Policy: ARK-GOV-002

Affiliate & Partnership Ethics

Effective Date: October 14, 2025 Issuing Authority: The ARKTIK Institute, Office of the Director Applies to: All ARKTIK Institute operations, staff, and digital properties.

1.0 Purpose & Preamble

This policy, ARK-GOV-002, establishes a strict and non-negotiable wall between educational activities and commercial interests. Its purpose is to guarantee that the educational environment provided to ARKTIK students is, and will always remain, a sanctuary for learning, free from any form of commercial solicitation or influence.

This document serves as our public commitment to transparent, ethical, and student-first partnerships.

2.0 Core Tenets

2.1 Zero Commercialism in Educational Environments: The official ARKTIK educational tenant (including all courses, digital classrooms, and instructional communications) is a commercial-free zone. Under no circumstances will third-party advertisements, affiliate links, or sponsored content be permitted within the student learning environment.

2.2 Neutrality in Recommendations: All curriculum and resource recommendations made by ARKTIK staff are based solely on their educational merit and alignment with our academic standards. Financial incentives will never influence our pedagogical guidance.

2.3 Full Disclosure of Affiliate Relationships: In designated, non-educational areas (specifically, the "Transparent Offers" section of the Parent Lounge), ARKTIK may present optional offers from vetted partners. In every such case:

  • The existence of a referral or affiliate relationship will be clearly and explicitly disclosed in plain English, directly adjacent to the offer.

  • The use of any such vendor is entirely optional and has no bearing on a family's enrollment status, academic standing, or the quality of service received from ARKTIK.

2.4 Freedom of Choice: Families are always free to select any provider or resource that meets our published specifications, whether it is a recommended partner or not. We will never require the use of a specific affiliate vendor to meet program requirements.

3.0 Implementation & Scope

This policy is implemented across all ARKTIK platforms and is a condition of employment for all staff and contractors.

  • Student Tenant: Governed by tenets 2.1 and 2.2.

  • Parent Lounge: Governed by tenets 2.3 and 2.4.

Any violation of this policy is considered a serious breach of trust and will be addressed by the Director's office.

4.0 Conclusion

ARK-GOV-002 is foundational to our promise of delivering education in light, order, and peace. Our integrity is not for sale. We are accountable to our member families, and this policy is a cornerstone of that accountability.