Pediatric Bioethics Certificate Program Policies

Accurate as of June 3, 2026

Payment Policies

1. Scope and Definitions

This policy applies to all program participants enrolled in the virtual Pediatric Bioethics Certificate Program offered by the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School in partnership with the Pediatric Bioethics Center at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Program start date: The first scheduled day of program activities (orientation, classes, or required sessions), whether in person or online.

Program Fee: The program fee charged for participation in the Certificate Program, and excludes travel, lodging, and banking fees.

2. Program Fee and Payment

1. Program Fee Amount

For the 2026-2027 virtual Pediatric Bioethics Certificate Program, the Program Fee is $4,750.

The full program fee is published on the Program website and in official recruitment materials for each cohort year.

2. Payment Schedule
Program Fee

The full amount of the program fee is due no later than ten (10) business days upon receipt of the offer of acceptance into the program.  Full payment of the program fees secures the spot in the program for the accepted applicant.

3. Billing Steps

Upon receiving the acceptance letter from the Program Director, and returning the signed acknowledgement form, the Fellow will:

  • Receive a link to the payment platform for the full program fee amount.
4. Non Payment

Failure to pay the Program Fee by the stated deadlines may result in:

  • Withdrawn of admission and release of the seat to another candidate;
3. Withdrawal (Before Program Start) and Refunds

All withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing via email to bioethics_certificate@hms.harvard.edu. Refund eligibility is based on the date the written request is received by the Program:

  1. Written notification must be received 30 or more days prior to Program start.
  2. Written requests must be reviewed and approved by Program Director(s).
  3. Approved requests will receive a refund of 100% of the Program Fee paid
    1. Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method.
    2. Refund processing may take up to six (6) weeks from the date the request is approved; the timing of credit availability is dependent on the participant’s financial institution.
  4. Written notification received fewer than 30 days prior to Program start:
    1. No Program Fee will be refunded.
    2. The participant remains responsible for 100% of the Program Fee.

For Extenuating Circumstances, see section 8.

4. Withdrawals After Program Start
1. Voluntary Withdrawal

Once the Program has begun, no Program Fee or deposit refunds are provided, regardless of the program participant’s level of participation or reason for withdrawal (including changes in professional responsibilities, personal circumstances, or dissatisfaction with the Program).

2. Impact on Standing and Documentation

Participants who withdraw after the Program start date:

  • Will lose access to course materials and learning platforms as of the effective date of withdrawal;
  • Will not receive a certificate of completion or letter of successful participation; and
  • May receive a notation (e.g., “Withdrawn”) in internal Program records, if maintained.
  • Administrative Removal by the Program

The Program reserves the right to remove a program participant without refund for:

  • Non payment or financial fraud;
  • Violations of academic integrity or learner conduct policies;
  • Disruptive behavior or risk to the community; or
  • Persistent lack of participation that undermines the educational environment.

Participants who are administratively removed are not eligible for any Program Fee refund or deferral.

5. Deferrals

Because this is a cohort based Certificate Program with limited enrollment. Deferrals to a future cohort are not guaranteed and are considered on a case by case basis, subject to Program capacity and approval.

If a deferral is granted:

  • Any payments towards the paid Program Fee may be applied once to the next available cohort within 12 months, and 
  • The Program Participant is responsible for any Program Fee increase in the future cohort year.
6. External Funding
1. Institutional and External Funding

Participants receiving scholarships, grants, or sponsorships from their employer or other external source are responsible for:

  • Ensuring that any required documentation for the funding is completed; and
  • Ensuring that all funds are disbursed to Harvard by the Program Fee deadline.
2. If external funds are rescinded, delayed, or reduced, the Program Participant remains financially responsible for the full Program Fee balance by the deadline.
3. Refunds

Any eligible refund will be returned to the original payer in accordance with Harvard financial policies.

7. Program Modification or Cancellation by Harvard
1. Program Modification

The Program reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the schedule, faculty, or delivery format (e.g., switching from in person to online) without providing a refund, as long as overall learning objectives are preserved.

2. Program Postponement

If the Program start is postponed, currently enrolled Program Participants will be offered:

  • Transfer of their enrollment and Program Fee to the rescheduled dates; or
  • A full Program Fee refund if they decline the new dates.
  • Program Cancellation

In the unlikely event that the Program is cancelled in full by Harvard before it begins, Program Participants will receive a 100% refund of Program Fee paid, including any deposits.

Harvard is not responsible for reimbursement of any non Program Fee expenses (e.g., travel, lodging, visas).

8. Special Circumstances and Appeals
1. Extenuating Circumstances

Program Participants facing serious, documented emergencies (e.g., significant illness, bereavement, major natural disaster) may submit a written request for an exception to this policy to the Program Director via bioethics_certificate@hms.harvard.edu.

Supporting documentation and a written statement will be required. Decisions will be made at the sole discretion of the Program and in alignment with broader HMS policies.

2. Appeals Process

Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the event leading to the request, using the program email bioethics_certificate@hms.harvard.edu.  Appeals will be reviewed by the leadership team for the Center for Bioethics.

Appeal decisions are final and are not subject to further review.

9. Policy Changes

Harvard Medical School and the Center for Bioethics reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Any changes will apply prospectively and will be communicated in writing to enrolled Fellows.