PON Expert (PONx) Frequently Asked Questions

PON Expert (PONx) one-day programs are designed to help you build expertise in a specific area. PONx programs are taught online only in live, interactive Zoom sessions led by world-class faculty.

PONx one-day, online programs provide next-level strategies, regardless of your industry, organization, or title. The expert faculty address a variety of major negotiation problems, including managing emotions, negotiating international deals, dealing with difficult people, and the art of saying no.

To see our upcoming program dates please visit One-Day Programs.

Our online courses use Zoom. To connect to the Zoom virtual classroom, students must have reliable internet access, a microphone, and speakers and have their cameras on during the entire presentation. Participants are required to connect to Zoom using the desktop application as the web browser and mobile versions do not have the same functionality. Attending the program on a tablet or mobile device is not advised.

Required pre-work will vary by program. As such, participants must review all pre-program communications as well as the Canvas course site for more details.

During the program, you may be provided with case studies and exercises to read. You also may be asked to prepare for paired or group negotiations or 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 PONx 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 the PONx program of your choice.

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 program 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 program 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. All requests must be received in writing no later than five business days prior to the start date of the program.

If a participant notifies PON in writing 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 twenty-one 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 the entire day, 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.