SMS Messaging Disclosure

Program summary

Instructorly (instructorly.me) is a scheduling tool for virtual instructors running short one-on-one student sessions. SMS messages are strictly transactional and are limited to: appointment reminders (the day before and about an hour before a booked session), waiting-room and wait-time updates (for example, “it’s your turn”), and one-time sign-in codes requested by the user. Instructorly never sends marketing or promotional texts. Message frequency varies with the user’s own scheduled sessions — typically no more than a few messages per session. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is never a condition of using the service, and phone numbers and consent records are never shared with or sold to third parties.

Opt-in method 1 — online consent at sign-in

On the Instructorly sign-in screen (instructorly.me/auth), a user may choose the “Phone” option and enter their own mobile number to receive a one-time sign-in code by text, or tap “Text me the code instead” as a backup when an emailed code doesn’t arrive. This disclosure appears directly beside that choice, exactly as shown here:

The sign-in form also presents an affirmative consent checkbox, shown here exactly as it appears in the app:

No text is sent without the user’s deliberate action after reading the disclosure. Sign-in codes are only ever sent to a mobile number already saved on the user’s own account.

Opt-in method 2 — verbal consent via instructor roster

An instructor adds each student to their Instructorly roster with the student’s mobile number. Texting is enabled per student with a dedicated toggle, and the instructor first confirms the student (or their parent/guardian, for minors) verbally agreed to receive scheduling texts at that number. The instructor reads this exact script, typically on a welcome call or by phone:

“I use a tool called Instructorly to schedule our one-on-one sessions. Would you like to receive text messages at [student’s mobile number] with reminders the day before and an hour before your session, updates while you’re in the waiting room, and a message when it’s your turn? Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to any message to stop texts at any time, or HELP for help. This is optional — you’ll still get email reminders either way, and saying no won’t affect your sessions. Do I have your permission to text you at that number?”

For students under 18, the script is read to the parent or guardian and consent is obtained from them. Only after a “yes” does the instructor enable the texting toggle, shown here exactly as it appears in the app:

Opt-in method 3 — text keyword (text JOIN)

Anyone can opt themselves in by texting a keyword from their own phone. This call-to-action is displayed on every public instructor profile page (for example, instructorly.me/i/nicole-benwick) and reads exactly as shown here:

When someone texts JOIN, Instructorly replies with a confirmation restating message frequency, rates, and STOP/HELP instructions, and records the opt-in. Texts only ever flow to a number once an instructor has added it to their roster.

Sample messages

Opting out and getting help

Anyone can stop texts at any time by replying STOP to any message, or by asking their instructor to turn off texting on their roster entry. Replying HELP returns contact help. Opting out never affects the ability to sign in by email or to book sessions.

More information

Read the Privacy Policy and the Terms & Conditions for full details on how Instructorly handles information and text messages. Questions? Contact the instructor who invited you or email the Instructorly team.