HHI Online Learning Terms and Conditions

General Course Policies

 

Completion

 

Participants are expected to complete all work on the course platform diligently and on time following instructions established by course syllabus. In addition to module and assignment completion, we expect participation in the social learning elements of the course. Participants who fail to complete the program requirements will not receive a certificate and will not be eligible to retake the program.

 

You will not receive academic credit from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health or Harvard University for taking any Humanitarian Academy at Harvard courses unless expressly identified on the course listing as eligible. Admissions to degree programs at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health or Harvard University are separate from being accepted into Humanitarian Academy at Harvard courses and workshops.

 

If you are enrolled in a Program through your employer or through another university or educational institution with which you are associated (your “Home Institution”), HHI and Humanitarian Academy at Harvard may provide a record to your Home Institution concerning your performance in the Program, in accordance with our Privacy Policy. However, the decision whether your Home Institution will award any credit, benefit or credential, and the nature of any such credit, benefit or credential, will lie solely with your Home Institution.

Conduct

                      

We believe in fairness, equality, and an equitable right to education for everyone. We believe that creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment is essential for the success and growth of all learners. It is important to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes constructive engagement, collaboration, and mutual respect. The following guidelines outline the expected behavior for all Humanitarian Academy at Harvard participants:

 

1. Respectful Communication:

  • Treat fellow learners, instructors, and staff with respect, regardless of their background, opinions, or experiences.
  • Avoid engaging in discriminatory or offensive languages and actions.

  • Be mindful of the tone of your messages and strive for a courteous and professional manner at all times.

     

2. Constructive Dialogue:

  • Engage in meaningful and substantive discussions that contribute to the learning experience of the entire community.
  • Share diverse perspectives and opinions in a respectful manner, fostering open-mindedness and intellectual growth.
  • Focus on the content of the discussion rather than personal attacks or arguments.

 

3. Academic Integrity:

  • Uphold academic honesty and integrity by properly citing and referencing any external sources used in discussions or assignments.
  • Refrain from plagiarism, cheating, or any other form of dishonesty that undermines the learning process.

  • Seek permission from the appropriate individuals before sharing or using the work of others.

     

4. Privacy and Confidentiality:

  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of others' personal information shared within the online learning environment.
  • Refrain from sharing personal details, contact information, or any other private information without explicit consent.

   

5. Professionalism and Timeliness:

  • Act in a professional manner when engaging with peers, instructors, and staff.
  • Submit assignments, posts, and replies in a timely manner, adhering to course deadlines and expectations.
  • Notify instructors or relevant personnel promptly if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from meeting deadlines or participating actively.

 

6. Technological Etiquette:

  • Familiarize yourself with the guidelines and policies specific to the online learning platform being used.
  • Use appropriate language and tone in emails and discussion posts, following basic rules of netiquette.
  • Minimize the use of jargon or abbreviations that may hinder effective communication.

 

By participating in this online learning environment, you acknowledge your commitment to upholding these standards of conduct. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in appropriate consequences, as determined by Humanitarian Academy at Harvard leadership, faculty, or course administrators.

Accommodations

 

The Humanitarian Academy at Harvard warmly welcomes learners from diverse backgrounds and varying abilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), a person is considered to have a disability if they meet one or more of the following criteria: (1) they have a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts one or more major life activities, (2) they have a documented history of such an impairment, or (3) they are perceived as having such an impairment.

 

What are accommodations? Accommodations refer to modifications and adjustments made to ensure that participants with disabilities have equal access to courses and programs. It is important to note that accommodations do not guarantee a specific outcome or level of achievement. Additionally, accommodations do not apply to non-disability-related circumstances such as work conflicts, vacations, or family commitments.

 

How does the accommodations request process work? Participants are responsible for disclosing their need for accommodations in each course by completing an Online Accommodations Request Form as early as possible. The process for determining individualized accommodations involves collaboration and considers factors such as self-reports, supporting documentation, and the academic requirements of the specific course. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about whether accommodations apply to you, please don't hesitate to contact us using the provided email address. It's important to note that this request process is applicable only to HHI Learning Experience course offerings.

 

PLEASE NOTE: It is crucial to communicate your need for accommodations early on, as delayed notification may result in a delay or inability to fulfill your request.

 

What type of supporting documentation is required? The HHI Learning Experience Accommodations team will review any relevant supporting documentation. However, the documentation must be in English or include an English translation that has been notarized. Additionally, please ensure that any unrelated sensitive information, such as social security numbers, is removed.

 

Here are some general guidelines regarding supporting documentation:

 

  • The documentation should present a comprehensive assessment of the disability or condition by a licensed provider who possesses firsthand knowledge and relevant credentials.
  • The documentation should be signed and printed on the letterhead of the licensed treatment provider. Please be aware that forms and templates from other institutions may require additional information.
  • The documentation should be recent, preferably within the past three years. However, the age of the documentation may vary depending on the nature of the disability and the specific accommodations being requested.
  • The documentation should include a statement that outlines the functional impact and limitations of the disability or condition on major life activities. If applicable, it should also provide a prognosis of the symptoms over time and in different contexts.
  • The documentation should list the recommended accommodations and explain the relevance of each accommodation to the diagnosed disability or condition.

 

Whom should I contact? To initiate a request or inquire about the process, please contact hhi_learning@harvard.edu. However, please refrain from sending supporting documentation or medical records via email. We will provide you with secure instructions on how to submit your documentation.

