That’s a wrap: Info Session recap
It was a miraculously sunny day on Wednesday, June 17, for the second annual Harvard Extension School Information Session.
The event, held in the spectacular Annenburg Hall and Sanders Theatre with some break-out sessions in the Science Center, featured Q&A sessions, presentations by program directors, refreshments, and even a course giveaway.
Roughly 900 people attended, coming from diverse locations such as:
- Japan
- Germany (by way of Maryland)
- Switzerland
- Canada
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Wisconsin
- Indiana
- Illinois
- North Carolina
- Virginia
And it had a strong showing from Massachusetts and the other New England states.
Were you one of the 900? We’d love to hear what you thought about it. Send us an e-mail and share your story.
If you couldn’t make it, no worries. Many of the degree programs at the Extension School hold smaller information sessions throughout the year. For a list of these events, see the Information Sessions page.
And if you don’t see the program that you’re interested in? Check back again, as the page is periodically updated, or make an appointment with an admissions advisor, listed under Admission on most of the individual program sections.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam courses available in 2009-10
There are a number of great new courses for this year that are worth looking into (registration begins August 3, so mark your calendar).
For current and aspiring finance professionals interested in becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), the following 2 new noncredit courses are right up your alley: MGMT E-2900a Chartered Financial Analyst Examination Preparation: Level 1a and MGMT E-2900b Chartered Financial Analyst Examination Preparation: Level 1b. Typically, CFAs work in financial areas such as portfolio management, investment research, advisory services, and investment banking.
Margaret Andrews, associate dean for the Graduate Program in Management explained why the Extension School is offering these courses this year. “We have experience teaching working adults seeking to enhance their careers, and this is exactly what these courses are designed to do. This international exam is rigorous and comprehensive. It tests knowledge in several areas, including economics, finance, and accounting. And the Harvard Extension School has been teaching each of these topics for many years.”
Andrews said the courses will meet on campus but have an online option. “We have expertise in teaching people through distance education, as well as in class. And since the CFA exam is an international exam, we expect that the class composition will reflect the demographics of test-takers—well educated, international, and highly motivated.”
The Spark also spoke with the course instructor, Bruce Watson, and asked, “What will students get out of these courses?”
“These courses are designed to give students the background and review they need to do well on the CFA Level I exam,” he said. “Part I, offered in the fall, concentrates on those parts of the test which are primarily concerned with material other than finance—ethics, economics, accounting, and quantitative methods. Part II, offered in the spring, concentrates on finance—equities, portfolio management, derivatives, etc.”
By dividing the courses, Watson said, “we hope to enable students to select those topics in which they feel they need the most review or preparation. For example, someone who has worked extensively in the financial services industry may feel able to review finance topics on his or her own, but may need a more structured approach to the non-finance component of the exam. Conversely, someone who majored in economics or accounting but doesn’t know much finance will find the spring offering very helpful. And, of course, there are many students who will benefit enormously from enrolling in both semesters for the most comprehensive exam preparation.”
Knowing is half the battle: Attend our information session
The Extension School is hosting an information session on June 17 from 5:30 to 9 pm.
Find out more about the school, our courses and degree programs, and get your questions answered by staff and program directors.
Visit the Extension School website for the event details and the chance to win a free course (winners will be announced at the session, so you have to be there to be eligible).
Join us, it’ll be fun and light refreshments will be available.
Check out the new calendar
Did you know that we have Julius Caesar to thank for what we now know as a calendar year? In 46 BC, he overhauled the Roman one, establishing the 365-day calendar to bring it in line with the seasons. People were so grateful they subsequently dedicated a whole month in his honor—July.
Like Caesar, the Extension School (along with the rest of Harvard) has overhauled its calendar to align it with the traditional collegiate school year.
This means that courses for fall 2009 start earlier, Monday, August 31, and end in December (Monday the 21st), before the winter break.
What’s particularly important about this new start date is that although registration will start earlier (Monday, August 3), it will also end earlier (Sunday, August 30)—before classes begin.
Late registration, with a $50 late fee, will be available during the first 2 weeks of classes (Monday, August 31 through Sunday, September 13). If you have already registered, you can change your course schedule without a late fee during this time.
In addition to the new fall and spring courses, the Extension School is offering a January session, with some courses available during the winter break.
More information coming soon, but see the calendar for dates.
