Terms

Terms and conditions

The terms for using the Highlands Biological Station website, its forms, and our emergency text alert program.

Last updated [date]

Agreeing to these terms

This website is run by Highlands Biological Station (HBS), a research and education center of Western Carolina University, Highlands Biological Station, 265 North Sixth Street, Highlands, NC 28741, 828-526-2602, hbs@wcu.edu. By using the site or submitting a form on it, you agree to these terms and to our privacy policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

What the site is for

The site gives information about HBS and lets you request lodging, register for summer field courses, report maintenance problems, and choose to receive emergency alerts. Information on the site is general and may change without notice. We try to keep it accurate but do not promise that it is complete or current.

Stay requests and course registrations

  • A stay request is not a booking. A stay or a course place is confirmed only when HBS confirms it in writing.
  • Housing is for HBS researchers, students and invited guests. HBS assigns residences and may change an assignment when needed.
  • Rates, fees, deadlines, cancellation and refund rules are those published for the stay or course, or stated in your confirmation. Course fees are paid on the university’s secure payment site.
  • Guests agree to follow the house rules and the Visitor Information Guide, and are responsible for damage they cause beyond normal use.

Using the site and forms

Give accurate information and use the forms only for their purpose. Do not attempt to interfere with the site, gain access to areas that are not public, send spam or harmful code, or submit information about another person without their permission.

Content and links

The text, images and design on this site belong to HBS, Western Carolina University or the people who made them, and may be used only with permission, except where a page says otherwise. The site may link to other websites. We do not control them and are not responsible for what they contain.

Emergency text alert program

HBS Emergency Alerts sends emergency and safety text messages about fires, severe weather, evacuations, wildlife, utility or road closures and all-clears, plus occasional tests of the alert system. Messages are sent by Highlands Biological Station, [full legal name and address], [phone], [email]. Message frequency varies and is usually very low.

How you join

By ticking the “Text me emergency alerts” box on the HBS course registration form or the lodging stay-request form, or by being added by the HBS office at your request. Agreeing is not required to register for a course or to book a stay.

Cost

HBS does not charge for these messages. Message and data rates may apply from your mobile carrier.

To stop

Reply STOP to any message at any time. You will get one message confirming you are unsubscribed and no further texts.

To get help

Reply HELP, call [phone] or email [email].

  • Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
  • Alerts also go by email. They do not replace calling 911.
  • Privacy. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. See our privacy policy.

Disclaimers and limits

The site and its information are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind. Alerts and messages depend on networks and devices outside our control and may be delayed or not delivered. To the extent the law allows, HBS and Western Carolina University are not liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from use of the site. Nothing here limits any rights you have that cannot be limited by law.

Changes and governing law

We may update these terms and will change the date above when we do. Continued use of the site means you accept the updated terms. These terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.

Contact

Questions about these terms? Email us or call 828-526-2602.