoring
• Formative assessment data (quizzes, practice tests)

Technical and System Data (7 years after generation):

• Login timestamps and session data
• IP addresses and device information
• Browser and system information
• Error logs and diagnostic data
• Access logs and audit trails (except for security incidents)

Rationale for Time-Limited Retention:

• Balances legitimate educational needs with data minimization principles
• Reduces privacy risks from long-term storage of detailed personal information
• Allows reasonable time for academic appeals, research, and quality improvement
• Respects user privacy by not retaining unnecessary personal details indefinitely
• Complies with "data minimization" principles under PIPEDA and Law 25
• 20-30 year period provides sufficient time for longitudinal educational research while eventually sunsetting non-essential data

7.3 Research Data Retention (Variable by Type)

Research data retention periods depend on the nature and requirements of the research:

Published Research Data (Indefinite or as required by funders):

• Data underlying published papers (typically 5-10 years minimum, often longer)
• Data required by funding agencies (per agency requirements, often 7-10 years)
• Data supporting patents or intellectual property (until patent expires or is abandoned)
• Lab protocols and methodologies that become part of published work

Unpublished Research Data (10-20 years after project completion):

• Lab notebook entries and experimental records
• Negative results and failed experiments
• Preliminary findings and analyses
• Research communications and internal documentation

Student Research for Theses/Dissertations (Indefinite for final thesis, time-limited for working data):

• Final submitted and defended theses: Retained indefinitely as part of academic record
• Research data supporting thesis: 10-20 years after degree completion
• Working drafts and preliminary analyses: 10 years after degree completion

Rationale:

• Compliance with Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2) requirements
• Adherence to funding agency mandates
• Support for research integrity investigations
• Enabling verification of published findings
• Protection of intellectual property during commercialization

7.4 Account Information Retention

Active Accounts:

• All account information retained while account remains active
• No automatic deletion while user is actively enrolled or employed

Inactive Accounts (2 years after last login):

• Warning email sent at 18 months of inactivity
• Second warning sent at 22 months of inactivity
• If no response, account may be deactivated (login disabled)
• Essential academic records remain preserved (see Section 7.1)
• Transitory learning data follows retention schedule (see Section 7.2)

Graduated/Departed Users:

• Essential academic records: Retained indefinitely
• Transitory learning data: Begins countdown to deletion (20-30 years)
• Account access may be maintained for alumni purposes if desired

7.5 Retention Schedule Summary Table

Data Category	Retention Period	Reason
Name, dates of attendance, final grades	Indefinite	Official academic record
Degree/program completion	Indefinite	Credential verification
Academic integrity records	Indefinite	Institutional accountability
Discussion posts, forums	20-30 years after course completion	Learning context, eventual deletion
Assignment submissions	20-30 years after course completion	Assessment record, eventual deletion
Profile photos	20-30 years after last login/graduation	Personal data minimization
Login logs, session data	7 years	Security and compliance
Published research data	Per funder requirements (typically 7-10+ years)	Research integrity
Unpublished research data	10-20 years after project completion	Research documentation
Final theses/dissertations	Indefinite	Academic credential

7.6 Deletion Process and Verification

Automated Deletion:

• System automatically identifies data eligible for deletion based on retention schedules
• Automated processes purge eligible data according to schedule
• Deletion logs maintained for accountability

Secure Deletion:

• Data deletion includes removal from active systems, backups, and archives
• Secure deletion methods prevent recovery of deleted data
• Database records permanently removed or anonymized

Verification:

• Regular audits verify retention policies are properly implemented
• Compliance reviews ensure alignment with legal requirements
• Users may request confirmation that their transitory data has been deleted

7.7 Your Rights Regarding Retention

Right to Request Early Deletion: You may request earlier deletion of transitory learning data, subject to:

• No ongoing academic appeals or integrity investigations
• No legal holds or pending litigation
• No research or institutional requirements for retention
• Preservation of essential academic records (which cannot be deleted)

Right to Retention Information: You may request:

• Information about what data is held about you
• Current retention schedules applicable to your data
• Expected deletion dates for transitory data
• Status of any deletion requests

Right to Object: You may object to retention of certain transitory data and request earlier deletion, which we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

To Exercise These Rights: Contact ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca with your request. We will respond within 30 days.

7.8 Legal and Regulatory Requirements

These retention periods may be extended if:

• Required by law, court order, or regulatory requirement
• Necessary for legal proceedings or investigations
• Required by Université Laval institutional policies
• Mandated by funding agencies or research ethics boards
• Needed to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims

In such cases, we will retain data for the minimum period necessary to fulfill these obligations.

7.9 Changes to Retention Policies

We may update retention periods to reflect:

• Changes in legal or regulatory requirements
• Updates to institutional policies
• Best practices in data management
• Technological capabilities for secure long-term storage

Material changes will be communicated to users and reflected in updated versions of this Privacy Policy.

8. Who Has Access to Your Information

Access to your personal information is restricted to:

8.1 Course Instructors and Teaching Assistants:

• Can view your academic work, grades, and course activity
• Access limited to courses in which they have an instructional role

8.2 Research Supervisors and Lab Members:

• Can access research data and lab notebooks you create
• Access limited to projects in which they are participants

8.3 Platform Administrator (Professor Ahmad Saleh):

• Has full administrative access for platform management and maintenance
• Accesses personal information only as necessary for administrative purposes

8.4 Technical Service Providers:

• BlueHost (hosting provider) has technical access to servers where data is stored
• Access is for hosting and maintenance purposes only

8.5 You (the User):

• You have access to your own information, academic records, and content you create

8.6 Other Users:

• May see information you choose to share in discussion forums or collaborative activities
• Cannot access your grades or private academic records

9. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We may disclose your personal information only in the following circumstances:

With Your Consent:
When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

Legal Obligations:
When required by law, court order, subpoena, or lawful government request

Université Laval:
We may share academic records with Université Laval if required for accreditation, academic integrity investigations, or institutional reporting

Research Collaborators:
Research data may be shared with collaborators as necessary for project purposes, subject to confidentiality agreements

Safety and Rights Protection:
To protect the rights, property, or safety of the platform, users, or others

Business Transfer:
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or transfer of operations (with continued privacy protections)

10. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA and Quebec Law 25), you have the following rights:

10.1 Right of Access:

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. We will provide you with a copy within 30 days of your request.

10.2 Right to Correction:

You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information. We will correct verified errors within 30 days.

10.3 Right to Erasure:

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to:

• Legal obligations to retain academic records
• Research integrity requirements
• Ongoing legal proceedings or investigations

10.4 Right to Withdraw Consent:

You have the right to withdraw your consent for data processing at any time. However, this may limit your ability to use the platform or participate in courses/research.

10.5 Right to Data Portability:

You have the right to receive your personal information in a structured, commonly used format and to transmit it to another service.

10.6 Right to Object:

You have the right to object to certain processing activities, subject to legitimate grounds for processing.

10.7 Right to Lodge a Complaint:

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with:

Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec
Quebec City Office:
525, boul. René-Lévesque Est, bureau 1.30
Québec (Québec) G1R 5S9
Telephone: 418-528-7741
Toll-free: 1-888-528-7741
Website: www.cai.gouv.qc.ca

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30, Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1H3
Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376
Website: www.priv.gc.ca

10.8 How to Exercise Your Rights:

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:
ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca

We will respond to your request within 30 days. We may require verification of your identity before processing your request.

11. Data Security

We take the security of your personal information very seriously and implement comprehensive, multi-layered security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

11.1 Infrastructure and Hosting Security:

Virtual Private Server (VPS) Protection:

• The platform is hosted on a dedicated Virtual Private Server (VPS) with BlueHost
• VPS isolation provides enhanced security compared to shared hosting
• Dedicated resources reduce risk of cross-contamination from other sites

DDoS Shield for Brutal Force Protection:

• Network-level filtering shields the VPS from volumetric Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks using cpHULK software tool that protects the server from automated attempts to guess passwordsby blocking IP addresses after multiple failed login attempts.
• Automated traffic monitoring and filtering prevents service disruption
• Protection against large-scale coordinated attacks

Data-at-rest Encryptation

• Data (in Databases) at rest are encrypted using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm, typically AES-256, at the storage level for its servers. to protect it from unauthorized access. This means that all stored data—including files, databases, and backups, is securely encrypted using industry-standard algorithms, ensuring that even if physical storage devices are compromised, the data remains unreadable without proper decryption keys.

• Data in transit are also secured TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols, specifically TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3, which are the modern, secure encryption standards used to protect data in transit. All data transmitted between your device and the Platform is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols. HTTPS is enforced for all connections (HTTP requests are automatically redirected to HTTPS). Encrypted connections protect against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Your login credentials, personal information, and academic data are encrypted during transmission

Domain Security (abdel-mawgoud.com):

• The domain is protected by Wordfence Security Plugin
• Real-time threat intelligence and firewall protection
• Malware scanning and removal capabilities
• Brute force attack prevention
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) protection on domain access
• Administrative access secured with multi-factor authentication

11.2 Moodle 5.0+ Platform Security:

Secure Architecture:

• Moodle data folder is placed outside the Public_html directory
• Only a shortcut to "/academia" is accessible through the web, limiting exposure
• Separation of code and data reduces attack surface
• Direct access to sensitive files is prevented

Moodle 5.0 Built-in Security Features:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Mandatory additional authentication layer beyond passwords
• Enhanced Password Policies: Stronger password requirements with peppered salting for password storage
• Web Service Token Management: Secure API access control and token lifecycle management
• Security Overview Dashboard: Enhanced monitoring tools for administrators to detect and respond to threats
• OWASP Compliance: Adherence to Open Web Application Security Project standards
• CWE Mitigation: Protection against Common Weakness Enumeration vulnerabilities
• CAPTCHA Implementation: Protection against automated bot attacks on login and registration
• Least Privilege Access: Users granted minimum necessary permissions for their role
• Secure Session Management: Protection against session hijacking and fixation
• SQL Injection Prevention: Parameterized queries and input validation
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Protection: Input sanitization and output encoding
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Protection: Token-based validation of state-changing requests

Proactive Security Measures:

• Regular code reviews by Moodle security team
• Rapid vulnerability patching and security updates
• Active monitoring of security advisories and threat intelligence
• Continuous security testing and improvement

Access Control:

• Role-based access control (RBAC) limiting user permissions
• Guest access disabled to prevent unauthorized viewing
• Secure configuration following Moodle security best practices
• Activity logging and audit trails

11.3 Authentication Security:

Password Protection:

• Strong password requirements enforced
• Password hashing with peppered salting (adds random data to prevent rainbow table attacks)
• Account lockout after multiple failed login attempts
• Password complexity rules (minimum length, character requirements)
• Prohibition of commonly used or compromised passwords

Multi-Factor Authentication (available):

• Additional authentication factors, beyond username/password, are made optional for users but obligatory for administrators
• Protection against credential theft and phishing
• Time-based or app-based authentication codes

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Domain and administrative access protected by 2FA through Wordfence.
• Additional layer of security for privileged accounts

11.4 Network and Firewall Security:

Wordfence Security Plugin:

• Advanced firewall blocks malicious traffic before it reaches the Platform
• Real-time monitoring of traffic patterns and threat detection
• IP blocking and country blocking capabilities
• Rate limiting to prevent brute force attacks
• Known malware signature detection

Intrusion Detection and Prevention:

• Monitoring for suspicious activities and attack patterns
• Automatic blocking of malicious IP addresses
• Alert system for security events and potential threats

11.5 Data Protection Measures:

Backup and Recovery:

• Regular automated backups of sensitive Platform data
• Secure offsite backup storage
• Tested disaster recovery procedures
• Point-in-time recovery capabilities
• Backup encryption for stored backup files

Data Integrity:

• Data integrity and validation are continuously checked to ensure data hasn't been tampered
• Transaction logging for audit purposes
• Version control are kept for consented site policies

11.6 Software Security:

Regular Updates and Patching:

• Moodle core software kept up-to-date with latest security patches
• Plugin and extension updates applied promptly and automatically.
• Operating system and server software security updates
• Dependency and library updates to address known vulnerabilities
• Only trustworthy software from vetted repositories is installed.

