Frequently Asked Questions
The Program on Negotiation (PON) offers a number of programs and courses taught by leading Harvard faculty and experts in the fields of negotiation, mediation, and conflict management. The programs range from one-day seminars to semester-length courses and are attended by participants from around the world.
Find out more about the following programs:
The Harvard Negotiation Institute (HNI) – Our five-day programs and our two-day intensive program focus on critical aspects of negotiation and mediation and are eligible for continuing legal education credits (CLEs). From structuring high-stakes deals and mediating complex disputes to resolving intractable problems and strengthening difficult relationships, the Harvard Negotiation Institute courses are the perfect choice for those who can devote two, five, or tens days to intensive study.
Negotiation and Leadership – Our flagship, three-day executive education program equips professionals to become more successful negotiators and leaders. The program is designed to help you broaden your understanding of negotiation concepts, leverage your strengths to obtain better results at the bargaining table, and put your learning into practice by engaging in dynamic, interactive exercises. Augmenting this program are in-depth, one-day sessions that address tough negotiation problems.
PON Seminars – Our semester-length courses on negotiation and mediation for participants from all disciplines and professions.
Who should attend the Harvard Negotiation Institute? The Harvard Negotiation Institute attracts a diverse, global audience from both the private and public sectors. Participants represent a wide range of titles and industries. This program is appropriate for, although not limited to, individuals who work in the fields of law, government, government relations, business, sports management, and education.
Can I take a course if I’m not a lawyer? Yes, the courses are open to all professionals seeking comprehensive learning in negotiation and mediation. Participants from a wide variety of professions have found these programs invaluable.
When are the courses?
Fall 2013: Mediating Disputes: October 14-18, 2013
Mediating Disputes (with Professor Robert Mnookin, David Hoffman, Gary Friedman, and Samuel Dinnar)
June 2014 Week 1: June 2-6, 2014
Mediating Disputes (with Professor Robert Mnookin and David Hoffman)
Negotiation Workshop: Strategies, Tools, and Skills for Success (with Professor Robert Bordone)
Week 2: June 9-13, 2014
Negotiation Workshop: Improving Your Negotiating Effectiveness (with Bruce Patton)
Advanced Negotiation: Dealing with Difficult Conversations (with Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen, and Doug Stone)
Advanced Negotiation: Deal Set-Up, Design, & Implementation (with Professor Guhan Subramanian and David Lax)
2-Day Intensive Negotiations for Lawyers & Executives (June 12-13, 2014 with Professor Robert Bordone)
Where are the courses held? The Fall 2013 Mediating Disputes course will be held at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The June 2014 Harvard Negotiation Institute courses will be held at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
How do I register for the Harvard Negotiation Institute? There are two simple ways to register. Please note that registration is not complete until we receive payment:
- Register online with a credit card by visiting the individual course page(s).
- Call us at +1-617-495-7705 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, any business day.
How much does it cost?
One workshop: $4,997
Two workshops: $7,997
2-Day Intensive Negotiation Workshop: $3,000
Please note that the 2-workshop discounted rate is for one individual taking two courses.
Is reduced tuition offered? Reduced tuition is available for judges, government officials, full-time teachers, full-time staff and full-time lawyers* at public interest organizations. Employees of institutions of higher learning unfortunately do not qualify for reduced tuition. Applicants requesting reduced tuition are required to submit a letter of employment verification. We do not offer financial aid. The reduced rates are as follows:
One workshop: $3,750
Two workshops: $7,500
2-Day Intensive Negotiation Workshop: $3,000
The reduced tuition payment should accompany the application and be followed by a letter of employment verification from the applicant’s employer.
*The Harvard Negotiation Institute may, at its discretion, provide a 50% price reduction on course fees for any attorney, ABA-member or non-member, who wishes to attend an HNI workshop but for whom the cost would be a financial hardship. Requests for tuition waivers along with an explanation of hardship must be received in writing at the time of registration via email at hni@law.harvard.edu. The Harvard Negotiation Institute offers a limited number of slots for financial hardship attendees.
What is your payment policy? Tuition must be paid upon registration except in cases where a wire transfer or purchase order is required. When paying with a wire or purchase order, tuition must be paid no later than 21 business days prior to the start date of the course. Please note: enrollment is not guaranteed until payment has been received.
As registration in advance is required to attend Harvard Negotiation Institute workshops, requests for tuition waivers or reductions cannot be accepted at the door.
When do I have to pay by? We cannot guarantee your seat until full payment is received. We do not accept payment plans. Courses fill up quickly, so register as soon as possible.
What is your cancellation policy? Petitions for withdrawal must be received by October 4, 2013. These petitions must be submitted in writing and will incur a cancellation fee of $500. Those withdrawing after October 4, 2013, will not receive a refund. Please note that we do not extend credits to future programs in the event of a withdrawal.
In the unlikely event that PON cancels the event, PON is not responsible for any airfare, hotel or other cost or losses incurred by registrants.
What is the transfer and substitution policy? A registrant may transfer his or her registration to another person within the same organization. All requests must be received in writing no later than 10 business days prior to the start date of the course.
When/where is registration/check-in? Registration for the Fall 2013 Mediating Disputes course will be held at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on Monday, October 14, 2013.
How much CLE credit do I get? The Harvard Negotiation Institute is able to grant credit to lawyers from the United States only. The number of CLE credits is calculated on a state-by-state basis. Please email hni@law.harvard.edu for more information on CLE credit.
Will I receive a certificate? Upon completing your Harvard Negotiation Institute course(s), you will receive a certificate of completion.
Prior to attending, is there any preparation required for the Harvard Negotiation Institute? Each class has its own requirements. You will receive any advance materials about one month prior to the start of your course.
What materials will I receive at the course? How much reading will there be? You will receive a binder with articles and other materials upon check-in at the event. During the course of the program you will be given additional handouts, including case studies and exercises to read. You will be asked to prepare for and participate in paired or group negotiations or exercises during the course of the program.
What level of English is required? English proficiency (spoken and written) is required for these courses. You must be able to read and discuss complex cases in English, and to engage in negotiation exercises in English with a counter-part. A TOEFFL score of 100 (internet based) or higher is recommended, though it is not necessary to submit test results.
Is there a dress code for the workshops? Business casual dress is appropriate for all Program functions, classes and receptions. T-shirts and shorts are not allowed. Most participants dress for comfort. October temperatures in Boston are generally cool during the day with colder evenings. All receptions are business casual.
Are meals included in my tuition? Tuition fees include the cost of daily continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as receptions.
Is lodging included in my tuition? HNI participants are required to find lodging on their own. A list of area hotels is posted on the logistics page.
What is the closest airport? The closest airport is Logan International Airport (BOS)
Are video testimonials available from past participants? Yes, please visit our YouTube page to view them.
I have additional questions about the Harvard Negotiation Institute. Whom should I contact? Feel free to call us at +1-617-495-7705 or Email us at hni@law.harvard.edu.
