We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about executive education open enrollment programs. If your question isn't listed here, please contact us at dcidexed@duke.edu.
FAQs
In-Person Programs
Tuition includes instruction by Duke University faculty and visiting guest lecturers from other prestigious universities; classroom materials and readings; accommodations; airport pickups and drop-offs; transportation between the hotel and Duke University campus; and transportation to local field visits and recreational activities.
Accommodations include a kitchenette, private bedroom and private bathroom. Amenities include a swimming pool, daily refreshments, a daily continental breakfast, local telephone service, wireless internet, cable television, a laundry room on the complex premises, basic household goods like linens and basic kitchen equipment. Long-distance telephone options are available. Your hotel is located within walking distance of a large grocery store and a number of small shops and restaurants where you may purchase food.
Online Programs
Tuition for the online programs includes instruction by Duke University faculty and visiting guest lecturers from other prestigious universities, course materials and readings, and access to the course website.
A detailed schedule will be shared with participants closer to the start of each program.
In-Person Programs
Standard academic days run from 8:30 a.m. t0 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with four 1.5-hour-long class sessions. Between classes are refreshment breaks and a lunch break, with enough time for participants to socialize and stretch their legs. Other academic days include group work or presentations. After class, participants will be driven back to their hotel, where they will find additional refreshments. At the hotel, participants will work on readings and problem sets after class alongside peers, and will eat dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants or prepare dinner for themselves. Course advisors will often be available to answer questions.
It is important to us for our participants to have downtime to recharge and enjoy the area. As such, there is no class on Saturdays or Sundays.
Online Programs
Depending on the program, standard online synchronous days run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Other academic days include group work or presentations. Participants will be expected to work on readings and problem sets between classes. Course advisors will often be available for online office hours to answer questions.
One of the greatest benefits of attending a DCID Open Enrollment Program is becoming part of a larger network of development practitioners. We encourage participants to get to know each other, professionally and personally. Our participants include government officials and private professionals from all over the world – all of whom have experience and wisdom to offer.
Upon admission to your respective program, you will receive access to an academic packet detailing how you should prepare for the program. Read the packet carefully and contact the program director if you have any questions.
Currently, the Duke Center for International Development and Duke University offer no financial assistance to participants apart from group discounts. DCID does not maintain special relationships with any outside sponsoring organizations.
The majority of people who attend our programs are funded by their employers. Of those who are funded from outside sources, some find funding through the local projects of development organizations. Examples of organizations which may be operating in your city include: USAID, the World Bank, the Canadian International Development Agency and the United Nations Development Program. We encourage you to search on the internet for organizations with offices in your area. Your local EducationUSA advising center, which is supported by the U.S. Department of State, may be able to provide you with additional information on funding available in your city or country.
Generally, it is advised that applicants seek funding locally, as very few have had success petitioning the central offices and headquarters of large development agencies.
If a participant can no longer attend a program, requests for withdrawing must be sent in writing to the program director and the DCID Executive Education team. If a participant withdraws from a program more than 21 calendar days prior to the start date of the program, the participant will receive a 100% refund. If a participant withdraws from a program between 7 and 21 calendar days prior to the program, the participant will receive a 50% refund. If a participant withdraws less than 7 days prior to the program, the participant will forfeit the full payment amount. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
Should a participant not be able to participate due to factors beyond their control (e.g. visa issues, family emergency, work emergency, etc.), the participant may elect (pending any necessary sponsor approvals) to credit the payment towards the following program cycle. If a participant would not like to take advantage of the deferral policy, they may request a refund. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
If a program is cancelled for any reason, the Duke Center for International Development will refund the program tuition in full, but is not responsible for any additional costs covered directly by the participant. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice. We will make every effort to notify participants as soon as possible if a program will be canceled.
If a program is postponed or rescheduled for any reason, DCID will automatically enroll the participant into the newly scheduled date. If a participant cannot join on this new date, DCID will refund the program tuition in full, but is not responsible for any additional costs covered directly by the participant. Refunds will be made to the party who paid the relevant program invoice.
In the case of cancellation and/or rescheduling, participants or participant sponsors may credit their program tuition towards the next program cycle.