Master's Student Handbook

UPDATED: JULY 30, 2026

Handbook at a Glance

The sections below provide a high-level overview of the topics covered throughout the HMS Master's Student Handbook. Select a section title to navigate directly to the beginning of that section and explore the policies, resources, and information most relevant to your experience as an HMS Master's student.

Section 1 – About Harvard Medical School Master's Programs

Learn about the Office for Graduate Education, Welcome and Orientation, plans of instruction, student organizations, Convocation, and other information designed to help you get started and stay connected throughout your time at HMS.

Section 2 – Academic Expectations and Progress

Find information about enrollment, registration, attendance, grading, academic standing, leaves of absence, degree completion, admissions, and other academic policies that support your progress toward graduation.

Section 3 – Student Conduct and Responsibility

Review the expectations that guide student conduct and professionalism, including academic integrity, the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB), disciplinary procedures, and University policies that help foster a respectful and professional learning environment.

Section 4 – Dual Degree Programs

Learn about policies and administrative information for students enrolled in combined MD–Master's degree programs, including enrollment status, tuition, fees, financial aid, and other resources specific to dual-degree students.

Section 5 – Financial Information

Access information about tuition and fees, billing, financial aid, scholarships, refunds, tax documentation, and other financial policies and resources.

Section 6 – General Policies

Explore University and School policies related to community standards, campus safety, technology, communication, privacy, transportation, student identification cards, and other administrative resources that support student life beyond the classroom.

Section 7 – Student Health

Learn about student health requirements and resources, including Harvard University Health Services, health insurance, immunizations, infection control, reproductive health resources, and other health and safety information.

Section 8 – Student Services and Resources

Discover the services, programs, and opportunities available to support your academic, professional, and personal success, including student organizations, career development, accessibility resources, campus engagement, and other University services.

1.0 About Harvard Medical School Master's Programs

Harvard Medical School Mission

To improve health and well-being for all through excellence and leadership in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and care.

HMS Community Values

Harvard Medical School is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community guided by the values of collaboration, service, diversity, respect, integrity, accountability, wellness, balance, and lifelong learning. These shared values shape our teaching, research, service, and interactions with one another, creating an environment where every member of the community can learn, contribute, and thrive.

The Office for Graduate Education is proud to support a diverse community of Master's students across a range of interdisciplinary programs that prepare graduates to become leaders in research, healthcare, education, policy, and related fields.

Harvard Medical School is home to approximately 700 MD students, more than 700 PhD students enrolled through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and over 600 Master's students. Master's degree programs span a variety of disciplines, including bioethics, biomedical informatics, clinical investigation, clinical research, clinical service operations, global health delivery, healthcare quality and safety, immunology, medical education, and other emerging areas of study.

Student Handbook

This Student Handbook is intended to provide Master's students with information about academic policies, student resources, and expectations throughout their time at Harvard Medical School. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the policies and requirements outlined in this handbook and complying with all applicable University and School policies.

Harvard Medical School reserves the right to revise the Student Handbook at any time without prior notice. Such revisions may affect academic policies, degree requirements, tuition and fees, programs of study, student conduct expectations, and other policies applicable to Master's students.

In extraordinary circumstances, Harvard Medical School may implement temporary policies or operational changes necessary to protect the health, safety, and educational continuity of the community. These measures may include changes to instructional

delivery, campus access, health and safety requirements, or other operational practices as deemed appropriate by the School.

The Learning Environment

Harvard Medical School and its affiliated hospitals are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all members of the community are treated with dignity and respect. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators share responsibility for maintaining an environment that promotes learning, collaboration, professionalism, and open dialogue.

The learning environment should be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, exploitation, and abuse. Members of the community should feel comfortable exchanging feedback, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful discussion without fear of ridicule or retaliation.

1.01 Office for Graduate Education

The Office for Graduate Education (OGE) serves as a central resource for students enrolled in Harvard Medical School Master's degree programs. The office works collaboratively with students, program leadership, and administrative partners to support student success, enhance the student experience, and ensure that institutional policies are implemented consistently and effectively.

Throughout the academic year, the Office for Graduate Education coordinates a variety of programs, events, and initiatives that foster academic success, professional development, and community among Master's students. The office also serves as a liaison to University resources and administrative offices and is available to assist students with questions, concerns, or referrals to appropriate campus services.

In addition to supporting students, the Office for Graduate Education provides administrative support for the HMS Committee on Governance and Oversight of Master's Degree Programs and the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB), while representing the Master's programs on institutional committees as appropriate.

Students are encouraged to contact the Office for Graduate Education with questions, ideas, or concerns at any point during their time at Harvard Medical School. You may contact the HMS_Masters_Programs@hms.harvard.edu with questions.

Welcome and Orientation

The Office for Graduate Education coordinates a comprehensive Welcome and Orientation experience for incoming Master's students. Through pre-arrival resources, orientation programming, and the Welcome Event, students are introduced to the Harvard Medical School community, connected with classmates, faculty, and staff, and provided with the information and resources needed for a successful transition into graduate study.

The Welcome and Orientation experience also familiarizes students with academic expectations, student services, campus resources, and opportunities for engagement throughout the academic year.

Convocation

Students who successfully complete their degree requirements are invited to participate in the annual HMS Master's Convocation Ceremony, held each May in advance of Harvard University's Commencement exercises. Graduates participating in Convocation and University Commencement are expected to wear academic regalia.

Additional information regarding eligibility, registration, guest tickets, regalia, and ceremony logistics will be shared with graduating students by their program and the Office for Graduate Education during the spring semester.

Guest tickets are issued by the Office for Graduate Education and are intended solely for personal use by graduates and their guests. The sale of Convocation tickets is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, including exclusion from the ceremony, when applicable.

1.02 Master's Degree Students at Harvard Medical School

Master's degree students at Harvard Medical School are enrolled in post-baccalaureate and post-doctoral academic programs leading to a Master's degree. These programs are educational in nature, and students do not have clinical responsibilities or obligations as part of their enrollment at Harvard Medical School. Accordingly, Master's students are not insured by Harvard Medical School for the provision of clinical care and may not provide clinical care under the auspices of the Medical School.

Some Master's students may also be licensed healthcare professionals who hold clinical appointments at Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals or other healthcare organizations. In these cases, all clinical activities must be performed solely under the

authority and supervision of the student's clinical appointment and not as a representative of Harvard Medical School or its Master's degree programs.

Students whose mentored research, thesis, or capstone project involves human subjects must also take care to maintain appropriate separation between their academic research activities and any clinical care they may provide through an affiliated healthcare organization.

1.03 Plans of Instruction for Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) Programs

The Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) degree recognizes advanced study and scholarly research in a specialized area of biomedical science. While each MMSc program has a distinct focus and curriculum, all programs are designed to provide rigorous academic training and prepare graduates for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, education, and related fields.

To earn an MMSc degree, students must successfully complete a minimum of 64 credits of didactic coursework and scholarly work, including at least 32 credits of mentored research culminating in a written thesis or comparable scholarly project approved by the program and the Office for Graduate Education leadership. The remaining credits consist of required core courses, electives, seminars, and other program requirements that support each program's educational objectives.

Certain MMSc programs also offer a dual-degree MD-MMSc pathway for eligible Harvard Medical School MD students. Students enrolled in the dual-degree program complete 56 credits, including the required 32-credit mentored research experience, in addition to the requirements for the MD degree. Students must be enrolled in the HMS Program in Medical Education to be eligible for this pathway.

Detailed plans of instruction for each MMSc program, including curriculum requirements, course sequencing, and degree milestones, are provided below.

• Biomedical Informatics

• Clinical Investigation

• Global Health Delivery

• Immunology

• Medical Education

• Therapeutics

1.04 Plans of Instruction for Master of Science (SM) Programs

The Master of Science (SM) degree recognizes advanced study in a specialized area related to biomedical research, healthcare, education, and other interdisciplinary fields. While each SM program has a distinct focus and curriculum, all programs are designed to provide rigorous academic training that prepares graduates to advance their professional and scholarly goals.

To earn an SM degree, students must successfully complete a minimum of 36 credits of coursework and scholarly work, including at least 4 credits of capstone project work. The remaining credits consist of required core courses, electives, seminars, and other program requirements that support each program's educational objectives.

Certain SM programs also offer a dual-degree MD-SM pathway for eligible Harvard Medical School MD students. Students enrolled in a dual-degree program complete the requirements for both the Master of Science and MD degrees. Students interested in pursuing a dual degree should consult the applicable program's Plan of Instruction and the HMS MD Student Handbook for additional information.

Detailed plans of instruction for each SM program, including curriculum requirements, course sequencing, and degree milestones, are provided below.

• Bioethics

• Clinical Research

• Clinical Service Operations

• Healthcare Quality and Safety

• Media, Medicine and Health

1.05 Joint HMS MD–Master's Degree Offerings

Certain Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) and Master of Science (SM) programs offer eligible Harvard Medical School MD students the opportunity to pursue a dual degree through an additional year of study. Depending on the program, this fifth year is typically completed between the third and fourth years of the MD curriculum.

Students enrolled in a dual-degree program must complete all requirements for both the MD degree and the applicable Master's degree, as outlined in the program's Plan of Instruction.

Students interested in pursuing a joint MD-Master's degree should consult their program's Plan of Instruction and the HMS MD Student Handbook for eligibility requirements, degree requirements, and additional information.

2.0 Academic Expectations and Progress

HMS Master's students are expected to make consistent progress toward the completion of their degree while meeting the academic and professional standards of the School. The policies in this section establish expectations related to enrollment, attendance, grading, academic standing, registration, leaves of absence, and degree completion. Students are responsible for understanding and complying with these requirements throughout their enrollment.

Academic progress is evaluated through course performance, completion of degree requirements, adherence to program expectations, and compliance with School policies. HMS works to support student success through advising, academic support, and structured opportunities for remediation when concerns arise. Students who experience academic difficulty are encouraged to work closely with their program leadership to identify available resources and develop a plan for improvement.

Academic Expectations

Students are expected to:

● Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree requirements.

● Attend and actively participate in required courses, academic activities, and program requirements.

● Complete coursework, examinations, and scholarly projects in accordance with program expectations.

● Register appropriately and maintain enrollment in accordance with School policies.

● Meet degree requirements within the established timeframes for their program.

● Respond promptly and appropriately to communications from program leadership, the Registrar's Office, and the Office for Graduate Education.

● Remain in good academic and professional standing throughout their enrollment.

Additional information regarding satisfactory and academic progress, attendance, grading, enrollment status, leaves of absence, academic standing, and degree completion requirements is provided throughout this section.

2.01 Academic Calendar for the Master's Programs

The HMS Master's Programs academic calendar establishes important dates and deadlines related to registration, course enrollment, examinations, academic milestones, holidays, and degree conferral. Students are responsible for reviewing the academic calendar regularly and complying with all published deadlines.

The academic calendar is published annually by the Office for Graduate Education and is subject to change. Students will be notified of significant calendar changes when appropriate; however, it remains the student's responsibility to stay informed of all applicable dates and deadlines.

Academic Calendar

The current academic calendar for the Master's Programs is available through the Office for Graduate Education and includes:

● Registration and enrollment deadlines

● Add/drop deadlines

● Examination periods

● University holidays and recess periods

● Degree application deadlines

● Commencement and degree conferral dates

● Other important academic deadlines

Cross-Registration

Students who enroll in courses offered by other Harvard Schools or participating institutions are responsible for understanding and complying with the academic calendar, registration requirements, examination schedules, and other policies of the host institution. When academic calendars differ, students must satisfy the requirements of both HMS and the host institution.

2.02 Attendance Expectations

Attendance and active participation are essential components of graduate and professional education. HMS Master's students are expected to engage fully in all required components of the curriculum, including lectures, seminars, laboratories, if applicable, mentored research or capstone activities, and other academically related program requirements, whether delivered in person, remotely, or asynchronously.

The granting of a Master's degree signifies that a student has demonstrated both academic achievement and a commitment to the professional responsibilities associated with participation in the curriculum. Students therefore are expected to comply with all attendance requirements established by their program and course faculty.

Absences from Academic Activities

HMS recognizes that circumstances may arise that prevent a student from attending a required academic activity. Students who are unable to attend a class, examination, or other required activity are responsible for notifying the course director and program leadership as soon as possible and discussing any implications for their academic progress.

Students remain responsible for all course requirements regardless of whether an absence is approved.

Excused Absences

Excused absences may be granted for circumstances outside of a student's control, including:

● Medical emergencies or illness

● Family emergencies

● Religious observances

● Jury duty or a court summons that cannot be postponed

● Other compelling circumstances approved by the course director and program leadership

Students requesting an excused absence should notify the course director and program leadership in advance whenever possible. Requests for absences should be submitted in writing, and supporting documentation may be required.

Religious Observances

HMS recognizes students' rights to observe religious holidays and practices. Consistent with applicable law and University policy, students who are unable to attend a class, examination, or meet another academic requirement on a particular day because of a religious obligation will be provided with an opportunity to make up missed work, provided that such makeup examination or work does not create an unreasonable burden upon HMS.

Students are expected to notify the course director and program leadership in advance of any anticipated absence due to a religious observance. Extended travel or personal time beyond the day of the official religious observance is not considered an excused absence.

Absences That Generally Are Not Excused

Attendance at professional conferences, meetings, extracurricular activities, personal travel, and other voluntary activities generally is not considered sufficient reason for absence from required academic activities.

Students are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities; however, these activities must not interfere with course attendance or other academic obligations. Requests to attend a professional conference during a scheduled academic activity require advance approval from both the course director and program leadership.

Voting in governmental elections is not considered an excused absence, as polling locations generally provide sufficient opportunities to vote outside of scheduled class times.

Extended Absences

Students may not miss more than twenty percent (20%) of the required in-person or synchronous instructional time for an individual course without approval from the course director, program leadership, and the Office for Graduate Education.

When a student misses or is projected to miss more than twenty percent (20%) of required instructional time, the student must consult with the course director and program leadership to determine whether completion of the course remains feasible. Depending on the circumstances, the student may be required to receive an Incomplete grade, withdraw from the course, or pursue another academic accommodation as approved by the program and the Office for Graduate Education.

Academic Breaks and Scheduling

Academic recess periods identified in the HMS Academic Calendar serve as the designated vacation periods for Master's students. Students may not begin vacations before the official end of a term or extend vacations beyond the beginning of the next academic term.

Students may not enroll in courses with overlapping meeting times. Registration in all courses, including electives, remains subject to program approval. Programs may limit

enrollment in elective courses when concerns exist regarding academic performance, academic progress, or workload management.

Students who receive permission from both the instructor and program leadership may audit courses. Audited courses must adhere to the same scheduling and attendance expectations as for-credit courses, but they do not carry academic credit, do not appear on the student's transcript, and do not satisfy degree requirements.

Consequences of Noncompliance

Failure to comply with attendance requirements may result in academic and disciplinary consequences, including but not limited to:

● Reduction of a course grade;

● Failure of a course due to unreported or excessive absences;

● Documentation of attendance concerns in course evaluations or academic records;

● Referral to program leadership for review of professionalism concerns; and

● Referral to the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB).

Absence Without Leave

Students are expected to maintain active engagement in their academic program and respond appropriately to communications from program leadership and relevant institutional offices, including but not limited to, the Registrar's Office, the Financial Aid Office, and the Office for Graduate Education.

Absent extenuating circumstances, a student who:

● Fails to attend classes or participate in required academic activities;

● Fails to engage in required mentored research or capstone work; or

● Fails to respond to communications from program leadership or the Office for Graduate Education for a period of ten (10) business days without prior approval and without being on an approved Leave of Absence may be considered absent without leave and subject to administrative withdrawal from Harvard Medical School.

Students determined to be absent without leave will be subject to the procedures outlined in Section 2.08, including possible administrative withdrawal.

2.03 Grading and Examinations

The Harvard Medical School (HMS) Master's Programs use a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, academic achievement, and progress toward degree completion. Grading policies are designed to provide clear standards for academic performance while ensuring consistency and fairness across programs.

Students are responsible for understanding the grading and examination requirements of their program and individual courses and for maintaining satisfactory academic progress throughout their enrollment.

Grading Systems

HMS Master's courses may be graded using one of the following grading systems:

● Letter grades (A–F)

● Pass/Fail

● Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (SAT/UNSAT)

Each Master's program is expected to use a consistent grading system across its own courses. Grading policies may vary across programs and across courses offered by other Harvard schools.

Students enrolled in courses outside HMS are subject to the grading policies of the host institution.

If a course offers multiple grading options and a student does not select an option before the applicable add/drop deadline, the Registrar's Office will apply the default grading option established for that course. Grading options may not be changed after the add/drop deadline.

Academic Standing Requirements

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their course of study.

Students enrolled in programs using letter grades must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 and must earn a minimum grade of B (80%) on average to remain in good academic standing.

Students enrolled in programs using Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading must maintain satisfactory standing in all required coursework and degree requirements.

No student may graduate with a failing or unsatisfactory grade in a required course, elective course, mentored research project, or capstone project.

Additional information regarding academic standing and satisfactory academic progress can be found in Section 2.17.

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete (INC) grade may be assigned when a student is unable to complete course requirements because of serious circumstances beyond the student's control, such as:

● Personal illness;

● Family emergency;

● Death of a family member; or

● Other compelling circumstances approved in writing by the course director.

An Incomplete grade also may be assigned when a student misses more than twenty percent (20%) of required instructional time in accordance with the attendance policy outlined in Section 2.02.

The assignment of incomplete grades must be approved by the course director and documented through the University's grade reporting process.

Unless otherwise approved by the course director, program leadership, or the Office for Graduate Education, all incomplete work must be completed within six months. Failure to resolve an Incomplete grade within the approved timeframe may result in the assignment of a failing grade.

Students ordinarily may not register for a subsequent academic term with more than one unresolved Incomplete grade unless an exception has been approved by program leadership and the Office for Graduate Education.

Withdrawal Grades

A grade of Withdrawal (W) is assigned when a student withdraws from a course after the applicable add/drop deadline.

Withdrawal grades:

● Appear on the student's permanent academic record;

● Do not affect GPA calculations;

● Do not count toward earned degree credits; and

● Do not result in a tuition refund unless otherwise provided by University policy.

Additional information regarding course withdrawals and tuition obligations can be found in Sections 2.04 and 5.03.

Failing Grades and Academic Remediation

A grade of Failure (F) signifies that a student did not successfully complete the requirements of a course.

Students must successfully complete all required coursework before graduation. Depending on the circumstances and the requirements of the program, a student who receives a failing or unsatisfactory grade may be permitted to:

● Complete remedial work;

● Take a re-examination; or

● Repeat the course.

Students ordinarily have only one opportunity to remediate a failing or unsatisfactory grade. If remediation is unsuccessful, the matter may be referred to the program director and, when appropriate, to the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB) for consideration of the student's academic standing and future enrollment status.

Grade Scale

The following grade point values are used for HMS Master's courses:

C+ 2.33

C 2.00

C- 1.67

D+ 1.33

D 1.00

D- 0.67

F 0.00

The following transcript notations do not affect GPA calculations:

● SAT = Satisfactory

● UNSAT = Unsatisfactory

● INC = Incomplete

● W = Withdrawn

● IP = In Progress

Examination Policies

The course director is responsible for determining the format, content, timing, and grading of examinations and other assessments.

Students are expected to complete examinations as scheduled and in accordance with all course requirements and examination procedures.

If a student is excused from an examination, the course director may provide an alternative assessment or make-up examination. Any make-up examination must be comparable in scope and rigor to the original examination.

Students enrolled in courses outside HMS are subject to the examination policies of the host institution.

Final Examinations

When a course includes a final examination, students are expected to complete the examination on the date established by the course director.

Students may be permitted to take a final examination at a later date only under the following circumstances:

1. The student is completing an approved re-examination following an unsuccessful initial attempt; or

2. Extraordinary circumstances beyond the student's control prevent attendance on the scheduled examination date.

Students who are unable to attend a scheduled final examination must notify the course director and program leadership immediately.

Final examinations may not be taken before the scheduled examination date.

Students who miss a final examination for an approved reason ordinarily will receive an Incomplete grade until the examination has been completed.

Students who fail to take a final examination without approval ordinarily will receive a failing grade.

Unless the examination originally was administered remotely for the entire class or an approved accommodation exists, students in residential programs are expected to complete examinations in person.

Grade Changes

After final grades have been submitted, grade changes may be approved only in limited circumstances.

Grades may be corrected when an administrative, clerical, mathematical, or similar error occurs. Requests for grade changes must be initiated by the course instructor and are subject to University and HMS approval processes.

Grades may not be changed after a degree has been conferred.

Student Questions and Grade Appeals

Students who have questions regarding a grade or evaluation should first consult the course director.

If concerns remain unresolved, students may consult their program director. If the course director also serves as the program director, students may consult with the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education.

The purpose of this review is to help students understand the basis of a grade or evaluation. Academic judgment regarding course performance rests with the course director, whose decision is final.

2.04 Registration Changes

Students are responsible for maintaining an accurate course schedule and ensuring that all registration activity complies with program, School, and University requirements. This section outlines policies related to adding, dropping, withdrawing from, and auditing courses.

Adding and Dropping Courses

Students may add or drop courses during the registration period and through the published add/drop deadlines for each academic term.

For HMS courses, students are expected to register for at least half of their intended course load before the first day of classes. Students who fail to do so may be subject to applicable registration fees or penalties established by the Registrar's Office.

All course additions and drops must be completed by the deadlines published in the Academic Calendar. After the add/drop deadline, students remain responsible for all academic and financial obligations associated with their course registration unless an approved withdrawal is granted by the Registrar’s Office and the Office for Graduate Education.

Students enrolled in courses offered by other Harvard Schools or participating institutions must comply with the registration policies and deadlines of the host institution, in addition to any applicable HMS requirements.

Course Withdrawal

Students who withdraw from a course after the applicable add/drop deadline will receive a grade of Withdrawal (W) on their transcript.

A Withdrawal grade:

● Appears on the student's permanent academic record;

● Does not affect GPA calculations;

● Does not count toward earned degree credits; and

● Does not remove any applicable tuition obligations.

Students should consult Section 2.03 and Section 5.03 (Tuition and Fee Adjustments) for additional information regarding withdrawal grades and financial implications.

Auditing Courses

With approval from both the course instructor and program leadership, students may audit courses.

Students auditing a course may attend class sessions and participate in course activities as permitted by the instructor; however, audited courses:

● Do not carry academic credit;

● Do not satisfy degree requirements;

● Do not appear on the student's official transcript; and

● Do not include course grades or examination results.

Programs may limit auditing opportunities based on course capacity, academic workload considerations, or other program requirements.

Registration Approval

All course registration activity, including enrollment in elective courses, remains subject to program approval.

Programs may limit or deny enrollment in courses when concerns exist regarding a student's academic progress, academic standing, workload, scheduling conflicts, or ability to meet program requirements.

2.05 Cross Registration

HMS Master’s degree students wishing to cross-register into a cross-registration-eligible course at another Harvard School must petition via the my.harvard.edu course registration system. In many cases, the review is a two-step process and consists of the host school instructor (or Registrar’s Office) and either the HMS program team or the HMS Registrar’s Office. Enrollment requirements and policies are dictated by the host school and cannot be overridden by HMS. Please consult the host school registrar for more information about their enrollment dates and/or requirements. Students may also receive important information from the host school Registrar’s Office via email and are responsible for reading and following stated procedures.

In cases where cross-reg. petitions require approval by the HMS Registrar’s Office, the RO team contacts program leadership to obtain approval for petitions. Program decisions are noted in the cross-registration portal; decisions are final and available to students in the portal.

