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Executive Education
Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Health & Safety Protocols
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Health & Safety Protocols

Health & Safety Protocols

Health & Safety Protocols
Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
Explore future programs on critical business topics that are now accepting applications.
Learn More
Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Custom Programs team
Email: custom_programs@hbs.edu

Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
Explore future programs on critical business topics that are now accepting applications.
Learn More
Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Custom Programs team
Email: custom_programs@hbs.edu

What to Expect When Coming to Campus

Last updated: 24 JAN 2023

The health, safety, and well-being of our entire HBS community remain our top priority. We are closely monitoring health and safety protocols as provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Massachusetts, and Harvard University, and we will continue to make adjustments as the public health situation changes.

As of March 1, 2023, HBS Executive Education participants are no longer required to be fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) against COVID-19 prior to coming to campus. However, we strongly encourage all Executive Education participants, visitors, and guests coming to campus to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. In addition, we ask that you do not come to campus if you are sick, have been asked to quarantine or isolate, or have tested positive within the past five days.

To explore upcoming programs, use our program finder or view our full program schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing to Come to Campus

Will I need to be fully vaccinated and boosted before coming to campus?
Dropdown down

Currently, all HBS Executive Education participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19—meaning that at least two weeks have passed since the final dose of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration- or World Health Organization approved vaccine—and boosted (if eligible*). Approved vaccines currently include (mixing of brands is acceptable):

  • Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty
  • Moderna/Spikevax
  • Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
  • AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria
  • SII/Covishield
  • BIBP/Sinopharm
  • Sinovac/CoronaVac
  • Bharat Biotech/Covaxin
  • SII/Covovax
  • Novavax/Nuvaxovid
  • CanSino Biologics/Convidecia

*In this case, Harvard University is using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of eligibility, which is: You are eligible for a booster dose if at least five months have passed since you completed the primary series of a two-dose vaccine or at least two (2) months have passed since you completed the primary series of a single-dose vaccine. For more information, see this CDC webpage.

For programs starting on or after March 1, 2023, participants are no longer required to attest to being fully vaccinated and boosted. However, we strongly encourage all Executive Education participants, visitors, and guests coming to campus to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. In addition, we ask that you do not come to campus if you are sick, have been asked to quarantine or isolate, or have tested positive within the past five days.

What proof of vaccination is required?
Dropdown down

Currently, all Executive Education participants are required to complete an attestation form prior to the program, confirming that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted if they are eligible by their on-campus program or module start date. Further details regarding our Terms of Agreement will be shared via email closer to the program start date. Additionally, there may be public establishments in Boston and the surrounding area that requires proof of vaccination to enter. As such, please be sure to have proof of vaccination with you at all times.

For programs starting on or after March 1, 2023, participants are no longer required to attest to being fully vaccinated and boosted. However, we strongly encourage all Executive Education participants, visitors, and guests coming to campus to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. In addition, we ask that you do not come to campus if you are sick, have been asked to quarantine or isolate, or have tested positive within the past five days.

Do you offer a COVID-19 vaccine exemption?
Dropdown down

A COVID-19 vaccine exemption, for the original dose(s) and/or the booster dose, is available for religious or medical grounds. To qualify for an exemption on medical grounds, you will need to attest to having been given direct advice from a medical professional that prevents you from getting the vaccine. You can request an exemption via the Terms of Agreement, which is normally emailed about six weeks prior to your on-campus program or module start date.
VISA/Travel

What are the current requirements for international travel to the United States?
Dropdown down

The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor health and safety requirements for travel to the U.S. We recommend that you stay abreast of requirements, and review travel guidelines as you plan for your trip and prior to your flight. 

In response to a significant surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in China, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now requires anyone traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, including anyone traveling from Seoul, Toronto, and Vancouver who has been in China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the past 10 days, to show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than two days before their flight, or to show documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. This mandate may require advance planning to avoid flight delays.

Is HBS able to help me facilitate an expedited visa appointment?
Dropdown down

As travel regulations vary greatly and are updated frequently, we encourage you to stay abreast of all travel requirements that will apply to your personal travel plans. Given the backlog that many countries are experiencing, we encourage you to consult with your nearest U.S. Embassy. While HBS is not able to assist you with the visa or NIE process for executive education programs, we can provide a letter with additional program information to admitted participants that you can include with your documentation.

If I am unable to secure a visa, can I cancel and receive a refund?
Dropdown down

If you are unable to secure a visa, we can discuss options to either transfer your enrollment or cancel your participation for a full refund. 

If I am unable to attend due to COVID-19 travel restrictions issued by my country or the United States, can I cancel and receive a refund?
Dropdown down

If you are unable to attend due to travel restrictions issued after you've been accepted to a program, we can discuss options to either transfer your enrollment or cancel your participation for a full refund.
Staying on Campus

Will I be required to take a COVID-19 test during my stay on campus?
Dropdown down

HBS no longer requires regular/surveillance COVID-19 testing. However, if you feel unwell and/or experience/exhibit symptoms during your program, you will be asked to temporarily quarantine in your room, refrain from physically participating in program activities, and test for COVID-19. If you test positive, you will be required to follow the positive-case protocols outlined below. If you wish to test regularly, you will need to provide your own test kits.

