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Degree Requirements and Course Credits Registration and Grading Policies |
Degree Programs
The Graduate School of Design offers seven degrees: Master in Architecture, Master in Landscape Architecture, Master of Architecture in Urban Design, Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design, Master in Urban Planning, Master in Design Studies, and Doctor of Design.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered by the Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in cooperation with the GSD. Programs of study for the award of these degrees are outlined in the section on Degree Programs.
Accreditation of Degree Programs. The program of study leading to the degree Master in Architecture as a professional degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board. The program of study leading to the degree Master in Landscape Architecture as a professional degree is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The program of study leading to the degree Master in Urban Planning as a professional degree is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. Programs leading to postprofessional degrees (MArch II, MLA II, MAUD, MLAUD, MDes, DDes) are not accredited, as persons would have already completed the degree required for certification before entry into these programs. Inquiries about documentation should be directed to the individual departments.
Concurrent Degrees. Students may pursue concurrently (at the same time) two degrees offered by the Graduate School of Design, receiving both degrees in a shorter period of time than would be the case had the degrees been pursued consecutively. Students must apply to and be admitted to each degree program separately. Admission to or enrollment in one program does not guarantee admission to another program. Students currently enrolled in a GSD degree program who seek admission to a second GSD degree program must follow the same procedures and application deadlines as that required for new applicants.
No student may enroll concurrently in two degree programs without a concurrent degree curriculum plan approved by both program directors. Students newly admitted to both programs must, upon admission, contact the registrar to discuss how they will prepare their concurrent degree curriculum plan. Students who are already enrolled must submit to the registrar a concurrent degree curriculum plan within 30 days of admission to the second degree program, approved by both program directors, that sets forth their curricular schedule for their remaining terms of enrollment. It is recommended that already enrolled students applying to a second degree program contact the relevant program directors for information on special program requirements for concurrent degree students.
Concurrent degree students may not receive either degree under the concurrent degree program without satisfying the degree requirements of both programs. Concurrent degree students must be in full-time residence at the GSD for at least one additional year beyond the longer of the two degree programs.
Switching Degree Programs. Admission into one degree program at the GSD does not guarantee the ability to be admitted into another GSD degree program. Students seeking to switch to a different program must submit to the Office of Student Services a new application for the other program, including a new application form; a new filing fee; a letter specifically outlining the reasons for applying to the new program; a new portfolio, including, if possible, work done at the GSD; a GSD transcript; and at least one new letter of recommendation, preferably from a faculty member familiar with the student's work at the GSD. The application will be considered concurrently with the review of other candidates for the following academic year, although in special circumstances a midyear change may be considered. Credit for work completed in previous GSD degree programs will not be accepted toward the new program.
Joint Degrees. Under the auspices of the newly approved Harvard Graduate School of Design/Harvard Law School joint degree program, students may pursue simultaneously the Master in Urban Planning degree from the GSD and the Juris Doctor degree from HLS, receiving both degrees in four, rather than five years. Students seeking both degrees must apply to and be accepted separately by each school. The program is able to accommodate up to six students per year. During their four years at Harvard, students spend three terms in full-time residence at the GSD, take at least 60 units of courses at the GSD, and pay three terms of tuition to the GSD. The GSD will “credit” additional coursework taken at the HLS and elsewhere towards satisfaction of the normal 80-unit credit requirement of the MUP degree. The basic curricular requirements for a joint degree MUP student are the same as those for a non-joint-degree MUP student, and include three studios, required courses, courses satisfying the methods requirements, and courses satisfying an area of concentration. Students may choose to spend their first year at the GSD or at HLS. A small committee of GSD and HLS faculty will oversee the program. For further information on this joint degree program, please contact the MUP program office.
The GSD currently does not offer formal joint degree programs with any other schools at Harvard.
Degree Requirements and Course Credits:
Fulfillment of Degree Requirements.
Students should refer to the Catalog in effect at the date of matriculation to determine the requirements for completion of a particular program of study. When changes in degree requirements occur, students may elect to complete their programs of study under the newer degree requirements. The Choice of Official Register form, available from the registrar, must be signed by the program director and filed in the Office of Student Services. Although staff members in the student services and degree program offices will assist students in completing degree checks, it is each student's responsibility to determine that all of his or her degree requirements have been met.
Transfer Credit. The GSD does not accept toward a degree program transfer credits for work completed at another institution.
Course Credit System. Academic study at the GSD is recorded in credit units. Different numbers of units are required for the award of individual degrees. See the sections on Degree Programs and Course Descriptions for the credit unit requirements and the units assigned to each course.
Waiver of Required Courses. Students who have satisfactorily completed courses that are equivalent to or more advanced than those required for completion of the degree program may request a waiver of such course(s) on the Petition for Non-Studio Course Waiver available from the Office of Student Services. The petition must be approved by the faculty member assigned by the department to review equivalency for the particular course in question. Each course must be approved separately. A course taken previously may be used to waive only one course at the GSD. Students must be prepared to present evidence of course work taken previously, such as catalogue descriptions, course syllabi, transcripts, assignments, papers, and exams. The completed petition must be filed with the Office of Student Services at the beginning of the term in which that course is normally required. The deadline is the same as that for study cards.
MArch I students who enter with advanced standing are not normally required to take any of the required courses from the first two terms of the program. A faculty review of their prior studies will be done to ensure that they have satisfied the first-year requirements. First- and second-term requirements that have not been satisfied will be taken in place of elective credits. First- and second-term courses that have been waived need not be replaced by electives. Courses waived beyond the second term, however, must be replaced by electives.
MLA students with advanced standing should refer to the course of study outlined in the Degree Programs section. A faculty review upon admission determines the requirements for each student. However, students may apply for a waiver of a required course after registration.
For students in all other degree programs, elective courses of equivalent unit value must be substituted for each course waived. Student transcripts will indicate that a required course has been waived, with no grade assigned.
Substitution for Required Courses.
Students may petition to take another course instead of a required course when they can demonstrate that the timing of the required course is detrimental to their program of study or when they are capable of taking more advanced work than the required course. The Petition for Substitution of a Required Non-Studio Course is available in the Office of Student Services. It must be approved by the program director and one of the instructors normally offering the required course. The completed course substitution form must be filed with the Office of Student Services at the beginning of the term in which that course is normally required. The deadline is the same as that for study cards.
Course Descriptions and Exam Schedules.
The Course Bulletin published on the web lists the complete schedule of all GSD courses offered that term. Students are required to take examinations as scheduled. Absence from examinations is permissible only in extraordinary circumstances, and the reason must be verified. If authorized by the instructor to do so, the department administrator will make arrangements for the makeup.
Credit for Cross-Registered Course Work.
If a GSD student receives a grade considered passing at the school at which the course is listed, he or she may receive credit for cross-registered courses offered by Harvard College; Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Business School, Kennedy School of Government, Graduate School of Education, School of Public Health, Law School, or Divinity School; the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University; the Episcopal Divinity School; and MIT. Students may obtain credit toward the fulfillment of a degree at the GSD for a maximum of two undergraduate-level courses, or the equivalent of eight GSD units, at Harvard College or Harvard Summer School. See the sections on Registration and Grading Policies and on Educational Resources for more information about cross-registration options. To access courses offered by other schools at Harvard University by the web go to the Cross Registration Policies tab on the registrar's page of the GSD's website.
Exchange Programs. The exchange program at ETH (Federal Institute of Technology) in Zurich is available for a limited number of students enrolled in the professional Master in Architecture degree program and the doctoral programs (PhD and DDes). Each year a few third-year students are selected to participate by a faculty committee in the Department of Architecture. Doctoral students must make arrangements through the Advanced Studies Programs. Opportunities also exist for doctoral students to conduct research at the Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA).