 

You can read more about Harvard University’s digital accessibility policies here: https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/digital-accessibility-policy.

 

For accessibility purposes, some course content will be downloadable. Please note that you may obtain use of Humanitarian Academy at Harvard course content solely for personal, non-commercial use. 

 

Any personal information shared within this online learning environment will be kept private and confidential, in accordance with Harvard's privacy policies and in line with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

 

You can read more about Harvard University’s Additional Privacy Disclosures under Non-US Law for Individuals Located Outside the United States policies here: https://internationaldataprivacy.harvard.edu/

Ownership and Use

 

Humanitarian Academy at Harvard course content means all content or other material, in whole or in part, available on the HHI website, learning management system, or shared during live or virtual live workshops and courses, including but not limited to lectures, speeches, discussions, comments, video lessons, quizzes, tests, presentation materials, homework assignments, programs, code, and other images, text, layouts, arrangements, displays, illustrations, documents, materials, audio and video clips, interactive diagrams, HTML and files. All Humanitarian Academy at Harvard course content is the property of Humanitarian Academy at Harvard and/or its affiliates or licensors and is protected by copyright, patent and/or other proprietary intellectual property rights under United States and foreign law.

 

Deferrals, Withdrawals, and Refunds

We offer the opportunity to shift your admission and defer your enrollment. However, we do not offer refunds unless for extreme life circumstances.

 

Exceptions to Policies

Humanitarian Academy at Harvard may make exceptions to our deadline, deferral, and withdrawal policies on a case-by-case basis for extreme life circumstances. Early and active communication is essential to help us support you during your life event.

 

Payment Policy

  1. Course Fees: Course fees are listed online with course information. Full payment is required upon registration.
  2. Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards.
  3. Refund Policy: We offer the opportunity to shift your admission and defer your enrollment. However, we do not offer refunds unless for extreme life circumstances.
  4. Pricing Changes: Future course pricing changes will be reflected online with course information.
  5. Secure Payment Processing: HHI is committed to secure payment processing. Our payment system is in compliance with industry-standard security protocols. Please review the data security section of our policies to learn more about our approach to learner data protection.
  6. Payment Disputes and Customer Support: If you find a discrepancy in your payment for a course, please contact hhi_learning_support@harvard.edu to initiate an investigation into your inquiry.

 

Learner Discounts & Scholarships

 

Learners who have enrolled in at least one qualifying HHI program are eligible to receive a 15% discount on future subsequent qualifying programs. 

 

Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of our global community, we understand that some individuals might face financial challenges that make it difficult to afford the regular course fee. To bridge this gap and promote inclusivity, we are introducing a special initiative to support learners from regions with less financial support, such as the Global South.

 

Scholarship and Financial Support Opportunities:

 

If you are passionate about joining our course but find it financially challenging, we encourage you to apply for our scholarship program. This program aims to assist individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, enabling them to benefit from the course's content, engage with fellow learners, and contribute to meaningful discussions.

 

To apply for the scholarship, please follow these steps:

 

  • Write a brief statement (200-500 words) explaining your interest in the course, your current financial situation, and how the knowledge gained will impact your personal and professional growth.
  • Send your statement to hhi_learning@harvard.edu with the subject line: "Course Scholarship Application - [Your Full Name]."

  • Our team will review all applications and select candidates based on genuine need and enthusiasm for learning.

     

We believe that education has the power to transform lives, and we are excited to help deserving individuals access this opportunity.

 

Data Privacy Statement

 

The Humanitarian Academy at Harvard and the entire Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Community is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal information of our users. This Data Privacy Statement explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard the information we gather through our eLearning platform. By using our platform, you consent to the practices described in this statement.

 

1. Information We Collect:

We collect both personal and non-personal information from our users. Personal information may include your name, email address, username, password, and any other information you provide when registering or using our platform. Non-personal information includes technical data such as IP addresses, browser types, device information, and usage statistics.

 

2. Use of Information:

We use the collected information to provide and improve our eLearning platform, including but not limited to:

 

  • Enabling access to courses, lessons, and learning materials
  • Personalizing and tailoring user experience
  • Administering user accounts and providing customer support
  • Analyzing platform usage and trends to improve our services
  • Communicating with users about updates, features, and promotional offers
  • Protecting our platform against fraud, security threats, and unauthorized access

 

3. Disclosure of Information:

We may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

 

  • To our trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform, such as hosting, data analysis, and customer support.
  • If required by law or to comply with a legal process, such as a court order or government request.
  • To protect the rights, property, or safety of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, the Humanitarian Academy at Harvard, and Harvard University, our users, or the public, in cases where we believe disclosure is necessary.
  • If your employer or another university or educational institution sponsors your enrollment in Humanitarian Academy at Harvard courses, the Humanitarian Academy at Harvard may provide a record to your sponsoring organization concerning your performance. 

 

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

 

4. Data Security:

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

 

5. Learner Rights:

You have certain rights regarding your personal information. You can review, update, or delete your account information by logging into your account settings. If you have any questions or requests regarding your personal information, please contact us using the provided contact details.

 

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect information about how you use our platform. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings.

 

7. Changes to the Privacy Statement:

We may update this Data Privacy Statement from time to time. The most recent version will be posted on our platform, and we encourage you to review it periodically.

 

8. Anonymized learner data could be used to support future research. 

If you have any questions or concerns about our data privacy practices, please contact us at hhi_learning@harvard.edu.

 

Last Updated: February 2024