FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, if this is what you'd like to do and is not mandated by your PI or department.
The use of business cards is far more prevalent in industry than academia. If you’re looking to make some with your Harvard info, you have 2 options:
- https://www.flagshippress.com/.
Gnomon copies. Located right next to JP Licks on Mass Av. They’re not expensive and may be the easiest option. They’ll ask for some confirmation email from the Postdoc Office, which we’ll be happy to provide.
Please know that your use of the cards is subject to the policy articulated by the Trademark Office here: https://trademark.harvard.edu/business-card-authorization-guidelines-harvard-affiliates
No. That’s because PAPD awards are processed as a reimbursement of incurred expenses.
Harvard benefits-eligible postdocs and Research Associates: Use the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
Non Harvard benefits-eligible postdocs are eligible to audit a course, though only with instructor’s permission.
Negatory on both counts. Alumni only include folks who receive a degree from Harvard, and are then promptly asked for financial contributions from the alumni association. Once your postdoc appointment ends, so will your Harvard email.
You can't. In order to avoid wasting time approving requests to join or leave the list for dozens of postdocs across the FAS every week, the list automatically adds postdocs when their appointment becomes active, and unsubscribes them when their appointment ends. There’s no subscribe or unsubscribe mechanism. If you don't want to receive these emails, just spam or delete them.
No. In general, lending agencies do not recognize postdoctoral scholar status for deferral of student loans because postdoctoral trainees are not considered the equivalent of registered, full-time students. Indeed, at Harvard, postdocs are not students, but research scholars. Ultimately, however, the decision of determining whether the appointment meets deferral criteria rests with the guaranteeing agency. Given that lending agencies differ in their deferral requirements and are the final arbiters of eligibility, it might be worth inquiring with them directly. For more information on the policy surrounding this question, see the explanations on Federal Student Federal Loan Deferment Options. In the case of hardship, please consider contacting your student loan officer to discuss other possible options to delay or offset your payments.
No. Only staff and faculty have personnel files. The appointment offices just keeps administrative paperwork of your hiring (offer letter), your reappointment, and your visa.
257-169
Yes.
Coverage ends on the last day of employment. All relevant information, including COBRA, is available on this HR brochure.
No, postdocs may not serve any formal role, including as an advisor or on student committees.
A:
Excellent question. No. That’s because “frequently” is an adverb. See Merriam-Webster. (Btw, hyphenated is not, whereas non-hyphenated is. Ironic, innit?)
If you're still using a typewriter, yes. Otherwise, no.