Skip to main content

Before You Arrive

Everything you need to know to get ready to attend Harvard Griffin GSAS

All Students

Harvard University ID

To expedite receiving your ID card, submit your ID photo ahead of time so that your card will be ready for pickup.

Health Coverage and Immunizations

Through the Harvard University Student Health Program, Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) offers comprehensive medical, mental health, and prescription benefits to students.

HUHS requires that students provide their immunization history prior to registration. Email HUHS Medical Records or call 617-495-2055 with any questions about the immunization requirements.

Enroll at Harvard Griffin GSAS

Registration for incoming students is a two-step process. First, visit my.harvard.edu and log in with your HarvardKey in early August to check in. The deadline to check in is August 21, 2023. Course registration opens on August 21, 2023, and the deadline is August 31, 2023. The first day of classes is September 5, 2023. 

Log in to Engage

Once you have your HarvardKey, you can also log in to Engage to find your Harvard Griffin GSAS community. Join student groups, RSVP to events, and explore social and learning opportunities!

Register with the Disability Access Office

The Disability Access Office (DAO) serves students with disabilities to ensure equity, inclusion, and access. DAO works in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to develop and implement accessibility plans based on individualized assessments of student needs. DAO provides accommodations for coursework, housing, dining, transportation, and other aspects of student life, as appropriate. The office is committed to supporting students with disabilities in accessing online learning environments. Learn more on the DAO website.

Purchase Your Discounted Transit Pass

Students can purchase discounted MBTA bus, link, and commuter rail passes at a 50 percent discount. Order your pass online

International Students

Before you move to Cambridge, visit the Harvard International Office (HIO) for information about services and support for international students, including visa and tax information. The HIO has also prepared a helpful new student guide to ease your transition to Harvard. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS will also host an International Student Pre-Arrival Webinar during the summer, so keep an eye on your inbox for additional details! If you have questions please contact Student Affairs

PhD Students

Your First Stipend Check

In order to receive your first stipend payment, you will need to sign up for direct deposit through the University’s payroll system, PeopleSoft. During the summer, you will receive an email from Harvard University Student Account Operations with instructions on how to do so. If you are unable to sign up for direct deposit after receiving the instructions, please contact your financial aid officer.  

Participation Agreement

Once you have activated your Harvard Key, students who have accepted an offer to a Harvard Griffin GSAS PhD program should review and electronically sign the Harvard Participation Agreement

Work in which you might participate is governed by the policies of Harvard University, including  Harvard's "Statement of Policy in Regard to Intellectual Property" (the "IP Policy”) and other important research-related policies of the University and its Schools, e.g., policies concerning research integrity, protecting human and animal subjects, conflicts of interest and commitment, collaboration with industry, and data retention. For information on University-wide research policies, see:  https://research.harvard.edu/research-policies-compliance/. Your signature of the Participation Agreement helps implement the IP Policy, enables Harvard to fulfill its responsibilities relating to research, and ensures that you understand and acknowledge your role in conducting your graduate research in a manner consistent with good practices.

If you have questions about intellectual property ownership, please contact the Office of Technology Development at otd@harvard.edu. Any other questions regarding the above policies can be sent to the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at viceprovoct_research@harvard.edu.

 

Events Calendar