Mediation at PON – Online Frequently Asked Questions

PON offers the following mediation courses:

Harvard Mediation Intensive: This is a five-day, 40-hour intensive program.

Mediation and Conflict Management Seminar: This is a semester-length program that meets once a week (for two hours) over the course of 10 weeks.

The Mediation at PON programs attract 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.

Yes, the courses are open to all professionals seeking comprehensive learning in mediation. Participants from a wide variety of professions have found these programs invaluable.

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.

Harvard Mediation Intensive: This program is being held at The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Mediation and Conflict Management Seminar: This program is held online via Zoom.

In order 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 and program staff cannot provide support for these devices. A technology overview session will be scheduled for participants the week before the program start date.

Materials, required readings, and suggested readings will be will be provided via the course learning platform, Canvas. Participants will receive instructions on accessing Canvas at least two weeks before their program. There is substantial reading and preparation required in the lead up to the course as well as each evening of the course. During the program, participants will be provided with case studies and exercises to read. They will be asked to prepare for and participate in paired or group mediation exercises and failure to complete any required pre-work or assignments impacts the learning of the participant as well as their fellow classmates.

Materials, required readings, and suggested readings will be will be provided via the course learning platform, Canvas. Participants will receive instructions on accessing Canvas two weeks before their program. This an interactive course and participants are expected to be prepared every week. They will be asked to prepare for and participate in paired or group mediation exercises and failure to complete any required pre-work or assignments impacts the learning of the participant as well as their fellow classmates.

There are three simple ways to register. Please note that registration is not complete until we receive payment:

1. Register online with a credit card by visiting the Mediation at PON homepage.
2. Call us at 1-800-391-8629 (Outside the US: +1-301-528-2676) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, any business day.
3. Email us at negotiation@law.harvard.edu.

Please visit the Harvard Mediation Intensive and Mediation and Conflict Management program pages for pricing information.

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

For the semester-long course, Mediation and Conflict Management, if you are a current full-time graduate student, you can receive a discounted rate. To confirm your status as a graduate student, we require a letter from a supervising faculty member or program administrator certifying that you are enrolled as a full-time graduate student in a degree program. This letter can be scanned and emailed to negotiation@law.harvard.edu.

We do not offer any discounts for the Harvard Mediation Intensive.

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 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.

Cancellations received in writing for the in-person course Harvard Mediation Intensive, 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 at negotiation@law.harvard.edu.

Cancellations received in writing for the online Meditation and Conflict Management Seminar, 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.

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. However, 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 five business days prior to the start date of the course.

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

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.

Because the format of both the Harvard Mediation Intensive and the online Mediation and Conflict Management Seminar center on classroom discussion and participation in the mediation role plays, attendance is critical. Since many of the simulations will be conducted in pairs or small groups, absences not only affect your own learning but also that of your fellow participants.

Harvard Mediation Intensive: Please note that participants are required to attend all 40 hours of the program. Tardiness of more than 20 minutes will count as an absence.

Mediation and Conflict Management Seminar: Please note that participants are not allowed more than one absence. Tardiness of more than 20 minutes will count as an absence.

Certificates and e-certificates will be sent after the program to the participants who meet attendance requirements.

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.