Policy Exceptions

Exceptions Policy

HBS Online understands unexpected life events happen. As a result, HBS Online may make exceptions to the deadline, deferral, enrollment, and withdrawal policies on a case-by-case basis for an extreme life circumstance. Exception eligibility varies by Program.

Extreme life circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Unexpected medical situation for a participant or a dependent

• Death of a family member

• Natural disaster

• Unexpected and disruptive life events

As noted in the applicable Completion Requirements, participants are required to complete all coursework by the required deadlines for their enrolled offering. Sprint participants are not eligible for deadline exceptions or extensions. Participants enrolled in other eligible HBS Online offerings may request deadline exceptions on a case-by-case basis, subject to this policy.

HBS Online will not consider exceptions for events such as pre-existing work commitments and travel, time zone changes, time zone miscalculations, or local technical issues. If a participant knows they are or will be in an area with limited internet connectivity, they are expected to plan to meet the course deadlines.

Early and active communication is essential for HBS Online to help support participants during their life events. Participants seeking exceptions are expected to make every reasonable effort to contact HBS Online by logging into their account and opening a support case within two weeks of their life event. Regardless of circumstances, no exception requests submitted more than 60 days after the final deadline of the applicable offering will be considered. To the extent possible, participants are expected to continue their coursework while any exception request is under review.

Participants who are currently enrolled in a Program and wish to submit an exception request may refer to the relevant reference pages for exceptions requests for additional information.