Harvard Summer School. A student may obtain credit toward the fulfillment of a degree at the GSD for a maximum of two courses (8 units) completed in the Harvard Summer School. In order to be considered, the course(s) must be enrolled in after matriculation at the GSD. The student must receive a passing grade in each course taken in order to receive this credit. Courses taken through the summer school meet degree require-ments but not residency requirements.
Full-time Enrollment. Students are required to be enrolled on a full-time basis during the number of terms of residence required by their respective degree programs. A student must be enrolled and in good standing to be eligible to submit a thesis.
Part-time Enrollment. Permission for part-time enrollment will be granted only as a special exception. A written, detailed plan for completing remaining degree requirements must be approved by the program director and filed with the Office of Student Services. Architecture, MLA II and Master in Design Studies students may be able to choose the split-semester option, which extends their final term to the full academic year for part-time study. International students should speak with the registrar about this.
Leaves of Absence (LOA) for Master's Degree Students. A student may take a voluntary leave of absence for no more than one year, or two academic terms. Occasionally, a program director might approve the extension of a leave of absence beyond one academic year, usually for medical reasons. Leaves beyond four consecutive semesters are not allowed. The deadline for application for a leave of absence is listed in the Academic Calendar, and there is no guarantee that applications received after that date will be approved. A $15 fee will be charged for petitions received after the deadline. Students should fill out a leave-of-absence petition, available from the Office of Student Services, which must be approved by the program director. International students must also be approved by the Harvard International Office. The deadline for taking a leave of absence without becoming liable for payment of tuition is listed in the Academic Calendar and under the section on Tuition and Expenses. After that date, tuition is charged to the end of the tuition period in which a student takes a leave of absence. If students wish to continue their health insurance while on leave, they should meet with the registrar. A student who fails to register for the next regular academic term following a leave of absence will be withdrawn automatically as of the end of the term in which the leave of absence expired. A student who has been withdrawn may reapply for admission. Financial aid recipients must reapply for financial aid, generally by mid-February of the previous academic year, for the term in which they return.
Architecture, MLA II students and Master in Design Studies students who plan on taking a leave of absence should speak with the registrar about the ramifications this will have on their ability to split during their final terms. Extensions must also be approved. Additional information on GSD and university policies on student privileges while on leave of absence is available in the GSD Student Handbook.
Leaves of Absence for Doctoral Students. A Doctor of Design student may apply to the DDes committee for a leave of absence of up to two semesters after the first year of study provided the general examination has been passed. Such a leave of absence may be used for collection of data, related field research, or for personal reasons. Regardless of a leave of absence, the residency requirement for the Doctor of Design program is four academic semesters, and the maximum length of time for the program is three academic years since matriculation. A student must be registered for the semester in which the thesis is submitted for approval.
Leaves of Absence for International Students. International students who plan on taking a leave of absence must speak with the GSD's contact at the Harvard International Office (HIO) about the immigration-related ramifications of taking a leave. International students who take leaves of absence must be aware of how this might affect their visa status and optional practical training eligibility. The HIO is located on the eighth floor of Holyoke Center in Harvard Square and may be reached at 617-495-2789 to make an appointment.
Involuntary Leave of Absence for Medical Reasons. The executive dean may place a student on “leave of absence for medical reasons” if: (1) the student poses a direct threat to the health and safety of him/herself or others or has seriously disrupted others in the student's residential community or academic environment, and; (2) the student's behavior is determined to be the result of a medical condition, or the student refuses to cooperate with efforts deemed necessary by the University Health Services to evaluate the cause of the student's behavior or threatening state. In some circumstances, the level of care and accommodation essential to a student's stabilization or treatment may exceed the resources or appropriate staffing capabilities of the GSD or may be beyond the standard of care that University Health Services can be expected to provide or monitor, in which case continued enrollment may constitute a serious disruption of the community or the academic environment, justifying an involuntary leave of absence.