Program approval is also required for students who wish to cross-register into courses at MIT. If program approval is denied, MIT courses may only be audited with MIT instructor approval. Courses taken for audit at any Harvard school and MIT do not count for credit nor post to HMS transcripts.

Students in their final semester of an HMS Master’s degree program and expecting to graduate and/or who are completing their master’s program requirements may not enroll in courses at MIT for credit.

Students cannot enroll in classes if there are holds on their records, eg: Financial; HUHS; advising. Please contact registrar_masters@hms.harvard.edu if there are any questions.

Cross Registration at Other Harvard Schools

Master's students wishing to enroll in eligible courses offered by another Harvard School must follow the cross-registration procedures established by the host institution and complete all required approvals through the University registration system.

Approval timelines, enrollment priorities, registration deadlines, grading policies, and course requirements are determined by the host institution.

Students should consult the host School's registrar or academic office for additional information regarding course enrollment procedures.

Degree Credit for Cross-Registered Courses

Enrollment in a cross-registered course does not automatically satisfy degree requirements.

Before registering, students should consult with their program leadership to determine whether the course may be applied toward degree requirements and whether academic credit will be awarded.

Students seeking degree credit for a cross-registered course must obtain any required program approvals before enrolling.

Cross Registration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Students wishing to enroll in courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) must obtain approval from their program director prior to registration.

Without program approval, MIT courses may be audited only and will not be eligible for academic credit toward an HMS degree.

Students in their final semester who are expecting to graduate generally are not permitted to enroll in MIT courses for academic credit.

Academic Responsibilities

Students enrolled in cross-registered courses remain subject to the academic policies, grading requirements, examination procedures, and attendance expectations of the host institution.

When academic calendars or deadlines differ between HMS and the host institution, students are responsible for complying with the requirements of both institutions.

Cross Registration into Harvard Medical School

A limited number of HMS courses may be available to students enrolled at other Harvard Schools through the University's cross-registration process.

Enrollment in HMS courses is subject to course capacity and program priorities. Students enrolled in HMS Master's degree programs receive priority registration for courses required to satisfy degree requirements.

Students from other Harvard Schools who enroll in HMS courses are subject to all applicable HMS academic policies, course requirements, and grading procedures.

2.06 Enrollment Status and Academic Load

Enrollment status determines a student's academic load and may affect degree progression, financial aid eligibility, tuition, loan deferment, visa status, and access to certain University resources. Students are responsible for maintaining an enrollment status that aligns with their program requirements and approved academic plan.

All students must be officially registered with the Registrar's Office for each term of study. Students who fail to register and are not on an approved Leave of Absence may be subject to administrative withdrawal from HMS.

Degree Requirements and Enrollment Expectations

Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) programs require the completion of at least 64 credits, or 56 credits for approved dual MD-MMSc programs. MMSc students are generally expected to complete a minimum of 32 credits through a mentored research experience.

Master of Science (SM) programs require the completion of at least 36 credits, including the required capstone or scholarly project as defined by the individual program.

Programs may offer full-time, part-time, or multiple enrollment pathways. Students should consult their program requirements regarding expected timelines for degree completion.

Full-Time Status

Students are considered full-time when they are enrolled in a program and academic load that is designed for degree completion within the standard timeframe established by the program.

Examples of full-time enrollment may include:

● Students enrolled in a standalone MMSc program with an expected completion timeframe of approximately two years;

● Students enrolled in a fifth year of study as part of an approved dual MDMMSc program; and

● Students enrolled in a Master of Science program with an expected completion timeframe of one academic year.

Students enrolled full-time are generally expected to register for at least fourteen (14) credits per academic term unless otherwise approved by the program.

Part-Time Status

Part-time enrollment refers to any approved academic load that is less than the full-time enrollment expectations established by the program.

Part-time study must be approved by program leadership and may affect degree completion timelines, financial aid eligibility, loan deferment status, student visa requirements, and other University benefits or services.

Students considering part-time enrollment are encouraged to consult with program leadership, the Financial Aid Office, and other relevant University offices before making changes to their enrollment status.

Changes in Enrollment Status

Students who wish to change between full-time and part-time enrollment must obtain approval from:

● Their program leadership;

● The Financial Aid Office, when applicable; and

● The Office for Graduate Education.

Requests to change enrollment status must be submitted through the appropriate University process and approved before the change becomes effective.

Programs that offer both full-time and part-time pathways may establish deadlines by which students must finalize or modify their enrollment status. Students are responsible for understanding any program-specific deadlines and requirements.

Financial and Administrative Considerations

Changes in enrollment status may affect:

● Tuition and fees;

● Financial aid eligibility;

● Student loan deferment;

● Health insurance eligibility;

● International student visa status; and

● Expected time to degree completion.

Students are responsible for understanding the implications of any enrollment status change before submitting a request.

2.07 Degree Completion Timeframes

HMS Master's programs are designed to be completed within established academic timeframes that support student success and ensure that coursework, scholarly projects, and research experiences remain current and relevant. Students are expected to make consistent progress toward degree completion and to complete all degree requirements within the maximum timeframes established by the School.

Students who experience circumstances that affect their academic progress should work closely with program leadership to explore available support resources, academic accommodations, or leave options.

Standard Time to Degree

The expected time to degree varies by program and enrollment pathway.

Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) Programs

• The minimum time to degree for a 64-credit MMSc program is generally sixteen (16) months.

• The minimum time to degree for a 56-credit dual MD-MMSc program is generally fourteen (14) months.

Because program requirements, research activities, and academic schedules vary, students may require additional time beyond the minimum completion timeframe. Each program establishes its own expected completion timeline and academic plan.

Master of Science (SM) Programs

• The minimum time to degree for a 36-credit Master of Science program is generally one academic year.

Programs offering part-time enrollment pathways may establish alternative completion timelines. Students should consult program-specific requirements regarding expected degree progression.

Extensions of Time

Students who require additional time to complete degree requirements due to academic, medical, personal, or other extenuating circumstances may be eligible for an extension of time.

Requests for additional time are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require approval from:

● Program leadership;

● The Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB); and/or

● The Office for Graduate Education.

Additional time to degree may result in additional tuition, fees, or other financial obligations. Students should review Section 5.02 and consult the Financial Aid Office when considering an extension.

Students experiencing significant personal or medical circumstances also may wish to consider a Leave of Absence as described in Section 2.08.

Maximum Time to Degree

All degree requirements must be completed within the maximum timeframes established by the School.

Absent an approved exception, students may not exceed:

● Five (5) years from matriculation for MMSc programs and approved threeyear part-time degree pathways;

● Three (3) years from matriculation for a 36-credit Master of Science program that does not include a designated three-year part-time pathway; or

● Four (4) years from matriculation for a two-year part-time Master of Science program.

These timeframes include any approved leaves of absence.

Students who fail to complete degree requirements within the applicable timeframe may be subject to administrative withdrawal from the School.

Review of Academic Progress

Student progress toward degree completion is reviewed regularly by program leadership and the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB).

Reviews may consider:

● Completion of degree requirements;

● Academic standing;

● Progress toward scholarly or research milestones;

● Time remaining to degree completion; and

● Compliance with School policies.

Students who are not making adequate progress toward degree completion ordinarily will be required to develop an academic plan, participate in additional advising, or undergo further review through established academic progress processes.

Financial Aid Considerations

Eligibility for financial aid is subject to federal regulations and University policy.

Students generally are eligible for financial aid for up to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the standard length of their academic program, excluding approved leaves of absence.

Students should consult the Financial Aid Office regarding any questions about eligibility, extensions of enrollment, or the impact of delayed degree completion on financial aid.

2.08 Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a period of non-enrollment during which a student is not considered to be working toward a Harvard Medical School (HMS) Master's degree. A Leave of Absence allows students to interrupt their studies temporarily, while preserving the possibility of returning to complete their degree requirements.

General Leave Policies

A voluntary Leave of Absence may be granted for up to two semesters for matriculated students who have already begun coursework. Students on a voluntary Leave of Absence may apply for a one-year extension, which will be considered on a case-bycase basis following review by the program director in consultation with the Office for Graduate Education, and the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB), as needed. Students who remain on leave (whether voluntary or involuntary) for more than two years, whether consecutive or cumulative, automatically are withdrawn from HMS.

Students who are withdrawn following an extended leave may apply for readmission through the applicable program. If readmitted, students may be required to repeat designated coursework at the discretion of HMS.

Students considering a Leave of Absence should consult with their program director, the HMS Registrar, and the Financial Aid Office. International students studying in the United States on a visa are responsible for consulting with the Harvard International Office regarding the impact of a Leave of Absence on their visa status.

Absence Without Leave

Absent extenuating circumstances, any student who:

• Does not attend classes;

• Is not actively engaged in a mentored research or capstone project; or

• Fails to respond to communications from their program, administration, or the Office for Graduate Education for a period of ten (10) weekdays during any academic term without approval and without an official Leave of Absence

will be considered absent without leave and will be withdrawn from HMS.

Students also will be considered absent without leave and will be withdrawn from HMS if they:

• Fail to initiate a request to return from a Leave of Absence at least six weeks prior to the expected end date of the leave; or

• Fail to initiate a request for an extension of a voluntary Leave of Absence at least six weeks prior to the expected end date of the leave.

Voluntary Leave of Absence

Students who wish to interrupt their studies at any time prior to graduation may request a voluntary Leave of Absence.

Requests for a Leave of Absence may be granted by the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education in consultation with other University officials, as appropriate. In cases involving medical circumstances, the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education ordinarily will consult with Harvard University Health Services (HUHS), which may consider information provided by the student's healthcare providers if made available by the student.

Application for a Voluntary Leave of Absence

Students requesting a Leave of Absence must complete the following steps:

1. Discuss the request with their program director and program administration. The student must submit a Change of Status Request Form through the student information system, my.harvard, signed by the student. Once signed, the form is routed to a program representative, and then to the Office for Graduate Education. The form must include the student's last date of attendance, which must be no more than ten (10) days before the request is submitted. Students ordinarily will not be permitted to take a voluntary Leave of Absence for nonmedical reasons during the final month of an academic term.

2. Meet with the Financial Aid Office to review the financial implications of the Leave. The Financial Aid Office must approve the Change of Status Request

Form before it is submitted for approval. If approved, the Registrar's Office will confirm the Leave in writing, notify program leadership of the student's status change, and adjust tuition in accordance with the applicable refund policy.

3. If receiving financial aid, complete any required loan counseling or exit interview requirements.

4. Consult with the program director regarding any conditions or requirements that must be satisfied before returning from leave. Students on leave are expected to remain in periodic contact with their program.

5. If studying in the United States on a visa, consult with the Harvard International Office regarding the impact of the Leave on immigration status.

6. Review the impact of the Leave on student health insurance and other benefits and consult with the appropriate offices as needed.

Involuntary Leave of Absence

Under certain circumstances, a student may be placed on an involuntary Leave of Absence. An involuntary Leave of Absence is not a disciplinary sanction. However, the circumstances giving rise to a leave of absence, whether voluntary or involuntary, may subsequently be the basis for disciplinary action.

Students who prefer to take a voluntary medical Leave of Absence rather than be placed on an involuntary medical leave ordinarily will be permitted to do so, although all requirements of the involuntary leave of absence remain.

Transcripts do not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary Leaves of Absence.

Grounds for an Involuntary Leave of Absence

An involuntary Leave of Absence may be required for the following reasons:

1. Medical circumstances;

2. Failure to adhere to the terms of an agreement to engage in treatment;

3. Alleged criminal behavior;

4. Risk to the community;

5. Indebtedness;

6. Failure to provide required immunization documentation;

7. Unfulfilled School requirements; and

8. Failure to register.

1. Medical circumstances

a. If (i) the student’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of

any person or has seriously disrupted others in the student’s residential community or academic environment, and (ii) either the student’s threatening, self-destructive or disruptive behavior is determined to be the result of a medical condition, or the student has refused to cooperate with efforts by the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) or other clinicians to determine the cause of the behavior.

b. The student is not cleared to return to enrollment and/or residence at HMS following either (i) a hospitalization or emergency room visit that raises serious concerns about the student’s health or well-being, or (ii) other circumstances that raise serious concerns about the student’s health or well-being and reasonably call into question their ability to function as a student in the HMS environment. For more information about the process of clearance to return to enrollment and/or residence after a hospitalization or emergency room visit, see the Clearance for Return policy.

The decision to place a student on an involuntary leave of absence for health-related reasons is made in consultation with HUHS (which may consider information from the student’s current and/or former health care providers, if made available by the student) after an individualized assessment of all of the pertinent factors such as: the nature of the student’s conduct; the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the likelihood of potential injury; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures will mitigate the risk such as a reduced course load or course modifications. However, reasonable modifications do not include changes that would fundamentally alter the academic program or unduly burden HMS resources or staffing capabilities or, with respect to the required level of care or monitoring, that would exceed the standard of care that a university health service can be expected to provide.

2. Failure to adhere to the terms of an agreement to engage in treatment

The student’s continued enrollment and/or residence is conditioned on the student’s agreement to meet the expectations set forth in an agreement to engage in treatment, such as following the recommendations of the student’s treatment team, and the student has failed to adhere to the terms of that agreement.

3. Alleged criminal behavior

The student has been arrested on allegations of serious criminal behavior or has been charged with such behavior by law enforcement authorities.

4. Risk to the community

The student allegedly has violated an HMS disciplinary rule, and their presence on campus poses a significant risk to safety or to the educational environment of the community.

5. Indebtedness

The student’s account is unpaid, and the student has not made arrangements acceptable to the School to address the issue.

6. Immunization

The student has failed to provide medical documentation of required immunizations.

7. Unfulfilled School requirements

The student has not met an academic or other School requirement including, without limitation, attending class or participating in required activities and has

not taken steps acceptable to the School to meet the requirement.

8. Failure to register

The student has not registered as required at the beginning of each term.

The detailed procedures, criteria, and review standards governing involuntary leaves for medical reasons are described in Section 2.08A

Decision and Appeal Process

The decision to place a student on involuntary leave is made by the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education in consultation with the APRB, or such other individual as designated by the Dean, and other University officials as appropriate. As noted above, in the case of an involuntary leave of absence for medical reasons, the School will consult with an appropriate person at Harvard University Health Services.

Students will be notified in writing of the decision. A student may petition the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education for reconsideration, generally within five (5) calendar days of the decision, and may appeal a final decision to the Dean of the School.

While on Leave

Students on leave remain responsible for any tuition, fees, or other financial obligations incurred through the date of the Leave.

Students receiving financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid Office regarding the implications of a Leave of Absence. International students should consult with the Harvard International Office regarding visa implications.

Students on leave may not:

• Enroll in courses;

• Complete course requirements;

• Work with faculty or teaching assistants on course-related activities;

• Participate in academic activities reserved for enrolled students; or

• Participate in extracurricular activities unless specifically authorized by the School.

Access to libraries and other University facilities may be restricted during a Leave of Absence.

Students on leave remain subject to University expectations regarding conduct and behavior.

Following an individualized assessment, the School may require students on medical leave to comply with a treatment plan during their leave.

Returning to School

Students in good standing who are on a voluntary Leave of Absence ordinarily may return by notifying the Registrar, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education, and Program Director at least six weeks before the beginning of the term in which they intend to return. It remain s the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have adequate time to complete the degree within the time limits established by the School.

Students who were not in good standing at the time a voluntary leave of absence was granted—for example, those against whom a disciplinary charge is pending, or those facing allegations in a formal process that could lead to discipline—and students who were placed on an involuntary leave of absence must petition the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education for permission to return to the School and must demonstrate that the circumstances that led to their leave have been satisfactorily addressed and that they are ready to resume their studies. The decision whether to allow a student to return is made by Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education in consultation with others at the University as appropriate.

If the leave, whether voluntary or involuntary, was for medical reasons, then the student must petition the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education for permission to return to the School and must demonstrate that the circumstances that led to their leave have been satisfactorily addressed and that they are ready to resume their studies. In addition, so that the School may conduct an individualized assessment of their circumstances, students on medical leave ordinarily will be required to consult with Harvard University Health Services (and to grant permission to Harvard University

Health Services to obtain their relevant treatment records and communicate with their treatment providers) so that a professional assessment about the student’s productivity during their time away and readiness to return can be shared with the School.

In addition, if the School learns of serious concerns about the health or well-being of a student who either has been hospitalized or visited the emergency room or whose behavior reasonably calls into question their ability to function as a student in the HMS environment, then the School similarly may require the student to consult with Harvard University Health Services (and to grant permission to Harvard University Health Services to obtain their relevant treatment records and communicate with their treatment providers). For more information about the process of clearance to return to enrollment and/or residence after a hospitalization

or emergency room visit, see Section 2.08, below.

The purpose of such consultation is so that a professional assessment can be shared with the School about the student’s readiness to return and function in the student environment, with or without reasonable accommodation. Note that while the input of a student’s treatment provider is an important consideration in the petition process, Harvard University Health Services clinicians may have special knowledge of the University context to which students will be returning.

In all such cases, the decision whether to allow a student to return is made by the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education in consultation with others at the University as appropriate. Any student whose petition to return from a medical leave of absence is denied will receive a written explanation of the decision and may submit a written appeal of the decision to the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education or designee within five (5) calendar days, based on the following grounds: (a) new materially relevant information has become available; and/or (b) there is reasonable evidence of a procedural error in the decision-making process.

Any disciplinary matter must be resolved before a student on leave of absence will be allowed to return and, if the student has been required to withdraw while on leave of absence, then any conditions for return after a required withdrawal also must be satisfied.

Before returning, students must:

• Satisfy all conditions of the Leave;

• Resolve any outstanding financial obligations to the University; and

• Complete any required documentation or approvals.

Students who are not permitted to return from leave may be required to take an additional approved leave or may be administratively withdrawn. Students who do not successfully petition to return from an involuntary leave within two years ordinarily will be withdrawn from HMS.

Additional information related to the impact of health issues on enrollment and residency, including the process for clearance to return from a medical leave, is provided in Section 2.08A

Students returning from leave who wish to receive financial aid must submit the required aid application materials by:

• April 15 for the following Fall term; and

• October 1 for the following Spring term.

Students who fail to request a return from leave, request an extension, or submit the required petition within six weeks of the approved leave end date will be considered absent without leave and withdrawn from HMS.

2.08 A Impact of Health Issues on Enrollment and Residency

The following policies describe the respective roles and responsibilities of Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) in matters involving student health, hospitalization, emergency medical treatment, medical leaves of absence, treatment agreements, and determinations regarding continued enrollment or return to the academic environment.

These policies supplement the Leave of Absence procedures outlined in Section 2.08 and provide additional information regarding health-related reviews, consultations, and return-to-enrollment processes.

Responsibilities of Health and Counseling Services

Medical Care and Medical Decision-Making

Medical care and medical decision-making are the responsibility of licensed healthcare professionals.

In consultation with patients, clinicians may:

● Recommend hospitalization;

● Arrange medical procedures;

● Prescribe medications;

● Conduct psychological evaluations; and

● Recommend and implement ongoing treatment.

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) protects student privacy and confidentiality and communicates information about students only with the student's knowledge and consent, except as set forth below.

Exceptional Circumstances

In certain circumstances, it may not be possible or advisable for professional staff at HUHS to obtain a student's consent before disclosing health-related information. These circumstances including without limitation:

Danger to Any Person

One exception involves the rare instance in which a student's medical condition or behavioral disturbance poses a danger to the student or a threat to others or to the community.

In such circumstances, HUHS professional staff may disclose any relevant information to any appropriate person, including HMS officials, for the purpose of protecting the student, others, or the community from harm.

Whenever possible, the student will be informed of the need for disclosure and the reasons for it.

Treatment at Hospitals or Medical Facilities

HUHS will notify HMS when it is aware of student hospitalizations or transfers to emergency medical facilities. Such notification is provided to the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and the Director of Administration and is documented at HUHS. If HMS has reason to believe that a student may be in a medical facility, the School may contact HUHS regarding a student’s whereabouts. The HUHS clinician ordinarily will disclose only that the student is safely in care. When, in an HUHS clinician’s medical judgment, a student is in a life-threatening condition, or is psychologically unstable, or has sustained an illness or injury that likely will result in a hospital admission or require care after discharge, then that clinician will notify the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and the Director of Administration. Only information regarding the

fact of the admission/discharge, location of the student, general medical condition, and prospects for return to enrollment or residence will be shared; information regarding diagnosis or treatment is not shared. Students who are hospitalized or are receiving emergency care are expected to update HUHS; when the hospitalization or emergency room visit raises serious questions about the student’s health or well-being, the student ordinarily will be assessed regarding suitability to return to enrollment or residence (see Clearance for Return).

Leaving Medical Care Against Medical Advice

If HUHS becomes aware that a student who has been hospitalized or received emergency treatment decides to leave a medical facility against medical advice, an HUHS clinician may notify HMS of this decision, if in the clinician’s judgment the student’s decision may pose a significant risk of physical or emotional danger to the student or to members of the community. Depending on the circumstances, the clinician may inform an HMS official of the student’s location, decision to leave a facility against medical advice, risk of further injury or relapse, or possible threat to the student’s safety or to that of others.

Consultation to HMS

In addition to providing student health and counseling services, HUHS may serve as a consultant to HMS, advising about individual students’ needs, ordinarily with students’ knowledge and consent. Situations that routinely call for close coordination and consultation between HUHS and HMS involve:

● Accommodations;

● Leaves of absence;

● Returns from leaves of absence;

● Clearance to return to enrollment or residence; and

● Agreements to engage in treatment.

When considering the situation of a student who has an illness or is exhibiting behavior that affects functioning, HMS may need professional evaluation of the condition to determine appropriate next steps. In response to a request from HMS, HUHS clinicians may evaluate a student’s condition and provide recommendations to the School.

In making such recommendations, HUHS clinicians ordinarily will not disclose information they know independently about a student’s medical or mental health condition without the student’s consent, and in all cases will not disclose information about the student that is not relevant to the recommendations.

Responsibilities of HMS

HMS, in consultation with the affected student, determines:

● Whether an injured or ill student, or student exhibiting disruptive behavior, may continue to be in residence and/or remain enrolled; and

● Whether a student may return to residence and/or enrollment following an absence due to accident, illness, injury, hospitalization, or behavioral disturbance.

In situations where a student’s situation raises concerns about the practicality and appropriateness of the student’s residence and/or enrollment, HMS values the professional expertise of healthcare providers at HUHS in reaching its decision.

Agreements to Engage in Treatment

HMS may condition a student's enrollment and/or residence on certain terms and conditions, as set forth in a written agreement between HMS and the student, when the student’s conduct or circumstances have caused heightened concerns about the student’s safety and/or well-being and: (a) the appropriateness of the student’s continued enrollment and/or residence; or (b) the student’s readiness to return to the Harvard community. The agreement to engage in treatment may include, among other things:

● Compliance with a medical treatment plan;

● Regular consultation with healthcare professionals;

● Communication with designated University administrators; and

● Limited disclosure of relevant medical information on a need-to know basis, such as compliance with treatment and restrictions on certain activities.

The decision to require an agreement to engage in treatment is arrived at in consultation with HUHS following an individualized assessment of the nature of the student's circumstances and any other pertinent factors.

Clearance for Return

Following a hospitalization or emergency room visit by a student that raises serious questions about the student’s health or well-being, or in other circumstance that raise serious concerns about the student's health or well-being and reasonably call into question their ability to function as a student in the HMS environment, HMS ordinarily will not permit that student to return to residence, enrollment, or participation in any

Harvard-related programs or activities before making its own assessment of the suitability of the student's return.

