Harvard has many resources to support you through your academic journey. If you need help figuring out how to navigate these resources or understanding their differences, schedule a meeting with an ARC academic coach.
Below is an overview of some of the resources that are here to help you and the kinds of services they offer.
Key Resources for Graduate Students
From health services, advising, and accommodations for disabilities, to help with foreign languages and technology, find all the resources to support and guide you.
Academic Resource Center
The ARC is here to provide academic resources for all GSAS students at any point in their graduate studies at Harvard. We offer academic coaching, accountability groups, discussion panels, workshops, and ESL peer consultations.
Advisors
GSAS students may have several advisors assigned to them during their time at Harvard. Advisors are here to guide you through some parts of the journey to your degree. This guidance may include things like preparing for general exams or writing your dissertation; it may also include career goals, fellowship applications, conference papers, and other academic, professional, and life challenges.
Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
Through workshops, teaching conferences, classroom observations, and one-on-one consultations, the Bok Center helps graduate students learn how to become more effective teachers.
Disability Access Office
The DAO helps students get course accommodations for visible and invisible disabilities, including temporary conditions like concussions.
Counseling and Mental
Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS is there to help you navigate any distress or mental health issues you might encounter while at Harvard. Their services include one-on-one counseling and group workshops.
When should I go to CAMHS?
As soon as you need it, or even preventatively. Mental health issues can show up in subtle ways at first, so try to keep your lines of communication open and check in with yourself frequently.
Fellowships and Writing Center
(FWC)
At the Fellowships and Writing Center, graduate students can learn about internal and external awards, get assistance with applying for those awards, and get help on their writing and presentation skills.
When should I go to the Fellowships and Writing Center?
You can go to the FWC at any point in your academic journey as a graduate student at Harvard, from the first stages of looking for information on fellowships to the final stages of getting feedback on your dissertation. The FWC offers support through individual consultations, workshops, small writing groups, and other programming.
Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS)
The Mignone Center for Career Success can help you identify your passions and how they intersect with career options after you leave Harvard. They also assist with internships.
When should I go to MCS?
When you have a career or internship-related question. The ARC and MCS can help you develop your educational and professional goals in different ways, so you might consider using them both if you’re unsure of how to set priorities for your time and energies while at Harvard.
Office of Student Services (OCS)
The Office of Student Services is usually the starting place for graduate students seeking help. The Office of Student Services serves Harvard Griffin GSAS, assisting students who are having academic or personal difficulties in navigating and connecting with Harvard Griffin GSAS, Harvard, and local resources.
When should I go to the Office of Student Services?
You should go the Office of Student Services whenever you need advice or support. Whether you are trying to navigate academic challenges or manage personal difficulties, the Office of Student Services is available to assist in whatever way they can. They will also help you connect with other student support services within the GSAS and Harvard and beyond.
Professors, Lecturers, Preceptors,
and Teaching Fellows/Assistants
The teaching staff for your courses is there to help you learn and engage in your academic journey.
When should I go to a course’s teaching staff?
When you have specific questions about the material or want to make personal connections with the people who are teaching you. Pay attention to the stated support structures for your courses: if they don’t seem to be enough to help you succeed, then come to the ARC where we can strategize with you about study skills and resources.