# Help & Support ## expand\_more ![help](/sites/g/files/omnuum1516/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/postdoc/files/images.jpg?itok=6fl-Kf8S) The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the FAS community is, on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. Additional resources on **Sexual Harassment and other Sexual Misconduct Resources/Policy in the FAS and beyond are listed below.** In the case of issues involving **power-based harassment** and other misconduct by individuals who hold supervisory or other authority over others, including **bullying**, **retaliation**, or **hostile working conditions**, that is not covered in the other policies that are the subject of this process, but which nonetheless may be abusive and/or intimidating to members of the Harvard community, you can always contact either: - Stephen Kargère, [kargere@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:///kargere@fas.harvard.edu), Director of the FAS Postdoc Office, or - The Cambridge [Ombuds Office](https://harvardombuds.harvard.edu/?utm_source=os&utm_campaign=redirect_analysis). The Ombuds Office is a confidential resource available to anyone from Harvard’s community. A discussion with an Ombuds can help a visitor voice concerns, clarify goals, and consider options so that they can make their own best decisions about next steps. Any issue affecting one’s work or studies may be brought to an Ombuds. Finally, there is also a centralized landing page of University [support resources](https://www.harvard.edu/support-resources/) for times of crisis. Open all sections Close all sections ### Anonymous Reporting Hotline expand\_more [**Voice or Report** ](https://reportinghotline.harvard.edu/)any concerns anonymously. ### Center for Welness and Health Promotion expand\_more The [Center for Wellness and Health Promotion](https://wellness.huhs.harvard.edu/) offers services such as massage, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and more to all members of the Harvard Community. ### Environmental Health & Safety: Ergonomics expand\_more To begin, all users should complete the [EH&S Computer Workstation Self Evaluation Assessment online training program](https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/tools/computer-workstation-self-assessment), which is intended to educate users on the basics of ergonomics and apply this knowledge to a self-evaluation and correction of their workstation. If additional assistance is needed, EH&S can provide an in-person evaluation of your workstation by completing this [online request form](https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/in-person-workstation-evaluation). ### For International Postdocs expand\_more 1. The Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program (HIRCP) has posted guidelines, notably their FAQ re ICE on Campus: [Harvard’s Policies and Your Rights](https://harvardimmigrationclinic.org/for-clients/faqs/). 2. Given understandable concerns about recent events (as of Spring 2025) that have occurred on other campuses, please note that Harvard has a longstanding protocol for handling requests from federal, state, or local law enforcement officers or agents. 1. HUPD and/or OGC must review warrants, subpoenas, or other legal documentation seeking access to non-public spaces on campus for appropriateness and validity. 2. If an officer or agent asks to access non-public space, community members should call HUPD at 617-495-1215 and the Office of the General Counsel at 617-495-1280. 3. If an officer or agent asks to access non-public information, community members should call the Office of the General Counsel at 617-495-1280. 3. There are resources available to Harvard community members with questions or concerns about their immigration status: 1. The [Harvard International Office](https://www.hio.harvard.edu/) (HIO) provides services to international students and scholars. 2. The [Harvard Representation Initiative](https://harvardimmigrationclinic.org/hri/) (HRI), located within Harvard Law School’s [Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program](https://harvardimmigrationclinic.org), provides pro bono legal counsel on immigration matters for community members, inclusive of social work support, to members of the Harvard community who are undocumented, DACAmented, or non-U.S. citizens who are concerned about their immigration status. 3. The [Employee Assistance Program](https://hr.harvard.edu/employee-assistance-program) (EAP) is available 24/7 to support staff and faculty and their adult household members. 