Before placing a student on “leave of absence for medical reasons,” the executive dean will consult with the dean of students, the student's program director, and with the office of the director of University Health Services.
The student will be notified in writing of the decision to place him or her on “leave of absence for medical reasons” and the reasons for the decision. The student may ask the executive dean, in person or in writing, to reconsider the decision. If the student disputes any of the factual considerations underlying the decision, the dean of students may refer the dispute to the GSD's administrative board for fact-finding.
Students who have been placed on “leave of absence for medical reasons” must request to return to the GSD and re-enroll within two years. They will be required to provide evidence that they are ready to resume their studies and academic responsibilities. Such evidence may include documentation of the student's attempts to resolve the issues that led to their departure through written or verbal contact with the people they have received care from and/or employers. Consultation with the University Health Services may be required so that the health services can advise the GSD whether the medical condition that resulted in the behavior or threatening state is under control through treatment or no longer exists.
Withdrawal. A student who wishes to withdraw from the GSD is required to discuss the matter with his or her assigned faculty advisor or program director and the registrar or the dean of students. A letter indicating reasons for withdrawal should then be filed with the Office of Student Services. The deadline for withdrawing without becoming liable for payment of tuition is listed in the Academic Calendar and under the section Tuition and Expenses. After that date, tuition is charged to the end of the tuition period in which a student withdraws. A student who fails to register by the deadline for late registration in a given term will be withdrawn automatically as of that date, unless a leave of absence has been approved. Students who withdraw must reapply for admission.
Registration and Grading Policies:
Registration
Registration is held each fall and spring term before the first day of classes. At that time, new students receive ID cards, and all students receive study cards, and copies of the GSD Student Handbook. Presentations of option studios and selected courses are also held during this period. In addition, information on resources at the GSD and throughout Harvard is distributed. A student who registers after the official registration date listed in the Academic Calendar will be assessed a late fee of $30, plus another $30 for each additional week the registration is late, up to a maximum fine of $150.
Study Cards. At the beginning of each term, students must enroll in courses by submitting a study card to the Registrar. A student who files a study card after the due date will be assessed a late fee of $30, plus another $30 for each additional week the study card is late, up to a maximum fine of $150. As enrollment in courses is an official part of registration, failure to file a study card by the designated deadline in a given term may result in cancellation of registration for that term. A student must receive the program director's approval on the study card if the total credits exceed 20. Students enrolling in more than 24 credits will be charged additional tuition.
Petition to Add/Drop Courses. To make changes in enrollment by adding or dropping a course after study cards have been filed, a student must file with the Office of Student Services a Petition to Add/Drop Courses. The course instructor must sign a petition to add a course. This procedure applies to courses taken at the GSD, in other faculties at Harvard, and at other schools by cross-registration. A $15 fee is charged for each petition filed, regardless of the number of changes on the petition, beginning one week after study cards are due. An additional $15 fee is charged for each course added or dropped after the add/drop deadline specified in the Academic Calendar for that semester. A grade of WD (withdrawal) will be entered on the student's transcript for courses dropped after the add/drop deadline. The last day to withdraw from a course is the last day of classes for that module or semester. Students are responsible for all course work after that date. Petitions to drop a studio are seldom approved and must be discussed with and approved by the program director and the dean of students.
Studio Option Lottery. Enrollment in a studio option is determined by means of a lottery. This universal lottery allows eligible students to indicate their preferences from studio options offered by their department only or from those offered by all three departments. Students in the MArch I, MLA I, and MUP programs may take a maximum of 16 credit units, and students in the postprofessional programs may take a maximum of 24 credit units of studio options. (See degree requirements for each program for limits on studio options that can be taken outside the department.) By participating in the lottery, a student makes a commitment to enroll and remain in the assigned studio.
Cross-Registration. University-wide course and cross-registration information can be found on the Cross-Registration Website. Students may enroll for credit or may audit courses offered by schools included in the GSD's cross-registration agreement as listed above under Credit for Cross-Registered Course Work. Students must file cross-registration petitions at the school into which they are cross-registering. The following limitations govern courses taken for credit by cross-registration:
- They may not represent more than one half of the student's total program in any one term.
