Making Change will be on hiatus for summer 2024. Please see below for information on general FAQs and policies.
Admissions Procedure
How do I apply to the program?
You must submit the application and be available to answer any follow up questions we may have. Upon acceptance you will meet with the program manager to help you prepare for the program.
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What is the program fee?
The program fee is $4,800.
Is there a deadline for applying?
We accept applications on a rolling basis until 30 days before the program starts. The deadline to apply for Making Change is Monday, May 22, 2023.
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee for our Professional and Lifelong Learning programs.
How long does it take to process my application?
You can expect a response to your application within two weeks of submission.
When is the program fee due?
Payment is due within 30 days of acceptance or 10 days before the program start date, whichever is earlier. All payments for Making Change must be received by May 25, 2023.
About the Program
Where is the program being held?
The program will be held on the Harvard Divinity School campus, located in the northwest corner of Harvard’s campus in Cambridge. Our address is 45 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA. Here is a map of our campus and a link to the greater Harvard University campus.
Who can I expect to meet at the program?
Past Making Change participants have included mid-level to senior level professionals from a variety of industries throughout the globe who want to be better leaders, successful professionals interested in deepening their understanding of the intersections between faith traditions, spirituality, and the contemporary world in which we all live, work, and hope to thrive, ministers looking for respite and recharging, and generally curious people.
What expenses are covered by the program?
The program fee covers all lectures and materials. We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the exception of Wednesday night when you are free to explore the Cambridge/Boston area. You are responsible for your travel and accommodations. We can recommend local hotels that have special rates for our program.
What type of food will be served during the program?
We work closely with our caterers to ensure our meals accommodate special requirements of our participants. Before the program starts you will be asked to share any special food requirements. We will always offer a vegetarian option and all meat will be halal.
What will I receive upon completion of the program?
You will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard Divinity School.
Will I be considered an alumnus of Harvard Divinity School?
Yes, although not at the same level as a graduate school candidate, you will receive a copy of semi-annual magazine, the Harvard Divinity Bulletin, and our regular email newsletter, the HDS Current.
Payment and Cancellation
When is the program fee due?
Payment is due within 30 days of acceptance or 10 days before the program start date, whichever is earlier.
What types of payment are accepted?
Payment can be made by check, electronic bank transfer, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). Detailed information regarding payment will be included with your invoice.
What is your cancellation policy?
Participants can withdraw their registration subject to the following refund schedule:15 or more days before the program start: full refund; 8–14 days before start: 50 percent refund; within 7 days of start: no refund.
Preparing for the Program
How do I prepare for the program?
In April you will have access to the course site where you can find the syllabus and the readings. We highly recommend that you complete all the readings before arriving on campus.
You will also need to provide a headshot and biographical information about yourself that will be shared with the faculty. Instructions for submission will be provided at a later date.
What should I wear?
Dress for classes is casual. Jeans are perfectly acceptable. We want you to be comfortable.
The weather in New England can change quickly with temperatures in June ranging from 55 to 95 degrees. We recommend dressing in layers. Also, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket, and an umbrella.
Do I need to bring a laptop or tablet for the program?
You should bring a laptop, tablet, or at least a smartphone. We will send e-notices and session updates to you over the course of the week, and will ask for your feedback in electronic format.
Travel Plans
What is the best way for getting around the Cambridge area?
If you are comfortable walking, renting a car is not recommended. Classes will be held on the HDS campus, where parking is limited, and the suggested hotels are less than a mile away. If you are flying into Logan International Airport, a taxi, or ride share can range from $25.00 to $30.00. You can also take public transportation to Harvard or Porter Square via the Silver and Red Lines (the fare is $2.40 one way). If arriving by train at North Station or South Station, take the Red Line to Harvard or Porter Square. A taxi or ride share will likely be in the range of $20.00 to $25.00.
For local participants, parking can be arranged via lifelong-learning@hds.harvard.edu.
What else is there do to while I am in Harvard Square?
A great source of local information is Harvard Square and the Boston Calendar.