4. The [ACLU](https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights) and other organizations have resources related to immigration status. ### Global Support Services expand\_more Harvard Global Support Services (GSS) provides international travel, research, and programming support in areas that span safety and security, health, culture, outbound immigration, and more. GSS also manages the University’s International SOS program, which provides 24/7 medical, mental health, security, and evacuation services to affiliates abroad. To expedite assistance, postdocs should enter their travel itinerary and contact information in the International SOS MyTrips platform before they leave. Visit [globalsupport.harvard.edu](https://globalsupport.harvard.edu/home) to learn more about GSS services, register travel, download the International SOS app, and contact GSS with any questions. They’re also happy to provide individual consultations and group orientations to help you minimize risk and feel confident about your international travel and activities. For up-to-date advice on traveling during the pandemic, please consult this [summary](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/news-events/coronavirus-advice-travelers) from GSS. GSS provides tools and guidance that enable you to safely pursue your overseas study, work, and research. **Services and resources include** - Pre-departure group orientations - One-on-one consultations to discuss security concerns and risk mitigation strategies related to your destination, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender-identity, or work or research topic - Advice on traveling with technology, data, cash, and scientific equipment or samples - Outbound visa application guidance - Emergency medical and security response and evacuation services **Visit the GSS website to:** - Research your destination and review travel risk ratings. - Register your trip with International SOS--our 24/7 global emergency response program--learn about their services, and download the app. - Learn how to create a safe travel plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Check your visa, passport, and immunization requirements. - Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. **Website**: globalsupport.harvard.edu **Email**: [globalsupport@harvard.edu](mailto:///globalsupport@harvard.edu) **Phone**: +1-617-495-1111 Global Support Services Videos - [What we provide](https://postdoc.harvard.edu/files/postdoc/files/gss_-_ico_-_2020.mp4) - [Safefy and Security](https://postdoc.harvard.edu/files/postdoc/files/gss_-_safety_and_security_-2020.mp4) - [Advice for Travelers](https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/news-events/coronavirus-advice-travelers) during the Rona pandemic ### Harvard Ombuds Office expand\_more The [Harvard Ombuds Office]() can be of assistance to help to resolve workplace and/or academic issues. ### Mental Health expand\_more ![Be kind to your mind](/sites/g/files/omnuum1516/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/2025-02/be-kind-to-your-mind-mental-health-awareness-shannon-nelson-art.jpg?itok=sC1f2KDI) As in the case of medical care, access to mental health care depends on your eligibility for Harvard benefits. If you are eligible for Harvard benefits, you will have access to HUHS [Behavioral Health](https://huhs.harvard.edu/get-care/behavioral-health/). If not, you will need to contact your PCP (Primay Care Physician) for a referral to a mental health care provider. In addition, all postdocs have access to the services provided by KGA, our EAP. Please consult their [brochure](https://hr.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2025-02/kga_eap_brochure.pdf). The [website ](https://harvie.harvard.edu/employee-assistance-program)can be assessed with your HarvardKey. Benefits include 24/7 confidential access to a network of experts who can help you with anxiety, depression, stress, emotional wellness, etc. KGA's phone number is (800) 648 9557. It's accessible 24/7. Another great resource is the Community Behavioral Health Center in Cambridge. They offer 24/7 access to a counselor and option for home visits. The CHA Access and Crisis Line is (833) 222 2030 Finally, please find below several resources, including TED talks and online courses, that were of use during the dark days of the pandemic and still provide excellent advice. - [General Advice, including on Resilience](https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/resilience.html) - Podcast to relieve anxiety, [Part I](https://www.healthy-magazine.co.uk/7-podcasts-for-stress/), [Part II](https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/best-podcasts-for-stress-relief-anxiety-insomnia-sleep-listen-work-career-calm/174127), [Part III](https://www.bustle.com/articles/159278-6-podcasts-to-listen-to-when-youre-feeling-stressed-because-we-all-need-to-chill-out) - [A blog about Resilience in Science](https://quantumfrontiers.com/2018/08/19/i-get-knocked-down/) - [TED talks dealing with anxiety](https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=anxiety) - [TED talks dealing with stress](https://www.ted.com/talks?sort=relevance&q=stress) - [Happiness Audio books](https://www.bookbub.com/blog/nonfiction-to-make-you-happy-audiobooks) - [Mindfulness