- They should normally be subjects not available at the GSD. If there is apparent duplication of the subject in the two schools, there must be a valid reason for enrolling outside the GSD.
•They must not constitute, in their ensemble, a program that is separate from, or in addition to, the program for which the student is formally registered in the GSD.
A student wishing to cross-register should obtain a petition from the university-wide cross-registration website or at the GSD Office of Student Services. The petition must be completed by the student, signed by the course instructor, and delivered by the student to the registrar's office of the other school. Students failing to file cross-registration petitions will not be considered enrolled elsewhere and will not receive credit in the GSD. Students must abide by the regulations of the school into which they are cross-registered and will be assigned grades under the system of that school; however, the GSD will not accept cross-registered courses taken pass/fail or SAT/UNS.
Changes in enrollment in cross-registered courses must occur by the add/drop deadline of the Graduate School of Design or of the other school, whichever date is earlier. A student must file an add/drop petition as required for GSD courses (described above). Students cross-registering into the GSD will be charged a late fee for petitions submitted after the GSD cross-registration deadline. The fee is $10 per day, with a maximum fee of $40.
Auditing Courses. GSD students who wish to audit a course should make arrangements directly with the instructor. Audited courses are not recorded on transcripts. Students from outside of the GSD who wish to audit a GSD course should speak with the registrar in order to acquire a petition to audit.
Records, Grading, and Academic Progress:
Student Records. A permanent file is created for each student upon matriculation to the GSD. This file usually contains the student's application, registration forms, study cards, transcript, and copies of all correspondence to the student. Access to this file is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment. (See the section on student rights to access in the GSD Student Handbook.) When a student graduates, his or her file, with the exception of the transcript, is transferred to the Harvard University Archives for permanent storage. All contents of the file are the property of the GSD and will not be returned or forwarded to another party.
Transcripts. Student transcripts are maintained permanently in the GSD Office of Student Services. An official copy of a GSD transcript will be released on written request by the student; it will normally be prepared within three working days of the request. Official transcripts will not be provided for graduates who have not resolved all term bill debts. Transcripts may be obtained in person or mailed to a designated address when ready. The Office of Student Services may issue copies of GSD transcripts only; requests for copies of transcripts from another institution must be made to that institution.
Grading System. A single grading system is used. The grade of “pass” is the standard mark for recognizing satisfactory work. “Distinction” and “high pass” are reserved for work of clearly exceptional merit. “Low pass” indicates a performance that, although deficient in some respects, meets minimal course standards. “Satisfactory” is used to indicate that the doctoral thesis is in progress. “Withdrawal” is assigned for courses dropped after the add/drop deadline. “Fail” is reserved for work that is unsatisfactory, and a student receives no credit for that course. “Incomplete” indicates incomplete course work. Receipt of an excessive number of incompletes, low passes, or failures may result in action under the policy on Satisfactory Progress and Termination (see below). The GSD does not use a grade-point average or rank-in-class system. Non-GSD students who cross-register into a GSD course are evaluated on the same grading system as are GSD students, with the exception of FAS students, and GSAS students who may submit a Request for Letter Grade Form available in the Office of Student Services.
Grade Changes and Appeals. Evaluation of a student's performance in each course is the responsibility of the instructor of record for that course. Normally, the instructor's decision is final. For grades other than “Incomplete,” grade changes can be made by the instructor of record and with the approval of the department chair only for the purpose of correcting an error made in calculating the grade. Very exceptionally, grade changes can be made for compelling reasons over which the student has no control, such as a medical emergency. Whether or not a student decides to invoke the formal appeal process, a student always has the right to request in writing, infor-mally, an explanation of an assigned grade by the instructor. A copy must be sent to the dean of students. Instructors are required to respond.
