Welcome to a new academic year, folks! It feels amazing to be back on campus and see Harvard Yard full of life. Not to mention how exciting it is to begin new classes, delve deeper into a favorite sphere of research, and connect with peers academically and socially. As the newest member of the GSAS Student Affairs team, this is my first time seeing the fall semester kick off at Harvard, and I have to admit the energy is definitely exhilarating.
Whether you are a new incoming student or a seasoned upper G-year, the start of the semester can be overwhelming and full of adjustments. We at the Office of Student Services want to remind you that it is totally normal to experience stress, confusion, or doubt.
Sometimes these feelings make it more challenging to problem solve or decide on a course of action. This is where I and our office program coordinator, Vicky Mooney, can help support you! Student Services is like the GPS for GSAS. (If you’ve ever stopped by to see us in the Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS, you may have heard us use this phrase.) We help you troubleshoot and connect to the best resources for your circumstances, whatever they may be. We often refer students out to our many partner offices at GSAS, but are connected with many local community resources too.
So what kind of issues do students talk about? Anything and everything. Check out the chart of common student concerns below. Note that almost every area of life and the wellness wheel is covered—emotional, academic, interpersonal, and more.
Common Academic Issues |
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| Advisor Concerns | Switching, finding, or speaking with advisors |
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| Lab Concerns | Switching or finding a lab |
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| | Lab culture |
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| Productivity | Time management and accountability |
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| Mentoring Up | |
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| Accessibility Concerns | |
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| Administrative Board | |
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Common Interpersonal Issues |
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| Communication | Strategizing |
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| Concern for Others | Friends or colleagues |
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| Personal Conflict | In or outside of GSAS |
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| Discrimination | All forms except for Title IX |
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| Program or Lab Culture | |
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| Housing | Roommate or landlord concerns |
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| Relationship Concerns | |
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Common Financial Issues |
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| Resources | |
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| Budgeting | |
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| Loss of Funding | Due to switching labs or advisors |
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| Unexpected Challenges | Family care, medical bills, housing |
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| Financial Wellness | |
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Common Physical Health Issues |
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| Impact | Academic or otherwise |
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| Hospital Related | |
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| Leave of Absence | |
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| Accommodations | |
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| COVID-19 Related | |
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Common Mental Health Issues |
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| Impact | Academic or otherwise |
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| Hospital Related | |
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| Leave of Absence | |
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| Accommodations | |
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| Referrals | CAMHS, community providers, or groups |
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| Imposter Phenomenon | |
|---|
Common Professional Issues |
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| Future Planning | Career, family, academic opportunities |
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| Communication | |
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| Teaching Concerns | |
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Our goal in sharing this chart is to emphasize how normal it is to need help! We see students from all G-years, all departments, and all stages of life and the graduate journey. Almost 500 students made appointments in just the last year alone. Everyone gets a little lost at one time or another. Chances are, whatever you are going through, another student has been in the same position.
No matter your issue or concern, whenever you find yourself feeling stuck come and visit B-2 to B-Well!
Banner photo by David Salafia