Students are expected to notify both HMS and HUHS of any hospitalization or emergency room visit.

HUHS may be contacted twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at 617-495-5711.

Reason for Policy

An important consideration in HMS’ decision as to whether a student may continue in or return to enrollment and/or residence is the impact of the student's presence on both the student and the University community.

Students experiencing significant health, behavioral, alcohol-related, or substancerelated concerns or exhibiting disturbing or disruptive behavior may require ongoing care. HMS seeks to balance support for individual students with its responsibility to maintain a safe and effective learning environment and regards as unreasonable the expectation that peers, roommates, friends’ faculty, or staff will take on health care responsibilities for students.

A student's decision not to authorize consultation between their healthcare providers and HMS will not prevent the School from making decisions regarding enrollment or return to enrollment based on the information available to the School.

Procedure for Notice and Consultation

HMS may consult with clinicians at HUHS and, when appropriate, healthcare providers outside the University regarding a student's ability to continue or return to enrollment, ordinarily with the student’s permission.

Depending on all of the relevant circumstances, such consultation may be initiated either by HMS or by clinicians at HUHS. Notice that a student has been hospitalized or treated in an emergency department may prompt HMS to begin a process of consultation through which it will decide whether and under what circumstances the student may continue in or return to residence and/or enrollment. HMS also may independently decide that, based on its observations or other information it has about a student, it should initiate the process of consultation with HUHS clinicians, which may include ascertaining whether the student has been hospitalized or treated in an emergency department.

The purpose of consultation is to assess the student's circumstances, identify any ongoing care needs, in order to facilitate HMS’ decision about the student’s capacity to continue or return to enrollment.

2.09 Admission and Enrollment Requirements

Admission to a Harvard Medical School (HMS) Master's degree program is contingent upon the completion of all enrollment requirements established by the School. Admitted students are responsible for submitting all required documentation and materials by the applicable deadlines in order to secure and maintain their place in the entering class.

Enrollment Deposit

Upon accepting an offer of admission, students are required to submit an enrollment deposit of $1,000 to secure their place in the entering class.

The enrollment deposit:

● Is non-refundable;

● Will be applied directly to the student's first semester tuition bill; and

● Must be received by the deadline specified in the admission offer.

Failure to submit the enrollment deposit by the stated deadline will result in withdrawal of the admission offer. Students whose admission offer is withdrawn must submit a new application for consideration in a future admissions cycle.

Official Transcripts

All admitted students must submit official transcripts by August 15.

Official transcripts must:

● Be sent directly by the institution where the degree was earned or by an approved third-party credentialing service;

● Include the date of degree conferral; and

● Be received by HMS no later than August 15.

Certificates, diplomas, and transcripts submitted directly by the student are not considered official and will not satisfy this requirement.

Official transcripts may be submitted through secure electronic transmission to: admissions_masters@hms.harvard.edu

International Transcripts and English Translations

Transcripts must be provided in English.

If an institution does not issue transcripts in English, students must obtain a certified English translation through a credential evaluation organization.

HMS accepts evaluations from member organizations of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The School recommends:

● A course-by-course evaluation through World Education Services (WES); or

● A course analysis through The Evaluation Company.

Translations provided by third parties that are not part of an approved credential evaluation process will not be accepted.

Verified Test Scores

Verified test scores are required for all examinations reported to Harvard Medical School during the admissions process.

This requirement includes:

● Scores reported through the application;

● Official scores received through Educational Testing Service (ETS) for GRE and TOEFL examinations;

● IELTS scores; and

● Duolingo English Test scores.

Current minimum test score requirements are:

• TOEFL iBT: 103

• TOEFL iBT (new): 5.0

• TOEFL Essentials: 11

• IELTS Academic: 7.5

• Duolingo English Test: 130

All verified test scores must be received by August 15.

Failure to provide required verified test scores by the deadline may affect a student's ability to enroll.

Failure to Satisfy Enrollment Requirements

Students who fail to satisfy enrollment requirements by the established deadlines may have their admission offer rescinded, enrollment delayed, or registration restricted until all requirements have been met.

2.10 Withdrawal from a Master's Program

Students who choose to discontinue their studies at HMS, as well as students who are required to withdraw under School policies, must follow the procedures outlined below.

Withdrawal results in the termination of a student's enrollment in an HMS Master's degree program and may have academic, financial, housing, immigration, and other administrative implications.

Voluntary Withdrawal

A student who decides to withdraw from HMS must complete the LOA/Withdrawal form in the student information system my.harvard.

The form must include:

● The reason for withdrawal; and

● The effective date of withdrawal.

Students considering withdrawal are encouraged to consult with their program leadership, the Registrar's Office, the Financial Aid Office, and other relevant University offices before making a final decision.

Required Withdrawal

Under certain circumstances, the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB) may require a student to withdraw and may also recommend dismissal or expulsion from the School.

In such cases, the APRB will determine the effective date of withdrawal and will notify the student in writing. The Registrar's Office will receive a copy of this correspondence.

Additional information regarding APRB procedures may be found in Section 3.04

Administrative Withdrawal

Students may be administratively withdrawn from HMS and will be notified in writing under the following circumstances:

● A continuing student has an outstanding balance of $1,000 or more on July 1 or by the first day of the Fall or Spring semester;

● A student does not arrive within ten (10) days of the start of classes in any academic term;

● A student fails to adhere to applicable degree completion requirements;

● A student remains on a Leave of Absence for more than two years, whether consecutive or cumulative;

● A student fails to register with the Registrar's Office for a required term of study;

● A student fails to attend classes or participate in required mentored research or capstone activities for a period of ten (10) business days without prior approval; or

● A student fails to respond to communications from the program director, program administration, or the Office for Graduate Education for a period of ten (10) business days while actively enrolled and without prior approval.

Effective Date and Student Responsibilities

In all cases of withdrawal, students must surrender their Harvard University identification card to the Registrar's Office. The card will be deactivated as of the effective date of withdrawal.

Tuition charges and adjustments will be determined in accordance with the University's tuition and fee adjustment schedule (see Section 5.03).

Students remain responsible for any outstanding financial obligations owed to the University.

Financial Aid, Housing, and Immigration Considerations

Students receiving financial aid are required to consult with the Financial Aid Office regarding the impact of withdrawal on their aid eligibility and repayment obligations.

Students residing in Harvard University housing who withdraw or are required to withdraw from HMS must vacate University housing by the effective date of withdrawal.

International students studying in the United States on a visa should immediately consult with the Harvard International Office regarding the impact of withdrawal on their immigration status.

2.11 Readmission

Former HMS Master's students who have withdrawn or have been withdrawn from an HMS Master's program may seek readmission to the program, subject to the requirements outlined below.

Readmission is not guaranteed and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applicants seeking readmission must demonstrate their readiness to resume graduate study and successfully complete program requirements.

Application for Readmission

Any former Master's student who has withdrawn or has been withdrawn from an HMS Master's program and wishes to return must complete the standard admissions process for the applicable Master's program.

In addition to all program admission requirements, applicants for readmission must submit:

● Two new letters of recommendation; and

● Official transcripts documenting any formal academic coursework completed since leaving HMS.

Eligibility Following Required Withdrawal

Students who were required to withdraw from an HMS Master's program ordinarily may not submit an application for readmission until two academic terms have passed since the effective date of withdrawal.

Readmission Following Dismissal

Students who were dismissed from an HMS Master's program by vote of the HMS Faculty Council (see Section 3.04) must petition the HMS Faculty Council for approval before being considered for readmission.

A petition for readmission must be submitted to the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education, in their capacity as Chair of the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB), no later than six months before the requested readmission date.

The petition must:

● Explain the basis for the request for readmission;

● Describe all remedial actions undertaken since dismissal; and

● Demonstrate readiness to resume academic study.

Students who were dismissed ordinarily may not submit a petition for readmission until two academic terms have passed since the date of their dismissal.

Review of Readmission Requests

In evaluating requests for readmission, consideration may be given to:

● The student's prior academic record;

● The circumstances surrounding the withdrawal or dismissal;

● The length of absence;

● Activities undertaken during the period away from HMS;

● Completion of remediation or other corrective actions;

● Program capacity and availability of student places; and

● Other factors relevant to the student's likelihood of successful degree completion.

Students are encouraged to consult with a program director before applying for readmission to discuss:

● Program support and approval;

● Degree completion expectations;

● Required coursework or examinations;

● Time remaining for degree completion; and

● Additional documentation that may be required.

Conditions of Readmission

Readmission, if granted, may be subject to specific conditions established by the program, the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education, and the APRB.

Such conditions may include:

● Completion of specific requirements before enrollment;

● Completion of specified requirements after enrollment;

● Retaking some or all previously completed coursework; or

● Other conditions HMS deems necessary to support academic success.

Credits earned during a previous period of enrollment may or may not be applied toward degree requirements. Determinations regarding previously earned credit will be made by program leadership in consultation with the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education and the APRB.

Financial Requirements

Students seeking readmission must have no outstanding debt owed to Harvard University.

Applicants also must provide evidence of their ability to meet tuition and financial obligations associated with re-enrollment.

Students are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid Office regarding financial aid eligibility and financing options before applying for readmission.

Limit on Readmission Applications

The HMS Master's Programs will not consider more than two applications for readmission from any individual.

2.12 Deferral of Admission

Offers of admission to Harvard Medical School (HMS) Master's programs are made with the expectation that students will enroll in the academic term for which they applied and were admitted.

Under limited circumstances, students may request to defer enrollment for one year.

Requesting a Deferral

Students seeking to defer enrollment must submit a written request to the program to which they were admitted.

Requests for deferral must be submitted no later than June 15.

Approval of a deferral request requires authorization from:

● The Program Director; and

● The Office for Graduate Education.

Deferrals are not automatic and are granted at the discretion of the School.

Duration of Deferral

Approved deferrals are limited to one year.

Students granted a deferral are expected to enroll in the academic term specified in the deferral approval.

Requests After June 15

Students who have accepted an offer of admission but decide not to enroll after June 15 and before the first day of classes must withdraw their acceptance of admission.

Leave of Absence Prior to Enrollment

Students who have not yet begun classes in an HMS Master's program are not eligible for a Leave of Absence.

Students who are unable to begin their program as scheduled must either:

● Request an approved deferral in accordance with this policy; or

● Withdraw their acceptance of admission.

2.13 Prior Credit

HMS Master's programs may, at the discretion of the program director, award academic credit for certain Harvard University courses completed prior to enrollment in an HMS Master's degree program.

The purpose of this policy is to establish the conditions under which prior Harvard coursework may be considered toward degree requirements.

Eligibility for Prior Credit

Students seeking credit for Harvard University coursework completed prior to enrollment in an HMS Master's degree program should submit a request to the program director before, or as soon as possible after, enrollment.

Approval of prior credit is not guaranteed and remains at the discretion of the program director.

To be eligible for consideration:

● The coursework must have been completed through Harvard University;

● The coursework must have been completed within twelve (12) months prior to enrollment in the HMS Master's program; and

● The student must certify that the coursework has not been applied toward another degree program.

Tuition Requirements

Prior credit will not be applied retroactively if the student did not pay tuition to HMS at the applicable special student tuition rate at the time the course was taken.

An exception may apply to courses for which HMS transferred tuition to another Harvard school on behalf of the student. In cases where retroactive credit is approved for such courses and the student previously paid tuition directly to the other Harvard School, the student will not be required to pay tuition for those courses again to HMS.

Students are encouraged to clarify their individual circumstances with their program prior to enrollment in an HMS Master's degree program.

Limitations

Transfers into HMS Master's programs from other institutions are not permitted.

Credits earned at other colleges and universities may not be transferred into an HMS Master's degree program.

In certain circumstances, a program director may waive a student's requirement to complete a specific core course based on prior academic preparation. Such waivers:

● Do not reduce the minimum number of Harvard credits required for degree completion;

● Do not reduce the student's tuition obligation; and

● Do not constitute the transfer of academic credit.

2.14 Mentored Research, Capstone, and Culminating

Academic Experiences

Many HMS Master's programs include a mentored research project, capstone project, thesis, scholarly paper, practicum, or other culminating academic experience as part of the degree requirements.

These experiences provide students with an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge gained throughout their program, demonstrate mastery of relevant competencies, and engage in scholarly, professional, clinical, or research activities under appropriate supervision.

Specific requirements vary by program.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to actively engage in all required research, capstone, practicum, thesis, or scholarly project activities and to make consistent progress toward completion of program milestones.

Students are responsible for:

● Meeting established deadlines and program requirements;

● Communicating regularly with faculty mentors, advisors, and project supervisors;

● Seeking guidance when challenges arise;

● Completing all required approvals and submissions;

● Maintaining appropriate records and documentation; and

● Conducting all work in accordance with University and School policies.

Faculty Mentorship and Supervision

Programs may assign faculty mentors, project advisors, thesis directors, or other supervisors to guide students through the completion of a culminating academic experience.

Faculty mentors provide academic guidance, feedback, and oversight; however, students remain solely responsible for the successful completion of all project requirements.

The nature and frequency of mentoring interactions may vary by program and project type.

Academic Integrity and Responsible Conduct

Students must conduct all research, scholarship, and academic work in accordance with the principles of academic integrity and responsible conduct.

Students are expected to:

● Accurately represent their work and findings;

● Properly acknowledge the contributions of others;

● Comply with applicable research, ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements;

● Obtain any required approvals before conducting research involving human participants, animals, data, or other regulated activities; and

● Adhere to all HMS and University policies regarding academic honesty and research integrity.

Violations of these expectations may result in academic, disciplinary, or administrative action.

Evaluation and Degree Completion

The successful completion of any required mentored research project, capstone project, thesis, scholarly paper, practicum, or other culminating academic experience is a condition of degree completion.

Programs establish the evaluation criteria, grading standards, submission requirements, and approval processes applicable to these experiences.

Students must satisfy all program-specific requirements before a degree may be awarded.

Program-Specific Requirements

Because culminating academic experiences vary significantly across HMS Master's programs, students should consult their program handbook, faculty mentor, and program leadership regarding specific expectations, timelines, deliverables, and evaluation criteria.

Additional requirements may apply depending on the nature of the project and the student's program of study.

Mentorship and Project Oversight

MMSc programs require a minimum of thirty-two (32) credits of mentored research conducted under the supervision of an HMS faculty mentor. The HMS faculty mentor is responsible for oversight of the student's academic progress and evaluation. Research projects may involve collaboration with faculty or investigators at other institutions; however, primary supervision remains the responsibility of the HMS faculty mentor.

Master of Science programs require completion of a capstone project. Capstone projects conducted away from HMS, including externship experiences, must be supervised by both an HMS faculty mentor and an approved on-site secondary mentor.

Program directors are responsible for approving:

• HMS faculty mentors;

• Secondary mentors;

• Mentored research projects conducted away from HMS; and

• Capstone or externship experiences conducted away from HMS.

Active students may not serve on thesis, capstone, or mentored research committees.

2.15 Academic Records and Transcripts

Harvard Medical School (HMS) maintains academic records for all Master's students in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.

Academic records document a student's enrollment, coursework, grades, academic standing, degree progress, and degree conferral. Students are responsible for reviewing their academic records and ensuring that personal and enrollment information remains current.

Student Access to Academic Records

Students may access information regarding their academic record through Universityapproved systems and services.

Students are encouraged to review their academic information regularly and to promptly notify the appropriate University office if they identify inaccuracies or discrepancies.

Official Transcripts

An official transcript is the University's certified record of a student's academic history.

Official transcripts may include:

● Courses completed;

● Grades earned;

● Credits awarded;

● Degrees conferred;

● Enrollment history; and

● Other academic information maintained by the University.

Official transcripts are issued through the Registrar's Office in accordance with University procedures.

Unofficial Academic Records

Students may have access to unofficial academic records through University systems for advising, registration, and personal reference purposes.

Unofficial records are not considered official certification of academic achievement and may not be accepted by external organizations.

Transcript Requests

Students and alumni may request official transcripts through the procedures established by the Registrar's Office.

Transcript requests are subject to applicable University policies, processing requirements, and fees.

Information regarding transcript requests, processing timelines, and delivery methods is available through the Registrar's Office.

Holds on Academic Records

The University may place holds on academic records, registration activity, degree conferral, or transcript release when a student has outstanding obligations to the University.

Examples may include:

● Unpaid financial obligations;

● Outstanding administrative requirements;

● Missing documentation; or

● Other unresolved University matters.

Students should contact the appropriate office to resolve any hold that affects access to academic records or services.

Corrections to Academic Records

Students who believe their academic record contains an error should contact the appropriate program, instructor, or Registrar's Office as soon as possible.

Requests to correct academic records are reviewed in accordance with University policies and procedures.

Record Retention

Academic records are maintained in accordance with University record retention requirements and applicable legal obligations.

2.16 Access to Educational Records

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended ("FERPA"), is a federal law that gives students certain rights with respect to their education records.

Education Records

The Harvard Medical School routinely maintains records for its students that describe and document their work and progress.

These education records generally include records such as:

● Permanent and local addresses;

● Admissions records;

● Enrollment status;

● Course grades;

● Reports and evaluations;

● Completion of requirements and progress toward the degree;

● Records of disciplinary actions;

● Letters of recommendation; and

● Other correspondence with or concerning the student.

Access to Education Records

To be useful, a student's records must be accurate and complete. The officials who maintain them are those in charge of the functions reflected in the records and the offices where the records are kept. At Harvard Medical School, these include the Registrar and may include other institutional officials.

All students have access to their own education records and may contribute to them if they feel there is need for clarification.

Students wishing access to their education records should contact the Registrar's Office. Ordinarily, students are asked to submit a written request that identifies the specific record or records they wish to inspect.

Access will be provided within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the request.

When a record contains information about more than one student, the student requesting access may inspect and review only the portion of the record relating to that student.

Students are not permitted to view:

● Letters and statements of recommendation for which they waived their right of access; or

● Letters and statements of recommendation placed in their file before January 1, 1975.

Students who have questions regarding the accuracy of records should first contact the office responsible for maintaining those records. If questions remain unresolved, the matter may be referred to the Registrar's Office.

When necessary, a hearing may be held to resolve challenges concerning the accuracy of records when informal discussions have not satisfactorily resolved the issue.

Directory Information

Although students ordinarily must consent to the disclosure of information from their education records, FERPA permits certain information, known as "directory information," to be disclosed without prior consent.

The Registrars of Harvard College and Harvard's graduate and professional schools have jointly adopted a set of Common FERPA Directory Information Elements (the "Common List"). Individual Harvard Schools may select any number of elements from the Common List when creating a School-specific definition of directory information.

The Harvard Medical School has designated the following information as directory information:

● Full name;

● Photograph;

● Local address;

● Telephone number;

● Electronic address;

● Degrees awarded; and

● Dates of enrollment.

For student employees, directory information also includes:

● Job title;

● Teaching appointment (if applicable);

● Employing department; and

● Dates of employment.

Because Harvard University's definition of directory information includes all elements on the Common List, requests received at the University level may result in disclosure of additional elements.

The Common List can be found through Harvard University resources.

Students may opt out of the public disclosure of directory information by requesting a FERPA Block.

FERPA Blocks and Their Effects

Students who wish to place a FERPA Block on their records must notify the Registrar's Office in writing.

Students who are cross-registered at more than one Harvard School must submit separate FERPA Block requests to each School.

Students should carefully consider the consequences of placing a FERPA Block on their records. Potential consequences include missed mailings, messages, and announcements.

Students also should understand that, unless another FERPA exception permits disclosure:

● Harvard will not disclose that the student currently attends or previously attended a Harvard School; and

● Directory information will not appear in Harvard publications, including Harvard directories and the Harvard Commencement booklet.

Students who previously requested a FERPA Block may remove it by submitting a written request to the Registrar's Office.

Other Disclosures Permitted Under FERPA

FERPA permits disclosure of education records without a student's knowledge or consent under certain circumstances.

For example, disclosure is permitted to Harvard officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records and require the information to fulfill their professional responsibilities.

Harvard officials may include:

● Faculty;

● Administrators;

● Clerical employees;

● Professional employees;

● Harvard University Health Services professionals;

● Harvard University Police Department officers;

● Agents of the University, including contractors and vendors;

● Members of Harvard's governing boards; and

● Students serving on official School or University committees.

Education records also may be disclosed to parties outside the University under circumstances permitted by FERPA, including situations involving health or safety emergencies.

In addition, HMS may disclose education records to institutions in which a student seeks, intends, or is already enrolled when the disclosure relates to the student's enrollment or transfer.

If the Medical School determines that a student has committed a disciplinary violation involving a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, HMS may, when legally permitted and deemed appropriate, disclose information regarding the disciplinary action, including:

● The student's name;

● The violation committed; and

● The sanction imposed.

Student Rights Under FERPA

Students and former students have the right to:

● Inspect and review certain education records maintained by Harvard;

● Exercise limited control over access to their education records;

● Request correction of education records believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of FERPA rights;

● Be fully informed of their rights under FERPA; and

● File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged violations of FERPA.

Complaints regarding alleged violations of FERPA may be submitted in writing within 180 days to:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20202-5920

Program Evaluation and Education Research

Aggregated, de-identified student data may be used for professional publications, scholarly presentations, program evaluation activities, and educational research conducted by HMS faculty.

HMS policy, as reviewed and approved by the HMS Committee on Human Subjects, permits the use of student data for educational scholarship when individual student identities cannot reasonably be determined.

When reported, research involving student data will use aggregate information and maintain strict confidentiality.

For additional information regarding program evaluation and medical education research involving student data, see Section 6.05

2.17 Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students enrolled in Harvard Medical School (HMS) Master's programs are expected to make satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree requirements.

The standards outlined below establish the academic and professional expectations students must meet to remain in good standing and, when applicable, maintain eligibility for financial aid. These requirements apply to all matriculated students, regardless of financial aid status.

The Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB) monitors student progress and reviews student academic and conduct standing at least annually. For one-year Master of Science programs, student progress is reviewed each academic term.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

Students must successfully complete all curricular requirements established by their Master's program, including coursework, examinations, and required scholarly projects.

Successful completion requires:

● Passing all required courses;

● Successfully completing all required examinations;

● Successfully completing any required mentored research, capstone, or scholarly project;

● Maintaining academic standing consistent with program and graduation requirements; and

● Meeting applicable professional conduct standards.

Students enrolled in letter-graded courses are required to maintain a cumulative B average.

Students enrolled in courses graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis must receive satisfactory performance evaluations as required by their program.

Students may not graduate with:

● A failing (F) grade;

● An Unsatisfactory (UNSAT) grade; or

● An incomplete set of degree requirements.

Time-to-Degree Requirements

Students are expected to complete all degree requirements within the applicable timeframes established by Section 2.07

Students who are not progressing toward degree completion within the permitted timeframe may be determined not to be making satisfactory academic progress.

Review and Notification

Program directors review student progress at least once each academic term and make recommendations regarding progression.

Students who fail to achieve passing grades in all courses may be required to develop a remediation plan in consultation with their program director.

The APRB, in consultation with the Registrar, will notify students in writing when they fail to meet one or more satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Such notification may include:

● The nature of the deficiency;

● Available remediation options;

● Required corrective actions; and

● Any resulting academic consequences.

Potential consequences may include:

● Formal Notice;

● Monitored Academic Progress;

● Academic Probation; or

● Requirement to Withdraw (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel).

A designation of Formal Notice or Monitored Academic Progress does not automatically indicate failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress if the student continues to make appropriate progress toward degree completion.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Federal regulations require students receiving financial assistance to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

A student who fails to meet one or more satisfactory academic progress standards becomes ineligible for financial aid beginning with the term immediately following the determination, unless eligibility is restored through the appeal process described below.

