Harvard at Home refers to the university’s long-term approach to remote participation, enabling students, faculty, and staff to engage in learning, research, and work outside traditional campus settings. This guide explains current remote study and work options, access to digital resources and libraries, health and safety considerations, technology and support, and how these offerings fit into Harvard’s enduring academic mission. It is designed as a durable reference for understanding what Harvard at Home means for different members of the community and how to use available resources effectively.
What Harvard At Home Means and Who It Serves
Harvard at Home is a set of coordinated services and policies that allow members of the Harvard community to participate fully while off campus. It connects undergraduates, graduate students, professional students, faculty, researchers, and staff to courses, advising, research tools, administrative services, and community resources. The goal is to maintain continuity of education and work regardless of location, supporting both temporary needs and sustained remote engagement. For students, it can mean attending classes and advising sessions online; for staff and faculty, it can mean remote collaboration and access to university systems and data.
Remote Learning Options for Students
Harvard at Home for students centers on high-quality remote instruction delivered through established course platforms. Instructors use tools that support live sessions, recorded lectures, discussion boards, and structured office hours. Courses are designed to meet scheduled times or offer flexible windows, depending on program requirements. Students can typically expect regular feedback, clear assignments, and published grading criteria. Key components include:
- Live virtual classes that preserve real-time interaction
- Asynchronous materials such as lectures, readings, and problem sets
- Remote labs, studios, and simulations where applicable
- Exam proctoring options that balance integrity with accessibility
Advisors remain available online to help plan programs, discuss concentrations, and connect students with academic resources. Harvard at Home learning experiences are intended to uphold the same academic standards as in-person offerings, with adjustments for modality.
Instructional Modalities and Expectations
Programs vary in how they deliver instruction, but common patterns include synchronous sessions for discussion and community-building, and asynchronous components for deep reading and problem-solving. Faculty outline expectations for participation, collaboration, and time commitment in each course. Students should plan for regular class meeting times, assignment deadlines, and consistent study schedules. Communication tools such as email, course forums, and messaging platforms help maintain a sense of cohort identity across locations.
Remote Work and Research for Faculty and Staff
Harvard at Home for employees supports continued productivity through flexible work arrangements and secure access to systems. Supervisors and human resources partners help establish workflows, communication norms, and performance expectations. Many roles adapt well to remote work, with clear deliverables and regular check-ins. Others may require periodic on-campus presence for safety, equipment, or coordination reasons. The university emphasizes workload balance, professional development, and mental health supports regardless of work location.
Policies, Tools, and Security Practices
Remote work at Harvard is guided by policies that address eligibility, equipment provision, data protection, and hours. IT services provide secure access to networks, email, collaboration suites, and specialized research platforms. Virtual private networks, multi-factor authentication, and encrypted devices help safeguard university information. Staff and faculty use tools for video conferencing, project management, and document sharing to stay aligned. Supervisors set schedules that accommodate time zones and caregiving responsibilities while maintaining team cohesion.
Access to Libraries, Data, and Research Resources
Harvard at Home extends to comprehensive digital access so that community members can pursue research and study off campus. Licensed databases, e-journals, and digitized primary sources are available through the library website. Interlibrary loan, document delivery, and research consultations remain largely online, with options for limited in-person visits when necessary. Research computing resources, including high-performance systems and software, are accessible remotely for eligible projects. Data management support helps researchers store, share, and preserve their work in compliance with university policies.
Library Services and Research Support
| Resource | How to Access Remotely | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Library Catalog (HOLLIS) | Off-campus access with Harvard key | Find books, journals, and digital materials |
| Licensed databases and e-journals | VPN or library proxy, single sign-on | Coverage varies by license |
| Research data management | Secure storage and consultation | Compliance with funder and university policies |
| Interlibrary loan and document delivery | Request online, delivery by mail or electronic | Processing times vary |
| Computing and software | Virtual apps, remote desktops, licensed tools | Availability by school or unit |
Health, Safety, and Community Wellbeing
Harvard at Home incorporates measures that protect physical and mental health while enabling effective remote engagement. University guidance on illness, testing, and vaccination is updated in alignment with public health recommendations. Accommodations are available for those with medical or caregiving needs that affect on-campus presence. Schools, departments, and labs set site-specific protocols when necessary, always balancing safety with continuity. Community members are encouraged to communicate needs early and use available resources such as counseling, financial assistance, and peer support networks.
Support Services and Accommodations
- Confidential counseling and telehealth options for students, faculty, and staff
- Disability services and reasonable accommodations for remote participation
- Childcare and eldercare resources and referrals
- Financial guidance and emergency assistance programs
- Technology loans for equipment and connectivity when needed
Technology, Training, and Communication
Reliable technology is central to Harvard at Home, and the university provides guidance on devices, software, and connectivity. Many Harvard units offer training on video platforms, learning management systems, secure file sharing, and collaborative tools. IT helpdesks and local support staff assist with setup, troubleshooting, and accessibility. Clear communication norms—such as response-time expectations, preferred channels, and meeting etiquette—help remote teams work together effectively. These practices aim to create an inclusive environment where members can participate regardless of location or background.
Planning for Long-Term Remote Engagement
Harvard at Home is designed not only for short-term needs but also for sustained participation over semesters and years. Schools and departments maintain continuity plans that outline how programs, research, and administrative services will function remotely during disruptions or as permanent options. Individuals can plan for long-term remote work by defining schedules, setting up dedicated workspaces, and using university resources for professional development. Community members are encouraged to review school-specific guidance regularly, as practices may evolve with new technologies, research findings, and policies.
Checklists and Practical Steps
To get started with Harvard at Home, consider these practical steps:
- Confirm eligibility and expectations with your school or department
- Set up Harvard key and VPN access; test critical systems in advance
- Review course syllabi or team plans for remote formats and deadlines
- Arrange a dedicated workspace, reliable internet, and necessary peripherals
- Bookmark library and IT support pages and know how to request help
- Establish regular communication routines with peers, advisors, and managers
- Use campus wellness and financial resources when needed
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I attend all my Harvard courses remotely?
Many courses can be completed remotely, but requirements vary by program and course. Some components, such as labs, studios, or residencies, may need in-person attendance. Check your program’s specific policies and consult your advisor for details.
What IT support is available for Harvard at Home?
Harvard offers VPN, secure email, device management, software licensing, and helpdesk support. Schools may provide additional tools or loaner equipment. Contact your local IT contact or the central helpdesk for setup and troubleshooting.
How does Harvard ensure academic integrity in remote assessments? Proctoring methods, assignment design, and honor code policies vary by course. Instructors choose approaches appropriate to learning outcomes, often combining open-book tasks with monitored sessions. Students should review each course’s expectations and technical requirements. Can staff and faculty choose to work remotely long term?
Eligibility for long-term remote work depends on role requirements, departmental policies, and manager approval. Many functions can support sustained remote or hybrid arrangements, while others may need periodic on-site presence for safety or operational reasons.
How do I protect research data when working remotely?
Use university-approved secure storage, encrypted devices, and multi-factor authentication. Follow data classification guidelines, limit use of unapproved cloud services, and consult your research office or IT for support with secure workflows and backups.