Distance Education Policies
All Summer School policies, procedures, and deadlines apply to distance education students. Students requesting I-20s to attend the Summer School should see International Students for limitations on distance education, and Harvard students interested in transferring Summer School courses should see additional information. High school students accepted to the Secondary School Program (SSP) may register for one or two distance education courses.
The following additional policies and procedures apply to distance education students:
- Students are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary computer hardware and software, including any course-specific software needed to complete course assignments. Students must check the course website to determine if any special software is needed. Harvard University does not provide equipment or software.
- Students must have Internet access from their homes or offices available to them throughout the summer.
- Lecture videos are available only to registered students; lectures are password-protected after the first week of class.
- Recorded lectures are not available to any students after the end of the summer term—even students who receive an extension of time (EXT) for an online course.
- Many distance education courses have in-class, midterm, and final exams. Students whose primary residence during the summer session is in the six-state New England area (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) are expected to take their exams on campus as scheduled. Students may call Academic Services, (617) 495-0977, if they have questions about this policy. Distance education students who live outside New England may travel to campus for their exams or arrange to take them in absentia with a proctor. See complete guidelines in Proctored Exams.
Visit Once You’re Enrolled for additional academic policies that apply to all Summer School students.