Appeals to Reinstate Financial Aid

Students may appeal a loss of financial aid eligibility by submitting a written appeal to the APRB.

The appeal must:

● Explain the circumstances that resulted in the failure to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements; and

● Describe the changes that will enable the student to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements during the next evaluation period.

Examples of circumstances that may be considered include:

● Serious illness or injury;

● Death of a family member; or

● Other significant extenuating circumstances.

Students may seek assistance from their program director when preparing an appeal.

Additional materials may be required, including:

● A degree audit;

● Academic plan;

● Course plan; and/or

● A letter from the program director.

If the APRB approves the appeal, financial aid eligibility will be reinstated.

Financial Aid Probation

Students whose financial aid appeal is approved will be placed on Financial Aid Probation.

During the probationary period:

● The student remains eligible for financial aid;

● An academic plan will be developed jointly by the student and program director;

● The academic plan must establish a path toward compliance with satisfactory academic progress requirements; and

● Student progress will be monitored during each academic term.

Ordinarily, the probationary period will last one academic term.

At the conclusion of the probationary period, students must satisfy all requirements established in the academic plan and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.

Students who fail to meet the requirements of the academic plan will lose financial aid eligibility.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who lose financial aid eligibility may regain eligibility only by:

● Successfully eliminating all satisfactory academic progress deficiencies; or

● Successfully completing an approved financial aid appeal process.

Financial aid eligibility cannot be restored solely by:

● Paying tuition without financial aid;

● Sitting out a term; or

● Delaying enrollment.

Withdrawal

Students who are withdrawn from HMS are not making satisfactory academic progress and are not eligible to receive financial aid.

Enforcement and Oversight

Responsibility for monitoring and enforcing satisfactory academic progress requirements is shared by:

● The Office of the Registrar;

● The Financial Aid Office;

● Program Directors; and

● The Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB).

Program Directors will notify the APRB of students who are not making satisfactory academic progress. The APRB will determine whether academic action is warranted and will notify students accordingly.

The Financial Aid Office will notify students when financial aid eligibility has been affected.

2.18 Student Workload

Harvard Medical School (HMS) Master's programs are designed to provide rigorous graduate-level academic training. Students are expected to devote sufficient time and effort to successfully complete all coursework, mentored research, capstone requirements, and other program obligations.

This policy outlines workload expectations, course types, credit requirements, and enrollment limits applicable to HMS Master's students.

Academic Workload Expectations

Students enrolled full-time generally complete a combination of half courses, quarter courses, and short courses in addition to any required mentored research or capstone project activities.

Some programs require coursework during Summer and/or January periods. Because HMS does not maintain formal Summer or January terms:

● Courses offered during July and August are considered part of the subsequent Fall term.

● Courses offered during January are considered part of the subsequent Spring term.

Course Types

Master's courses at HMS may be offered in residential, remote, or blended formats. Course types include:

● Full Course (two half-courses completed across two semesters);

● Half Course (full-semester course);

● Quarter Course (half-semester course);

● Short Course (January-term or intensive-format course); and

● Thesis, Capstone, or Mentored Research Experiences.

Graduate Education Course Hours by Credit Workload Distribution

Updated guidelines for all course (residential and remote):

Example Assessments (measurement of students' learning for grading purposes)

Formal assessment of capstone milestones, and final capstone/ presentation. Formal assessment, such as graded exams, papers, and projects. Formal assessment, such as graded exams, papers, and projects. Formal assessment, such as graded exams, papers, and projects. Written paper that reflects learning experience.

*Thesis/Capstone guidelines are for expected active research and mentorship time.

Course proposal descriptions for types of Courses:

• Full-course (Two half-courses in sequence over two semesters; grades are required for each semester)

• Half-course (Full term course)

• Quarter-course (Half semester course – eg: Fall 1, Spring 2; 4 c. + not eligible)

Short (January term course or intensive course; 3c. + not eligible)

Residential and Remote Course Enrollment

Students enrolled in remote programs may not enroll in residential courses unless an approved accommodation has been granted.

Minimum Credit Requirements

The minimum enrollment requirements are as follows:

● Full-time enrollment requires a minimum of fourteen (14) credits per semester.

● Part-time enrollment requires seven (7) to thirteen (13) credits per semester.

Degree-specific minimum credit requirements include:

● MMSc and MAD/SM programs require a minimum of sixteen (16) didactic credits, ordinarily completed through half and quarter courses.

● MMSc and MAD/SM programs require an additional sixteen (16) didactic credits from a combination of half courses, quarter courses, and short courses.

● MMSc programs require a minimum of thirty-two (32) credits of mentored research.

● Master of Science programs require a minimum of four (4) capstone credits.

Maximum Allowed Credits Per Semester

Students may enroll only in the credit load specified in their program's approved plan of instruction. Enrollment must be approved by the program.

Students may not enroll in more than five (5) courses during a Fall or Spring semester, excluding approved Summer or January coursework.

Students with exceptional academic standing, defined as:

● A cumulative grade of A- or higher in all graded courses; or

● Satisfactory performance in all satisfactory/unsatisfactory courses,

may be considered for enrollment above the standard credit limits.

Approval requirements are as follows:

Total Credits

Up to 19 credits Program

Required Approval

20–22 credits Program and Registrar's Office

More than 22 credits Program and Office for Graduate Education

Maximum 24 credits Absolute maximum

Credit totals include coursework completed during the associated January or Summer period.

The maximum enrollment permitted in any Fall or Spring semester is twenty-four (24) credits, including coursework completed during the associated January or Summer period.

Part-time students are generally permitted to enroll in approximately half of the credit limits described above and remain subject to the same approval requirements.

Workload and Degree Progress

Although students may enroll in additional coursework with appropriate approval, students may not accelerate degree completion timelines.

Students must continue to satisfy the minimum enrollment duration and tuition obligations associated with their program.

Ordinarily:

● Students enrolled in standalone MMSc programs are expected to complete degree requirements over no fewer than two years.

● Students enrolled in dual HMS MD-Master's programs during a fifth year of study are expected to complete degree requirements over no fewer than one year.

● Students enrolled in Master of Science programs are expected to complete degree requirements over no fewer than one year.

Monitoring and Oversight

Responsibility for monitoring compliance with student workload expectations, enrollment limits, and degree progress requirements rests with program administrators, program directors, and the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB) for the Master's Programs.

2.19 Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Adoption

Harvard Medical School (HMS) is committed to supporting students who experience pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, and related parenting responsibilities while enrolled in a Master's program. The School seeks to work collaboratively with students to facilitate continued academic progress and degree completion while supporting student wellbeing and compliance with applicable laws and University policies.

Students are encouraged to communicate with program leadership as early as possible to discuss available resources, academic planning, and potential accommodations.

Academic Planning and Support

Students who are expecting the birth or adoption of a child while enrolled in an HMS Master's program should consult with their program leadership to develop an appropriate academic plan.

Academic planning may include discussion of:

● Course scheduling;

● Academic workload;

● Degree progression;

● Leave of absence options;

● Available support resources; and

● Other program-specific considerations.

The goal of this planning process is to support students in making satisfactory academic progress while accommodating individual circumstances whenever possible.

Leave of Absence

Students who anticipate the need for time away from their studies due to pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, or related circumstances may request a Leave of Absence in accordance with Section 2.08.

Students receiving financial aid should also consult with the Financial Aid Office regarding the potential impact of a leave on financial aid eligibility, loan deferment, and other benefits.

Health and Safety Considerations

Students participating in mentored research, laboratory activities, clinical experiences, or capstone projects should consult with their healthcare provider regarding any potential health or safety considerations associated with their academic activities.

Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding research environments, laboratory exposures, or other academic responsibilities with their faculty mentor and program leadership.

Accommodations

Students seeking accommodations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a pregnancyrelated medical condition should consult the appropriate University office and review Section 8.03 (Services for Students with Disabilities).

Unless an approved accommodation or other formal arrangement is in place, programs are generally unable to modify the established instructional modality of a course or program (e.g., residential, blended, or remote delivery).

2.20 Special Students

Harvard Medical School (HMS) permits qualified individuals to enroll in certain courses as Special Students on a non-degree basis. Special Student status provides opportunities for individuals to explore new academic disciplines, develop professional skills, or pursue personal and educational interests without enrolling in a Master's degree program.

Enrollment as a Special Student does not constitute admission to a degree program.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Individuals may be permitted to enroll as Special Students with the approval of the program director and, when required, the course instructor.

Enrollment opportunities may be limited based on course capacity, program priorities, and instructional resources.

Special Students do not receive priority enrollment in courses with limited capacity.

Academic Participation

Special Students are officially registered and are expected to comply with all applicable course requirements, academic policies, and standards of conduct.

Special Students participate in coursework and assessments in the same manner as degree-seeking students unless otherwise specified by the program or instructor.

Tuition and Fees

Special Students are responsible for tuition and fees at the rates established annually by the School.

Tuition obligations are subject to applicable University billing and payment policies.

Academic Records

Special Students may receive official academic credit for completed coursework and may request official transcripts documenting courses taken and grades earned.

Enrollment as a Special Student does not make an individual a candidate for a Harvard University degree.

Admission to a Degree Program

Individuals who have been denied admission to an HMS Master's program ordinarily may not enroll as a Special Student within the same academic year for the purpose of taking courses in that program.

Enrollment as a Special Student does not guarantee future admission to an HMS Master's program.

Application of Prior Credit

Individuals who later apply to, and are admitted to, an HMS Master's degree program may petition to have eligible coursework completed as a Special Student applied toward degree requirements.

Approval of prior credit is not automatic and is subject to program review, and the policies outlined in Section 2.13.

3.0 Student Conduct and Responsibility

Principles of Student Conduct and Responsibility

Health-related professions are founded on the highest standards of conduct. In admitting a student, Harvard Medical School believes the student already to have demonstrated that the student’s behavior in person—both on campus and off—and in the student’s electronic presence reflects the maturity and civility that are the necessary underpinnings of the student’s chosen profession. After a student is admitted, enrollment remains contingent on a continuation of this high standard of conduct.

3.01 Responsibilities of Teachers and Learners

The teacher-learner relationship confers rights and responsibilities on both parties. Behaving in a way that embodies the ideal teacher-learner relationship creates a culture of mutual respect, minimizes the likelihood of student mistreatment, and optimizes the educational experience.

Responsibilities of Teachers

• Treat learners fairly, respectfully, and without bias related to their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or national origin.

• Create open and constructive learning environments that support discourse, the free exchange of ideas, and academic excellence by:

o Encouraging students to take risks, to think critically across a range of topics and viewpoints, and to make, and learn from, mistakes.

o Intellectually challenging students while providing sufficient resources to support their learning

o Thoughtfully deploying a variety of teaching methods aligned with learning objectives that encourage learning and active participation by all students.

o Implementing policies to respect the confidentiality of classroom communications

• Distinguish between the Socratic method, in which insightful questions are a stimulus to learning and discovery, and overly aggressive questioning, in which detailed questions are repeatedly presented with the end point of belittlement or humiliation of the learner.

• Give learners timely, constructive, and accurate feedback and opportunities for remediation, and submit grades and evaluations within four weeks of the end of a course.

• Be prepared and on time for all activities.

• Provide learners with current material and information and appropriate educational activities.

Responsibilities of Learners

Once a student is formally admitted to Harvard Medical School (HMS), the School’s responsibility is to ensure that its graduates meet certain standards of professional conduct and responsibility. These standards include reliability, honesty and integrity, responsibility in professional relationships, responsibility in relationships with others, including members of the Harvard community, and responsibility related to personal health issues and substance abuse.

Achieving these standards is expected during the student’s tenure at HMS. The School is committed to providing structured opportunities for students to reflect upon—and learn from—lapses in compliance with these standards.

Students will be evaluated repeatedly on the basis of these standards, examples of which include the following:

A. Reliability:

• Can be depended upon to do the student's duty as defined by course and program objectives

• Completes tasks the student was assigned or agreed to perform

• Attends, is prepared, and participates in a timely fashion in all scheduled activities, including classes/lectures, tutorials, labs, etc.

• Complies with administrative/regulatory requirements of HMS and affiliated institutions, as well as with all external sites where mentored research and capstone projects may be conducted

B. Publishing or Distributing Course Materials

Students or anyone with access to these course materials may not post, publish, sell, or otherwise publicly distribute course materials without the written permission of the course instructor. Such materials include, but are not limited to, the following: course syllabus, lecture notes, lecture slides, video, or audio recordings, assignments, problem sets, examinations, other students’ work, and answer keys. Students who sell, post, publish, or distribute course materials without written permission, whether for the purposes of soliciting answers or otherwise, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including requirement to withdraw. Further, students may not make video or audio recordings of class sessions for their own use without written permission of the instructor.

C. Honesty and Integrity

• Is honest and ethical with regard to assignments, examinations, and research activities

• Acknowledges mistakes, reflects upon them, learns from them, and takes active and effective steps to correct them

• Adheres to ethical and legal standards of conduct.

D. Responsibility in Professional Relationships

• Knows and acts in accordance with the student's own cognitive, physical, and emotional limitations

• Takes steps to act on constructive criticism

• Handles stress appropriately

• Is considerate and respectful of colleagues, sustaining collegiality faithfully

• Listens to and maintains effective communication with colleagues

• In written, voice, e-mail and other electronic communications, including blogs and social media sites, as well as in published writing, reflects thoughtfully and treats fellow students and faculty with mutual respect and understanding

• Uses professional judgment and respectful language when providing feedback in student surveys about courses and teachers

• Uses appropriate language and tact in all professional situations, including email communications

• Does not make inappropriate demands on colleagues

• Does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ethnic background, political beliefs, veteran status, disability status, or any other improper basis

• Shows appropriate judgment in responding to unethical, unprofessional, or dangerous behavior on the part of others

• Abides by all Harvard and HMS policies related to sharing information via listservs, posting electronic or physical signage, and Campus Use rules.

• Acts professionally at all times.

E. Responsibility in Relationships with Patients and Families

• Although Master’s students are not involved in patient care as part of their Master’s programs, some Master’s degree students will, while enrolled at HMS, also be licensed clinical care providers with medical or other clinical staff appointments in HMS’s affiliated hospitals or other clinical settings. Master’s students are required to abide by these standards of conduct to the extent they are serving as clinical care providers.

• Knows and acts in accordance with the student's own cognitive, physical and emotional limitations.

• Is considerate, conscientious, and respectful toward a patient’s and family’s physical needs and emotional concerns.

• Listens to and maintains effective communication with patients and families.

• Uses appropriate language and tact in all professional situations.

• Keeps accurate medical records.

• Maintains patient confidentiality where and when required and in written, voice, e- mail and other electronic communications, including blogs and social media sites, as well as in published writing.

• Does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, ethnic background, political beliefs, veteran status, disability status, or any other improper basis.

• Is appropriately groomed in all professional situations.

• Maintains appropriate boundaries in the doctor/patient relationship.

• Always acts professionally

F. Responsibility in Relationships with Others, including Members of the Harvard Community

• Abides by all expectations for conduct set forth in the HMS Master’s Programs Student Handbook.

G. Responsibility Related to Personal Health Issues and Substance Abuse

• Shows appropriate judgment in seeking evaluation and assistance if, as a result of injury, illness, emotional difficulties, or substance abuse, a student’s ability to meet academic responsibilities becomes impaired or potentially impaired

• Is aware that substance abuse is not compatible with professional conduct

• Is aware that the use of any substance while engaged in academic activities is not compatible with professional conduct.

Although Master’s degree students at HMS do not have any clinical responsibilities or obligations and may not provide clinical care under the auspices of the Medical School, HMS recognizes that some Master’s degree students will, while enrolled at HMS, also be licensed clinical care providers with medical or other clinical staff appointments in HMS’s affiliated hospitals or other clinical settings.

HMS may consider, as appropriate, allegations that a Master’s student’s ability to meet the student’s clinical responsibilities has been impaired or potentially impaired as a result of injury, illness, emotional difficulties or substance abuse.

H. Expectations of Students in Courses

In an effort to encourage a positive learning atmosphere of respect and good will among students and course instructors, the following expectations have been developed. These expectations apply for courses in all modalities, including residential, synchronous and asynchronous courses.

• Attend all required activities (see Section 2.02 for attendance policies)

• Students must attend all class meetings. If a student is unable to attend a class meeting due to emergency, students must notify the course director by email as soon as possible

• Be on time to sessions; be in the classroom and ready to go by the time the class starts

• Show courtesy to speakers and others; quiet down when the session starts without needing to be asked

• Actively engage in class discussions as directed by course instructors, but also allow time for fellow classmates to engage; don't dominate the discussion

• If a student is late, minimize the disruption to the class, e.g., enter the classroom from the back; do not walk in front of the speaker, keep your audio muted as you enter the remote classroom, etc.

• Behave professionally in all classes, whether remote or residential and do not engage in activities in the remote classroom that you would not engage in in the residential classroom.

• Come to class prepared by completing all assigned readings and other work prior to the session when they will be discussed.

• Accept feedback, whether written, oral, or graded, with professionalism and refrain from arguing with faculty over grades beyond requesting rationale for the grades. All grade petitions should follow the process outlined in handbook Section 2.03 Grading and Examinations.

• Participate actively in sessions and give classmates an opportunity to participate

• All students are required to complete work for any missed classes while experiencing enrollment delays (i.e., registration, financial hold, etc.)

• Allow for other points of view and engage in disagreement respectfully

• Use electronic devices appropriately

• Laptops/tablets are acceptable for accessing course materials during sessions

• Students should not send e-mail, access social media or surf the web for non-course related purposes during class.

• Students must abide by the guidelines below on Slack or any related message and collaboration platforms hosted by Harvard.

• Choose appropriate resources for course study and exam preparation; resources that are approved by course directors may be posted on Canvas

• It is not acceptable to use old exams, study guides or tutorial materials handed down by students in previous year’s classes without permission of course director

• Upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and complies with citation standards for all written work. Complies with the policies outlined in Section 3.09 on the use of generative artificial intelligence tools (AI).

Respect classroom confidentiality policies (outlined below)

• Complete all mid and end of course evaluations to provide feedback on the course teaching and curriculum.

• Complete all end of program evaluations.

• The course and program evaluation feedback should be respectful. Derogatory comments or criticisms based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics will be removed from evaluation reports. Note: Evaluations containing such comments or criticisms may subject the student(s) to disciplinary action under Section 3.04.

• Students in remote courses are also expected to follow the following specific policies:

o Students are required to have and use a camera and microphone when attending a remote class meeting, unless otherwise specified by the instructor

o Students are expected to keep their cameras on throughout class, unless instructed otherwise, or with permission of the instructor

o Students are expected to join from a suitable, quiet location, with a device that permits full participation in the class activities

I. Expectations for Students in Harvard Online Communities

• Treat the student online community as an extension of the Harvard student experience. Harvard online interactions are subject to the policies and regulations of the University when appropriate.

• Participation in these communities is entirely voluntary. You can leave any channel at any time. All official information will be sent via email or posted in University Websites.

• Be professional in your posting and treat others with respect and kindness. We expect students to communicate with one another (in Slack and outside of it) in a kind and civil manner.

• Be clear and professional in all communications in the student online workspace. Proofread important messages. Check for readability, clarity, and formatting. Make your message easy and simple to understand.

• The student online workspaces are intended to help students connect with one another. Faculty are not necessarily part of these communities, but Program Administrators will intermittently monitor any online channels that are sanctioned by the program and HMS. Anonymous posts are not allowed.

• Posts that violate University policies or these community standards are not allowed. If you find any problematic posts, please take a screen shot and email it to the Program administrator. Concerns may also be reported through the Harvard University site for anonymous reporting (Harvard University Anonymous Reporting ). Any student who posts content that in Harvard’s good faith judgment violates University policy may have their access to the student Slack workspace suspended or ended, as appropriate without awaiting a finding of a policy violation. Students may also face disciplinary action for findings of violations of University policy.

• Conversations on online communities are not intended for public dissemination. Please do not share comments outside of the community (other than reporting violations of University policy).

J. Respecting Classroom Confidentiality

The overall mission of the HMS graduate education is: To teach, advise, and nurture a community of scholars that generate and disseminate new discoveries in life sciences to

improve health and knowledge for all. To achieve this mission, graduate education faculty and staff are committed to equipping students within our master’s and PhD programs with the knowledge and skills required to thrive within a collaborative, global biomedical workforce, including the ability to productively and thoughtfully engage with diverse viewpoints and perspectives.

The candid and open exchange of ideas in the learning environment, whether the research lab, classroom, or clinic, requires a level of trust and respect among members of the learning community. Students must be able to wrestle with complex topics and engage with diverse viewpoints from a place of curiosity without fear of public shaming or hostility from peers. To foster learning environments that promote open inquiry, intellectual risk-taking, and vigorous dialogue, no member of a course – instructors or students – should post on social media identifiable student statements made within the course without written consent. Additionally, when communicating either verbally or in writing with anyone who did not participate in the relevant course discussion, no one may repeat or describe a statement made by a student in a course context in a manner that would enable a person who was not present in the class to identify the speaker of the statement. Note that confidentiality policies do not override Harvard’s NonDiscrimination, Anti-Bullying, & Other Professional Conduct Policies.

3.02 Professionalism Conduct Standards

Health-related professions are founded on the highest standards of professionalism. As set forth in Sections 3.00 and 3.01, Harvard Medical School (HMS) expects all Master’s students to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the integrity, responsibility, and maturity required of their chosen profession. These Professionalism Conduct Standards apply to students’ behavior in all settings—on and off campus, in person and online, and in both academic and co-curricular activities—from matriculation through the conferring of the degree.

Professionalism includes, but is not limited to, the following expectations, which are further described throughout Section 3:

a.

Reliability and Accountability

Students are expected to meet their academic and professional obligations reliably and responsibly, including attending and participating in required activities (see Sections 2.02 and 3.01), completing assigned work on time, complying with administrative and regulatory requirements of HMS and affiliated institutions, and responding in a timely manner to official communications.

b. Honesty and Integrity

Students must be honest in all academic, research, and professional activities, including examinations, coursework, and mentored research or capstone projects. Expectations

regarding academic honesty, plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, and the use of generative artificial intelligence tools are set forth in Sections 3.01, 3.09, and related policies on examinations and written work (Sections 3.10–3.12).

c. Respectful and Professional Treatment of Others

Students must treat classmates, faculty, staff, patients and families (where applicable), and other members of the Harvard community with dignity and respect and must not engage in discrimination, harassment, bullying, or abusive conduct. Expectations for relationships with colleagues, patients and families, and members of the Harvard community are detailed in Section 3.01. Additional requirements related to drugs and alcohol, hazing, and sexual and gender-based harassment are set forth in Sections 3.13, 3.14, and 3.17 and in applicable University-wide policies.

d. Professional Communication and Use of Learning Environments

Students are expected to maintain professionalism in all forms of communication, including in-person, written, electronic, and social media communications. This includes appropriate use of course materials, respect for classroom confidentiality, and adherence to expectations for behavior in courses and online communities (e.g., Slack and similar platforms), as described in Section 3.01

e. Responsibility for Personal Well-Being and Fitness for Study

Students are expected to exercise sound judgment regarding their physical and mental health, to seek evaluation and assistance when health or substance use issues may impair their academic or professional functioning, and to comply with policies regarding drugs and alcohol, health, and patient confidentiality (see Sections 3.01, 3.13, and 3.16).

f. Compliance with Laws, Regulations, and Institutional Policies

Students must comply with all applicable laws, University-wide policies, and HMS policies, including but not limited to those concerning academic integrity, research conduct, conflicts of interest, patient confidentiality, discrimination and harassment, hazing, and the use of information and technology resources (see Sections 3.08-3.17 and 6.21).

