The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Registrar’s Office is the administrative body of the Harvard Chan School responsible for receiving requests for exceptions to the school’s financial and registration policies and coordinating the review process with the appropriate offices. The Registrar’s Office is empowered to receive and coordinate the review and decision process for exceptions to policies and procedures pertaining (but not limited) to the following:
- Late registration
- Late registration fees and Continuation Fee
- Adding courses beyond the school deadline in cases in which the instructor approves the change
- Dropping courses beyond the school deadline
- Grade option changes beyond the school deadline in cases in which the instructor approves the change
- Waiver of processing fees and fines
Student Responsibilities and the Petition Process
A student who wishes to request an exception to a specific policy, procedure, or deadline must submit a General Petition Form to the Harvard Chan School Registrar’s Office. Petitions must meet the following standards:
- The circumstances of the request are beyond their control and compelling, as determined by the reviewers.
- The student provides documentation of the circumstances.
Decision Guidelines
The Registrar’s Office, Office of Education Programs, and Academic Administrators understand and work to preserve and maintain the standards and the integrity of Harvard Chan School. Decisions are guided by several considerations:
- Students’ agreement to abide by Harvard Chan School Standards of Conduct, as well as all Harvard Chan School rules and regulations as described in this handbook
- Issues of equity and consistency, which are considered whenever a student is requesting an exception to a policy or procedure to which other students remain accountable (the reviewers will strive to have consistency in decision making based on previous cases and fairness so that students are treated equitably)
- The school’s requirement to comply with governmental statutes and regulations
- The strength of the appeal and degree to which special circumstances are relevant (including appropriate documentation, e.g., for a relevant medical issue)
As part of the process, the staff may contact course instructors or other school officials as appropriate to gather additional relevant information.
Administrators understand and respect the rights and responsibilities of all individuals while supporting and protecting the principles of due process and confidentiality. The committee accepts responsibility for administering fair, thoughtful, and equal consideration of all financial and registration appeals. Students’ requests, supporting documentation, deliberations, and correspondence are treated confidentially. Students will be notified in writing of the final decision.