Vulnerability Management:

• Active monitoring of Moodle security announcements
• Subscription to security advisories and notifications
• Rapid response to critical vulnerabilities

11.7 Administrative Security Measures:

Access Management:

• Limited number of administrators with full system access
• Administrative access logs and audit trails
• Regular review of user access permissions
• Prompt removal of access for departed users

Confidentiality Obligations:

• All users with data access bound by confidentiality agreements
• Administrative staff trained on data protection requirements
• Clear policies on acceptable use and data handling

Security Monitoring:

• Continuous monitoring of system logs and security events
• Automated alerts for suspicious activities
• Regular security audits and compliance checks
• Incident response procedures and protocols

11.8 Compliance and Standards:

Security Frameworks:

• Adherence to OWASP Top 10 security risks mitigation
• Implementation of CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) prevention measures
• Following Moodle security best practices and guidelines
• Compliance with Canadian privacy law security requirements (PIPEDA, Law 25)

Secure Development Practices:

• Code review processes for security vulnerabilities
• Input validation and output encoding
• Secure coding standards
• Regular security training for developers and administrators

11.9 Your Security Responsibilities:

While we implement extensive security measures, your cooperation is essential:

You MUST:

• Create strong, unique passwords (never reuse passwords from other sites)
• Enable and use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when required
• Keep your password secure and confidential
• Never share your account credentials with anyone
• Log out after using shared or public computers
• Keep your devices and browsers updated with security patches
• Use reputable antivirus/anti-malware software on your devices
• Be cautious of phishing emails that may appear to be from the Platform
• Verify SSL/HTTPS certificate when accessing the Platform
• Report suspected security breaches, suspicious activities, or lost devices immediately
• Do not circumvent or attempt to disable security features

Warning Signs of Potential Security Issues:

• Unexpected password reset emails you didn't request
• Account activity you don't recognize in your login history
• Suspicious emails claiming to be from the Platform or Université Laval
• Warnings about invalid SSL certificates
• Unexpected system behavior or error messages

If you notice any of these, contact ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca immediately.

11.10 Incident Response:

In the Event of a Security Breach:

If we become aware of a security breach that may have compromised your personal information:

1. Immediate Actions:
   • We will take immediate steps to contain and remediate the breach
   • We will investigate the scope and impact of the incident
   • We will implement additional security measures to prevent recurrence
2. Notification:
   • We will notify affected users as required by law (Law 25 requires notification "with undue delay")
   • We will notify the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec if required
   • We will provide information about what happened and what data was affected
   • We will offer guidance on steps you can take to protect yourself
3. Remediation and Support:
   • We will provide support and resources to affected users
   • We will cooperate with authorities investigating the breach
   • We will conduct a post-incident review and implement improvements

Your Responsibility in a Breach:

• Change your password immediately if notified of a breach
• Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity
• Follow any specific instructions provided in breach notification
• Report any suspicious activities you observe

11.11 Security Limitations and Disclaimers:

Important Notice:

While we implement comprehensive, industry-standard security measures, no system can guarantee absolute security. Security risks include but are not limited to:

• Advanced persistent threats: Sophisticated attackers may develop new attack methods
• Zero-day vulnerabilities: Unknown security flaws may exist before patches are available
• Social engineering: Users may be tricked into revealing credentials or sensitive information
• Compromised devices: If your personal device is infected with malware, your data may be at risk
• Human error: Mistakes by users or administrators can create security vulnerabilities
• Third-party risks: BlueHost or other service providers may experience security incidents
• Legal access: US authorities may access data on US servers under US law (as disclosed in Section 3)

Risk Acknowledgment:

By using the Platform, you acknowledge that:

• You understand the security measures in place
• You accept the inherent risks of transmitting data over the internet
• You accept the risks associated with US-based hosting
• You will take reasonable precautions to protect your own security
• No guarantee of absolute security is provided

Reasonable Security Standard:

Our security measures are designed to meet or exceed reasonable industry standards for educational platforms, but we cannot guarantee that unauthorized third parties will never be able to defeat our security measures or use your personal information for improper purposes.

11.12 Security Improvements and Updates:

We continuously review and improve our security measures. Future enhancements may include:

• Additional authentication factors
• Enhanced encryption methods
• Advanced threat detection systems
• Improved monitoring and logging capabilities
• Additional compliance certifications

Changes to security measures will be reflected in updates to this Privacy Policy.

12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The platform uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your login session
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze platform usage and performance
• Improve user experience

Types of Cookies Used:

Essential Cookies:
Required for platform functionality (cannot be disabled)

Functional Cookies:
Remember your preferences and settings

Analytics Cookies:
Help us understand how the platform is used (may be disabled in browser settings)

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, yet, disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality.

13. Third-Party Links

The platform may contain links to external websites or resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in privacy laws
• Changes to platform functionality
• Changes in data processing practices
• Feedback from users or regulators

Notification of Changes:

When we make material changes to this Privacy Policy:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document
• We will notify you through the platform or by email
• We may require you to re-accept the updated policy before continuing to use the platform

Your continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Children and Minors

This platform is intended for use by university-level students and researchers who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 without parental consent.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from someone under 18 without proper consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

16. International Users and Data Transfers

Primary Jurisdiction:
This platform operates primarily under Canadian law, specifically Quebec provincial law and federal PIPEDA.

Cross-Border Transfers:
As disclosed in Section 3, your data is stored on US servers. By using this platform, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in Canada.

Additional Protections:
Despite US hosting, we maintain compliance with Canadian privacy standards and your rights under Canadian law remain in effect.

17. Research Ethics and Data Use

For users participating in research activities:

17.1 Research Data:

Data collected through research activities on this platform is subject to:

• Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2)
• Université Laval Research Ethics Board requirements
• Funding agency requirements

17.2 Biosafety Level 1 and PPC-1 Research:

Research conducted involves microorganisms at Biosafety Level 1 and Plant Pest Containment Level 1. No human subjects or animal research is conducted.

17.3 Research Data Sharing:

Research data may be shared with collaborators, published in scientific journals, or included in theses/dissertations, subject to confidentiality agreements and anonymization where appropriate.

18. Consent

By using Abdel-Mawgoud Academia, you consent to:

✓ The collection, use, and storage of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy
✓ The storage of your data on US-based servers operated by BlueHost
✓ The potential access to your data by US authorities under US law
✓ The processing of your data for educational and research purposes
✓ The retention of your data for the periods specified
✓ Communications from the platform regarding your courses and account

Your consent is voluntary. If you do not consent to these practices, please do not use this platform and contact the platform adminsitrator for alternative arrangements.

19. Questions and Concerns

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact:

Professor Ahmad Saleh
Email: ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca

We will respond to your inquiries within 30 days.

Acknowledgment:

By clicking "I Accept" or by continuing to use Abdel-Mawgoud Academia, you acknowledge that:

1. You have read and understood this Privacy Policy in its entirety
2. You understand that your data will be stored on US-based servers
3. You understand the risks associated with cross-border data transfer
4. You consent to the collection, use, storage, and processing of your personal information as described
5. You understand your privacy rights and how to exercise them

If you do not agree with any part of this Privacy Policy, you must not use this platform.

This Privacy Policy is written in accordance with PIPEDA, Quebec Law 25, and applicable privacy regulations. It is designed to provide transparency about data practices while ensuring compliance with Canadian privacy standards.

Full policy

Terms of Service - Abdel-Mawgoud Academia

Version: January 12, 2026

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Abdel-Mawgoud Academia ("the Platform"), an educational and research platform operated by Professor Ahmad Saleh as part of teaching and research activities at Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a binding legal agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and the Platform operator. By accessing or using Abdel-Mawgoud Academia, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST NOT ACCESS OR USE THIS PLATFORM.

2. Eligibility and User Accounts

2.1 Eligibility

This Platform is intended for:

• Undergraduate students enrolled in courses taught by Professor Ahmad Saleh
• Postgraduate students (Master's and PhD candidates) under Professor Saleh's supervision
• Research interns and collaborators
• Authorized teaching staff, teaching assistants and research staff

You must be at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction to use this Platform.

2.2 Account Registration

To access the Platform, you must:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Use your real name (no pseudonyms or fake identities)
• Use your institutional email address when provided one

2.3 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password
• All activities that occur under your account
• Immediately notifying the Platform administrator of any unauthorized access or security breach

You must NOT:

• Share your account credentials with anyone
• Allow others to use your account
• Create multiple accounts for yourself
• Use another person's account

Violation of account security requirements may result in immediate account suspension and disciplinary action.

2.4 Account Termination

Your account may be suspended or terminated if you:

• Violate these Terms of Service
• Violate the Confidentiality Agreement (if applicable)
• Engage in academic dishonesty
• Complete your studies or leave the institution
• Fail to use your account for an extended period

Upon termination:

• Your access to the Platform will be revoked
• Your academic records will be retained as per institutional requirements
• You must return or delete any confidential materials obtained through the Platform

3. Acceptable Use Policy

3.1 Permitted Uses

You may use the Platform for:

• Accessing course materials and completing assignments
• Participating in educational activities and discussions
• Collaborating on authorized research projects
• Communicating with instructors, peers, and research team members on scientific or social matters related to the lab activities and environments.
• Accessing lab protocols and resources (for authorized research members)
• Documenting research activities in lab notebooks

3.2 Prohibited Activities

You must NOT use the Platform to:

Academic Misconduct:

• Engage in plagiarism, cheating, or academic dishonesty
• Submit work that is not your own without proper attribution
• Share exam questions or answers with others
• Use unauthorized materials during assessments
• Submit the same work for multiple courses without permission
• Contract or purchase assignments from others
• Use AI tools inappropriately for assessed work (unless explicitly permitted)

Security and System Integrity:

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's operation
• Introduce viruses, malware, or malicious code
• Attempt to bypass security measures or access controls
• Probe, scan, or test system vulnerabilities
• Reverse engineer or decompile any Platform software

Inappropriate Content and Behavior:

• Post, transmit, or share offensive, threatening, or harassing content
• Discriminate against others based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Share sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate material
• Impersonate others or misrepresent your identity or affiliation
• Engage in spam, phishing, or fraudulent activities

Misuse of Information:

• Disclose, share, or publish confidential information (see Section 5)
• Share lab protocols, inventories, or research data outside authorized channels
• Use Platform data for commercial purposes without authorization
• Scrape or harvest data from the Platform
• Share others' personal information without consent

Intellectual Property Violations:

• Copy, distribute, or republish course materials without permission
• Use copyrighted materials without proper authorization
• Remove copyright notices or attribution from materials
• Claim ownership of materials created by others

3.3 Consequences of Violations

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in:

• Warning and required corrective action
• Temporary suspension of Platform access
• Permanent account termination
• Referral to Université Laval for disciplinary action
• Academic penalties (failing grades, course failure, academic probation)
• Legal action for serious violations
• Liability for damages caused by your actions

4. Intellectual Property Rights

4.1 Platform Content Ownership

Unless otherwise specified, all content on the Platform, including but not limited to:

• Course materials, lectures, and presentations
• Lab protocols and procedures
• Chemical and biological inventory lists
• Instructional videos and multimedia
• Platform design, layout, and functionality
• Software and code

...is owned by Professor Ahmad Saleh, Université Laval, or their respective content creators and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.

4.2 User-Generated Content

Your Original Work: You retain ownership of original academic work you create and submit through the Platform (assignments, papers, projects, etc.).

License to Platform: By submitting content to the Platform, you grant the Platform a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to:

• Store, display, and reproduce your content as necessary for Platform operation (including but not limited to protocol development)
• Use your work for educational purposes within the Platform
• Retain your academic work for record-keeping purposes
• Use anonymized or aggregated versions for research or improvement purposes

Research Data: Research data ownership is subject to:

• Université Laval intellectual property policies
• Funding agency requirements
• Collaborative research agreements
• Applicable laws and regulations

Consult with your research supervisor regarding ownership and use of research data and inventions.

4.3 Restrictions on Use

Unless explicitly authorized, you may NOT:

• Copy, download, or distribute course materials for commercial purposes
• Share course materials on file-sharing websites or social media
• Sell, rent, or license Platform content to others
• Create derivative works based on Platform content without permission
• Use Platform content in ways that could harm the reputation of the Platform or Université Laval

4.4 Fair Use and Academic Purposes

You may use Platform materials for:

• Personal study and review
• Completing course assignments
• Academic research within the scope of your studies
• Creating study notes for personal use

Such use must be consistent with fair dealing provisions under Canadian copyright law.

5. Confidentiality Obligations (All Users)

5.1 General Confidentiality

All users must maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding:

• Exam questions and answers (before, during, and after exams as specified)
• Unpublished research findings
• Personal information of other users
• Sensitive institutional information
• Information explicitly marked as confidential

5.2 Research-Specific Confidentiality

Users with access to research areas must maintain strict confidentiality of:

• Laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures
• Chemical and biological inventories
• Ongoing research project data and results
• Unpublished experimental findings
• Proprietary methodologies and techniques
• Research communications and internal discussions
• Information about research collaborators and partners

Note: Postgraduate students and researchers are subject to additional confidentiality requirements under the separate Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

5.3 Permitted Disclosures

You may disclose confidential information only when:

• Explicitly authorized in writing by Professor Ahmad Saleh
• Required by law or court order (with prompt notification to the Platform administrator)
• The information has become publicly available through no fault of yours
• Sharing within authorized research team for legitimate project purposes

6. Academic Integrity

6.1 Commitment to Honesty

By using this Platform, you commit to:

• Submitting only your own original work for assessment
• Properly citing and attributing all sources
• Following all academic integrity policies of Université Laval
• Reporting suspected violations of academic integrity
• Cooperating with academic integrity investigations