Evaluation

and

Response to Concerns About Professionalism

Students will be evaluated on their professionalism throughout their Master’s program, consistent with the responsibilities and expectations described in Section 3.01. Concerns about professionalism may be addressed at the program level through feedback and remediation and, where appropriate, may be referred to the Academic Progress and Review Board for the Master’s Programs (APRB) for consideration under Sections 3.03–3.08.

Lapses in professionalism may result in remedial requirements and/or formal sanctions, including placement in one or more structured academic categories (Formal Notice, Monitored Academic Status, Academic Probation, Suspension, Requirement to Withdraw, Dismissal, or Expulsion) as described in Section 3.04.

3.03 General Principles f or Consideration of Student Performance and Conduct

These general principles are applicable to the Academic Progress and Review Board for the Master’s Programs (APRB) and the Standing Committee on Rights and Responsibilities (SCRR) and will be employed in consideration of academic performance, unprofessional conduct, and procedures on student rights and responsibilities.

Administrative titles used in describing these procedures may change from time to time. The term “reviewing body” refers to any individual or panel with responsibility for fact-finding or decision-making under these procedures. The term “days” as used herein means business days.

These procedures will be implemented with fairness, objectivity, and thoroughness, and with appropriate regard for the reputation of individuals. To that end, the confidentiality of these procedures will be maintained to the extent consistent with their effective use and with other obligations of the School.

These review procedures are academic, not legal. Any evidence that a reviewing body deems relevant and trustworthy may be considered. Formal rules of evidence do not apply. In any matter, a reviewing body will have access to and may consider a student’s academic or disciplinary record as a whole.

A student may be accompanied to any appearance before a reviewing body by an advisor who is a member of the student body, faculty, or administrative staff of the Medical School. Although a student may seek legal advice with respect to these procedures, students may not be represented by an attorney before a reviewing body, and attorneys will not attend interviews of a student or other witnesses by a reviewing body. The exception to this is disciplinary reviews related to Title IX violations; for these reviews, students may not be accompanied by a member of the student body, but may be accompanied by an attorney.

The Dean of the Faculty, the Dean for Graduate Education, and any other academic leader with responsibility for the Master’s programs (e.g., Dean of Students, Associate Dean for Graduate Education, etc.) may attend any interview or meeting by a reviewing body.

Reviewing bodies are permitted and encouraged to take advantage of University staff and resources, including technical, legal, administrative, and medical resources, in discharging their responsibilities under these procedures. Specifically, counsel for the University may be involved to provide legal advice and staff support to a reviewing body but will not serve in a prosecutorial or other advocacy role. Counsel for the University will not attend interviews of a student or other witnesses by a reviewing body.

Information obtained from the student in confidence by the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) or other health care provider, whether medical or psychiatric, will neither be sought by a reviewing body nor disclosed to a reviewing body without the student’s consent. The absence of such information may, however, properly preclude the reviewing body from considering a medical excuse, explanation, or justification in a particular case.

A reviewing body may require that, in connection with its deliberations or as part of a remedial or corrective action or sanction, a student obtain medical or psychiatric evaluation and/or treatment and may request that the student consent to disclosure of relevant information from that health care provider to the reviewing body or its designee.

At the appellate level, a student may object for good cause, such as evidence of conflict of interest or bias, to the service of any member of a reviewing body. Such objection must be in writing, must fully state the reasons for the objection, and must be received by the Chair of the SCRR within three days after the student is notified of the membership of a reviewing body. The Chair of the APRB or the SCRR may, if warranted, remove and replace a member of a reviewing body.

These procedures may be supplemented or modified, upon prior notice to the student, when necessary to achieve a full and fair resolution of the matter.

Remedial and corrective actions and sanctions that may be imposed by the reviewing bodies under these procedures include, but are not limited to, academic remediation, personal counseling, community service, warning, reprimand, censure, probation, requirement to withdraw, dismissal, and expulsion.

For disciplinary cases in which the sanction is dismissal or expulsion from the Medical School, a two-thirds vote of the Faculty Council is required. When the remedial or corrective action or sanction is probation of any kind, the decision of the reviewing body must specify the conditions and duration of the probation and the conditions for its termination. The reviewing body is responsible for assessing the satisfactory completion of the conditions of any probation and for terminating it.

Imposition of a remedial or corrective action or sanction under these procedures may be included in any reference letters and given the weight that the program director and the Dean for Graduate Education determine that the action/sanction deserves in the context of that letter.

3.04 Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB)

Purpose and Charge of APRB

The Academic Progress and Review Board for the Master’s Programs (APRB) is a subcommittee of the HMS Committee on Governance and Oversight of Master’s Degree Programs (the Governance Committee) chaired by the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education. The charge to the APRB is to provide periodic review of student academic progress and to hear and adjudicate both progress and conduct issues. The APRB reviews student performance to ensure that each HMS student meets HMS’s standards of professional conduct and responsibility and the requirements for graduation. University counsel and HMS Advising Resources faculty also may consult to the APRB.

The APRB reviews student grades, evaluations, and reports of academic performance at least twice each year. Performance issues that are raised as a result of the APRB’s review and/or are referred to the APRB by the HMS Registrar, the Office for Graduate Education, or program directors may trigger review at a meeting of the APRB. In addition, unprofessional, inappropriate, or irresponsible conduct by a student in connection with academic or extracurricular activities or conduct outside of the Medical School community that is inappropriate to the student’s profession, may be considered by the APRB.

Membership and Conflicts of Interest

The members of the Governance Committee are:

• Dean for Graduate Education (Co-Chair)

• Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education (Co-Chair)

• Program directors, or their approved designees, of all programs

• Master’s designee of the Registrar’s Office

• Designee of the Office of Financial Aid

The members of the APRB are:

• Dean for Graduate Education (Co-Chair)

• Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education (Co-Chair)*

• Program directors, or their approved designees, of all programs

• Director of Administration and Student Affairs (ex officio)

• Master’s designee of the Registrar’s Office (ex officio)

*The Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education presents all cases to the ARPB but does not vote. The program leaders of the student who is being voted on also do not vote.

The APRB will determine whether other conflicts of interest would preclude any member from participating in discussion or decision-making.

Structured Academic Categories and Sanctions

Based on its review of student performance or conduct, the program director or the APRB may place a student in one of several structured academic categories for remediation and/or sanction. Ordinarily, remedial and/or sanction programs will be implemented by the student’s program and monitored by the APRB. The categories include:

1. Formal Notice

Formal Notice status indicates that a student requires closer monitoring by the program director. Formal Notice is designed primarily as a program for remediation tailored to an individual student’s specific challenges and/or needs. Students on Formal Notice are strongly encouraged to work with the program director to remediate academic difficulties and to employ all available resources of the school to address issues that may have contributed to their academic difficulties. Students are placed on Formal Notice by their program, and this designation does not require a vote of the APRB, although the APRB will be notified and may be consulted in the decision.

Ordinarily students will be placed on Formal Notice status for one or more of the following reasons:

• Serious comments of concern from a course director or other individual

• Unsatisfactory or failing grade on an exam in a required/core course

• Failure to meet initial milestones for the mentored research or capstone project; or

• Any deviation from the student's initial plan of instruction because of leave of absence, or requirements to remediate.

Formal Notice is not reported on the student’s official HMS record. It is, however, reported to the APRB, and the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education.

2. Monitored Academic Status

Monitored Academic Status (MAS) indicates that a student requires closer monitoring by the school. MAS is designed primarily as a program for remediation tailored to an individual student’s specific challenges and/or needs. Each student on MAS is strongly encouraged to work with the program director to remediate academic difficulties and to employ all available resources of the school to address issues that may have contributed to the student's academic difficulties. Students are placed on Monitored Academic Status by their program, and this designation does not require a vote of the APRB, although the APRB will be notified and may be consulted in the decision.

Ordinarily students will be placed on Monitored Academic status for one or more of the following reasons:

• Continued serious comments of concern from a course director or other individual

• Unsatisfactory or failing grade in a required/core course

• Requirement to discontinue participation in a course for academic reasons

• Continued failure to meet milestones in the mentored research or capstone project; or

• Failure to meet HMS standards of professional conduct and responsibility.

Students on MAS are required to limit their extracurricular activities in order to focus more on their course of study and will not be granted a leave of absence for other than medical reasons.

MAS is not reported on students’ transcripts; however, it will be included in your record and reported to the APRB and the Dean for Graduate Education.

Program directors will determine when students are eligible to be taken off MAS. Any MAS period is likely to be a minimum of one term, to allow sufficient time for close monitoring of student performance (although disciplinary sanctions can be elevated beyond MAS at any point if warranted by these policies). Any MAS period may be extended past the original period if the program director determines that the student requires continued monitoring, and the situation does not require more intensive oversight

During this period, the program director will report to the APRB regularly concerning the student's progress.

3. Academic Probation

Academic Probation is a formal action by the APRB that changes a student’s status in the School from “good standing” to “academic probation.” Academic Probation is noted permanently in the student’s official HMS record and places a student on notice that the student’s academic performance or behavior has created considerable cause for concern and is subject to critical and ongoing evaluation and monitoring.

Ordinarily students will be placed on Academic Probation for one or more of the following reasons:

• Failure to remediate issues raised by the program director as part of Formal Notice or MAS as described

• Requirement to repeat a term

• Two or more failing grades in courses

• Failure of a course while on Formal Notice or Monitored Academic Status

• Failure to comply with conditions specified by the APRB or program director

• Serious or repeated failure to meet the HMS standards of professional conduct and responsibility

• Continuing pattern of Formal Notice or Monitored Academic Status (3 or more terms).

Students on Academic Probation are not allowed to serve on appointed committees at the School, are required to discontinue their extracurricular activities, and are not granted a leave of absence for other than medical reasons. Students are eligible to be taken off Academic Probation when they have completed all conditions specified by the APRB. Any probation period will be a minimum of one term, to allow sufficient time for correction and close monitoring of student performance (although more severe sanctions can be imposed at any point).

4. Suspension

When the health, safety, or welfare of students, patients, or other members of the HMS community are deemed to be at risk due to the behavior or presence of the student, the Dean for Graduate Education, independently, or at the request of the APRB, will suspend the student from the school or take any other protective action pending the outcome of APRB or other administrative review. Suspension may also be warranted when a student is accused of serious misconduct that requires further investigation and/or when a student’s behavior raises significant concerns regarding the student’s suitability for a career in the student’s chosen health profession.

A suspended student must discontinue all academic and extra-curricular activities at HMS and may not access the resources of HMS and the University.

Lifting of the suspension is at the discretion of the APRB. The student may appear before the APRB to present the student’s account of the case. If allowed, when a suspended student returns to HMS, the student will be placed on Academic Probation for a period of time to be determined by the APRB.

5. Requirement to Withdraw

Students may be required to withdraw in situations involving repeated failures, when attempts of academic remediation have been unsuccessful, or when students have failed to meet APRB requirements while subject to Formal Notice, Monitored Academic Status, or Academic Probation, or during an APRB-imposed LOA. Students also may be required to withdraw if found to have committed an act of academic dishonesty or for the repeated or gross failure to meet professional standards of conduct.

In addition, as set forth elsewhere in this Handbook, students will be considered withdrawn automatically if they:

• Students who have a balance of $1,000 or more on their term bill at the beginning of the term.

• Students who do not arrive within 10 days of the start date of classes in any given term.

• Students who fail to adhere to time to degree requirements

• Students who are on a LOA for more than two years (whether consecutive or not);

• Students who fail to register with the Registrar’s Office for each term of study; or

• Students who fail to attend classes or work on a mentored research/capstone project for a period of 10 business days, without prior approval.

• Students who fail to respond to requests from the program director, administration, or Office for Graduate Education for a period of 10 business days, without prior approval and while actively enrolled.

Students who are required to withdraw may request an appeal of the APRB decision. Please see Section 3.06 Appellate Review of a Requirement to Withdraw for more information. Students who are required to withdraw may reapply to the HMS Master’s program as set forth in Sections 2.10 and 2.11.

6. Dismissal

Dismissal is an action taken in serious disciplinary cases whereby a student’s connection with the University is ended by vote of the HMS Faculty Council. (The action taken by the APRB is a vote of requirement to withdraw with a recommendation to the

HMS Faculty Council that the student be dismissed.) Dismissal is triggered by serious misconduct or a continuing pattern of academic and/or behavioral failures that have not been remediated. Dismissal does not necessarily preclude a student’s return, but readmission is granted rarely and only by vote of the HMS Faculty Council. A dismissed student is not in good standing until readmitted. Dismissal requires support by a twothirds vote of the HMS Faculty Council.

7. Expulsion

Expulsion is the most extreme disciplinary action possible and is triggered by egregious misconduct or extreme academic and/or behavioral failures that have not been successfully remediated. (The action taken by the APRB is a vote of requirement to withdraw with a recommendation to the HMS Faculty Council that the student be expelled.) Expulsion requires support by a two-thirds vote of the HMS Faculty Council.

A student who is expelled can never be readmitted or restored to good standing and is precluded from admission to any program at Harvard University.

Note that Formal Notice and Monitored Academic Status are programmatic sanctions. Academic Probation, Suspension, Requirement to Withdraw, Dismissal and/or Expulsion are voted on by the APRB and may be applied for either academic or disciplinary sanctions.

3.05 Procedures for Consideration of Academic Performance

Routine Review of Grades and Performance

Faculty and staff of the Registrar’s Office, the programs, and the Academic Progress and Review Board for the Master’s Programs (APRB) regularly review all grades, evaluations, and reports of academic performance.

In the case of a student who shows an initial performance deficiency, or when concerns arise about inappropriate or irresponsible conduct, the student’s program will prepare a plan of remedial action with the student within a reasonable period of time. Each program will monitor the student’s progress with the remediation plan.

Program-Level Remediation

For deficiencies that can be addressed at the program level, the program director will develop and oversee a remediation plan tailored to the student’s specific academic and/or professionalism challenges and needs. The plan may include, but is not limited to, additional coursework, tutoring, mentoring, counseling, adjusted academic load, or specific performance milestones.

If the deficiencies continue or are repeated despite program-level remediation, or if the nature of the concern falls outside the program director’s purview, the case will be referred to the APRB.

APRB Review and Decisions

When a matter is referred to the APRB, the APRB will review the student’s record and current situation in consultation with the student’s program and will determine a course of action. This course of action may include, but is not limited to, placement in one or more of the structured academic categories described in Section 3.04.

The student will be notified in writing of the decision of the APRB. A copy of such notice will be sent to the student’s program director, the Dean for Graduate Education, and the Registrar. The student and/or program director may be asked to respond to the stated concerns of the APRB.

Reconsideration of Academic Probation and Requirement to Withdraw

Reconsideration of Academic Probation (AP)

A student who is placed on Academic Probation may be given an opportunity to request the APRB’s reconsideration of an AP sanction, since it is a permanent citation in the student’s academic record. The student may request that the APRB reconsider the sanction in writing to introduce new information that the APRB was not aware of during its deliberations.

The request must be received by the APRB within 10 business days of the student’s receipt of notice of the decision for placement on AP. The APRB will consider the appeal at its subsequent meeting and will notify the student of its decision in writing following the meeting. Please note that the committee does not normally convene during the summer term (June, July, August). An appeal/request for reconsideration made during that time will be addressed in the Fall.

Reconsideration of Requirement to Withdraw or Expulsion

A student who is being presented to the APRB for consideration of a serious academic or professionalism infraction that could result in requiring the student to withdraw or in expulsion may submit to the APRB a written response to the concerns being considered before a serious sanction is imposed.

In the event that a student is required to withdraw by the APRB (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel), the student may request that the APRB reconsider its decision. The request must be in writing and must be based on one or both of the following grounds:

1. A procedural error occurred that may change the outcome of the decision; or 2. The student has substantive and relevant new information that was not available at the time of investigation and that may change the outcome of the decision.

Disagreement with the APRB’s findings or determination is not, by itself, a ground for this request. The request must be received by the APRB within 10 business days of the student’s receipt of notice of the APRB’s decision.

The APRB may consult with HMS faculty and/or administrators or conduct other fact-finding to better understand the grounds upon which the student has requested reconsideration. The APRB can choose to uphold its original sanction or to reconsider the sanction. If the committee chooses to reconsider, the APRB will then meet to discuss the case. Ordinarily the student will be permitted to attend this meeting to present their case to the APRB. The APRB then may affirm, revise (make more or less severe), or revoke its decision.

Written notification of the action on reconsideration will be sent to the student, to the program director, and to the HMS Registrar, ordinarily within 10 business days of the meeting at which the request was considered and the decision was rendered. Such notification will constitute the final action of the APRB.

Any student required to withdraw by the APRB (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel) can appeal the withdrawal only after a request for reconsideration has been decided by the APRB as described above. If the APRB denies the request, an appeal can be made and shall be based only on one or both of the following grounds:

1. A procedural error occurred that may change the outcome of the decision; or 2. The appellant has substantive and relevant new information that was not available at the time of the original decision (or request for reconsideration, if applicable) and that may change the outcome of the decision.

Disagreement with the APRB’s findings or determination is not, by itself, a ground for appeal. The student’s appeal must be in writing and must contain a full statement of the grounds upon which an appeal is requested. Appeals must be submitted within 10 business days of the date of final action by the APRB.

The student is considered withdrawn after the final appeal decision of the APRB is determined and throughout the duration of any subsequent appeals. Students are responsible for contacting the relevant Harvard offices to understand the impact of

withdrawal on Harvard University housing, financial aid, and visa status (see Section 2.10).

Any student who is required to withdraw (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel) may appeal the final action of the APRB to the Standing Committee on Rights and Responsibilities (SCRR), as set forth in the following section.

Withdrawal/Leave During Pendency of a Disciplinary Hearing

The transcripts of students who are withdrawn or placed on a leave of absence from the Master’s program pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings will contain an appropriate notation.

3.06 Appellate Review of a Requirement to Withdraw

Appeals ordinarily will be heard by a three-member Appeals Panel designated by the Chair of the Standing Committee on Rights and Responsibilities (SCRR) in consultation with the Chair of the APRB. However, the Chair of the SCRR may determine, in the Chair’s sole discretion and in consultation with others as appropriate, that review by a three-member Appeals Panel is not warranted in a particular case.

In such cases, the Chair of the SCRR will give the student an opportunity to appear, will review the documentary record, and may adduce and consider any other information the Chair deems useful in reaching a decision. The Chair of the SCRR will submit a written report of the Chair’s findings and recommendations to the student and to the Dean for Graduate Education, also informing the APRB and the Registrar of the outcome of the appeal. In so doing, the Chair of the SCRR may affirm, revise (make more or less severe), or revoke the final action of the APRB.

If an Appeals Panel is convened, then the Appeals Panel will give the student an opportunity to appear and will review the documentary record. The Appeals Panel may adduce and consider any other information it deems useful in reaching a decision. The Appeals Panel will submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the student and to the Dean for Graduate Education and the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education, also informing the APRB and the Registrar of the outcome of the appeal. In so doing, the Appeals Panel may affirm, revise (make more or less severe), or revoke the final action of the APRB.

The student may request review of the decision of the Chair of the SCRR or the Appeals Panel by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine must receive any such request for review within five business days of the date of the decision of the Chair of the SCRR or the Appeals Panel. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine will review the matter, in consultation with the Dean for Graduate Education, the program

director, or others (e.g., the Faculty Council) if the Dean wishes, and will provide a written decision to the student, the program director, the Dean for Graduate Education, the HMS Registrar, and the APRB. The Dean’s decision will be final and binding, except in cases of dismissal or expulsion, in which a two-thirds vote of the Faculty Council is required.

Standing Committee on Rights and Responsibilities (SCRR)

A Standing Committee on Rights and Responsibilities (SCRR) comprised of fifteen voting members of the Faculty of Medicine of diverse experience is appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. Each member serves a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. These terms are staggered so that each year approximately one-third of the Committee will retire and new members will be appointed. The members comprise a diverse group drawn from the voting members of the Faculty who have demonstrated interest and involvement in training or teaching of HMS students.

Members of the SCRR will be designated, as needed, to function as members of the following reviewing bodies:

• Appeals Panels under the Procedures for Consideration of Academic Performance (Section 3.05);

• Appeals Panels under the Procedures for Consideration of Unprofessional Conduct (Section 3.07); and

• Grievance and Appeals Panels under the Procedures for Resolving Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, or Unprofessional Relations and Abuse of Authority (Section 6.02).

When additional or special expertise would be useful, the Dean may designate other members of the senior faculty of the University to serve on these Panels.

Note on cases involving allegations of sexual and gender-based harassment and other sexual misconduct:

As set forth in Section 6.02 of the Handbook, Harvard Medical School has adopted the University-wide Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy. In addition, the University’s Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy addresses sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct alleged to have occurred before August 14, 2020. Copies of all policies and their associated grievance procedures can be found through the University Title IX Office.

In all such cases, the Harvard University Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) is responsible for implementing the University’s grievance procedures, which will

determine whether a student committed a policy violation. Whenever a formal complaint of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct is investigated and the University’s grievance procedures result in a finding that a policy violation has occurred, the APRB must accept that finding as final and non-reviewable. The only opportunity to appeal the determination of a policy violation is provided within the grievance procedures implemented by the ODR. Appeals within HMS pertain only to the decision of the APRB in determining discipline.

3.07 Procedures for Consideration of Unprofessional Conduct

Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct is behavior that raises serious doubts about the integrity, character, and faithfulness of a student in meeting the obligations of the student’s professional career. Illegal, unethical, or other behavior inappropriate to the student’s profession that is engaged in by a student outside of the Medical School community may also be considered and addressed under these procedures. It is the expectation of the Medical School that all students, whether or not they are on campus or are currently enrolled as degree candidates, will behave in a mature and responsible manner. This expectation for mature and responsible conduct also encompasses accountability for one’s own well-being, including responsible decision-making regarding physical and mental health. Further, the Medical School expects every student to be familiar with the regulations governing membership in the Harvard community. Because students are expected to show good judgment and use common sense at all times, not all kinds of misconduct or behavioral standards are codified here. See generally Section 3.01: Responsibilities of Teachers and Learners and Section 6.01 University-Wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities.

When information suggesting the possibility that a student has engaged in inappropriate or unprofessional conduct is brought to the attention of the Dean for Graduate Education, the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, the program director, the APRB, or any other academic leader with responsibility for the Master’s Programs (e.g., Dean of Students, etc.), the APRB will take up the matter formally. Where the health, safety, or welfare of students, patients, or other members of the Medical School community is deemed to be at risk, the Dean for Graduate Education will suspend the student from the Medical School or take any other protective action pending the outcome of these procedures.

Ordinarily, allegations that are raised about conduct inappropriate to the student’s profession will be handled by the APRB. When a student’s behavior raises both academic and professional conduct concerns, ordinarily the matter will be handled under these Procedures for Consideration of Unprofessional Conduct.

Cases Involving Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct

To the extent that allegations implicate the University’s policies on sexual and gender-based harassment and other sexual misconduct, they shall be handled under the associated University grievance procedures as set forth in Section 6.02. Copies of these policies and procedures can be found on the website of the University’s Title IX Office.

