SMS Consent & Opt-In

What the texts are

Instructorly sends SMS text messages for one purpose: helping students and instructors keep short, scheduled one-on-one sessions. Messages are limited to appointment reminders (the day before and about an hour before), queue and wait-time updates (for example, “it’s your turn”), and one-time sign-in codes requested by the user. We never send marketing or promotional texts.

Opt-in step 1 — text JOIN to opt in

Anyone can opt themselves in first 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 (“You’re opted in for session reminders and sign-in codes…”), re-enables texting for their roster entry if one exists, and records the opt-in. Texts only ever flow to a number once an instructor has added it to their roster.

Opt-in step 2 — instructor roster consent (verbal script)

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 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 step 3 — sign-in codes by text

On the Instructorly sign-in screen, 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” as a backup when the email code doesn’t arrive. The consent checkbox shown next to that choice is displayed here exactly as it appears in the app:

Opting out

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 your information and text messages. Questions? Contact the instructor who invited you or email the Instructorly team.