6.2 Research Ethics

Research activities through this Platform must adhere to:

• Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2)
• Université Laval Research Ethics Board requirements
• Good laboratory practices and research integrity standards
• Biosafety Level 1 and Plant Pest Containment Level 1 protocols
• Proper documentation and record-keeping practices

6.3 Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

Academic integrity violations will be reported to Université Laval and may result in:

• Failing grade on the assignment or exam
• Failing grade in the course
• Academic probation or suspension
• Notation on your academic record
• Expulsion from the university
• Revocation of degrees already granted

7. Platform Availability and Modifications

7.1 Platform Availability

We strive to maintain continuous Platform availability, but we do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted access to the Platform
• Error-free operation
• Availability during maintenance or upgrades
• Compatibility with all devices or browsers
• Backup or recovery of your data

Your Responsibilities:

• Maintain your own backups of important work
• Submit assignments with sufficient time before deadlines (do not wait until the last minute)
• Report technical issues promptly
• Use compatible and updated browsers and software

7.2 Scheduled Maintenance

We will attempt to:

• Provide advance notice of scheduled maintenance when possible
• Schedule maintenance during low-usage periods
• Minimize disruption to academic activities

However, emergency maintenance may occur without notice.

7.3 Platform Modifications

We reserve the right to:

• Modify, update, or discontinue Platform features at any time
• Change the design, layout, or functionality of the Platform
• Add or remove content, courses, or resources
• Update system requirements or supported technologies

Material changes will be communicated to users through Platform announcements or email.

8. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

8.1 "As Is" Provision

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Warranties of MERCHANTABILITY
• FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
• NON-INFRINGEMENT
• ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF CONTENT
• SECURITY OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES

8.2 No Liability for Losses

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PLATFORM OPERATOR, PROFESSOR AHMAD SALEH, AND UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

• Loss of data or work due to technical failures
• Missed deadlines resulting from Platform unavailability
• Academic consequences of your inability to access the Platform
• Damages resulting from unauthorized access to your account
• Third-party actions or content
• Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages

8.3 User Responsibility

You acknowledge and accept that:

• You are responsible for maintaining backups of your work
• You bear the risk of using the Platform for submitting assignments and exams
• You should allow adequate time for submissions in case of technical difficulties
• You should seek alternative arrangements if you experience persistent technical issues

8.4 Limitation of Damages

IF, NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, WE ARE FOUND LIABLE, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO USE THE PLATFORM (WHICH IS ZERO FOR A FREE EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM).

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Platform operator, Professor Ahmad Saleh, Université Laval, and their respective officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms of Service
• Your violation of any rights of others
• Your violation of applicable laws or regulations
• Content you submit or post to the Platform
• Your breach of confidentiality obligations

10. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. By accepting these Terms, you also accept the Privacy Policy.

Key points from the Privacy Policy:

• Personal information is collected and used for educational and research purposes
• Data is stored on US-based servers (BlueHost)
• Your data may be subject to US laws including the USA PATRIOT Act and CLOUD Act
• You have rights regarding your personal information under Canadian privacy law

Please review the complete Privacy Policy for detailed information about data practices.

11. Communications

11.1 Platform Communications

By using the Platform, you consent to receive:

• System notifications and alerts
• Course announcements and updates
• Assignment reminders and deadlines
• Grade notifications
• Research project communications
• Platform maintenance notices
• Policy updates and changes

11.2 Email Communications

We will communicate with you using:

• Your institutional email address (preferred)
• The email address you provided during registration
• Platform messaging system

You are responsible for:

• Monitoring your email regularly
• Updating your email address if it changes
• Checking Platform notifications
• Responding to important communications in a timely manner

11.3 Opting Out

You cannot opt out of essential Platform communications (system alerts, policy updates, academic notifications). You may be able to adjust preferences for non-essential notifications in your account settings.

12. Third-Party Services and Links

12.1 Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to external websites, resources, or services. These third-party sites are not under our control, and we are not responsible for:

• Their content, accuracy, or availability
• Their privacy practices or terms of service
• Any damages or losses resulting from your use of third-party sites

12.2 Third-Party Tools

The Platform may integrate with or use third-party tools or services (such as BlueHost for hosting). Your use of these services may be subject to additional terms and conditions. We are not responsible for third-party service disruptions or policy changes.

13. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Quebec and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Quebec, judicial district of Quebec City.

13.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal legal proceedings, parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally by:

• Contacting Professor Ahmad Saleh at ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca
• Providing a detailed description of the dispute
• Attempting good-faith negotiations for 30 days

13.4 Institutional Processes

For disputes related to:

• Academic matters (grades, assessments): Follow Université Laval's academic appeals process
• Academic integrity: Subject to Université Laval's disciplinary procedures
• Research matters: Consult with your research supervisor and follow institutional processes

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, or if that is not possible, severed from these Terms.

15. Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Platform.

16. Assignment

You may not assign, transfer, or delegate your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms in whole or in part without your consent in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Platform regarding your use of the Platform and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

18. Changes to These Terms

18.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes may be made to:

• Reflect changes in law or regulation
• Accommodate new Platform features or functionality
• Address security or operational concerns
• Improve clarity or accuracy
• Respond to user feedback

18.2 Notice of Changes

When we make material changes to these Terms:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top
• We will notify you through the Platform, email, or a prominent notice
• We may require you to review and accept the updated Terms before continuing to use the Platform

18.3 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Platform.

19. Survival

The following sections shall survive termination of your account or these Terms:

• Intellectual Property Rights
• Confidentiality Obligations
• Indemnification
• Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
• Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
• Any other provisions that by their nature should survive

20. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or issues related to these Terms of Service:

Professor Ahmad Saleh
Department: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bio-informatics
Université Laval
Quebec City, QC, Canada

Email: ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca

For technical support, please use the Platform's support features or contact the email addresses above.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

By clicking "I Accept," creating an account, or using Abdel-Mawgoud Academia, you acknowledge that:

1. ☑ You have read these Terms of Service in their entirety
2. ☑ You understand and agree to be bound by these Terms
3. ☑ You understand your rights and responsibilities as a Platform user
4. ☑ You agree to the Acceptable Use Policy and will not engage in prohibited activities
5. ☑ You understand the consequences of violating these Terms
6. ☑ You understand your confidentiality obligations
7. ☑ You commit to academic integrity and ethical research practices
8. ☑ You accept the disclaimers and limitations of liability
9. ☑ You have also read and accepted the Privacy Policy

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST NOT USE THIS PLATFORM.