As set forth in Section 6.02, the Harvard University Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) and the Harvard University Title IX Office are responsible for implementing the University’s grievance procedures, which will determine whether a student committed a policy violation. Whenever a formal complaint of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct is investigated and the University’s grievance procedures result in a finding that a policy violation has occurred, the APRB must accept that finding as final and non-reviewable. The only opportunity to appeal the determination of a policy violation is provided within the grievance procedures implemented by the ODR and the Harvard University Title IX Office. Appeals within HMS pertain only to the decision of the APRB in determining discipline.

HMS remains responsible for the discipline of Master’s students through the APRB. All members of the APRB will receive appropriate training in the handling and resolution of allegations of sexual or gender-based harassment.

When the APRB learns that a formal complaint has been filed with ODR, an APRB representative will meet with the respondent to explain, among other things, the APRB disciplinary process and how it relates to the grievance procedures implemented by the ODR that may take place following the issuance of the ODR’s final report, the range of disciplinary sanctions, and the appeals process following the imposition of any discipline. The APRB representative will also be available to meet with the complainant.

Whenever a formal complaint of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct is investigated and the University’s grievance procedures result in a finding that a policy violation has occurred, the APRB’s disciplinary proceedings against the student based on conduct addressed by the finding will proceed with the understanding that it carries the same validity as a finding reached by the APRB itself. The role of the APRB is solely to determine the appropriate disciplinary response. The APRB may interview the student and may undertake any other action it deems necessary to arrive at its conclusions, including consulting with senior faculty or administrators at the University when it feels additional expertise or advice would be useful. The complainant will have the option of meeting with the APRB but is not required to do so.

The APRB may take a number of disciplinary actions, including probation, with or without requirements or restrictions; suspension; and requirement to withdraw, with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel.

When no University policy violation has been found, the APRB will review the factual findings resulting from the University’s grievance procedures. Should the APRB conclude that the alleged conduct might violate other HMS policies or expectations for conduct, the APRB will consider the matter under the procedures described in the All Other Allegations of Unprofessional Misconduct subsection of Section 3.07.

Once an outcome has been reached, an appropriate representative of the Medical School will notify the student and the complainant of the disciplinary decision.

Any student who is required to withdraw by the APRB (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel) may request in writing that the APRB reconsider its decision. The request for reconsideration may not challenge the validity of the findings and conclusions resulting from the University’s grievance procedures, nor may it introduce facts that could have been presented previously or that conflict with any of those findings and conclusions. The request must be received by the APRB within 10 business days of the student’s receipt of notice of the decision on remedial action or sanction.

If it chooses to reconsider, the APRB may affirm, revise (make more or less severe), or revoke its decision. Written notification of the action on reconsideration will be sent to the student, to the program director, and to the HMS Registrar, ordinarily within 10 business days of the meeting at which the request was considered and the decision was rendered. Such notification will constitute the final action of the APRB.

Any student who is required to withdraw (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel) may appeal the final action of the APRB to a three-member Appeals Panel designated by the Chair of the SCRR in consultation with the Chair of the APRB. All members of the Appeals Panel will receive appropriate training in the handling and resolution of allegations of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct.

The student’s appeal must be in writing and must contain a full statement of the reasons upon which an appeal is requested. The Appeals Panel must receive the appeal within 10 business days of the date of final action by the APRB. The Appeals Panel will hear the student in person and will review the documentary record. The complainant will have the option of meeting with the Appeals Panel but is not required to do so. The only role of the Appeals Panel is to review the disciplinary actions taken by the APRB; the Appeals Panel will accept as true and non-reviewable the findings of fact and conclusions resulting from the University’s grievance procedures.

The Appeals Panel will submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Dean for Graduate Education. In so doing, the Appeals Panel may affirm, revise (make more or less severe), or revoke the final action of the APRB.

Both the student and the complainant may bring a personal advisor to any interviews with the APRB or the Appeals Panel. A personal advisor may be an officer of the University or another member of the student body who is affiliated with HMS but may not be related to anyone involved in the complaint or have any other involvement in the process. Personal advisors may view a redacted version of any documents provided to the parties and provide general advice.

During interviews, personal advisors may not speak for their advisees, although they may ask to suspend the interviews briefly if they feel their advisees would benefit from a short break.

The student may request review of the decision of the Appeals Panel by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine must receive any such request for review within five business days of the date of the decision of the Appeals Panel. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine will review the matter, in consultation with the Dean for Graduate Education, the program director, or others (e.g., the Faculty Council) if the Dean wishes, and will provide a written decision to the student, the program director, the Dean for Graduate Education, the HMS Registrar, and the APRB. The Dean’s decision will be final and binding, except in cases of dismissal or expulsion in which a two-thirds vote of the Faculty Council is required. The complainant will be notified of the final disciplinary decision.

All Other Allegations of Unprofessional Misconduct

For all other allegations of unprofessional misconduct not handled under University sexual and gender-based harassment policies:

When, after an initial review of the information suggesting possible inappropriate conduct, further action is deemed necessary by the APRB, the APRB may appoint one or more independent fact-finders. Fact-finders will be Harvard administrators or faculty members drawn from the Medical School or elsewhere. Fact-finders may also be independent contractors engaged by Harvard.

The fact-finder(s) will interview the student and may interview other individuals with relevant knowledge, solicit written statements, review the documentary record, and undertake whatever action is required to elucidate the relevant facts. At the conclusion of the inquiry, the fact-finder(s) will prepare a written report describing the inquiry process and the findings of fact, identifying any disputed facts. Ordinarily, it is expected that fact-finding will be completed within thirty days, though this timeframe may be extended under extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to complex fact

patterns, large numbers of witness interviews, and/or difficulty in scheduling witness interviews.

The fact-finder’s report will be submitted to the APRB. The student will also be provided with a copy of the report for the student’s written comments. Any comments must be submitted to the APRB within 10 days of receipt of the fact-finder’s report.

The APRB will review the student’s record and current situation in consultation with the student’s program director and will determine a course of action that may include, but not be limited to, placement in one or more of the structured academic categories described in Section 3.04. In matters involving allegations of unprofessional conduct, the APRB may also interview the student and may undertake any other action it deems necessary to arrive at its conclusions, including consulting with senior faculty or administrators at the University when it determines that additional expertise or advice would be useful.

The APRB may take a number of disciplinary actions including probation, with or without requirements or restrictions; suspension; and requirement to withdraw, with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel.

The student will be notified in writing of the decision of the APRB. A copy of such notice will be sent to the student’s program director, the Dean for Graduate Education, the Dean for Students, and the HMS Registrar. The student and/or program director may be asked to respond to the stated concerns of the APRB.

Any student who is required to withdraw by the APRB (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel) may request that the APRB reconsider its decision, based on one or both of the following grounds: (1) a procedural error occurred that may change the outcome of the decision; or (2) the student has substantive and relevant new information that was not available at the time of the investigation and that may change the outcome of the decision. The request must be in writing and must explain the specific grounds upon which reconsideration is requested. Disagreement with the APRB’s findings or determination is not, by itself, a ground for appeal. The request must be received by the APRB within 10 business days of the student’s receipt of notice of the decision.

The APRB may consult with HMS faculty and/or administrators or conduct other fact-finding to better understand the grounds upon which the student has requested reconsideration. If it chooses to reconsider, the APRB will then meet to discuss the case. Ordinarily the student will be permitted to attend this meeting for the purpose of making a presentation to the APRB and answering questions from the APRB. The APRB then may affirm, revise (make more or less severe), or revoke its decision.

Written notification of the action on reconsideration will be sent to the student, to the program director, and to the HMS Registrar, ordinarily within 10 days of the meeting at which the request was considered and the decision was rendered. Such notification will constitute the final action of the APRB.

Any student who is required to withdraw (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel) may appeal the final action of the APRB as set forth in Section 3.06 Appellate Review of a Requirement to Withdraw.

Withdrawal or Leave of Absence During Pendency of a Disciplinary Proceeding of Misconduct

The transcripts of students who are withdrawn or placed on a leave of absence from a Master’s program pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings will contain an appropriate notation.

Procedure on Unprofessional Student Comments in Course Surveys

Harvard Medical School regularly solicits student feedback on various aspects of the curriculum in order to improve the educational experience for all students. To that end, students are asked to provide feedback that is candid, constructive, and critical.

Each course will implement a confidential course survey process, and all course surveys and accompanying comments are withheld from course directors until after the course grades have been submitted to the Registrar.

In certain rare cases, however, comments from students cross a clear line from critical to offensive, while possessing no redeeming constructive value. Because these comments are made available to the individual faculty member as well as a number of educational professionals at HMS, unprofessional comments have the potential to inflict real harm on an individual faculty member, which violates a key tenet of professionalism.

A process has been established that will ensure the continued integrity and confidentiality of the course survey process while providing an outlet to address the rare abuses that occur within the system. A joint ad hoc committee comprised of three students and two program directors will be established to review any comment on a course survey deemed to be unprofessional by a course director, instructor, or other relevant official. If a majority of the ad hoc committee agrees that the comment does indeed constitute unprofessional conduct, the Dean for Graduate Education will authorize any relevant parties to override confidentiality protections and identify the responsible student. This information will be provided exclusively to the student’s program director, who will determine the appropriate response, which could include reporting the unprofessional comment to the APRB for consideration of disciplinary sanctions. The comment will also be redacted from the course survey record.

3.08 Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism (including

Generative AI Use)

All work submitted for credit is expected to be the student’s own work. In the preparation of all papers and other written work, students should always take great care to distinguish their own ideas and knowledge from information derived from other sources. The term “sources” includes not only published primary and secondary material, but also information and opinions gained directly from other people (See Harvard Guide to Using Sources).

The responsibility for learning the proper forms of citation lies with the individual student. Quotations must be properly placed within quotation marks and must be fully cited. In addition, all paraphrased material must be completely acknowledged. Whenever ideas or facts are derived from a student’s reading and research, the sources must be indicated. Students must also comply with all course and handbook policies outlined below on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

The amount of collaboration with others that is permitted in the completion of assignments can vary, depending upon the policy set by the Course Director or the research mentor. Students must assume that collaboration in the completion of assignments is prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the instructor. Students must acknowledge any collaboration and its extent in all submitted work. Students who are in any doubt about the preparation of academic work should consult with their Course Instructor(s) and/or Program Director(s) before it is prepared or submitted.

The School is deeply concerned for the integrity of science conducted by students and faculty and requires sound and safe research practices. Student and faculty researchers are, individually and collectively, expected to safeguard and maintain the University’s policies and practices and to avoid scientific misconduct. Students are expected to record honestly and accurately the results of all their research.

HMS prohibits research misconduct, defined as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. Fabrication means making up data or results and recording or reporting them. Falsification means manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record. Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. Research misconduct is considered a serious violation of academic honesty. Students taking part in research involving human subjects or the use of animals must comply with additional Federal, State, and University policies.

Concerns about plagiarism or scientific misconduct can be brought to the attention of Course

Director(s), Program Director(s), Program Administrator(s), the Office for Graduate Education administrator, or another member of the HMS faculty or staff. HMS may use plagiarism detection tools and software to evaluate assignments at any time and independent reviewers may be asked to review an assignment to help evaluate plagiarism concerns. Plagiarism, fabrication and/or falsification of research results ordinarily will result in a student’s being required withdraw (with or without a recommendation for dismissal or expulsion) even if the student has had no prior disciplinary record.

Expectations on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools:

As technology continues to shape the landscape of education, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and Scholarcy, have emerged as valuable resources for students navigating the academic realm. These AI-based tools offer assistance in various aspects of learning, including research and writing. However, it is essential to approach their utilization with a clear understanding of their role and the principles of academic integrity.

In this section, we will explore the integration of AI tools, specifically generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or CoPilot, in the context of academic activities. We highlight the benefits they provide, while also emphasizing the responsibility that comes with their use. By understanding the potential of generative AI tools and adhering to ethical practices, students can leverage these technologies to enhance their learning experience while upholding the core principles of academic integrity.

1. A Focus on Learning: Generative AI models can enhance the learning experience by providing knowledge assessments, quizzing, and tutoring. However, they can also shortcut some of the learning processes in a way that is ultimately harmful. Learning theory posits that many of our learning gains come from “desirable difficulties” – the sometimes-unpleasant cognitive work that eventually leads to mastery. We ask that you be thoughtful about how you decide to use these tools as you embark on your lifelong journey of learning. Individual programs and courses will specify AI use guidelines for coursework and/or research that students are expected to follow. We encourage you to regularly communicate with your Course Instructor(s) and Program Director(s) about expectations and how to effectively use these AI tools to support, rather than undermine, the learning goals of your courses and program.

2. Transparency and Disclosure: Before using AI tools for your coursework or academic writing, confirm the specific policies governing AI use in your academic

program, course, and each assignment with your Program Director(s) and/or specific Course Director(s). When using ChatGPT or other AI-based tools for permissible academic purposes, it is crucial to be transparent about their usage. You must clearly communicate when you are seeking assistance from an AI model – whether for writing, brainstorming, outlining, or critiquing – and acknowledge its role in your work. In the context of academic writing, you must cite AI tools appropriately. Ask your Course Director(s) and/or Program Director(s) about any additional documentation they require regarding your use of AI tools. This transparency ensures that you are not misrepresenting your own abilities or the source of information. It also promotes ethical practices and helps maintain academic integrity.

3. Responsible Collaboration: While AI tools like ChatGPT can provide guidance and suggestions, it is important to approach them as collaborative aids rather than complete replacements for personal effort and learning. When utilizing AI Tools, view the generated content as a starting point for further research and critical thinking. Avoid directly copying or submitting AI-generated content without proper attribution or personal input, as that violates academic integrity standards. Engage with the AI-generated text, analyze it, and integrate it into your work in a meaningful and responsible manner.

4. Verification and Evaluation: Academic integrity requires verifying and evaluating the information obtained through AI tools before incorporating it into your academic work. This involves engaging in critical thinking, fact- checking, and cross-referencing sources to ensure the validity and integrity of the information. Remember that AI models generate content based on patterns in data, but they may not always provide completely accurate or up-to-date information.

5. Uploading Materials to AI Tools: Any course materials, unless explicitly disallowed by an instructor, can be uploaded into secure Harvard AI tools such as the Harvard AI Sandbox or Harvard enterprise instances of ChatGPT, Claude, or CoPilot, which provide privacy protections. Course materials and other copyrighted materials should not be uploaded into public-facing AI tools such as the free accounts for ChatGPT or Google Gemini because of issues surrounding copyright and model training.

The two most important takeaways from HMS’s ChatGPT/AI policies are:

• Always cite when and where you have used ChatGPT/AI software

• Always refer to your instructor or program policies for assignment-specific requirements. Each of your professors will establish a policy for your course around the use of content generated by AI (e.g., ChatGPT) and communicate this with you through their syllabus and/or assignment prompts. If a specific policy is not communicated, you should proceed as if you may not use AI for the completion of coursework or within the context of your academic research or writing until you are told otherwise. You are encouraged to reach out to your instructor for clarification if you are ever unsure. Failure to comply with policies as outlined by your instructor or program may result in plagiarism remediation.

3.09 Violation of Examination Rules

No communication is permitted between students during an examination, and no student is permitted to bring books, papers, or electronic devices of any kind into an examination, except with the express permission of the instructor or proctor. Eating and drinking are not permitted in any examination room.

For violation of the examination rules or dishonesty in an examination, a student may be required to withdraw from the Medical School. Students who fail to obey the instructions of an examination proctor may be subject to disciplinary action. Violations of this policy may be referred to the APRB and addressed under Sections 3.03–3.07.

3.10 Submission of Written Work and Multiple Submission of the Same Work

Submission of Written Work

Students are responsible for ensuring that required written course work is submitted and received on time. Written work should not be left in open mailboxes or other unattended places but rather given personally and directly to the Course Director or other faculty member or school administrator designated to act on their behalf or submitted through approved electronic systems (such as the Canvas learning management system), in accordance with course instructions.

Students are responsible for confirming successful submission and receipt of their work, including retaining appropriate documentation where applicable (e.g., delivery receipts, electronic submission confirmations).

Submission of the Same Work to More than

One Course

Each assignment is presumed to be prepared specifically for the course to which it is submitted. Students who wish to submit the same or substantially similar work to more than one course must obtain prior written permission from all instructors involved. Instructors do not always grant such permission and, even if permission is granted, they may require a longer or modified assignment.

Failure to obtain prior written permission before submitting the same or substantially similar work to more than one course may be treated as academic dishonesty and may result in disciplinary action, including a requirement to withdraw, as described in Sections 3.03, 3.07, and 3.08

3.11 Library Policies

A student who violates the lending policies of any Harvard University library may be subject to disciplinary action. In particular, removal of a book or journal from any

University library without authorization, or mutilation, defacement, or abuse of any library book or library resources ordinarily will lead to disciplinary action, which may include referral to the APRB.

3.12 Conflict of Interest

Harvard Master’s students must abide by the Harvard Medical School Faculty Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment in all activities, including research toward a degree. In particular, the research project cannot be affected adversely by any contractual or other financial obligations of the principal investigator or mentor. Students should check with their Program Director and/or research mentor when planning such activities to make sure they are in compliance with HMS policy.

Policy on Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest Related to the Pharmaceutical Industry and Undergraduate Medical Education

Faculty and students must disclose any financial interests they may have in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical instrument/device company, or other business that owns or has a contractual relationship to the subject matter being reported or discussed in a presentation, lecture, tutorial, paper, or other teaching exercise or assignment. Each instructor must disclose whether or not any potential conflict exists and, if a potential conflict exists, the nature of the relationship. Faculty who teach in the Master’s programs will be required to determine and declare any such conflicts and report them to students.

Students who have questions about what to disclose should consult the Dean for Faculty and Research Integrity or an appropriate program or school official.

Policy on Sponsorship, Gifts, Meals, and Access of Pharmaceutical Representatives to the HMS Campus

Sales and marketing representatives of pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and medical supply companies are not permitted to visit or interact with students on the HMS campus, and pharmaceutical, medical device, or medical supply company sponsorship of student events is strictly prohibited. Master’s students may not accept any gifts from pharmaceutical, medical device, or medical supply companies, and these companies may not provide meals or refreshments for any student function.

Violations of conflict-of-interest policies may be referred to the APRB and addressed under Sections 3.03–3.07.

3.13 Policies Regarding Drugs and Alcohol

The following policy statement on drugs and alcohol is designed to address the University’s concerns about substance abuse and to ensure that the Harvard

community complies with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (the “DrugFree Workplace Act”) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (the “Drug-Free Schools Act”; collectively, the “Acts”).

Violations of laws relating to controlled substances or alcohol are prohibited in or on Harvard premises, in vehicles provided by Harvard, at any site or location at which University duties are being performed by Harvard students, or as part of any Harvard activity. Common examples of controlled substances, as defined by law, include cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Although Massachusetts law permits adults aged 21 or older to possess and consume marijuana under certain circumstances, federal law prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana, including for medical purposes, on Harvard property or as part of any Harvard activity. Thus, even if possession or use of marijuana would be permitted under Massachusetts law, it remains prohibited on campus.

Additionally, the misuse of prescription drugs (sharing, buying, or using in a manner different from that prescribed) is a violation of University policy. More information can be found in the University’s Annual Security Report, published by the Harvard University Police Department.

The University will take disciplinary action against violators, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Such action may include requiring satisfactory participation in a substance abuse treatment, counseling, or education program as a condition of reinstatement or continued enrollment at Harvard; suspension; requirement to withdraw; dismissal or expulsion; and referral for prosecution.

Substance abuse is potentially harmful to health. Because of the considerable health risks involved in drug and alcohol use, resources are available to assist members of the Harvard community in understanding and addressing substance use concerns. Students can learn about the risks of substance use and available treatment and counseling resources through Harvard University Health Services (see Section 7.02), which is part of Harvard’s ongoing efforts to maintain a drug-free environment. Any member of the University community may use Harvard University Health Services on an emergency basis at any time, day or night.

Any Master’s student who is also a physician and has a concern about drug or alcohol use may contact Physician Health Services at the Massachusetts Medical Society for confidential assistance.

Violations of this policy may be referred to the APRB and addressed under Sections 3.03–3.07.

3.14 Policies Regarding Hazing

Hazing Prohibited

Hazing is incompatible with the values of our community and our educational mission and is strictly prohibited at Harvard Medical School, as a matter of policy and in accordance with applicable law.

Compliance with Law

Harvard Medical School’s anti-hazing policy is intended to comply with the requirements of all applicable federal and state anti-hazing laws, and this incorporates the definitions included in those laws, as set forth below. However, the examples of the types of hazing activities provided in this policy are non-exhaustive. A determination as to whether activities reported as hazing violate this policy will be based on the relevant facts of the situation, including but not limited to the circumstances giving rise to the reported activities and the risks of injury and harm created by the reported activities. Activities may violate Harvard Medical School’s anti-hazing policy (or other conduct policies), even if they would not necessarily violate the federal or state anti-hazing laws.

Reporting; Investigation Process; Disciplinary Action

Harvard Medical School will consider all reports of hazing in the normal course of its oversight and investigation processes and will take disciplinary action in appropriate situations. Reports of incidents of hazing can be made to the Harvard Medical School Administrative Board and/or to the Harvard University Police Department. Harvard will inform appropriate law enforcement officials and regulatory agencies of hazing incidents and will disclose hazing incidents in community notifications as required by applicable law. Violations of this policy may be referred to the APRB and addressed under Sections 3.03-3.07.

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs

Harvard has developed research-informed campus prevention and awareness programs related to hazing. For more information on these programs, hazing.harvard.edu.

Federal Law: The Stop Campus Hazing Act

Under the federal law known as the Stop Campus Hazing Act (the “SCHA”), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

2. Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including:

- whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity

- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity

- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances

- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts

- any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct

- any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

Under the SCHA, the term student organizations means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

Massachusetts Anti-Hazing Law

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269, Sections 16, 17, and 18 state as follows:

Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined.

Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.

The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen (reproduced below), shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other

brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

Section 18. Failure to report hazing.

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen (above) and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

Section 19. Copy of Secs. 17 to 19; issuance to students and student groups, teams and organizations; report.

Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of postsecondary education shall issue to every student group, student team, or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen (above); provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually to the institution an attested acknowledgment stating that such group, team, or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team, or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provision of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of postsecondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full-time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of postsecondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full-time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen, and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

3.15 Financial Aid Fraud

Students are expected to provide complete and accurate information in all financial aid applications and related documents. Allegations or findings of financial aid fraud are addressed by the Office of Financial Aid under the policies described in Section 5.10 and may also be referred to the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB) for consideration under Section 3.04.

3.16 Patient Confidentiality

In cases where a Master’s student is involved in activities involving patients as part of their program of study, the student must abide by the HMS Policy on Patient Confidentiality and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), in addition to any patient confidentiality policies at the clinical site. Some Master’s students may also be employees or affiliates of a clinical institution or organization and will also be subject to all relevant policies of that institution or organization.

When concern arises that a student has violated the confidentiality of a patient, the Medical School will initiate a fair process to determine the validity of the concern. (Master’s students who are also clinicians at the institution at which the violation occurred will also be subject to the rules and processes of that institution, and HMS may impose separate consequences.) Students, faculty, and administrators are expected to act in good faith while carrying out this process. The Medical School will convene a committee, composed of three student representatives and three faculty members, to evaluate the concern. The faculty members appointed to the committee should have no evaluative responsibility for the student, should not be administrators of a program in which the student participates, and should not be the faculty members who initially raised the concern. The members of the committee, as well as any community members who were involved in alerting the Medical School to the potential violation, should

maintain the confidentiality of the committee’s proceedings, including the confidentiality of the student. The committee will make its decisions by majority vote.

