Counseling Resources
GSD Support Services
The student experience at the GSD is intense and rigorous, and at times can be stressful or overwhelming. All GSD students are highly qualified and often come from previous educational experiences where they were top of their classes. It can be difficult to realize that you may not be accomplishing your goals as easily as in the past. Additionally, students for whom English is not their native language may be struggling more than they had expected communicating their ideas.
Occasionally, students realize that they may have a disability that had not been diagnosed before. Often these students were able to compensate for this disability in previous educational environments but, faced with a more rigorous academic environment, their previous modes of compensation don’t work any longer. In such cases, testing and professional recommendations for accommodations can help the student realize his or her potential (contact Laura Snowdon).
Finally, the student experience is often a challenge even when everything is basically fine both emotionally and physically. An unexpected life event such as an illness, a death or other stress can trigger emotional distress and/or set the student back academically.
During these difficult times, it is good to know that there are a number of resources at your fingertips within the GSD – for assistance with the English language, finding the right person to talk with at health services, or just someone to advise you on resolving an emotional difficulty.
If you are encountering problems with your courses and/or studio, your academic advisor and program director are there to talk you through your difficulties and help you work through possible solutions. If you do not feel comfortable approaching your academic advisor or program director about a particular issue, and you are not sure where to go for advice, the following contacts in the Office of Student Services can help you get started.
Take Time Away from Gund Hall
The intense workload at the GSD convinces many students that they only have time for their studies and nothing else. Treating yourself to an extra activity, even for half an hour each day, goes a long way to keeping young designers on their toes.
- The Charles River is a short walk south of the GSD.
- The Fogg Museum is next door and is free with your student ID.
- Pool tables are free in the Memorial Hall basement.
- A cup of coffee at Café Gato Roja encourages intermingling with other Harvard schools.
- The small enclosed garden connected to the Adophus Busch Hall (at the intersection of Quincy and Kirkland) is a great refuge in warm weather.
Contacts
Laura Snowdon
Assistant Dean for Student Services and Dean
of Students
617. 496. 1236
lsnowdon@gsd. harvard.edu
Laura is the primary resource for GSD students with emotional, medical or disability concerns, difficulty with the English language, as well as any problems or issues within the GSD that students would like to discuss. She will refer students to additional sources for assistance as necessary. All conversations will remain confidential. Appointments are not necessary but, if you can’t catch her, e-mail her to set one up.
Pat Roberts
Executive Dean
617. 495. 0774
proberts@gsd.harvard.edu
Pat Roberts has general responsibility for the welfare of GSD students and monitors students’ academic status and progress and is available to discuss any problems that may arise including grade appeals or sexual harassment complaints.
Waiving Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance
Students are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan unless they indicate that they have adequate U.S.-based alternative coverage. See the main HUHS site for more information, deadlines and to access a waiver form.
Patient Advocate
Harvard University Health Services has a patient advocate who provides information and investigates complaints as part of the HUHS effort to assure quality of care. Any patient who encounters difficulties with the HUHS system should contact the patient advocate at 617. 495. 7583, or visit the office at HUHS. The patient advocate is available to listen to any questions or concerns and can also direct students to other resources. All complaints are kept in the strictest confidence.
Health Insurance at Harvard University
See http://huhs.harvard.edu for more details
The Harvard Student Health Plan is a group health plan that is only available to Harvard registered undergraduate and graduate students and their eligible dependents. Student dependents (spouse, same-sex domestic partner, and/or children) are eligible to be added with the enrollment of the student (subscriber).
The Student Health Plan has two components, the mandatory Health Service fee and the optional Harvardsponsored Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance plan. All full-time students at Harvard pay the Health Service fee. This fee covers most of the services provided at HUHS. Although students enjoy the benefits of a uniquely comprehensive student health facility, some medical care is beyond the scope of the services offered on campus. All students are required to purchase comprehensive health insurance coverage, to protect against unanticipated costs.