However, a student who feels that a grade is unfair due to negligence or discrimination on the part of the instructor has the right to appeal formally. To dispute a grade, a student must present a written appeal to the instructor and send a copy to the executive dean. This appeal must be filed within the first 30 days of the academic term immediately following the term for which the grade was given or within 30 days of the date grades are distributed by the registrar, whichever is later. If, after receiving the instructor's response, the student still believes that a grade has been assigned unfairly, the student should discuss the matter with the executive dean. If the student decides to pursue the appeal, he or she must submit a written petition to the dean of the Faculty of Design, stating the reasons for appeal of the grade. This petition must be filed within the first 60 days of the academic term immediately following the term for which the grade was given or within 60 days of the date grades are distributed by the registrar, whichever is later. If the dean believes the petition demonstrates evidence of negligence or discriminatory behavior, an advisory committee will be formed to review the appeal and make recommendations to the dean. The dean's decision concerning the appeal of a grade is final. If a student appeals a grade assigned in his or her last term at the school, the appeal process may take place after his or her graduation. No grade may be changed after graduation for any reason other than as the result of a formal appeal as described above. Additional information on procedures related to grade appeals is available from the executive dean.
Incomplete Work. The option of receiving an incomplete grade (INC) is not automatic. The student must request permission from the instructor, meet with the dean of students, and file a Petition for Incomplete Grade with the Office of Student Services, together with verification of the reason. The petition must be submitted prior to the last class meeting for that course. Students missing a final examination or submission of a final project cannot receive an INC unless the absence was owing to illness, as verified by University Health Services or a physician, or to another major justifiable excuse.
Permission for an INC in studio courses will normally be granted only for medical reasons and must be approved by the program director.
The normal deadline for removal of an INC is the last day of the examination period of the corresponding term of the next academic year, unless an earlier deadline is specified by the instructor. Occasional extensions to this deadline are granted upon petition to the program director. This deadline is not automatically extended for students who withdraw from the GSD after receiving an INC, but is extended for those who take an approved leave of absence. Such extension will be for the length of the leave of absence. An INC that has not been completed by the deadline will count toward deficiency units (see below). No grade may be changed on a record after a student has graduated, unless as the result of a formal appeal, and an INC on the record at the time of graduation becomes a part of the student's permanent record.
Incomplete or Unsatisfactory Thesis. A student whose thesis is not accepted must extend work by registering for additional terms. A maximum of one additional term will be granted for completion of a master's thesis. A student who has to repeat the thesis because of failure may also be required to repeat the thesis preparation, in which case it would be necessary to register for two additional terms. Doctor of Design students will be allowed to register for additional terms for thesis completion only with advisor and ASP committee approval.
Satisfactory Progress and Termination.
The following conditions must be met in order for students to be considered as making satisfactory progress:
- continuous full-time enrollment (except for approved part-time status and leaves of absence)
- completion of the degree requirements of their program within two terms beyond the prescribed number of terms for that program (plus extensions due to approved part-time status and leaves of absence)
- achievement of a satisfactory grade record. A grade record is considered to be satisfactory until deficiency units are accumulated to the extent that the student has reached the dismissal threshold.
Deficiency units are calculated as follows:
•one unit failure = one deficiency unit
•one unit incomplete (past deadline) = one deficiency unit
• one unit low pass = one-half deficiency unit (for example, deficiency units for a grade of low pass in an 8-unit course are calculated as follows: 8 units x 0.5 = 4 deficiency units). For courses taken outside the GSD, passing grades below “B–” or “satisfactory” will be considered equivalent to a low pass.
The following are numbers of deficiency units in each degree program that, upon accumulation, will put a student at the warning or dismissal threshold:
| Semester Completed | Warning Threshold (Deficiency Units) | Dismissal Threshold (Deficiency Units) |
| 1, 2 | 4 |
8 |
| 3, 4 | 6 |
12 |
| 5 or more | 8 |
16 |
*Semesters are counted as completed in accordance with the specific requirements for award of degree for each program.