The committee will first determine whether patient confidentiality has been violated, consulting as necessary with representatives from the clinical site. If patient confidentiality has been violated, the committee will then determine the circumstances of the violation, including, for example, whether or not the student believed they were acting in good faith. In making this determination, the committee will take into account that the student’s understanding of patient confidentiality may be limited by their level of training on the topic. If the committee concludes that the student acted in good faith, the committee will discuss the matter with the student, help the student learn from the experience, and find an appropriate resolution. The focus of this process is on creating an educational, rather than a disciplinary, experience for the student. If the committee concludes that the student acted in bad faith, the committee ordinarily will discuss the matter with the student and the student’s Program Director or research mentor. In this case, the committee may consider referring the case to the Academic Progress and Review Board for the Master’s Programs (APRB) for further evaluation and/or disciplinary action under Sections 3.02–3.07.

All students must follow HIPAA rules when participating in clinical or clinically related activities at U.S.-based clinical sites and must comply with any local policies or laws in non-U.S.-based clinical sites. HIPAA compliance includes maintaining the confidentiality of paper and electronic health records. When violations of HIPAA by a student are identified by a hospital, clinic, physician’s office, or other clinical entity, the violation will be reviewed by the APRB, which will recommend remediation and/or sanctions, including the possibility of required withdrawal (with or without a recommendation to dismiss or expel).

3.17 Harvard University Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy

Harvard Medical School has adopted the University-wide Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy. In addition, the University’s Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy applies to sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct alleged to have occurred before August 14, 2020.

Copies of these policies and their associated grievance procedures can be found on Harvard University’s Title IX and Gender Equity website

4.0 Dual Degree Programs

4.01 MD-MMSc or MD-Master of Discipline/Master of Science Programs

In certain programs, HMS medical students are permitted to pursue a master’s degree as part of a five-year combined MD-Master’s Degree program. See Section 2.06 for a description of full-time status during the Master’s year. Other descriptions and requirements may be found in the HMS Medical School handbook.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

During the years in which the student is enrolled in the MD program, all policies related to tuition, fees, and financial aid for medical students will apply. During the year in which the student is enrolled in the Master’s program, the Master’s tuition and fees policy will apply and financial aid, if any, will be determined based upon the student’s financial aid profile in the medical student program.

Prospective students should discuss any questions with the Master’s program and the HMS Office for Financial Aid. More information is available on the HMS MD Financial Aid Office website.

5.01 Tuition, Fees, and Living Expenses

Tuition, fees, and living expenses make up the cost of attendance for Harvard Medical School (HMS) master's programs. Each academic year, HMS develops a Student Cost of Attendance (COA) Budget to estimate the reasonable cost of attendance and determine financial aid eligibility.

The COA serves two primary purposes:

1. To provide students with an estimate of the reasonable costs associated with attending HMS.

2. To establish the federally required, standardized cost of attendance used to determine financial aid eligibility.

HMS complies with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (S.2248, Public Law 115407, Section 103). In accordance with this law, HMS will not assess late fees, prevent eligible students from attending classes, or require payment for amounts expected to be covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) until 90 days after the beginning of the term.

Students remain responsible for any charges on their student account that are not covered by VA educational benefits. Upon request, students must provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility for GI Bill benefits.

5.02 Tuition Requirements for Master's Degree Candidates

Harvard Medical School tuition rates are established annually and apply to courses taken between July 1 and June 30 of each academic year, through a student's final year of enrollment ending with graduation. Tuition is billed by academic term.

Tuition requirements vary by program:

• Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc): Students enrolled full-time are required to complete four terms at the full MMSc tuition rate.

• Dual-Degree MD-MMSc: Students complete two terms at the full MMSc tuition rate during the MMSc year of the dual-degree program.

• Master of ScienceDegree Programs: Students enrolled full-time are required to complete two terms at the applicable full-time master's tuition rate.

• Dual Degree Master of Science Programs: Students enrolled full-time are required to complete two terms at the applicable full-time master's tuition rate.

• Formal Part-Time Programs: Students enrolled in an approved part-time program are charged half-time tuition based on the number of terms in the approved part-time curriculum.

Tuition rates are subject to change each academic year. Any tuition adjustments or prorated charges will be based on the tuition rate in effect during the applicable year of enrollment.

All term bills are due before the start of each academic term. Students with an outstanding balance of $1,000 or more on the first day of the term will be withdrawn from the program.

Tuition for Additional Time

Students who require additional time to complete degree requirements, but are not required to enroll in additional coursework, may incur the published additional-time tuition charge for each additional term.

Additional-time tuition is assessed when degree requirements are not completed before the second-to-last Wednesday in July following the student's expected May graduation.

Students who are required to enroll in additional coursework will be charged either the part-time or full-time tuition rate based on their course load. Registration and health fees also apply during additional terms, regardless of whether a student is enrolled in coursework or registered for additional time.

Tuition for Additional Coursework

Students who are required by the Academic Programs Review Board (APRB) to complete one additional course as part of an academic remediation plan may, with APRB approval, be charged tuition on a per-credit basis for that course, in addition to all required registration fees.

This exception may be granted only once during a student's enrollment.

If additional coursework is required beyond that single approved course—either to satisfy an academic remediation requirement or to complete degree requirements—tuition will be assessed at the applicable full-time or part-time rate based on the student's credit load.

Impact of Approved Leaves of Absence

Students who take an approved personal or medical leave of absence during an academic term will be assessed for tuition in accordance with the Tuition and Fee Adjustment Calendar described in the section below.

5.03 Students Withdrawing Mid-Term

Students who formally withdraw, are administratively withdrawn, or begin an approved leave of absence after registering for a term are generally assessed for tuition according to the following Tuition and Fee Adjustment Calendar

Tuition and Fee Adjustment Calendar

March 16 through April 15

April 16 and after

Appeals

Students who wish to appeal their tuition obligation must submit a written request to the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education. The Senior Associate Dean will consult with the appropriate administrative committee before issuing a decision.

Refund Policy

Students who receive financial aid and withdraw from the program may be eligible for a refund, as applicable. If a student's financial aid package includes federal funding (excluding Federal Work-Study) and the withdrawal occurs before completing 60% of the academic term, federal regulations require that a portion of those funds be returned to the applicable financial aid programs.

For additional information, please refer to the Policies and Disclosures section of the HMS Financial Aid Office website

5.04 Teaching and Other Student Employment

Students enrolled in Harvard Medical School (HMS) master's programs are not guaranteed employment as part of their admission or enrollment. Some programs include teaching or research activities as part of the curriculum; these academic requirements are considered components of the degree program and are not considered employment.

Students may pursue part-time employment within Harvard University, including positions in research laboratories or appointments as Teaching Fellows or Teaching Assistants. Employment opportunities are offered through individual hiring departments or schools and are not guaranteed by HMS.

Students are expected to prioritize the academic requirements of their program. Outside employment must not interfere with satisfactory academic progress or participation in required program activities (see Section 2.18 and the applicable Plan of Instruction in Sections 1.03 and 1.04).

Students may not receive compensation for work completed as part of their thesis or capstone requirements. However, students may be employed in the same laboratory in which they complete their thesis or capstone work, provided that the paid responsibilities are clearly distinct from the academic work required for their degree. In cases where students are employed by the lab, the home institution is responsible for the appointment and the compensation.

Teaching and Research Appointments

Enrolled HMS master's students employed by Harvard University as Teaching Fellows (including teaching assistants, teaching fellows, and course assistants) or Research Assistants, regardless of the source of funding, are included in the bargaining unit represented by the Harvard Graduate Student Union.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Eligible HMS master's students may participate in experiential learning (EL) opportunities, including internships and independent study, when permitted by their academic program. Students should consult their program's Plan of Instruction for eligibility requirements.

Internships

The Office for Graduate Education approves participation in paid internships but does not approve participation in unpaid internship experiences. Eligible F-1 international students may participate in approved internships through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Students may participate in no more than two semesters of experiential learning. Summer or partial-semester experiences count as one semester toward this limit.

Full-time experiential learning is permitted only during the summer term and January term (Jterm). During the academic year, experiential learning opportunities must be part-time and limited to 20 hours per week or fewer

Additional information, including application instructions, is available through the Coaching and Employment page in Career Navigator, which links to Career Launchpad. In general, internships are intended to provide professional experience with off-campus employers.

Independent Study

Independent study must be a credit-bearing academic experience supervised by a Harvard faculty member. When the work involves an external organization or dataset, the supervising faculty member must have an established research collaboration with that organization, and the student must participate in the project under the faculty member's supervision.

Independent study may not be used as a substitute for an unpaid internship with an off-campus employer. Students may only take up to 4 credits of independent study during the course of their degree.

5.05 Health Insurance and Fees

The Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) Student Health Fee is a required fee for all students and covers most outpatient care provided through Harvard University Health Services. This requirement is based on a vote of the Harvard Corporation and a Massachusetts

state mandate. For the most current information about the Student Health Fee, please visit the HUSHP website.

The Harvard University Student Health Insurance Plan, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, provides coverage for hospital and emergency care. Unlike the Student Health Fee, enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan may be waived if a student has comparable health insurance coverage.

Students may request a waiver for the full academic year or for a single academic term (fall or spring). To waive enrollment, students must demonstrate that they are covered by comparable health insurance.

Students receiving financial aid who waive the Student Health Insurance Plan will have this cost removed from their Cost of Attendance (COA) Budget. As a result, their financial aid package may be adjusted. Please note that the Student Health Insurance Plan charge will remain on the term bill until the waiver has been fully processed.

Waivers are submitted online through the HUSHP website. Students should refer to the HUSHP website for waiver deadlines and additional information or contact Member Services at Harvard University Health Services with any questions.

The cost of Harvard-sponsored Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage is billed in two installments each academic year.

For students enrolled in Harvard-sponsored Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage and/or the Student Health Fee during the spring term who graduate in May, coverage continues through July 31.

Students who wish to enroll eligible dependents in HUSHP should contact Member Services for enrollment information and current rates.

International students may not waive the Student Health Insurance Plan using international insurance coverage. Students with J-1 visas are required to purchase health insurance for eligible dependents. Students with other visa types are strongly encouraged to obtain comparable coverage for their dependents.

Current health insurance rates are available on the HUSHP website.

Note: HMS master's students are not required to maintain disability insurance while enrolled.

5.06 Payment of University Obligations

Term bills are issued twice each academic year. Students should refer to Student Financial Services for billing calendars, payment deadlines, and additional account information. All outstanding balances are due before the first day of classes for each academic term.

Registration Holds

Students must pay all tuition, fees, and other charges from a prior term before registering for a subsequent term. This policy also applies to students who plan to enroll in another Harvard degree program.

Students whose accounts are not paid in full by the applicable payment deadline may have a registration hold placed on their account. In addition, late fees may be assessed on outstanding balances according to the following schedule:

Outstanding Balance Late Fee

Less than $500 $50

$500–$1,000 $75

$1,001–$5,000 $125

$5,001–$10,000 $250

More than $10,000 $500

The Registrar notifies students with outstanding balances at least once each academic term.

In extenuating circumstances, Harvard Medical School may grant exceptions to this policy at its sole discretion. Students experiencing extenuating circumstances should first consult with their Program Director, who may work with the Office for Graduate Education to determine whether an exception is appropriate. The decision of Harvard Medical School regarding any exception is final.

Graduation

Students must satisfy all outstanding University financial obligations before their degree can be conferred.

If a student's degree has been approved but an outstanding balance remains, the diploma will be withheld until the account has been paid in full.

Outstanding Balances

Students who leave the University with an unpaid student account balance that remains outstanding for 60 days or more may be referred to collections. Any costs associated with the collection of unpaid balances will be added to the student's outstanding account.

5.07 Dishonored Checks

If an electronic payment or check is returned by the bank, a $25 returned payment fee will be charged to the student's account.

Repeated returned payments may require future payments to be made by certified check or bank check.

Please note that it may take one week or longer for the University to receive notification from the bank that a payment has been returned. Until that notification is received and processed, the returned payment may not appear on the student's account.

5.08

Financial Aid

The goal of the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Financial Aid Program is to help eligible students develop a financial plan to support the cost of obtaining an HMS master's degree.

HMS master's students may be eligible for financial assistance through federal programs, institutional funding, and program-specific scholarships. Students are encouraged to review the HMS Financial Aid Office website for information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and available funding opportunities.

Financial aid packages are based on the funding available at the time a student's application is completed.

To apply for financial aid, students must submit both the HMS Application for Financial Aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if eligible. Institutional funding may be awarded through the HMS Financial Aid Office, and individual master's programs may offer additional scholarship funding based on available resources.

Students are also encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities available through the HMS Financial Aid Office website. Questions may be directed to the Financial Aid Office by email or by visiting the office during business hours.

Financial Aid Application Deadline

The financial aid application deadline for all HMS master's students is June 30.

Students are encouraged to submit all required application materials by the deadline. Financial aid awards are based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funding. Late applications may limit access to certain funding opportunities.

For additional information about the application process, please refer to the Apply section of the HMS Financial Aid Office website

Sources of Financial Aid Program-Based Funding

Individual master's programs may offer funding through research grants, training grants, institutional resources, or philanthropic support. Because these funding sources may have specific eligibility requirements, they may not be available to all students. Programs determine awards based on institutional guidelines, available funding, and, where applicable, financial need and merit.

Institutional Funding

HMS offers a limited amount of institutional scholarship funding for eligible master's students. Additional information is available in the Types of Funding section of the HMS Financial Aid Office website.

Federal Loans

Eligible master's students may apply for federal student loans through the HMS Financial Aid Office.

Private Loans

Private educational loans may be available to U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, and international students, depending on lender requirements. International students may have loan options with or without a U.S. co-signer. Students should refer to the Harvard University private loans webpage for additional information

Financial Aid for Dual-Degree MD-Master's Students

Medical students completing an additional year to earn an HMS master's degree remain eligible to apply for financial aid throughout all five years of the dual-degree program. Living expense budgets are based on the fourth-year medical student budget.

Students are required to meet with their financial aid counselor to discuss how pursuing a master's degree may affect their individual financial aid package and overall borrowing.

Students enrolled in the five-year dual-degree program are charged medical student tuition during the MD years and master's tuition during the master's year.

Financial Aid During an Approved Leave of Absence

Students who begin an approved leave of absence after the start of an academic term may have their tuition and living expenses prorated based on the date they discontinue enrollment.

The Financial Aid Office will revise the student's Cost of Attendance (COA) Budget to reflect any adjustments to tuition, living expenses, and other eligible costs before recalculating the student's financial aid award.

Students must contact the Financial Aid Office to complete required loan exit counseling.

For additional information about how an approved leave of absence may affect financial aid, please refer to the Policies and Disclosures section of the HMS Financial Aid Office website.

5.09 Return of Federal/Title IV Funding

The Return of Federal/Title IV Funds Policy applies to students who withdraw, are approved for a leave of absence, or are withdrawn, dismissed, or expelled from Harvard Medical School.

The return of Title IV funds is determined in accordance with federal regulations and the following provisions:

Definition of Title IV Funds

Title IV funds include federal financial aid programs such as:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Withdrawal Date

A student's withdrawal date is determined by one of the following:

• The date the student begins the official withdrawal process or notifies the School of their intent to withdraw;

• The student's last date of attendance, as documented through academically related activity; or

• The midpoint of the enrollment period for students who leave the School without providing official notification.

Calculation of Returned Funds

Refunds of allowable tuition and fees are calculated on a prorated, per diem basis according to the number of days the student attended during the enrollment period.

Federal regulations consider Title IV aid to be 100% earned once a student has completed 60% of the academic term. No refunds are issued after that point.

When federal funds must be returned, they are applied in the following order:

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

2. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Institutional and Student Responsibilities

Harvard Medical School Responsibilities

Harvard Medical School is responsible for:

• Providing students with information about this policy;

• Identifying students who are subject to the policy;

• Calculating the Return of Title IV Funds;

• Returning applicable Title IV funds to the appropriate federal programs; and

• Conducting required loan exit counseling.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for:

• Returning any Title IV funds that were disbursed directly to them but determined to be ineligible based on the Return of Title IV Funds calculation; and

• Completing required loan exit counseling.

Federal refunds must be processed within 45 days of the student's withdrawal or approved leave of absence.

5.10 Financial Aid Fraud

Students are expected to provide complete and accurate information in all financial aid applications and supporting documentation. Knowingly providing false, misleading, or fraudulent information may result in disciplinary action by Harvard Medical School.

If the Office of Financial Aid has reason to believe that a student has intentionally misrepresented information in connection with a financial aid application, the matter may be reviewed by the appropriate University offices and, where required or appropriate, referred to federal, state, or local authorities. Allegations or findings of financial aid fraud may also be referred to the Academic Progress and Review Board (APRB) for consideration under the procedures described in 3.04 Section.

6.0 General Policies

This contains institutional policies, expectations, and resources that support student life beyond academics. The policies in this section are organized by topic to help students locate important information related to community standards, safety, technology, communication, privacy and campus resources.

Community Standards and Student Expectations

This section outlines the expectations that guide students’ participation in the HMS community and promote a respectful, inclusive, and professional learning environment.

6.01 University-Wide Statements on Rights and Responsibilities

Harvard's commitment to listening to and learning from many different perspectives is integral to its educational mission and is reflected in the University-Wide Statement on

Rights and Responsibilities (USRR), which is reprinted in full, along with its supporting interpretations, including the following:

• Harvard University-Wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities

• Statement of Mutual Respect and Public Discourse at HMS

• HMS-Master's Policy on Open Debate, Protest, and Dissent

The central functions of an academic community are learning, teaching, research and scholarship. By accepting membership in the University, an individual joins a community ideally characterized by free expression, free inquiry, intellectual honesty, respect for the dignity of others, and openness to constructive change. The rights and responsibilities exercised within the community must be compatible with these qualities.

The rights of members of the University are not fundamentally different from those of other members of society. The University, however, has a special autonomy and reasoned dissent plays a particularly vital part in its existence. All members of the University have the right to press for action on matters of concern by any appropriate means. The University must affirm, assure and protect the rights of its members to organize and join political associations, convene and conduct public meetings, publicly demonstrate and picket in orderly fashion, advocate and publicize opinion by print, sign, and voice.

The University places special emphasis, as well, upon certain values which are essential to its nature as an academic community. Among these are freedom of speech and academic freedom, freedom from personal force and violence, and freedom of movement. Interference with any of these freedoms must be regarded as a serious violation of the personal rights upon which the community is based. Furthermore, although the administrative process and activities of the University cannot be ends in themselves, such functions are vital to the orderly pursuit of the work of all members of the University. Therefore, interference with members of the University in performance of their normal duties and activities must be regarded as unacceptable obstruction of the essential processes of the University. Theft or willful destruction of the property of the University or its members must also be considered as unacceptable violation of the rights of individuals or of the community as a whole.

Moreover, it is the responsibility of all members of the academic community to maintain an atmosphere in which violations of rights are unlikely to occur and to develop processes by which these rights are fully assured. In particular, it is the responsibility of officers of administration and instruction to be alert to the needs of the University community; to give full and fair hearing to reasoned expressions of grievances; and to respond promptly and in good faith to such expressions and to widely expressed needs

for change. In making decisions that concern the community as a whole, or any part of the community, officers are expected to consult with those affected by the decisions. Failures to meet these responsibilities may be profoundly damaging to the life of the University. Therefore, the University community has the right to establish orderly procedures consistent with the imperatives of academic freedom to assess policies and ensure the accountability of those whose decisions affect the life of the University.

No violation of the rights of members of the University, nor any failure to meet responsibilities, should be interpreted as justifying any violation of the rights of members of the University. All members of the community—students and officers alike—should uphold the rights and responsibilities expressed in this Statement if the University is to be characterized by mutual respect and trust.

Interpretation

It is implicit in the language of the Statement on Rights and Responsibilities that intense personal harassment of such a character as to amount to grave disrespect for the dignity of others be regarded as an unacceptable violation of the personal rights upon which the University is based.

It is also implicit in the University-Wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities that any unauthorized occupation of a University building, or any part of it, that interferes with the ability of members of the University to perform their normal activities constitutes unacceptable conduct in violation of the Statement and is subject to appropriate discipline.

6.02 Discrimination, Harassment and Student Mistreatment

HMS is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age, ancestry, veteran status, disability unrelated to job requirements, genetic information, military service, or any other legally protected basis is prohibited.

Please refer to the Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine Anti-Discrimination Policy and the University's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies are available here.

For additional support, visit the HMS Ombuds website

University Policies

Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and other Sexual Misconduct

Harvard Medical School has adopted the University-wide Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy. In addition, the University's Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy addresses sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct alleged to have occurred between September 1, 2014, and August 14, 2020.

The complete policy and associated grievance procedures can be found on the University Title IX Website.

Abusive and/or Intimidating Behavior

HMS is committed to maintaining an environment free from abusive and/or intimidating behavior, defined as harmful mistreatment by words or actions that humiliate, degrade, demean, intimidate, and/or threaten an individual or group.

To violate this policy, the behavior must be sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent such that a reasonable person would find it creates an inhospitable working environment and/or impairs an individual's ability to carry out responsibilities to the institution.

Please refer to the Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine Anti-Discrimination Policy and the University's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies are available here

Unprofessional

Relationships and Abuse of Authority

Consensual romantic relationships that might be appropriate in other circumstances have inherent risks when they occur between an HMS faculty member, fellow, or officer and any person over whom they have professional responsibility (for example, a student, advisee, preceptor, or supervisee). Such relationships are considered unprofessional because they may create actual or perceived favoritism or unequal academic or professional opportunity and may constitute an abuse of authority.

Please refer to the Harvard Medical School Unprofessional Relationships and Abuse of Authority policy. See Section 3.08 and the HMS Ombuds website

Academic Retaliation for Union Activity Policy and Process

Using an academic assessment or other academic action as a means to retaliate against a student for engaging in conduct protected by the HGSU-

UAW bargaining agreement is unacceptable and prohibited. Examples of prohibited academic retaliation include basing a grade, academic credit, authorship, or other academic judgment on a student’s participation in activities protected by the HGSU-UAW bargaining agreement.

A student who believes that they have been the subject of a retaliatory academic action as a result of union-related conduct that is protected under the HGSU-UAW bargaining agreement should initially discuss their concern with their academic dean, the Director of Graduate Studies or Director of Undergraduate Studies in the course or program in question. That individual will notify a representative from The Office of Labor and Employee Relations. The representative from The Office of Labor and Employee Relations, in consultation with the academic dean, the Director of Graduate Studies or Director of Undergraduate Studies, will determine if the student has engaged in conduct that is protected from retaliation under the HGSU-UAW bargaining agreement. If so, the representative from The Office of Labor and Employee Relations and the academic dean will engage with the student and relevant faculty member to attempt to resolve the matter informally. A matter will be deemed satisfactorily resolved when both parties expressly agree, in writing, to an outcome.

If the parties do not come to an informal resolution, the academic dean, the Director of Graduate Studies or Director of Undergraduate Studies in the course or program in question or a designee (the “Reviewer”) will conduct a review, which will include the following steps as relevant to the alleged retaliatory action:

• Ask the faculty member who took the academic action to explain the basis for the action.

• Identify a faculty member with subject matter expertise, and no involvement in the matter at issue, to review the student’s work product or the action and advise as to whether the action was reasonable.

• If the faculty member with subject expertise does not find that the action was reasonable, they will review other recent assessments of comparable student work by the same faculty member.

• Taking into account the information gathered by the faculty member with subject expertise, the Reviewer will issue a determination as to whether the challenged action was retaliatory.

Students who raise a concern under this policy may have a personal advisor (including, for members of the HGSU-UAW bargaining unit, a union representative) with them throughout this process.

