Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University

Frequently Asked Questions About the Advanced Leadership Initiative

• What is the curriculum?
  Differing from an executive education program, Fellows will be able to custom tailor their program of study based on their own interest areas and experience.
  
  
• Is there a course or courses that all Fellows will be required to take?
  There is a core curriculum especially designed for this program consisting of an orientation, three Think Tank on the challenges of leadership in diverse fields, and weekly leadership seminars.
  
  
• Can you audit classes for more than one semester?
  Yes, you may audit courses for two semesters-a full academic year.
  
  
• Can I audit for one semester?
  Yes, the Fellowship is designed to be rigorous but flexible to accommodate the needs of Fellows in this stage of their life.
  
  
• How many days per week are you expected to be in residence at Harvard?
  To fully benefit from the program and all the intellectual resources at Harvard, Fellows are required to be in residence 3 days a week in the first semester.
  
  
• Will Fellow-partners (spouses or partners) have the same access to faculty?
  Spouses will be able to attend all Advanced Leadership Initiative sponsored events such as leadership dinners, Think Tanks, and seminars. Fellow-partners may also be able to audit courses with the instructor's permission.
  
  
• Will Fellows engage with students?
  Fellows will be expected to lead study groups or connect with students with shared interests or through class projects. These study groups will provide opportunities for students to learn from Fellows and to construct with them action plans and designs to intervene in improving social sectors around the world.
  
  
• What will happen when I finish the ALI Fellowship?
  Completion of the program involves development of a written (or multimedia) analysis and action plan for intervention (leader actions) in the chosen societal problem area. This could include Fellows' "business plans" for their next steps and the impact they expect it to have-be it through their book project, foundation, social venture, job in a global institution, or campaign for a cause.
  
  
• Does Harvard provide housing while I am a Fellow?
  The ALI staff will be able to connect Fellows with Harvard Real Estate Services as well as private real estate offices that have worked closely with Harvard to help them find appropriate housing during their Fellowship. The cost of housing and living expenses will be borne by the Fellow.
  
  
• Will there be parking available for Fellows and Fellow-partners?
  For Fellows who may be commuting to their Fellowship, the Advanced Leadership Initiative will help Fellows find parking within the University. The cost of parking will be paid by the Fellow.
  
  
• Will I have a Harvard ID card?
  Fellows will be provided with a Harvard identification card to access libraries, websites, etc. Fellow-partners will be provided with a Harvard-affiliated ID.
  
  
• Will I be able to access Harvard facilities such as libraries and gymnasiums as a Fellow?
  With your Harvard ID, you will be permitted to access Harvard facilities. There may be separate fees for the use of certain facilities.
  
  
• What if I do not know precisely what my area of interest may be?
  Fellows are not expected to have a fully developed idea of their post-Fellowship project when they enter the program. Through their coursework, Think Tanks, and leadership seminars and with faculty guidance, Fellows will be able to define and develop their post- Fellowship project.
  
  
• What is required to be considered for an Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellowship?
  The Advanced Leadership Initiative asks you to submit a personal information form, curriculum vitae, and a two-page letter explaining your interest in the program. Additionally, faculty will conduct an interview with potential Fellows by phone or in person.
  
  
• When will decisions be made?
  The Advanced Leadership Initiative expects to send out decisions by August so that fellows can begin preparing to matriculate at Harvard in January.
  
  
• When is the orientation weekend?
  The next Fellowship Orientation Weekend date will be posted by July.
  
  
• Are there fees outside of the Fellowship fee that I will be responsible for?
  Fellows will be responsible for the cost of any materials related to their course work and any school or service-related fees such as parking. The cost of the Field Immersion trips would be separate from the cost of the Fellowship.
  
  
• Will I get assistance from staff and faculty to select courses relevant to my interest area?
  Course selections would have a rationale, facilitated by staff, to ensure relevance and integration with the Fellow's desired next pursuits.
  
  
• Will the Advanced Leadership Initiative program staff help me to get the instructor's permission to audit a particular course?
  Generally, Fellows will be responsible for obtaining the instructor's permission for enrolling in the course. Whenever possible or appropriate, the ALI staff will make its best effort to assist Fellows in obtaining faculty permission to enroll in specific courses.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Advanced Leadership Initiative office at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .