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frequently asked questions
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Q: Who is eligible to participate in Center for Wellness programs and services?
A: All of the programs and services at the Center for Wellness are available to anyone affiliated with Harvard University. This includes faculty and staff, graduate and undergraduate students, retirees, all HUGHP members, all other Harvard University affiliates, as well as family members of Harvard University faculty, staff, students, retirees, and other affiliates.
Q: Do I have to fill out the introductory paperwork before I can schedule an appointment?
A: Yes, there are a few forms that need to be completed before scheduling your first massage, Shiatsu, acupuncture, or Reiki appointment. This provides us with the information we need to best serve you and to verify your eligibility. It also ensures that we have communicated all of the information you need to know about our program, including the strict cancellation policy. Also, it allows you to choose a payment option for your appointment. It is our policy to arrange payment in advance of your appointment.
Q: How far in advance can I schedule an individual appointment?
A: Appointments may be scheduled for any date within the current session (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). Appointments for the upcoming session may be scheduled as of one month before the start of that session. Accordingly, the dates each session is open for booking are as follows:
Fall (September-December): Aug. 1st
Winter (January-March): Dec. 1st
Spring (April-June): March 1st
Summer (July-August): June 1st
Q: Can I request a male or female massage therapist?
A: Absolutely. Our goal is to provide you with the most comfortable and beneficial experience possible.
Q: Should I offer a gratuity to my massage therapist?
A: No, the massage therapists at the Center for Wellness cannot accept a gratuity.
Q: When is the Center for Wellness open?
A: The Center for Wellness is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. However, many of our classes, programs, and appointments take place outside of these hours.
Q: How can I be added to your mailing list?
A: You can contact the Center for Wellness to be added to our regular mailing list. Please provide your full name, e-mail, telephone number, and campus mailing address. Please note that all Harvard University employees receive our schedule in the mail (as a supplement to the Harvard Resource newspaper).
Q: What forms of payment do you accept for your fee-based programs?
A: The Center for Wellness accepts credit cards, personal checks, term-bill (students), or payroll deduction (employees). We do not accept cash.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: Yes, the Center for Wellness offers up to a 50% discount to all HUGHP members on courses and appointments. There is also a $10.00 discount on acupuncture appointments for Harvard students.
Q: How can I provide feedback to the Center for Wellness about an appointment or class?
A:Feedback on appointments may be given here. Feedback on classes may be given here. Both require a Harvard University PIN. If you do not have a PIN, please send your comments to the Center for Wellness via email, fax, or regular mail.
Q: Does the Center for Wellness distribute free condoms?
A: Yes, a variety of condoms and other latex barriers are available at no charge at the Center for Wellness. We also make condoms available in the Harvard undergraduate living communities during the academic year.
Q: Will my class or appointment be cancelled due to bad weather?
A: The Center for Wellness does not cancel classes unless the instructor or therapist cancels. In the event of a cancellation, every attempt will be made to immediately notify all participants by telephone and/or e-mail. A cancellation notice will be placed on the door of the location and a refund or make-up session will be offered.
Q: How can I contact my instructor or therapist directly?
A: The Center for Wellness does not routinely provide contact information for any of our instructors or therapists. However, you can leave your contact information with the Center for Wellness office and we will request that the instructor or therapist contact you.
Q: Can I try a class before I register to see if I like it?
A: The Center for Wellness allows individuals to attend one class on a trial basis; however, you MUST contact us ahead of time before attending the class. Additionally if you are a spouse, dependent, alumnus/a, or retiree, you must sign an Exercise Class Participant Agreement form available from the Center for Wellness or in the Forms section of this web site. Course instructors will not allow visitors in the class without prior approval.
Q: If I want to start a course in the middle of a session, can the course be pro-rated?
A: Yes, the Center for Wellness does pro-rate courses if registration occurs after the first class meeting. However, individuals will NOT be reimbursed for classes missed once they have registered and paid for the entire session.
Q: Can I pay for the course in installments?
A: Yes, courses that cost more than $100 can be paid in two installments: one before the class begins and the second at the mid-point of the session. Courses under $100 must be paid in full at the time of registration.
Q: Can I get a refund for a course that I was not able to attend?
A: The Center for Wellness does not issue refunds for courses or sessions that an individual was unable to attend. However, refunds will be issued if a course or session has to be cancelled due to lack of enrollment or if an individual withdraws from a course BEFORE the class begins (minus at $15.00 processing fee).
Q: Who has to complete the Exercise Class Participant Agreement?
A: Harvard students, faculty, and staff are not required to complete the agreement. However, any spouses, dependents, alumni, or retirees taking a movement/exercise class, must sign an Exercise Class Participant Agreement, available from the Center for Wellness or in the Forms section of this web site.
Q: Will there be a place to change clothes or shower at the location of my class?
A: All of the Center for Wellness class locations have a place for individuals to change clothes. However, showers and lockers are typically not available, with the exception of courses held at the Malkin Athletic Center.
Q: How do I get an athletic membership?
A: To participate in a course that takes place at the Malkin Athletic Center, you are required to have an athletic membership. Individuals should call 617.495.2211 or go to http://www.athletics.harvard.edu/recreation/Ath_Memberships/memberships_index.html.
Q: What if I get injured while participating?
A: If you acquire an injury while participating in a Center for Wellness program you are asked to notify us immediately. A report of the injury will be filed promptly and the appropriate action will be taken.
Q: When can I register for classes?
A: Registration for each term will open on the following dates (updated Fall 2009):
Fall: Aug. 1st
Winter/Spring: Dec. 1st
Summer: May 1st
*If the 1st of the month falls on a weekend day, registration will open the following Monday.
Q: Can I borrow CDs, DVDs, or books from the Center for Wellness Library?
A: Anyone with a Harvard ID may borrow up to two DVDs or CDs at a time for up to two weeks. There is no fee for this service. Books at the Center for Wellness cannot be borrowed, but can be accessed and read in our comfortable library located on the 2nd floor of HUHS.