These Terms of Service are designed to create a safe, respectful, and productive educational and research environment while protecting the rights and interests of all users and the Platform operator.

 

Full policy

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

For Postgraduate Students and Research Personnel

Effective Date: January 12, 2026
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Version: January 12, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement ("Agreement") applies ONLY to researchers including but not limited to:

• Master's (MSc) students
• Doctoral (PhD) students
• Research interns
• Postdoctoral fellows
• Research assistants
• Research collaborators

This Agreement is IN ADDITION TO the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, which all users must also accept.

1. Purpose and Scope

As a postgraduate student or research team member at Abdel-Mawgoud Academia, you will have access to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive information related to ongoing research projects, laboratory operations, and institutional activities. This information constitutes valuable intellectual property and trade secrets that require protection.

This Agreement establishes your obligations to maintain confidentiality and refrain from unauthorized disclosure or use of such information.

2. Parties to This Agreement

Disclosing Party:
Professor Ahmad Saleh
Operating as Abdel-Mawgoud Academia
Department: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics
Université Laval
Quebec City, QC, Canada

Receiving Party (You):
The individual accepting this Agreement as a condition of accessing research-related materials and information through Abdel-Mawgoud Academia.

3. Definition of Confidential Information

For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" includes, but is not limited to:

3.1 Laboratory and Research Materials

• Laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Experimental procedures and methodologies
  • Equipment operation and maintenance protocols
  • Safety procedures and biosafety protocols
  • Quality control and quality assurance procedures
  • Troubleshooting guides and technical notes
• Chemical and biological inventories
  • Lists of chemicals, reagents, and biological materials
  • Quantities, concentrations, and storage locations
  • Supplier information and procurement details
  • Material safety data sheets (MSDS) and handling procedures
  • Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) organism information
  • Plant Pest Containment Level 1 (PPC-1) materials and protocols
• Laboratory equipment and instrumentation information
  • Specialized equipment specifications and capabilities
  • Calibration procedures and maintenance schedules
  • Custom modifications or adaptations
  • Equipment booking systems and resource allocation
  • Digital environments and systems.

3.2 Research Data and Results

• Unpublished research findings and data
  • Experimental results (successful and unsuccessful)
  • Raw data, processed data, and analyses
  • Preliminary findings and interpretations
  • Negative results and failed experiments
  • Statistical analyses and computational models
  • Datasets stored in lab notebooks or electronic systems
• Research hypotheses and designs
  • Novel research questions and approaches
  • Experimental designs and methodologies
  • Future research directions and plans
  • Grant proposals and funding applications (in preparation or under review)
• Ongoing research projects
  • Project objectives, timelines, and milestones
  • Progress reports and internal updates
  • Research team compositions and collaborations
  • Budget information and resource allocations

3.3 Intellectual Property and Know-How

• Proprietary methodologies and techniques
  • Novel experimental techniques developed in the lab
  • Optimized protocols and improvements to standard methods
  • Technical tricks, tips, and best practices
  • Problem-solving approaches and troubleshooting knowledge
• Inventions and discoveries
  • Potentially patentable inventions or discoveries
  • Novel applications of existing technologies
  • Improvements to existing methods or products
  • Any innovation or creative work with commercial potential
• Trade secrets and competitive information
  • Information that provides a competitive advantage in research
  • Strategic research directions and priorities
  • Unpublished competitive analyses
  • Information about research advantages or unique capabilities

3.4 Communications and Documentation

• Internal communications
  • Lab meetings notes and discussions
  • Email communications about research projects
  • Messages exchanged through the Platform
  • Group discussions and brainstorming sessions
  • Feedback and critiques of research work
• Lab notebooks and research records
  • Electronic and physical lab notebook entries
  • Research documentation and records
  • Photographs, images, and visual records of experiments
  • Annotations, comments, and personal observations
• Draft documents
  • Unpublished manuscripts and papers (in preparation)
  • Draft theses and dissertations (before defense)
  • Draft abstracts and conference submissions
  • Internal reports and presentations

3.5 Collaborative and Third-Party Information

• Information from research collaborators
  • Data and materials shared by collaborating researchers
  • Joint research findings and shared resources
  • Information covered by separate collaborative agreements
• Third-party proprietary information
  • Information received from industry partners
  • Materials or data subject to material transfer agreements (MTAs)
  • Information from vendors or service providers marked as confidential

3.6 Institutional and Administrative Information

• Strategic and operational information
  • Lab expansion plans and future directions
  • Equipment purchase plans and budget information
  • Personnel decisions and hiring plans
  • Grant applications and funding strategies
• Personal information of lab members
  • Contact information not publicly available
  • Research progress and performance information
  • Personal circumstances affecting research

3.7 Visual and Physical Materials

• Photographs and images
  • Photos of experiments, equipment, or lab setup
  • Microscopy images and visual data
  • Images of biological samples or specimens
  • Photographs documenting research activities
• Physical samples and materials
  • Biological strains, cultures, or samples
  • Chemical compounds or formulations
  • Engineered materials or devices
  • Research specimens or archives

4. What Is NOT Confidential Information

The following types of information are NOT considered Confidential Information under this Agreement:

4.1 Publicly Available Information

Information that:

• Was publicly known before you received it from the lab
• Becomes publicly available through no breach of this Agreement by you
• Is published in peer-reviewed journals or other public forums (after publication)

4.2 Independently Developed Information

Information that you:

• Developed independently without use of or reference to Confidential Information
• Can demonstrate was developed without access to the lab's confidential resources
• Created prior to joining the lab (with proper documentation)

4.3 Rightfully Obtained Information

Information that you:

• Received from a third party who had the legal right to disclose it
• Obtained through legitimate public sources
• Acquired without any obligation of confidentiality

4.4 Information Cleared for Release

Information that:

• Professor Ahmad Saleh has provided written authorization to disclose
• Has been explicitly approved for public presentation or publication
• Is included in published papers or presentations after publication date

5. Your Confidentiality Obligations

By accepting this Agreement, you agree to:

5.1 Non-Disclosure Obligation

You SHALL NOT:

• Disclose any Confidential Information to any third party without prior written authorization
• Share lab protocols, procedures, or methodologies outside the authorized research team
• Discuss unpublished research findings with persons outside the lab
• Post research data, images, or information on social media or public forums
• Share chemical or biological inventory information with unauthorized persons
• Provide copies of lab notebooks, protocols, or documents to others
• Discuss ongoing projects with competitors or other research groups

Limited Exceptions: You may disclose Confidential Information only:

• To authorized lab members for legitimate research purposes
• To your thesis committee or academic supervisors as required for your degree program
• With explicit prior written permission from Professor Ahmad Saleh
• As required by law or court order (with advance notice to Professor Saleh)

5.2 Non-Use Obligation

You SHALL NOT:

• Use Confidential Information for any purpose other than your authorized research activities within the lab
• Use lab protocols, techniques, or methodologies for personal commercial gain
• Exploit research findings or data for unauthorized purposes
• Apply confidential know-how in other labs or institutions without authorization
• Use Confidential Information to compete with the lab or Université Laval

5.3 Protection Obligation

You MUST:

• Take reasonable precautions to protect Confidential Information from unauthorized disclosure
• Store physical documents securely when not in use
• Use password protection for electronic files containing Confidential Information
• Avoid discussing Confidential Information in public spaces where others might overhear
• Report any suspected or actual unauthorized disclosure immediately
• Return or securely delete all Confidential Information upon leaving the lab

5.4 Labeling and Identification

• Treat all information accessed through Abdel-Mawgoud Academia's research areas as potentially confidential
• Respect materials explicitly marked as "Confidential," "Proprietary," or "Internal Use Only"
• Ask Professor Ahmad Saleh if unsure whether specific information is confidential

6. Permitted Disclosures and Uses

6.1 Academic Requirements

You may use and disclose Confidential Information to the extent reasonably necessary for:

Thesis and Dissertation:

• Including research results in your MSc thesis or PhD dissertation
• Presenting your research to your thesis committee
• Defending your thesis in accordance with Université Laval requirements

Note: Even when including results in your thesis, you must:

• Coordinate timing with Professor Ahmad Saleh to avoid premature disclosure
• Ensure publication of key findings occurs before thesis defense when possible
• Respect collaborators' interests in patent protection or publication priority
• Acknowledge confidential contributions from others appropriately

Course Requirements:

• Presenting research results in seminars or courses as required by your program
• Discussing research with academic supervisors and committee members
• Sharing information with academic advisors for program-related purposes

Publication:

• Preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals (with co-author approval)
• Preparing abstracts for scientific conferences (with prior approval from Professor Saleh)

6.2 Collaborative Research

You may share Confidential Information with:

• Authorized members of your research team for project purposes
• Approved research collaborators (as specified by Professor Ahmad Saleh)
• Service providers under confidentiality agreements (e.g., sequencing facilities, analysis services)

6.3 Mandatory Disclosures

You may disclose Confidential Information when:

• Required by law, regulation, or court order
• Necessary to comply with legal obligations
• Required by regulatory or ethics oversight bodies

Procedure for mandatory disclosures:

1. Notify Professor Ahmad Saleh immediately upon learning of the requirement
2. Provide advance notice before disclosure (unless legally prohibited)
3. Cooperate to limit disclosure to the minimum required
4. Seek protective orders or confidential treatment where possible

7. Duration of Confidentiality Obligations

7.1 During Your Time in the Lab

This Agreement is in effect from the date you accept it and continues throughout your:

• Enrollment in graduate studies under Professor Ahmad Saleh's supervision
• Employment or appointment as a research team member
• Active access to Abdel-Mawgoud Academia research materials

7.2 After You Leave the Lab

Your confidentiality obligations continue AFTER you:

• Complete your degree and graduate
• Leave the research position
• End your association with the lab
• No longer have access to the Platform

Ongoing Obligations:

For a period of TEN (10) YEARS after termination:

• Unpublished research data and findings remain confidential
• Proprietary methodologies and techniques remain confidential
• Trade secrets and competitive information remain confidential
• Chemical and biological inventory information remains confidential

Perpetual Obligations:

The following remain confidential INDEFINITELY:

• Trade secrets (until they become publicly known through proper channels)
• Information that could harm ongoing research or competitive position
• Patentable inventions (until patents are published or abandoned)
• Information specifically designated as permanently confidential

Published Information: Once research results are published in peer-reviewed journals or public forums, those specific results are no longer confidential (but unpublished aspects remain confidential).

7.3 Survival of Agreement

This Agreement survives:

• Completion of your degree
• Termination of employment or appointment
• Closure of research projects
• Discontinuation of your access to Abdel-Mawgoud Academia
• Publication of some (but not all) research findings

8. Ownership of Intellectual Property

8.1 Existing IP

All intellectual property, including:

• Laboratory protocols and procedures
• Research methodologies and techniques
• Chemical and biological inventories
• Equipment and instrumentation
• Existing research data and findings

...that existed before you joined the lab remains the property of Professor Ahmad Saleh and/or Université Laval.

8.2 New IP Created During Your Research

Intellectual property you create during your research, including:

• New research data and findings
• Novel methodologies or techniques
• Inventions or discoveries
• Improvements to existing methods
• Creative works and innovations

...is subject to:

• Université Laval's intellectual property policies
• Terms of any research funding agreements
• Collaborative research agreements (if applicable)
• Applicable Canadian intellectual property law

General Principles:

• You may have rights to include your research in your thesis/dissertation
• Université Laval typically claims ownership of inventions made using university resources
• Authorship on publications follows academic norms and contribution guidelines
• Patent rights are typically determined by university policy and funding agreements

Consultation Required: For any potentially patentable invention or commercially valuable discovery:

1. Disclose immediately to Professor Ahmad Saleh
2. Do not publicly disclose until patent strategy is determined
3. Follow Université Laval's innovation disclosure procedures
4. Cooperate with patent application processes if applicable

8.3 Use of Pre-Existing Knowledge

You may use general knowledge, skills, and experience gained during your research in future positions, provided:

• You do not disclose specific Confidential Information
• You do not use trade secrets or proprietary methodologies
• You respect all confidentiality obligations under this Agreement
• You do not compete unfairly or improperly using confidential knowledge

9. Return of Materials Upon Departure

9.1 Physical Materials

Upon completing your research, graduating, or leaving the lab, you MUST:

Return to the lab:

• All physical lab notebooks (unless digital copies were the primary record)
• All physical documents containing Confidential Information
• All chemical or biological samples, strains, or materials
• All keys, access cards, or security devices
• All equipment, tools, or instrumentation borrowed from the lab

9.2 Electronic Materials

You MUST:

• Return or securely delete all electronic files containing Confidential Information
• Remove Confidential Information from personal devices, cloud storage, and email
• Delete copies of lab protocols, procedures, and methodologies
• Remove research data from personal computers (unless part of your thesis work)
• Clear browser caches and temporary files containing Confidential Information

Exceptions: You may retain:

