Harvard Negotiation Master Class Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Harvard Negotiation Master Class?

The Harvard Negotiation Master Class is a three day, highly personalized program designed for experienced negotiators who have completed a prior course in negotiation. Those selected to participate will be assigned to small learning groups, take part in dynamic exercises with two-way feedback, and participate in intensive simulations. Participants will emerge from this program as highly skilled and confident negotiators who can drive complex negotiations.

Who should attend this program?

The Harvard Negotiation Master Class attracts a diverse, global audience from both the private and public sectors and is designed for experienced negotiators who have completed a prior course in negotiation. This program is appropriate for, although not limited to, individuals with titles such as Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Board Chair, Executive Director, Director of Operations, Department Manager, Assistant Director, Associate Vice President, and Supervisor.

To be eligible for the Harvard Negotiation Master Class, applicants must demonstrate at least 10 to 20 years of negotiation experience, as well as a prior course with PON or a comparable program centered on mutual gains bargaining. In addition, we require a minimum of 6 months between any foundational training and attendance at the Master Class to allow for practical experience and implementation between learning.

How much does the Harvard Negotiation Master Class cost?

Please visit the Master Class program page for pricing.

Included in the cost of the program: continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day of the program as well as a reception one evening.

How is the class structured?

The 60 participants accepted to the Master Class are carefully selected to create a collegial atmosphere and ensure quality dialogue. We work well in advance of the course to create coach-led working groups, pre-assign negotiation roles, and send pre-work to participants. Thus, our policies discourage late enrollment changes that will impact group composition and the experience of other participants.

What is your payment policy?

Please Note: Enrollment is not guaranteed until payment has been received. 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 5 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. Enrollment is not guaranteed until payment has been received.

What is the cancellation policy?

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 $500 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.

Please submit your cancellation request in writing to PON: Email: negotiation@law.harvard.edu or Fax: +1-240-599-7679.

May I transfer to another course or defer my attendance?

Because we compose a diverse class with a defined number of participants for each offering of the course, we cannot accept requests to transfer to another course or defer participation.

What is the substitution policy?

Registrants may transfer a registration to another person within the same organization. However, registrations may only be transferred to experienced negotiators who have completed a prior course in negotiation, and PON has discretion in accepting a new participant in light of the overall class composition. A request to send a substitute must be received in writing no later than 5 business days prior to the start date of the course.

Please submit your request in writing to PON: Email: negotiation@law.harvard.edu or Fax: +1-240-599-7679.

Where is the class held?

The Master Class will be held at The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Where should I stay when attending Master Class?

Participants are invited to book a room in the PON group block at The Charles Hotel. An independent luxury hotel, The Charles Hotel overlooks the Charles River in Cambridge’s Harvard Square. To reserve your room by phone, call +1-617-864-1200. Booking hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Be sure to tell the hotel representative that you are with the Program on Negotiation. You can also reserve your room online via the direct link below. You are encouraged to make your reservation early, as the special room rate is valid only until the cutoff date (April 15, 2024 for May program) and is subject to availability.

Will I receive a certificate?

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.

Is there a dress code for the program?

Business casual dress is the expected attire for all program functions.

Is the class accredited?

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

What is the attendance policy?

Because the format of the class centers on classroom discussion and participation in negotiation 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. Please note that participants are required to attend all sessions. Tardiness of more than 20 minutes will count as an absence. Certificates will be mailed after the program to participants who meet attendance requirements.

What materials will I receive at the course? How much reading will there be?

Participants will receive access to Canvas, an online learning platform, 2 weeks before the program start date. Any pre-program assignments will be available on Canvas under the Modules tab. Other course materials may be added throughout the program. Participants will then have access to the Canvas site for 2 months following the conclusion of the program.

During the program, you will be provided with case studies and exercises to read. You will be asked to prepare for and participate in paired or group negotiations or exercises during the program.

What level of English is required?

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.