What protocols are in place if I test positive? Will I be required to isolate?
Dropdown down

More details will be provided upon a positive test result, but if you test positive for COVID-19, you will not be permitted to physically participate in any program activities during your isolation period. Per CDC guidelines, the isolation period is generally five full days after the date of the positive test or, if applicable, when symptoms first began (regardless of when you tested positive). As long as you choose to remain on campus, you will generally need to stay in your bedroom (isolated from others) during your isolation period with limited exceptions. If your isolation period extends beyond the end date of your program and you would like to stay on campus until its conclusion, we will discuss feasibility with you at that time.

Will I be required to quarantine if a fellow participant tests positive?
Dropdown down

No, however, if you start to feel unwell and/or experience/exhibit any COVID-19- related symptoms, per our policy, you will be asked to not participate in any program activities and test for COVID-19. More information will be provided to you at that time.

Will I be required to wear a mask?
Dropdown down

Masks are optional (except when completing isolation protocol after a positive COVID-19 test) and available at many locations throughout the HBS campus. The decision to wear a mask in settings where it is not required is a personal one and all members of the HBS community are encouraged to choose the option with which they are most comfortable. Note that masks are no longer required on public and private transportation (e.g., airplanes, rideshare services, taxis) or inside transportation hubs (e.g., airports, train stations), but remain required in healthcare facilities (among other locations), and may be required at individual indoor establishments in the local area. As such, we suggest having a mask with you at all times.

What are the shared living arrangements and what precautions are being taken for those spaces?
Dropdown down

Executive education residence halls feature individual bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Bedrooms are disinfected per CDC-recommended standards between occupancy.

Each living group also includes a shared living space, including a meeting area with a conference table, a seating area, and a kitchenette. In these shared spaces, high-touch surfaces are disinfected each night per CDC-recommended standards.

What precautions are taking place to ensure air quality and ventilation?
Dropdown down

Air filters have been upgraded in all areas possible to meet or exceed CDC, the State of Massachusetts, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards. In all cases, ventilation and airflow have been increased as much as feasible without affecting the thermal comfort of occupants, in line with the standards noted above.
Rescheduled Programs, Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds*

Do you offer any remote/virtual/online offerings?
Dropdown down

Yes. Please explore our portfolio of virtual programs.

What is your cancellation policy if travel restrictions or a positive COVID-19 test prevent me from traveling to campus to attend my program?
Dropdown down

If you are unable to travel to campus, please let us know and we can discuss options to either transfer your enrollment or cancel your participation for a full refund.
Dropdown down Dropdown up

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing to Come to Campus

Will I need to be fully vaccinated and boosted before coming to campus?
Dropdown down

Currently, all HBS Executive Education participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19—meaning that at least two weeks have passed since the final dose of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration- or World Health Organization approved vaccine—and boosted (if eligible*). Approved vaccines currently include (mixing of brands is acceptable):

  • Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty
  • Moderna/Spikevax
  • Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
  • AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria
  • SII/Covishield
  • BIBP/Sinopharm
  • Sinovac/CoronaVac
  • Bharat Biotech/Covaxin
  • SII/Covovax
  • Novavax/Nuvaxovid
  • CanSino Biologics/Convidecia

*In this case, Harvard University is using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of eligibility, which is: You are eligible for a booster dose if at least five months have passed since you completed the primary series of a two-dose vaccine or at least two (2) months have passed since you completed the primary series of a single-dose vaccine. For more information, see this CDC webpage.

For programs starting on or after March 1, 2023, participants are no longer required to attest to being fully vaccinated and boosted. However, we strongly encourage all Executive Education participants, visitors, and guests coming to campus to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. In addition, we ask that you do not come to campus if you are sick, have been asked to quarantine or isolate, or have tested positive within the past five days.

What proof of vaccination is required?
Dropdown down

Currently, all Executive Education participants are required to complete an attestation form prior to the program, confirming that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted if they are eligible by their on-campus program or module start date. Further details regarding our Terms of Agreement will be shared via email closer to the program start date. Additionally, there may be public establishments in Boston and the surrounding area that requires proof of vaccination to enter. As such, please be sure to have proof of vaccination with you at all times.

For programs starting on or after March 1, 2023, participants are no longer required to attest to being fully vaccinated and boosted. However, we strongly encourage all Executive Education participants, visitors, and guests coming to campus to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. In addition, we ask that you do not come to campus if you are sick, have been asked to quarantine or isolate, or have tested positive within the past five days.

Do you offer a COVID-19 vaccine exemption?
Dropdown down

A COVID-19 vaccine exemption, for the original dose(s) and/or the booster dose, is available for religious or medical grounds. To qualify for an exemption on medical grounds, you will need to attest to having been given direct advice from a medical professional that prevents you from getting the vaccine. You can request an exemption via the Terms of Agreement, which is normally emailed about six weeks prior to your on-campus program or module start date.
VISA/Travel

What are the current requirements for international travel to the United States?
Dropdown down

The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor health and safety requirements for travel to the U.S. We recommend that you stay abreast of requirements, and review travel guidelines as you plan for your trip and prior to your flight. 

In response to a significant surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in China, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now requires anyone traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, including anyone traveling from Seoul, Toronto, and Vancouver who has been in China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the past 10 days, to show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than two days before their flight, or to show documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. This mandate may require advance planning to avoid flight delays.

Is HBS able to help me facilitate an expedited visa appointment?
Dropdown down

As travel regulations vary greatly and are updated frequently, we encourage you to stay abreast of all travel requirements that will apply to your personal travel plans. Given the backlog that many countries are experiencing, we encourage you to consult with your nearest U.S. Embassy. While HBS is not able to assist you with the visa or NIE process for executive education programs, we can provide a letter with additional program information to admitted participants that you can include with your documentation.

If I am unable to secure a visa, can I cancel and receive a refund?
Dropdown down

If you are unable to secure a visa, we can discuss options to either transfer your enrollment or cancel your participation for a full refund. 

If I am unable to attend due to COVID-19 travel restrictions issued by my country or the United States, can I cancel and receive a refund?
Dropdown down

If you are unable to attend due to travel restrictions issued after you've been accepted to a program, we can discuss options to either transfer your enrollment or cancel your participation for a full refund.
Staying on Campus

Will I be required to take a COVID-19 test during my stay on campus?
Dropdown down

HBS no longer requires regular/surveillance COVID-19 testing. However, if you feel unwell and/or experience/exhibit symptoms during your program, you will be asked to temporarily quarantine in your room, refrain from physically participating in program activities, and test for COVID-19. If you test positive, you will be required to follow the positive-case protocols outlined below. If you wish to test regularly, you will need to provide your own test kits.

What protocols are in place if I test positive? Will I be required to isolate?
Dropdown down

More details will be provided upon a positive test result, but if you test positive for COVID-19, you will not be permitted to physically participate in any program activities during your isolation period. Per CDC guidelines, the isolation period is generally five full days after the date of the positive test or, if applicable, when symptoms first began (regardless of when you tested positive). As long as you choose to remain on campus, you will generally need to stay in your bedroom (isolated from others) during your isolation period with limited exceptions. If your isolation period extends beyond the end date of your program and you would like to stay on campus until its conclusion, we will discuss feasibility with you at that time.

Will I be required to quarantine if a fellow participant tests positive?
Dropdown down

No, however, if you start to feel unwell and/or experience/exhibit any COVID-19- related symptoms, per our policy, you will be asked to not participate in any program activities and test for COVID-19. More information will be provided to you at that time.

Will I be required to wear a mask?
Dropdown down

Masks are optional (except when completing isolation protocol after a positive COVID-19 test) and available at many locations throughout the HBS campus. The decision to wear a mask in settings where it is not required is a personal one and all members of the HBS community are encouraged to choose the option with which they are most comfortable. Note that masks are no longer required on public and private transportation (e.g., airplanes, rideshare services, taxis) or inside transportation hubs (e.g., airports, train stations), but remain required in healthcare facilities (among other locations), and may be required at individual indoor establishments in the local area. As such, we suggest having a mask with you at all times.

What are the shared living arrangements and what precautions are being taken for those spaces?
Dropdown down

Executive education residence halls feature individual bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Bedrooms are disinfected per CDC-recommended standards between occupancy.

Each living group also includes a shared living space, including a meeting area with a conference table, a seating area, and a kitchenette. In these shared spaces, high-touch surfaces are disinfected each night per CDC-recommended standards.

What precautions are taking place to ensure air quality and ventilation?
Dropdown down

Air filters have been upgraded in all areas possible to meet or exceed CDC, the State of Massachusetts, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards. In all cases, ventilation and airflow have been increased as much as feasible without affecting the thermal comfort of occupants, in line with the standards noted above.
Rescheduled Programs, Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds*

Do you offer any remote/virtual/online offerings?
Dropdown down

Yes. Please explore our portfolio of virtual programs.

What is your cancellation policy if travel restrictions or a positive COVID-19 test prevent me from traveling to campus to attend my program?
Dropdown down

If you are unable to travel to campus, please let us know and we can discuss options to either transfer your enrollment or cancel your participation for a full refund.

*This information does not apply to programs for custom or affinity organizations or their participants.

Have other questions not related to COVID-19? Please consult our standard Executive Education FAQs.

Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
Explore future programs on critical business topics that are now accepting applications.
Learn More
Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Custom Programs team
Email: custom_programs@hbs.edu

Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
Explore future programs on critical business topics that are now accepting applications.
Learn More
Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Custom Programs team
Email: custom_programs@hbs.edu

View Frequently Asked Questions

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