Not Setting Realistic Expectations Regarding Visas

What Happened:  From August 2023 until November 2023, several fellowship candidates asked about short-term visas for the Leadership Institute in the United States. Mountaintop never told a candidate that they could guarantee a visa, but they also said that they would do their best to support the visa process. In reality, Mountaintop has little influence over the visa process as it is governed independently by the US State of Department. Although no one communicated with Mountaintop that this was a concern, by sharing that Mountaintop would do what it could to help with the visa process, Mountaintop may have set unrealistic expectations with some candidates.

​

How Mountaintop Responded: While Mountaintop will continue to provide letters of support to Fellows during the visa application process, Mountaintop has updated its FAQ page to share that Mountaintop cannot significantly influence the visa process. Mountaintop will also say as much over 1:1 communications with candidates.

​

Mountaintop's Learning and Commitment: Mountaintop has learned that it is best to set low expectations for processes that it cannot control. Mountaintop commits to very clearly communicate the limitations of its programs on the website and materials going forward.