Services for Families
The following information applies to married couples, unmarried partners and partners with children.
Membership to Harvard Athletics
Harvard Athletics offers athletic facility memberships to its students, faculty, staff and alumni to the Malkin Athletic Center, Blodgett Pool and Hemenway Gymnasium. For more information on sports and recreations, go to the section in the GSD Student Handbook: www.gsd.harvard.edu/people/students/student_handbook/around_sports.html.
Memberships can be purchased online through the Harvard Athletics webpage or obtained in person at the Athletic Ticket Office. The Athletic Ticket Office is located on the first floor of the Murr Center, 65 North Harvard Street. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Please note that family memberships must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. Only spouses/domestic partners and children of Harvard affiliates are eligible for family memberships.
Library Cards for Spouses/Partners
Your spouse/partner can get a library card for the Harvard College libaries (which includes Widener). This url lists provides a list of the Harvard College libraries and their admittance policies: http://hcl.harvard.edu/info/admittance/index.html. (The GSD library is not included and you should email Barbara Mitchell (mitchell@gsd.harvard.edu) for information on obtaining a card for our library).
To get a card for the Harvard College, you and your spouse should go to the Privileges Office of Widener Library (room 130 on the first floor on the left). You should bring your Harvard ID and your spouse must bring a picture ID. If you do not have the same last name, you must bring proof of living at the same residence or a copy of the marriage certificate. The cost is $3/year. The office is open from 9-4:30 Monday-Friday. They will take a picture and then your spouse would have to go over to Holyoke Center to pick the ID up at the ID office. The Special Borrowers ID will have the same expiration date as that of the GSD student. This entitles the partner to borrow from most of the College libaries (not Lamont). If the partner wishes to borrow from the Loeb Library (the GSD's library), a circulation supervisor will check the coding of their own ID in our system and input authorization to borrow from the Loeb. (Email Barbara Mitchell (mitchell@gsd.harvard.edu) for further information on obtaining a card for our library.)
Language Laboratory
Spouses of students and scholars may use their library cards (see above) to enter the Language Laboratory (495-9448) on the sixth floor of Lamont Library in Harvard Yard (corner of Quincy St. and Massachusetts Ave). The Language Laboratory is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Students and scholars may gain access with their IDs. The lab has many tapes which may be used only on the premises. Please be aware, however, that the Center is primarily for use of students studying/preparing for classes. The best times for non-class use are weekday mornings and Saturdays.
Auditing or "Sitting In On" Courses
Every school has its own policies. At the GSD, anyone can audit a course with the approval of an instructor. Adult family members may sit in on regular lecture courses at FAS and some other graduate schools. Arrangements for auditing are very informal. You choose the course and attend the first lecture. After it is over, introduce yourself to the professor, explain your status at Harvard and request that you be allowed to audit the course. This privilege does not apply to small seminars or language courses. You would have to contact the registrar's office of each of the schools. This url links to the registrar's sites at the different schools which also include that school's course catalog.
Harvard Students' Spouses and Partners Association (HSSPA)
HSSPA (http://www.hsspa.harvard.edu/) is an organization open to spouses and partners of all Harvard students. Since 1896 it has provided a way for its members to make friends, find intellectual stimulation and, most of all, feel a sense of belonging within the University. HSSPA organizes a variety of events throughout the year for Harvard students and their spouses and families, such as social gatherings, dinners and outings. If you are interested in their events and activities or have any questions, contact them at hio_hsspa@harvard.edu.Childcare Resources
It is so important to get your family all set before school gets underway, because you'll find your disposable time disappearing quickly. Here are some resources; please email Laura Snowdon with any tips you've found helpful to share with other families.
International students should contact the Harvard International Office (HIO) to find out about its programs and resources for families.
Harvard Office of Work/Life Resources (617-495-4100) and ask for Sarah Bennet-Astesano
124 Mt. Auburn St. 3rd Floor North, Cambridge MA 02138Students may contact Harvard's Office of Work/Life Resources for information about child care and education. The Office provides information about the Harvard-affiliated child care centers as well as community day care centers and nursery schools, information on local school districts, after school programs, summer camps and school vacation programs. Harvard also offers summer camp programs in sports such as tennis and soccer. A Family Resource Handbook published by the Office of Human Resources and by the Harvard Medical Center Office of Work and Family is available to all students upon request.
Childcare resources outside of Harvard include:
City of Cambridge website of childcare and family support services.
Child Care Choices of Boston (617) 542-5437 (KIDS)
Offers a comprehensive listing of caregivers and day care centers in the area.National Association for the Education of Young Children, based in Washington, D.C., reviews preschools. Preschools that receive a stamp of approval have to have a high-quality curriculum. The group also judges the schools' health and safety, teacher-student ratios, physical environment and a child's experience. Go the the url, and enter your zip code to find out which schools in your area are accredited.
Department of Early Education and Care (617) 988-6600
Provides a list of licensed daycare centers and care providers.Massachusetts Department of Education (617) 338-3607
Provides standardized school profiles of private and public schools.
Activities for Families
Public libraries have free or discounted passes for popular museums and events such as the Science Museum, the Children's Museum, the New England Aquarium, Drumlin Farms in Lincoln and some zoos. You should check with your own local library. Passes are popular so plan ahead.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many institutions, especially those that operate on a non-profit basis, depend on the goodwill of people who contribute their skills and time without pay. Volunteering is an opportunity to become involved in the local community, to meet people from outside the University, and to learn something about American society. Volunteering may also provide a way to keep active in a professional area when paid employment is not a possibility. Information about volunteer opportunities is available from the HIO. You may also consult the web site http://www.volunteersolutions.org/boston/volunteer
International Students
For international students, consult the programs and resources at the Harvard International Office (HIO) website. (Other students may also find the information useful).
A Community of International Women
The HIO, in cooperation with Harvard Neighbors, sponsors a group for international women who are part of the Harvard community. Most members are wives or partners of international students and scholars. The group meets every week during term time and somewhat less frequently in the summer. Participants have found the friendships that they have made through this group to be among their most important ties at Harvard. Please note that you must join Harvard Neighbors in order to be a member of this group. See the item on Harvard Neighbors below. Schedules for the group’s activities are available at the HIO reception desk or in the flyer rack.English Classes
The HIO has a flyer listing three different types of organizations that offer English classes.Please look in our flyer rack for a copy.