class](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__newskillsacademy.com_course_mindfulness-2Dcertification_-3Fref-3D22&d=DwMBaQ&c=qS4goWBT7poplM69zy_3xhKwEW14JZMSdioCoppxeFU&r=lAuGVRno6DjOHy134pAgZch2X_cL7lEUCaOp-P4mukMGi4LPFL1fzHzT1dzwFuV4&m=eJH5yMoiV0p097Vp151KdVkapN1hSSFU7bWXhqJ8YKE&s=c1TdIlb1ZqVQV2Qu9BNt9XYxi6rrI5FJGUCdfbCkS_Y&e=) - [Free Mindfulness classes](https://palousemindfulness.com/) - [Mindfulness exercises](https://mindfulnessexercises.com/free-online-mindfulness-courses/28-day-mindfulness-challenge/) ### Non-Discrimination & Anti-Bullying expand\_more The FAS has fully adoped the University's [policies and procedures](https://provost.harvard.edu/files/provost/files/non-discrimination_and_anti-bullying_policies.pdf) on non-discrimination and anti-bullying. In addition, the FAS has updated its existing local conduct policies and procedures based on the recommendations from the [FAS Committee to Review Conduct Policies and Procedures](https://facultyresources.fas.harvard.edu/files/facultyresources/files/crcpp_final_report.pdf?m=1649694284) (CRCPP) and in alignment with the University’s new policies and procedures. The FAS policies can be found on the new Non-Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, and Other Conduct Policies [**website**](https://www.fas.harvard.edu/reports/conduct-policy/). For concerns related to discrimination or bullying, please reach out to the FAS/SEAS [Local Designated Resources](https://csndr.harvard.edu/faculty-arts-and-sciences-staff-faculty-and-researchers-local-designated-resources) (LDRs), who serve as a resource for receiving reports and complaints, directing community members to resources, and providing information on supportive measures, or the [Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities](https://csndr.harvard.edu/). Let's all share Dean Hoekstra's sentiment: "At its core, these policies help to ensure that the FAS is a safe place, where everyone can thrive and do their best work. Each of us shares an important responsibility to uphold the community values and standards that set the conditions for excellence in our teaching and research mission." ### Office of Work/Life expand\_more The [Office of Work/Life](https://hr.harvard.edu/worklife) Offers support around caring for yourself, your family, wellness, stress management, LGBTQIA resources, and more. ### Online Harassment (FAS Guide) expand\_more Open all sections Close all sections ### Managing Unwanted Calls expand\_more ##### If you are receiving unwanted calls, one strategy to manage them is to pre-screen all calls. Allow calls to go to voicemail, and follow up any legitimate business, ideally within 24 hours. You can also remove contact information from the Harvard directory. To update your privacy settings, which control what data are visible in the directory (e.g., phone number, email address), contact your departmental directory contact. If you are unsure who your directory contact is, check with your department administrator or local HR contact as they are typically aware of who manages directory information in each school or unit. ### Reporting Criminal Conduct expand\_more ##### If you or those close to you are in imminent physical danger or there has been a direct threat of physical violence, you should immediately call the Harvard University Police Department at (617) 495-1212 if you are on the Harvard campus. If you are not on campus, call 911. If there is no immediate physical threat, but you have received a credible threat to your personal safety or feel you have been criminally harassed, you may call HUPD at (617) 495- 1212. You may wish to ask HUPD what is involved in seeking a Harassment Prevention Order. States, including Massachusetts, have written criminal laws to protect their residents against harassment and intimidation. The Massachusetts criminal harassment statute makes it a crime to “willfully and maliciously engage\[\] in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over a period of time directed at a specific person, which seriously alarms that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress.” The Massachusetts antistalking law makes it a crime to “(1) willfully and maliciously engage\[\] in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over a period of time directed at a specific person which seriously alarms or annoys that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and (2) make\[\] a threat with the intent to place the person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury.” Either of these criminal offenses may be accomplished by phone or online, if the communications satisfy the elements of the crime and the conduct consists of true threats unprotected by the First Amendment. ### Responding to Online Harassment expand\_more ##### Harvard provides this document as a resource for community members who have been identified and targeted for online abuse, harassment, and intimidation. This document includes: • Platform specific advice for requesting the removal of abusive, harassing, or threatening posts/web content • A sample request template for removing false statements • Instructions for how to request the de-registering of abusive domain names • Instructions for how to delist from University Directories Additional resources • You can use this step-by-step guide to remove photos or links related to yourself from Google • Your department administrator can facilitate the removal of your contact information from the departmental webpage • Use secure channels (e.g., Signal, Wire) for instant messaging • Change \*all\* of your passwords. Make sure your passwords are complex, random or auto-generated (you may want to use a Password Manager) • If you need help with any of the above, email Ingrid Skoog at [ingrid\_skoog@harvard.edu](mailto:ingrid_skoog@harvard.edu) or submit a ticket to ##### Online harassment can take different forms: • “Trolling” occurs when individuals deliberately follow and provoke others online, often with offensive content. While most trolling is merely a nuisance, occasionally trolling attacks can escalate to threats or to the point where numerous individuals are engaged in harassing the target and/or target’s organization. • “Doxing” (sometimes “doxxing”) is when private identifying information that is not otherwise publicly available is published online. This information can include sharing an individual’s private email, personal phone number, home address, etc. on various platforms to frighten the individual and encourage additional harassment. • “Cyberbullying” is the willful and repeated harm inflicted through using computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. ##### If you are experiencing online abuse, harassment, or threats, you should take steps to preserve evidence of the communications. • Save any emails, voicemails, or text messages you receive. • Take screenshots or photos of comments on social media; because such comments can be deleted, screenshots are often useful to help document them. ##### While it may seem counterintuitive to hold onto messages or posts that are upsetting, it can be helpful down the line to have retained evidence of an attack, particularly one involving threats. Create a folder separate and apart from your live accounts and store copies or 6 screenshots of the abusive communications inside it. This way you can keep the evidence without having to see the communications again and again as you use these systems. ##### In addition to contacting law enforcement, there are steps you can take to manage abuse and harassment on social media. For example, consider temporarily disabling your social media profiles or switching them to private. This will ensure that only your close connections can post or comment in your feed. Other steps are described here. These situations can be very intense, alarming, and disruptive to an individual. Online targeting can also have real consequences for livelihoods and careers. If you experience an incident, or are aware of one, information on how to report it can be found online. If you are contacted by media, you can receive advice and guidance from FAS Communications. Contact Anna Cowenhoven, Dean of Communications and Chief Communications Officer, at [anna\_cowenhoven@harvard.edu](mailto:anna_cowenhoven@harvard.edu). ### Additional Resources expand\_more ##### Harvard University Support Resources Harvard guide for protecting against online abuse and harassment: resources for the Harvard community HUIT guide for reporting an incident of online threat or abuse HSPH Digital Safety Kit Harvard Information Security and Data Privacy ### Postdoc Assistance Program (EAP for Postdocs) expand\_more The [EAP ](https://hr.harvard.edu/wellbeing)offers immediate, free, confidential help for postdocs and their hoursehold members. You can reach the EAP (877-327-4278) any day, at any time for personal or work-related concerns about yourself, family, friends, or coworkers. You may call any time to speak with a trained counselor or for a referral to an experienced professional near work or home. You can also use the [**e-support service**](https://harvardeap.personaladvantage.com/cache?name=policy.html) for consultation through email or online chat. ### Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct expand\_more The FAS/SEAS is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the FAS/SEAS community is, on the basis of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. Harvard University’s [policies ](https://csndr.harvard.edu/university-title-ix-policies)prohibiting sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct apply to all Harvard students, faculty, staff, postdocs, Harvard appointees, and third parties. Title IX Resource Coordinators for FAS/ SEAS Postdocs are listed on this [page](https://csndr.harvard.edu/faculty-arts-and-sciences-staff-faculty-and-researchers-resource-coordinators). Postdocs should contact Title IX Resource Coordinators for Faculty and Researchers for information and support. In addition, the Harvard University Office for Community Support, Nondiscrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR) provides