Negotiation Essentials Online (NEO) Frequently Asked Questions

This course features lessons distilled from PON’s flagship in-person program, Negotiation and Leadership.

Designed for maximum impact, this program features:

• Live, interactive Zoom sessions led by a PON instructor
• Engaging and educational prerecorded videos, featuring seven world-class PON faculty members from across Harvard, MIT, and Tufts
• Case studies based on real-world experience
• Opportunities to negotiate and engage in discussion with your fellow participants from all over the world

Please note that while there is a video and lecture component to this course, this is a highly interactive offering that requires full attendance and participation during the stated meeting dates and times.

Regardless of your industry, organization, or title, if you are a goal-focused and ambitious individual who is moving up the career ladder and taking on new responsibilities, Negotiation Essentials Online (NEO) is just the program to get you started.

To see our upcoming program dates please visit the Negotiation Essentials Online (NEO) homepage.

Our online courses use Zoom and Canvas for web conferencing and program materials. If this is your first time using either platform, you should plan to join the technology overview sessions in advance of the course. Participants must be able to navigate both platforms during the program.

To connect to the Zoom virtual classroom, students must have reliable internet access, a microphone, and speakers. Participants are required to connect to Zoom using the desktop application. The web browser and mobile versions do not have the same functionality. Attending the program on a tablet or mobile device is not advised.

Course materials will be provided via the course learning platform, Canvas. Participants will receive instructions on accessing Canvas at least one week before the program.

There is currently no pre-work for the course, but participants must be attentive to Canvas announcement in case that changes.

During the program, you will be provided with case studies and exercises to read. You will be asked to prepare for paired or group negotiations or exercises both during and outside of program times. Failure to complete any required pre-work or assignments impacts the learning of the participants as well as their fellow classmates.

In addition to the stated course meeting dates and times, participants may be asked to complete pre-program work as well as prepare for in-class negotiation exercises.

For the success of all program participants, applicants are required to be fluent in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English. While no specific exam is required, a TOEFL score of 100 (internet based) or higher is recommended. Test results do not need to be submitted. PON expects that all participants represent their language proficiency accurately. Misrepresenting proficiency is not grounds for a refund once the program begins.

If English is your second language, or if you have less than one year of experience working in an English-speaking environment, PON staff may request more information to assess English proficiency.

Please note translation services are not provided in any open-enrollment program.

Because the format of the class centers on classroom discussion and participation in role plays, attendance is critical. Since many of the simulations will be conducted in pairs or small groups, absences will not only affect your own learning but also that of your fellow classmates. Tardiness of more than 20 minutes will count as an absence. Certificates will be mailed after the program to participants who meet attendance requirements.

Please visit the Negotiation Essentials Online (NEO) program page for pricing.

There are no discounts for virtual programs. We are unable to provide any grants, financial aid, or special rates for nonprofit organizations.

There are two simple ways to register:

Online registration: Register online for our upcoming programs.

By phone: Call us at 1-800-391-8629 (in the U.S.) or +1-301-528-2676 (for international callers) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, any business day.

Tuition must be paid upon acceptance into the program. If paying tuition by wire or check, PON requires a wire receipt or check copy within five business days of acceptance sent via email to negotiation@law.harvard.edu. As of 21 business days prior to the start date of the course, tuition is immediately due for prior and new registrations. Please note enrollment is not guaranteed until payment has been received.

Cancellations received in writing at least 21 business days prior to the start date of the course will be eligible for a full refund less a $250 administrative fee, issued in the original form of payment (check or credit card). Cancellation requests received within 21 business days prior to the start of the course are subject to full payment of the program fee. In the unlikely event that PON cancels the program, PON is not responsible for any costs or losses incurred by registrants.

Please submit your cancellation request in writing to PON at negotiation@law.harvard.edu.

Registrants may transfer a registration to another person within the same organization. PON has discretion in accepting a new participant considering the overall class composition. All requests must be received in writing no later than five business days prior to the start date of the course.

Participants registered for Negotiation Essentials Online (NEO) must attend the entire program on dates and times they registered for. We cannot accommodate substitutions with other offerings of this program. However, registrants may defer their registration to a future set of program dates if space is still available.

If a participant notifies PON in writing at negotiation@law.harvard.edu more than 21 business days prior to the start of a course, a full credit for the amount paid may be transferred, one time, to a future PON course within 12 calendar months of the original course date. After the one-year period, all tuition fees will be forfeited. Transferees will be required to pay fee increases, should any take place. After one transfer is granted, any subsequent transfers will be charged a transfer fee of $250, in addition to any penalties for late notification.

Late Transfer Penalty: Due to program demand and the high volume of pre-program preparation, requests for transfers received between one to 21 business days of the program start date will incur a fee of $250. For programs beginning on Tuesday, the deadline for transfer requests is 5:00 p.m. ET the Friday prior. Notifications received after these deadlines will be considered cancellations and are subject to full payment.

Business casual dress is the expected attire.

Participants will receive both a printed and digital certificate of completion. Please note that conditions of receiving the certificate of completion include attendance at and participation in all sessions throughout the program, as well as completion of the program evaluation.

PON staff will begin processing certificates one week after the conclusion of the program. Therefore, please allow two to four weeks for digital and four to six weeks for printed certificates. Please note that we will use the address provided to mail the printed certificate. It is the registrant’s responsibility to provide a complete and accurate address to facilitate shipment from the United States. Failure to do so may result in a delay or inability to deliver the printed certificate.

This is a professional skills program; it is not accredited, and no course credit or continuing education credits are offered.