Doctor of Design students must satisfactorily complete 32 units of course work and pass a general examination based on an approved thesis proposal before the beginning of the third semester of study. Failure to do so will initiate termination procedures.
In the case of a student who has not maintained satisfactory progress, the department or ASP faculty will review the situation at the beginning of the semester following that in which the dismissal threshold was reached. The student is given an opportunity to provide any pertinent information. Unless the department or ASP faculty votes by a majority to halt the dismissal process, the case will automatically be referred to the full Faculty of Design. The possession of deficiency units at the dismissal threshold will normally result in a faculty action to dismiss the student. No student shall be dismissed except by a vote of at least two-thirds of the voting members of the faculty present and voting thereon. A student may withdraw voluntarily at any time prior to the vote of the full faculty. The decision of the faculty will be final. The transcript will note the dismissal or withdrawal. While a student dismissed for academic reasons is eligible to reapply for admission to the GSD at a later date, the application is unlikely to be approved.
Refer to the DDes manual for additional procedures and information specific to DDES students.
Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990
In compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, the Harvard University Police Department publishes an online annual security handbook entitled Playing it Safe. The handbook describes Harvard's security policies, provides statistical information on the occurrence of crime on campus, and outlines some of the counseling programs the university offers. The handbook can be found at www.hupd.harvard.edu.
Nondiscrimination Policy
In accordance with Harvard University policy, the Graduate School of Design does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or handicap in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. Every effort will be made to ensure fairness and consistency in the school's relations with its students, faculty, and staff.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination programs: Executive Dean, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, 617-495-5453; and Director of Human Resources, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, 617-495-4323. Marie Trottier is the university's 504 Compliance Coordinator with responsibilities for coor-dinating Harvard's efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities. Her address is 932 Holyoke Center, Cambridge, MA. She also may be contacted by telephone at 617-495-1859 (voice) or 617-495-4801 (TTD), or by e-mail at MarieTrottier@harvard.edu.
In addition, inquiries regarding the application of nondiscrimination policies regarding race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap may be referred to the Regional Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, J. W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, Room 222, Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-4557.
Voter Registration Forms
Forms are available in the Office of Student Services.
Additional Policies and Information:
Additional policies and procedures for enrolled students are contained in the GSD Student Handbook. These include policies on the general academic environment, sexual harassment, academic integrity, student conduct, respect for others and their property, policies and procedures for students with disabilities, personal safety, involuntary leave of absence for medical reasons, protests and demonstrations, hazing, firearms and dangerous weapons, and access to student records. The handbook also contains the policies and procedures of the GSD Review Board.
Any prospective applicant to the GSD can obtain a copy of these additional policies and procedures by writing to the Office of Student Services, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge MA 02138. One may access information on courses and policies at other schools at Harvard University by the web at www.harvard.edu.
Professional Registration
Most states require that an individual intending to become an architect hold an accredited degree. The preprofessional degree is useful for those wishing a foundation in the field of architecture, as preparation for either continued education in a professional degree program or for employment options in architecturally related areas.
Students should be aware that professional registration in the United States is administered by individual registration boards in each state and that requirements vary from state to state. Currently, most states are participants in the Intern Development Program (IDP). IDP is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and information is available from them at 202-626-7325 or from the Career Services Office at the GSD, 617-495-4296. To receive professional registration, a candidate must successfully fulfill the education and training requirements of the state in which he or she wishes to register and must pass the nationally administered Architect Registration Examination. Students should contact the appropriate state registration board to determine the necessary requirements.
Information on state requirements in landscape architecture may be obtained from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards at 703-818-1300.
NAAB Statement on Conditions of Accreditation
In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Master's degree programs may consist of a preprofessional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The NAAB grants candidacy status to new programs that have developed viable plans for achieving initial accreditation. Candidacy status indicates that a program should be accredited within 6 years of achieving candidacy, if its plan is properly implemented. For more information, see www.naab.org.