Reschedule & Refund Policies

Updated January 10, 2025

General Cancellation and Refund Policy

If the Highlights Foundation needs to cancel a scheduled workshop or retreat, we will attempt to reschedule that workshop based on faculty and facility availability.

Your payment will be applied to the rescheduled workshop, as long as the new dates work for you and your schedule. If not, we will issue you a full refund, or hold your payment as a credit that can be used for another workshop for up to a year. 

Should you need to cancel your registration for an upcoming workshop or retreat for any reason, we have a cancellation policy as stated below.  The goal is to be supportive of your needs, while recognizing the amount of time, effort and attention given by faculty and staff in developing, organizing, and presenting our workshops.

Most of our workshops are capped at a certain number of participants, so we would appreciate as much advance notice as possible if you need to cancel your workshop registration. This way, we may be able to offer your spot to others who may be on a waiting list.

Online Workshops (other than “Minis” and Whole Novel Workshops):

• You are welcome to cancel your registration and receive a full refund up to two weeks before the start of your workshop.
• Cancellations received within two weeks of the workshop start date, and until the start of the first live session, are eligible for a refund, less a $50 cancellation fee.
• Refunds are not available after the first live session.

We are happy to either refund your credit card on file or issue you a personal credit to use for another program for up to one year (minus the cancellation fee, if applicable).  

Online “Minis” (One-Night or Two-Night Webinars):

• There is no refund available for “mini” courses. You will receive a link to the recordings after the live sessions, whether you attend or not.

In-Person Workshops & Retreats/Programs (other than Whole Novel Workshops):

• You are welcome to cancel and receive a full refund up to two weeks before your arrival date (or submission date, if your workshop includes a pre-course submission).
• Cancellations received within two weeks of the start date are subject to a $100 cancellation fee.
• Refunds are not available once the program has begun.

We are happy to either refund your credit card on file or issue you a personal credit to use for another program for up to one year (minus the cancellation fee, if applicable).

Whole Novel Workshops:

Whole Novel Workshops are unique in the level of involvement by Highlights Foundation staff and faculty.

• Cancellations with a full refund are welcome up until the submission deadline.
• Once submissions are in, cancellations are subject to a $1,100 fee before the workshop officially starts; you will receive written feedback from your faculty reader on your manuscript.
• Refunds are not available once the workshop has begun.

Personal Retreats:

• You are welcome to cancel for a full refund up to 7 days before your arrival. 
• Any cancellations after that time are subject to a $100 cancellation fee.
• Refunds are not available after the retreat’s scheduled start date.  (Please note: if you do not arrive for your Personal Retreat without communicating with us in advance, no refund is available.)
  

Custom Retreats:

Cancellation policies for custom retreats vary, depending on the event. Please check the registration confirmation for your upcoming custom retreat for the specific cancellation policy for your retreat, or reach out to us for more information.

FAQs and EXCEPTIONS

What if I have a family emergency?

We will switch your registration to another workshop, issue you a personal credit, or refund your payment in full.

What if I am sick?

Health concerns come first! If you or a member of your household are experiencing a fever or any symptoms of illness, please refrain from visiting in-person. We will switch your registration to another workshop, issue you a personal credit, or refund your payment in full.

What happens if my Personal Credit is expiring?

We can either extend it for one more year, or we can refund the full amount.

What if I need to cancel and don’t let the Highlights Foundation know?

There is no refund.

Other situations?

Please reach out to us with any extenuating circumstances.