Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Where are ECPE programs held?

The majority of ECPE programs are held in the Kresge Building at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts. This area of Boston is known as the Longwood Medical Area, and the Harvard Longwood Campus is home to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Programs that are not held in Kresge will be identified in the “Program Logistics” section of each program’s individual page on our website.

What is the best way to get to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

Whether you are arriving in Boston through Logan Airport, or by rail or bus into Back Bay or South Station, we recommend that you travel by taxi or public transportation to the program location. From Logan Airport, please allow 30 to 45 minutes for travel if you are taking a taxi or a full hour if you are taking the subway. We do not suggest renting a car, as Boston streets are very complex, parking is extremely limited and expensive, and public transportation options are available.

Via MBTA (subway):

Take an “E” train on the MBTA Green Line to the Brigham Circle stop. To visit the MBTA website, click here.

Via Amtrak train:

Amtrak has a number of train routes serving the Northeast and a variety of schedule options to fit your travel needs. Acela Express offers many convenient round-trips between New York and Boston, as well as service between Washington, DC and Boston, at speeds up to 150 mph. The Amtrak Downeaster serves as your car-free connection from Brunswick, Maine to Boston and points in between. The Amtrak station most convenient for your hotel and program is Back Bay Station/Copley. To explore Amtrak’s Northeast Train Routes, click here.

Driving from North or South of Boston:

Take I-93 North/South to Exit 26 (Storrow Drive). Follow Storrow Drive approximately 2.5 miles to Kenmore Square/Fenway exit (on left). The exit ramp forks, stay to your right. Take a right at the first light, which will bring you to into Kenmore Square. At the second light, bear left onto Brookline Avenue (left of Uno Chicago Grill). Follow Brookline Avenue approximately 1 mile to the intersection of Brookline and Longwood Avenues (Beth Israel Hospital will be on your left; watch for blue and white Longwood Medical Area signs). Take a left onto Longwood Avenue. At the third set of lights, turn right onto Huntington Avenue. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will be on your right.

Driving from West of Boston:

Take I-90 to Exit 18. Follow Storrow Drive Eastbound to the Kenmore Square/Fenway exit. (.8 miles) Follow the directions above.   -or-
Take Route 95 to Route 9 East. Follow Route 9 to Brookline Avenue (7.1 miles). Turn left onto Brookline Avenue after the Brookline Village intersection (.6 miles). Turn right onto Longwood Avenue (.4 miles). At the end of Longwood, turn right onto Huntington Avenue (456 feet). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will be on your right.

Where will I find a map of the campus?

Do I need a car?

We do not recommend renting a car as Boston streets are very complex, parking fees are expensive, and public transportation options are available. We strongly encourage participants to use public transportation whenever possible.

Where can I park?

Day parking near Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is limited, and the cost is approximately $30 per day. We strongly encourage participants to use public transportation whenever possible, but if you do need to drive, you may find availability at these local garages:

What is the proper attire for ECPE programs?

We want you to be comfortable, therefore, we recommend business-casual attire. We also recommend dressing in layers since the classrooms tend to be cooler in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. If your program offers a reception or dinner, more formal attire may be appropriate. Program events will be identified in the “Program Agenda” section of each program’s individual page on our website.

Does ECPE provide hotel accommodations?

A block of reduced rate rooms may be reserved for participants at a designated hotel. Please refer to your program’s individual page on our website. Since Boston is a popular convention and vacation destination, we strongly encourage you to make hotel reservations as soon as you receive confirmation of your registration for a program.

Can you recommend local restaurants or sightseeing activities?

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is located within walking distance of historic Fenway Park and several world-renowned museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Public transportation is also readily available to Faneuil Hall, Boston’s North End, Newbury Street, Symphony Hall, and Copley Square. For in-depth information on restaurants and events, please visit BostonUSA.com.

When and how will I receive my program material?

For most ECPE programs, learning materials will be distributed electronically via a password-protected Canvas site. For some programs, materials will be distributed in hard-copy via a printed binder. You will be notified of the materials distribution method, along with other logistics information, several weeks before the start of the program.

If your program material will be distributed electronically, you can expect to receive an email containing pertinent access information for the Canvas site shortly before the program. The email will include any necessary activation instructions for your login.

If you would like to access the program’s materials while on-site, please plan to bring a laptop computer, iPad, tablet, or e-reader with you to the program. Please ensure that your device has Wi-Fi capability, a web browser (such as Firefox, Safari, or Chrome), and an application that is capable of opening PDF documents (PDF Reader, Adobe Readers, iBooks, or the Kindle App). JavaScript is also recommended. It may be beneficial for you to review any firewall and/or security policies with your IT department before your arrival at the program.

Most classrooms at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health are fully wired with power outlets at each desk and free wireless internet is available as well. If you are traveling from another country, please note that the use of an adapter may be required to use the power outlets.

If your program materials will be distributed in hard-copy, you can expect to receive a binder of materials on the first day of the program. In some cases, advance reading materials will be sent to you prior to the program. If you plan to pack your binder in your return luggage, you may wish to allow some extra space. If you would like to ship your binder home, boxes, tape, and shipping forms will be supplied on the last day of the program. Please Note: You will need to provide a FedEx account number or a credit card number to ship your materials.

Is there wireless internet access available at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

Free wireless internet will be available in the classroom and in other areas of the School. Instructions on how to access the wireless network will be provided on the first day of the program.

When should I pay for the program?

Payment must be received in full prior to the start of the program. Do not bring payment with you to the program. Different programs have different payment deadlines, depending on the amount of pre-work asked of participants. Deadlines will be communicated as is necessary. Programs do frequently sell all available seats before their payment deadline, so please be advised that your place in the program is not confirmed until we receive your payment in full.

How should I pay for the program?

Payment must be received in U.S. funds in order to process your registration. Payment by credit card is strongly preferred (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of our staff at (617) 432-2100.

Are any meals included?

Typically continental breakfast, refreshments and lunch are included in the program fee. Please see the “Credits, Fees & Logistics” section of each program’s individual page on our website for what is specifically included in the price of your program.

How many participants will be in attendance?

Program size varies although the majority of ECPE’s Boston-based programs are classroom size with 40-60 participants.

What are typical weather conditions in Boston when my program is happening?

Please visit Boston Weather Channel to find current weather conditions and updated forecasts.

Are you able to accommodate special needs and/or dietary requests?

Participants are strongly encouraged to contact us prior to arrival so that we may most effectively meet any special needs and/or dietary requirements. Please contact a member of our staff at 617.432.2100 or contedu@hsph.harvard.edu

What is the cancellation policy?

In some cases, substitutions may be made without additional charge; please refer to the specific program you are interested in. All requests for substitutions or cancellations must be made in writing. Exact dates vary according to the program, but in general, cancellations on or before 60 days prior to the start of the course will be issued a full refund less a $150 administrative fee per person. Cancellations received between 30-59 days prior to the start of the course will be issued a refund of 50%. After 30 days prior to the start of the course, no refund will be issued. There will be no exceptions to this policy. For exact refund deadlines for your program of interest, please email Taylor Mitchell at tmitchell@hsph.harvard.edu to inquire.