• Your own thesis or dissertation
• Published papers where you are an author
• Personal research notes that do not contain trade secrets or proprietary information
• Materials explicitly authorized by Professor Ahmad Saleh in writing

9.3 Certification of Compliance

Before final departure, you may be required to:

• Sign a certification that you have returned all materials
• Confirm deletion of electronic Confidential Information
• Acknowledge your ongoing confidentiality obligations
• Provide forwarding contact information for future communications

10. Consequences of Breach

10.1 Unauthorized Disclosure or Use

Unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information is a serious breach of this Agreement and may result in:

Academic Consequences:

• Formal complaint to Université Laval administration
• Academic misconduct investigation
• Academic penalties (failing grades, academic probation)
• Dismissal from graduate program
• Notation on academic transcript
• Revocation of degree (in severe cases)
• Loss of research privileges

Legal Consequences:

• Legal action seeking injunctive relief (court order to stop disclosure)
• Lawsuit for breach of contract
• Liability for damages caused by the breach
• Liability for lost research opportunities or competitive advantage
• Liability for costs of remediation
• Criminal prosecution (in cases involving theft of trade secrets)

Professional Consequences:

• Damage to professional reputation in the scientific community
• Difficulty obtaining future research positions or funding
• Loss of trust from colleagues and collaborators
• Potential blacklisting from collaborative research networks

Financial Consequences:

• Personal liability for monetary damages
• Payment of legal costs and attorney fees
• Repayment of research funding or scholarships
• Financial penalties as determined by courts

10.2 Immediate Actions Upon Breach

If you accidentally or inadvertently breach this Agreement:

1. Notify Professor Ahmad Saleh immediately
2. Take immediate steps to mitigate the harm
3. Cooperate fully in damage assessment and remediation
4. Provide honest and complete information about the disclosure
5. Assist in retrieving disclosed information if possible

Prompt notification and cooperation may reduce consequences, but does not eliminate liability.

10.3 Irreparable Harm

You acknowledge that:

• Breach of this Agreement may cause irreparable harm to Professor Ahmad Saleh, the research lab, and Université Laval
• Monetary damages may be insufficient to compensate for such harm
• Injunctive relief (court orders) may be necessary and appropriate
• Specific performance of obligations may be required

11. No Rights Granted

This Agreement does NOT grant you:

• Ownership of any Confidential Information
• License to use Confidential Information outside authorized research
• Right to publish or disclose without proper authorization
• Right to commercialize or exploit research findings independently
• Any intellectual property rights beyond those granted by separate agreements or university policy

Access to Confidential Information is provided solely for authorized research purposes within the scope of your graduate studies or research appointment.

12. Independent Obligations

This Agreement is independent of and in addition to:

• Université Laval's intellectual property policies
• Research ethics requirements and REB approvals
• Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) for biological materials
• Collaborative research agreements with other institutions
• Funding agency requirements and obligations
• Any employment agreements or contracts
• The Privacy Policy and Terms of Service of Abdel-Mawgoud Academia

If there is a conflict between this Agreement and other obligations, the more restrictive confidentiality provision applies.

13. No License or Rights

Nothing in this Agreement:

• Creates an employment relationship between you and Professor Ahmad Saleh
• Obligates Professor Ahmad Saleh to disclose any particular information to you
• Grants you any rights to patents, copyrights, or other intellectual property
• Creates a partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship
• Obligates either party to enter into any future agreement
• Prevents Professor Ahmad Saleh from developing or using similar information independently

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with:

• The laws of the Province of Quebec
• The federal laws of Canada applicable therein
• Université Laval's institutional policies and procedures

Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Quebec, judicial district of Quebec City.

15. Severability and Modification

15.1 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable:

• The remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect
• The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable
• The overall confidentiality obligations and intent of this Agreement shall be preserved

15.2 Modification

This Agreement may be modified only by:

• Written amendment signed by both parties, OR
• Updated version posted on Abdel-Mawgoud Academia with notice to users and required re-acceptance

Oral modifications are not valid or enforceable.

15.3 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement does not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce that provision or any other provision in the future.

16. Entire Agreement

This Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, together with:

• The Privacy Policy of Abdel-Mawgoud Academia
• The Terms of Service of Abdel-Mawgoud Academia
• Any separate written confidentiality agreements
• Université Laval's policies applicable to your status

...constitute the entire agreement regarding confidentiality obligations and supersede all prior oral or written agreements or understandings.

17. Contact and Questions

For questions about this Agreement or confidentiality obligations:

Professor Ahmad Saleh
Department: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics
Université Laval
Quebec City, QC, Canada

Email: ahmad.saleh@bcm.ulaval.ca

If you are uncertain whether specific information is confidential or whether a proposed disclosure is permitted, you MUST contact Professor Ahmad Saleh BEFORE making any disclosure.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

By clicking "I Accept" or by accessing research-related materials on Abdel-Mawgoud Academia, you acknowledge and agree that:

☑ I have read and understood this entire Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

☑ I understand the definition of Confidential Information and can identify what information is covered

☑ I agree to maintain strict confidentiality of all Confidential Information I access

☑ I will not disclose Confidential Information to unauthorized persons

☑ I will not use Confidential Information for unauthorized purposes or personal gain

☑ I understand my obligations continue for five years after I leave the lab (and indefinitely for trade secrets)

☑ I will return all materials containing Confidential Information upon departure

☑ I understand the consequences of breaching this Agreement, including legal liability

☑ I acknowledge that breach may cause irreparable harm warranting injunctive relief

☑ I agree to immediately notify Professor Ahmad Saleh of any suspected or actual breach

☑ I understand this Agreement is in addition to other policies and obligations

☑ I accept that this Agreement is governed by Quebec law and subject to Quebec courts

☑ I have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification before accepting

☑ I enter into this Agreement voluntarily and with full understanding of my obligations

IMPORTANT FINAL NOTICE:

This is a legally binding agreement. Violation of this Agreement can result in serious academic, professional, financial, and legal consequences.

If you have any questions or concerns about your obligations under this Agreement, please contact Professor Ahmad Saleh BEFORE accepting.

If you do not agree to these confidentiality obligations, you cannot access research-related materials on Abdel-Mawgoud Academia and should discuss alternative arrangements with Professor Ahmad Saleh.

Date of Acceptance: [Automatically recorded upon electronic acceptance]
User Name: [Automatically recorded]
User Email: [Automatically recorded]
IP Address: [May be recorded for verification purposes]

This Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement is designed to protect valuable research information, trade secrets, and intellectual property while respecting your academic rights and career development.