a comprehensive list of [additional resources](https://oge.harvard.edu/options) that may be of help to you, if you need to talk someone for crisis support, confidential support, responsible employee support, and LGBTQ+ support. Instructions for Filing a [Formal Complaint](https://oge.harvard.edu/file-complaint) can be found on the Harvard University for Community Support, Nondiscrimination, Rights and Responsibilities (CSNDR). ### Social Support expand\_more ![Stadium Steps](/sites/g/files/omnuum1516/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2024-11/Stadium%20Steps.jpg?itok=xr8SrK6P) The following are a few ways for postdocs to connect with others while at Harvard. [**Harvard On The Move**](https://wellness.huhs.harvard.edu/harvard-move) Weekly group walks and runs from campus, open to all postdocs, friends, and families in the Harvard community. [**Harvard Chaplains**](http://chaplains.harvard.edu/) *Harvard Chaplains* is the umbrella organization of over 35 chaplains representing 25 of the world's traditions, united in their commitment to supporting Harvard students, faculty, and staff. [**Harvard Neighbors**](http://www.neighbors.harvard.edu/) Provides a sense of community for postdocs and their families through cultural and educational programs and events. [**Harvie's Classified**](http://harvie.harvard.edu/harvieslist) Modeled on Craig's List, but open only to members of the Harvard community, enables the buying and selling of housing, furniture, books, electronics, cars, and more. [**Outings & Innings**](https://outingsandinnings.harvard.edu/online/?_azp_token=-----BEGIN%20PGP%20MESSAGE-----__Version:%20Cryptix%20OpenPGP%200.20050418____hIwD54eKcjCgxxUBBAChUu2OeuQgbVwpZFPmuoCWgojwZFkkAnGu87VlGGq0zsPd__HqsnhBkcibk17WsI8hyKhTb8UfE262PX9qp/or1vHeyG3FJugewD/As1MytZHmRi__v0KF9URypvgfImW/fd+LYiVAgrPGmvC0ClhphzUtSFIwLdZP4sv8LXPQCMjwEKUB__n5vkpXqandH3cWmuk9lrf4VPEp0bIL7rb/gXAyeEZhYelAZBbXm1ACUNvhQakllz__D9wNhP72+7qBvqnPQLpMQaIjVf/7ptHf7Espfd3vo/+gxEgWPcYUePqyLSLv2tE) Provides easy and convenient access for postdocs to some of the area's best and most popular events, as well as considerable savings on tickets to the movies, museums, theaters, music and dance venues, professional sports and amusement parks. Your ID is a ticket to discounts at performing arts venues and for a myriad of products and services, including automobiles, telecommunications services, wedding invitations and holiday cards, massages, dining and much much more. [**Special Interest / Support Groups**](http://harvie.harvard.edu/Employee_Community) Includes groups such as the ABCD Committee, the Association of Harvard Asian and Asian American Faculty and Staff (AHAAAFS), the Association of Harvard Latino Faculty and Staff, The Committee on Concerns of Women (CCW), Crimson Toastmasters Club, Harvard Gay and Lesbian Caucus (HGLC), Harvard Recreation’s Club Program, Harvard Neighbors, The Harvard-Radcliffe Chorus, Networking for Kids, Out Played, and Longwood Toastmasters. [**Volunteer Opportunities**](http://hr.harvard.edu/campus-volunteer-opportunities) These include the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, ARTS FIRST, Museums, and Harvard hospitals as well as programs such as the Host Program for International Students and The Reading Buddies Program. ### Workplace Accommodations expand\_more ##### Harvard University considers requests from community members with disabilities for workplace reasonable accommodations under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended, and other applicable disability laws. ##### A reasonable accommodation is any reasonable change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a person with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by staff without disabilities. For example, a reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to: - ##### Acquiring or modifying equipment or devices - ##### Job restructuring - ##### Modified work schedules - ##### Removing physical barriers in a work area ##### The reasonable accommodation process, following the guidelines established by Title I of the ADA as amended, is a collaborative and interactive process between the employee, department administrators, Faculty Affairs, and/or other subject matter experts such as University Disability Resources. While Harvard considers an employee’s preference when assessing requests for necessary reasonable accommodations, at times Harvard may offer an alternative accommodation, so long as the alternative is effective. ##### **For more information regarding this process, please refer to the** [**Reasonable Accommodation Fact Sheet**](https://accessibility.harvard.edu/reasonable-accommodation-fact-sheet)**.** ##### --> To make a workplace accommodation inquiry or request or to schedule a no-obligation meeting to learn more about the reasonable accommodation request process, please contact [University Disability Resources](https://accessibility.harvard.edu) at or 617-495-1859 TTY: 617-496-0466.