In the event of a finding of academic retaliation, the Reviewer will forward their finding to the student’s Administrative Board which will determine the appropriate resolution. The Reviewer will forward their finding to the Dean of Harvard Medical School who will determine what action to take with respect to a faculty member found to have engaged in academic retaliation. The outcome of this process is final.

Reporting Concerns

Online Reporting

Any instances of mistreatment can be reported anonymously via phone or online through the ALERT Reporting Hotline—the Anonymous Learning Environment Reporting Tool. ALERT is a 24/7 anonymous reporting mechanism for reporting mistreatment or any other student concerns.

This reporting portal allows students to submit concerns to an independent third party, which directs reports to the appropriate office. Title IX concerns are forwarded to the HMS Title IX Officer, while all other student concerns are directed to the Dean for Graduate Education, the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education, and the Director of Administration and Student Affairs.

Reported incidents are treated seriously and are addressed appropriately, fairly, and expeditiously. HMS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for student mistreatment.

HMS Ombuds Office

The HMS Ombuds Office is a confidential resource available to students seeking guidance or support. The Ombuds Office maintains confidentiality and protects the anonymity of individuals who seek assistance.

Direct Reporting to the Dean for Graduate Education

Students also have the option, and are encouraged, to report incidents directly to the Dean for Graduate Education, who will treat such reports with discretion.

Reporting Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment

Students wishing to report a violation of University policy involving sexual or genderbased harassment should contact the Harvard University Office for Sexual and GenderBased Dispute Resolution (ODR) or an HMS Title IX Coordinator.

Harvard Medical School has adopted the University-wide Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Interim Other Sexual Misconduct Policy. In addition, the University's Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Policy addresses allegations of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct that occurred between September 1, 2014, and August 14, 2020.

Copies of these policies and their associated grievance procedures are available on the

University Title IX website.

For Complaints Involving Affiliated Hospitals

The Office for Graduate Education (OGE) works with offices at affiliated hospitals to address student complaints of mistreatment. Depending on the nature of the concern, OGE leadership also communicates with: residency and fellowship directors for complaints involving residents and fellows; division chiefs or department chairs for complaints involving faculty members; and hospital leadership for complaints involving department chairs. Cases involving allegations against students are adjudicated by the Harvard Medical School Promotion and Review Board (see Section 3.04).

Additional Resources

The University has adopted policies and procedures addressing discrimination and bullying that apply to all students, faculty, staff, researchers, and other members of the Harvard community across all Schools and units, including Harvard Medical School. The University's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies are available here.

Whenever a formal complaint is investigated under these policies and results in a finding that a policy violation has occurred, sanctions or remedial measures are determined by Harvard Medical School's Appropriate Official or designee(s), as outlined in the applicable procedures. Findings of a policy violation are final and nonreviewable. The only opportunity to appeal a determination of a policy violation is through the University's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies and procedures. Decisions regarding sanctions and remedial measures are final and may not be appealed.

Local Designated Resources

The following individuals serve as Local Designated Resources for Harvard Medical School. They can receive reports and complaints, connect community members with available resources, and provide information regarding supportive measures.

• Student concerns: Kathryn Mostow

• Faculty and Fellow concerns: Keri Godin

• Staff and Researchers concerns: Mark Addison or Jose Martinez

Appropriate Officials

The following individuals have been designated as Appropriate Officials and serve as the final authority for issuing sanctions under the University's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies:

• Faculty and student matters: Simone Leary, Chief Human Resources Officer, or their designee

• Staff matters: Simone Leary, Chief Human Resources Officer, or their designee.

6.03 Harvard University Policy Regarding Religious Holidays

In accordance with Massachusetts law, any HMS student who is unable, because of their religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study or work requirement which they may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon HMS. No fees of any kind shall be charged by HMS for making such opportunity available to the student, and no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because they avail themselves of this opportunity. (See Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151C, Section 2B.)

6.04 Policy on Pets in the Classroom

Pets, including dogs, cats, reptiles, and other animals, are not permitted in classrooms, laboratories, or learning sessions of any kind, except for registered service animals.

The presence of pets in instructional settings may create distractions for students and faculty, concerns for individuals with allergies or fears of animals, and potentially unsafe conditions for the animal, particularly in laboratories or other areas containing hazardous materials.

HMS Master's programs reserve the right to require any student or faculty member who violates this policy to leave the class session immediately.

Student Safety, Security, and Emergency Information

Harvard Medical School is committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. This section provides information about emergency procedures, campus safety resources, security policies, and reporting procedures designed to support the well-being of students and the broader HMS community.

6.05 Inclement Weather and Emergency Closures

During periods of inclement weather or other emergencies, members of the HMS community may call 617-432-6666 to hear the latest information regarding the operational status of the School through a listen-only voicemail system.

Harvard Medical School generally remains open during periods of inclement weather unless a State of Emergency has been declared (see below). Teaching and research activities continue whenever possible. However, the Deans for Medical Education and Graduate Education may determine that classes should be canceled. Unless a cancellation is communicated through one of the channels listed below, students should assume that classes will be held as scheduled while exercising their judgment regarding safe travel.

If a decision is made to cancel classes due to inclement weather, updates will be communicated through the following channels:

• HMS homepage: hms.harvard.edu

• MyHMS: my.hms.harvard.edu

• HMS emergency phone line (listen only): 617-432-6666

• Harvard University information line (listen only): 866-496-6397 (NEWS)

• WBZ Radio and Channels 4, 5, and 7

• Canvas, for updates regarding specific courses and sessions

Even during less severe weather events, faculty tutors, lecturers, or laboratory instructors may be unable to travel to campus. Programs will notify students if a faculty member is unable to attend.

If weather conditions affect an individual course site, students are responsible for following the guidance provided by their clinical site or Program Director and should use their judgment regarding the safety of travel.

When a State of Emergency is declared by the Governor or other local governing authority, Harvard Medical School will follow those directives, and classes will not be held.

6.06 Emergency Notification System (MessageMe)

Timely communication is essential during emergencies. Harvard University's Community Emergency Notification System, MessageMe, enables the University to quickly distribute critical information to students during emergency situations.

All students receive emergency notifications through MessageMe, which delivers alerts to personal electronic devices (such as cell phones and smartphones) via text message, voicemail, and/or email.

Students may update their MessageMe profile and add additional notification methods by visiting: https://messageme.harvard.edu/.

6.07 Campus Safety and Security

The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) is committed to assisting all members of the Harvard community in maintaining a safe and secure campus environment.

Harvard's Annual Security Report, prepared in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), is available on the HUPD website.

The Annual Security Report includes information about HUPD, crime reporting procedures, crime prevention programs, substance abuse resources, sensitive crimes, campus security services, and three years of campus crime statistics.

6.08 Missing Persons Policy

As required under federal law, Harvard Medical School immediately will refer to the Harvard University Police Department any missing persons report involving a student who lives in on-campus housing. If any member of the Harvard community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, he or she should immediately notify HUPD at 617-4951212. If HUPD determines that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours, then, within the 24 hours following this determination, the School or HUPD will:

1. Notify an appropriate external law enforcement agency, unless the local law enforcement agency was the entity that made the determination that the student is missing;

2. Contact anyone the student has identified as a missing person contact under the procedures described below; and

3. Notify others at the University, as appropriate, about the student’s disappearance.

In addition to identifying a general emergency contact person, students residing in on- campus housing have the option to identify confidentially a separate person to be contacted by Harvard in the event that the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. Students are not required to designate a separate individual for this purpose and if they choose not to do so, then Harvard will assume that they have chosen to treat their general emergency contact as their missing person contact.

Students who wish to identify a confidential missing person contact should notify the Registrar. A student’s confidential missing person contact information will be accessible only by authorized campus officials and by law enforcement in the course of an investigation, and may not be disclosed outside of a missing person investigation. In addition, if it has been determined that a student who is under 18 years of age and not emancipated has been missing for more than 24 hours, then the Harvard Medical School or HUPD will contact that student’s custodial parent or guardian, in addition to contacting any additional contact person designated by the student. Students are reminded that they must provide the Registrar with emergency contact information and/or confidential missing person contact information if they have not already done so.

6.09 Firearms, Explosives, Combustible Fuels, Fireworks and Dangerous Weapons

Possession and/or use on university property of firearms or other dangerous weapons (as defined below) or ammunition, explosives, combustible fuels, firecrackers, and potential ingredients thereof is forbidden by University policy. The applicable Massachusetts law is as follows:

For the purpose of this paragraph “firearm” shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be discharged.

Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by the person pursuant to chapter 140, carries on the person a firearm, loaded or unloaded, or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of such elementary or secondary school, college or university shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or both. A law enforcement officer may arrest without a warrant and detain a person found carrying a firearm in violation of this paragraph.

Any officer in charge of an elementary or secondary school, college or university, or any faculty member or administrative officer of an elementary or secondary school, college or university that fails to report violations of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than $500.

Massachusetts General Laws, c.269§ 10(j).

Under Massachusetts law, the definition of dangerous weapons includes many items designed to do bodily injury: … any stiletto, dagger or a device or case which enables a knife with a locking blade to be drawn at a locked position, any ballistic knife, or any knife with a detachable blade capable of being propelled by any mechanism, dirk knife, any knife having a double-edged blade, or a switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which the blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one half inches, or a slung shot, blowgun, blackjack, metallic knuckles or knuckles of any substance which could be put to the same use with the same or similar effect as metallic knuckles, nunchaku, zoobow, also known as klackers or kung fu sticks, or any similar weapon consisting of two sticks of wood, plastic or metal connected at one end by a length of rope, chain, wire or leather, a shuriken or any similar pointed starlike object intended to injure a person when thrown, or any armband, made with leather which has metallic spikes, points or studs or any similar device made from any other substance or a cestus or similar material weighted with metal or other substance and worn on the hand, or a manrikigusari or similar length of chain having weighted ends …

Massachusetts General Laws, c. 269 § 10(b)

Students should recognize that even when they are away from the University, Massachusetts law requires a permit or firearms identification card or compliance with

other specialized rules (depending upon the type of weapon) for possession of any firearms. The definition of firearms is broad and includes pistols or guns operated by air, carbon dioxide or other gases. Carrying any firearm (even if unloaded) in violation of the law is punishable by imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of 18 months, which cannot be suspended or reduced. (Massachusetts General Laws, c. 269 § 10(a)). Students should consult the local police department in the city or town in which they reside if they intend to possess firearms on non-University property, in order to assure strict compliance with the applicable statutes.

6.10 Threats Involving Deadly Weapons, Explosives, Bombs, Chemical or Biological Agents, or Other Deadly Devices or Substances

The following provision of Massachusetts law concerning certain kinds of threats underscores why such behavior must be treated by Harvard Medical School as an actionable offense:

1, Whoever willfully communicates or causes to be communicated, either directly or indirectly, orally, in writing, by mail, by use of a telephone or telecommunication device including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications and facsimile communications, through an electronic communication device or by any other means, a threat: (1) that a firearm, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or assault weapon, as defined in section 121 of chapter 140, an explosive or incendiary device, a dangerous chemical or biological agent, a poison, a harmful radioactive substance or any other device, substance or item capable of causing death, serious bodily injury or substantial property damage, will be used at a place or location, or is present or will be present at a place or location, whether or not the same is in fact used or present; or (2) to hijack an aircraft, ship, or common carrier thereby causing anxiety, unrest, fear, or personal discomfort to any person or group of persons shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 20 years or imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years, or by fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

2. Whoever willfully communicates or causes to be communicated such a threat thereby causing either the evacuation or serious disruption of a school, school related event, school transportation, or a dwelling,

building, place of assembly, facility or public transport, or an aircraft, ship or common carrier, or willfully communicates or causes serious public inconvenience or alarm, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than 3 years nor more than 20 years or imprisonment in the house of correction for not less than 6 months nor more than 21/2 years, or by fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $50,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Massachusetts General Laws, c.269§ 14(b)-(c).

6.11 Obscene or Harassing Telephone Calls

Making an obscene or harassing telephone call is a criminal offense and is treated as a serious disciplinary matter by Harvard Medical School. Violations may be subject to both legal penalties and disciplinary action by the School.

Students who receive an obscene or harassing telephone call are encouraged to contact the Harvard University Police Department for assistance and guidance.

Technology, Communication, and Privacy

Harvard Medical School provides students with access to technology resources and communication systems that support learning, research, and collaboration. This section outlines students’ responsibilities for using these resources appropriately while protecting institutional, personal, and confidential information.

6.12 Student Email Accounts

All HMS students are provided with an official HMS email account. Because Harvard Medical School and other University offices send official information and notifications to this designated account, students are responsible for regularly monitoring their Harvard email for important communications. Students are also expected to respond promptly to communications from their program faculty and leadership.

Email is not a highly secure form of communication and should not be used to store or transmit high-risk confidential information, including Social Security numbers, patient information, or other information that should not become public. Sensitive files should be shared through encrypted email or another approved secure method.

HMS student email accounts are deactivated 365 days after graduation. Before deactivation, students should forward personal communications to a personal email

account to avoid interruptions and should configure an automatic reply stating that the account “will be deactivated on or around [date].”

Students may not retain research data acquired or generated while at Harvard, patient information, or Harvard confidential information without prior permission from HMS.

Student email accounts are deactivated immediately upon withdrawal, dismissal, or expulsion.

6.13 Electronic Communication and Social Media

Electronic Communication

Harvard neither sanctions nor censors individual expressions of opinion on its systems. However, the same standards of behavior expected in telephone, written, and oral communications apply to electronic communications.

Electronic messages must not be obscene or harassing, misrepresent the identity of the sender, or be distributed as chain letters. Messages also should not be broadcast indiscriminately to large numbers of recipients. This prohibition includes unauthorized mass electronic mailings. Messages sent to large groups generally should be directed only to individuals who have indicated a willingness to receive such communications.

Social Media

Students should use caution when engaging with social media platforms. HMS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct, and students are expected to demonstrate the maturity, professionalism, and civility expected of members of the Harvard Medical School community both in person and through their online presence.

Enrollment remains contingent upon maintaining these standards of conduct. Content posted on social media that reflects unprofessional behavior may become public and could negatively affect both a student’s professional reputation and the reputation of their profession.

Harvard University’s social media guidelines are available here.

When participating in educational or research activities at hospitals or other clinical sites, students must also follow the privacy and social media policies of the applicable institution.

6.14 Computers, Networks, and Technology Requirements

Students who are provided access to Harvard Medical School computer facilities and the campus-wide communications network assume responsibility for their appropriate use. HMS expects students to use computers and networks carefully, honestly, responsibly, and respectfully.

Students who use wide-area networks, including the internet, to communicate with individuals or access systems at other institutions are expected to follow the rules governing both Harvard systems and the remote systems they access.

In addition to violating School policies, certain forms of computer misconduct are prohibited under Massachusetts General Laws, c. 266, subsection 33 (a) and 12 (f), and may be subject to criminal penalties. Prohibited conduct includes: knowingly gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or database; falsely obtaining electronic services or data without paying required charges; and the destruction of electronically processed, stored, or in-transit data. Such conduct also may violate federal law and result in federal civil or criminal penalties.

Students also may be held responsible for misuse that occurs when they allow another person to access their computer or account.

Computing Requirements for Remote or Residential Learning

Students participating in online learning are expected to follow the applicable hardware and software recommendations available here.

Each device must comply with the security standards established by the HMS Office for Information Technology.

Residential students who need a temporary laptop for an examination or while their personal computer is being repaired should contact the HMS IT Service Desk or visit the Computer Resource Center in Tosteson Medical Education Center (TMEC), Room 225.

Use of Facilities

Computer and network facilities are provided primarily to support students’ educational activities. Because these resources have tangible value, attempts to circumvent accounting systems or use another person’s computer account will be treated as forms of attempted theft.

Students may not attempt to damage or degrade the performance of HMS computers or networks, disrupt the work of other users, circumvent security systems, or exploit or probe for security vulnerabilities within any Harvard network or system. Students also may not attempt these activities against other systems accessed through Harvard facilities.

Executing or compiling programs designed to breach system security is prohibited unless authorized in advance.

Students are personally responsible for activity conducted through their accounts. They may not disclose their passwords or otherwise make Harvard computing resources available to unauthorized individuals, including family members or friends.

The possession or collection of another person’s passwords, personal identification numbers, private digital certificates, or other secure identifying information is prohibited. The unauthorized use of Harvard computers and networks for non-school-related purposes is also prohibited.

Student Computing Ethics

As in all other aspects of academic life, the use of computing technology should reflect the highest standards of professional conduct.

The internet and electronic communications can present additional challenges for protecting confidential information, particularly patient information. Students must not use these methods to transmit:

• Patient names or other medical-record information that could be used to identify an individual patient; or

• Names or other information that could be used to identify individual human-subject research participants.

Students participating in research at clinical sites are expected to comply fully with all patient confidentiality policies and regulations. Violations may result in disciplinary action.

Additional information regarding information technology at HMS is available through the HMS Office for Information Technology.

Financial Considerations

The “other costs” portion of the student cost-of-attendance budget is intended to cover expenses associated with applicable computing requirements. Requests to increase financial aid specifically for this purpose will not be approved.

6.15 Privacy of Information

Information stored on a computer system or transmitted electronically over a network is the property of the individual who created it. Examining, collecting, or disseminating that information without the owner’s authorization violates the owner’s right to control their property.

Systems administrators may access user data or programs when necessary to maintain systems, prevent damage, or ensure compliance with University policies.

Computer systems and networks provide mechanisms to protect private information from unauthorized access. Because these protections are not infallible, any attempt to circumvent them or gain unauthorized access to private information—including stored computer files and messages transmitted over a network—will be treated as a violation of privacy and may result in disciplinary action.

Information that an individual would reasonably regard as private must be treated as private by other users. Examples include the contents of electronic mailboxes, private file-storage areas, and information maintained in other non-public locations. The fact that additional measures have not been taken to secure the information does not make it permissible for others to inspect it.

On shared and networked computer systems, certain information about users and their activities may be visible to others. Usernames, email addresses, records of file names and executed commands, and information stored in public areas should not be considered private.

Nevertheless, information about other users may not be manipulated or monitored in ways that a reasonable person would find intrusive. Electronic eavesdropping and the systematic monitoring of another user’s activities may constitute invasions of privacy and result in disciplinary action.

The compilation or redistribution of information from University directories, whether printed or electronic, to third parties—particularly those outside the University—is prohibited.

Additional information about information security and privacy at Harvard is available here.

Students should also be aware that, under Harvard’s Policy on Access to Electronic Information, the University may access a user’s electronic records, including email, under certain circumstances. Additional information about the policy is available here.

6.16 Harvard University Policy on Access to Electronic Information

Harvard University has established a policy outlining the guidelines and processes governing University access to electronic information stored in or transmitted through University systems. This policy applies to all Harvard Schools and administrative units.

6.17 Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Annual Notice to Students

Harvard University is committed to maintaining the integrity and availability of the Harvard network for the educational and research purposes for which it was designed. The University prohibits the use of its network to violate the law, including the U.S. Copyright Act.

The unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peerto-peer file sharing, violates the Copyright Act and may subject an individual to civil and criminal liability.

Individuals found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay actual damages or statutory damages of no less than $750 and no more than $30,000 per infringed work. For willful infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per infringed work. A court may also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. Additional information is available in Title 17 of the United States Code, Sections 504 and 505.

Willful copyright infringement may also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000 for an individual. Additional information is available through the U.S. Copyright Office.

Harvard complies fully with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Users of the Harvard network who repeatedly infringe copyright may have their network access terminated and may be referred to the appropriate Dean or Human Resources officer for disciplinary action.

Additional information regarding Harvard’s DMCA policy and frequently asked questions is available here.

Campus Resources and Administrative Policies

This section highlights selected campus resources and administrative policies that students may find helpful during their time at Harvard Medical School. It is intended as a general reference and does not represent an exhaustive list of all resources, services, or policies available to students. Students are encouraged to consult their program, the Office for Graduate Education, and relevant Harvard or HMS offices for additional information and support.

6.18 Student Identification Cards

Harvard University identification cards are University property and are intended for University purposes only. Identification cards are required for admission to many Harvard activities and facilities, including libraries, museums, dining halls, athletic buildings, and student residences.

Some facilities may require an additional sticker for entry. However, the front of the card and the magnetic strips on the back must remain free from stickers.

Identification cards are not transferable. Students may not allow another person to use their card for any purpose. Each student is responsible for their identification card and for the consequences of its misuse.

A student who alters or falsifies a University identification card or produces or distributes a false identification card of any kind may be subject to disciplinary action. Students must present their identification card or otherwise identify themselves when requested by a properly identified University officer.

Lost cards should be reported immediately to the Longwood ID Office at 677 Huntington Avenue. A $40 replacement fee is charged for a lost student photo identification card. The ID Office cannot mail identification cards. Students working or studying remotely will receive their cards when they return to campus.

Additional information about identification cards is available through the Campus Service Center.

6.19 Transportation Policy

Harvard Medical School recognizes that Master’s students may benefit from educational experiences beyond those available on the Longwood campus and at neighboring affiliated teaching hospitals. For some programs, these experiences may include activities in locations around the world.

Financial Responsibility for Transportation

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation, including transportation to and from research sites.

Most HMS-affiliated hospitals are accessible by public transportation from the Medical School, and shuttle services are available between certain hospitals.

Students who choose to drive to their sites are responsible for all associated expenses, including fuel, parking fees, and other transportation costs.

Certain Master’s programs with specialized training requirements in distant locations may have limited resources available to support travel or transportation costs.

Cases of Financial Hardship

Students who are unable to afford transportation to a research site should consult their program.

The standard student budget used to assess financial need includes an estimated cost for travel to research sites. In some circumstances, additional travel costs may also be included.

LMA–Harvard Medical School Shuttle (M2)

MASCO manages the Harvard Medical School M2 shuttle, which operates between the Longwood Medical Area and Harvard University’s Cambridge campus.

The service is free for Harvard students, faculty, and staff. Riders must present a Harvard identification card to use the service.

Other riders may purchase tickets through the HMS Parking Office or the cashier’s office at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center in Cambridge.

The M2 schedule is available through the HMS Parking Office, the Information Office at the Smith Campus Center Arcade, the security desk at Vanderbilt Hall, and the MASCO website.

MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is the public transit system serving Greater Boston. Route, schedule, and fare information is available through the MBTA website.

Nonresident Student Driver Statements and Decals

Massachusetts law requires out-of-state students who bring vehicles into the Commonwealth to file a nonresident student driver statement with the applicable local police department.

Failure to file the required statement may result in a fine of up to $200.

Students should:

1. Complete the Nonresident Student Vehicle Information Form.

2. Mail the completed form to:

The Parking Office Campus Service Center, 8th Floor 1350 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138

3. Upon processing, obtain a nonresident student driver decal from the University Parking Office.

4. Display the decal prominently in the uppermost center portion of the vehicle’s windshield.

6.20 Vacations and Holidays

Vacations

Vacation and recess periods are incorporated into the academic year. All students have a recess at the end of December that includes Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The exact dates are determined annually by the academic calendar.

Additional breaks include:

• A one-week break during the fall semester beginning on the Monday of Thanksgiving week. This break applies only to HMS courses. Students cross-registered at another institution must follow that institution’s attendance requirements.

• A one-week break during the January–June term.

• Approximately three weeks in January, unless a program requires participation in a January-term course.

• A summer break from June through August, unless a program requires a summer session.

Refer to the academic calendar in Section 2.01 for specific dates.

Holidays

Classes are not scheduled on the following Harvard-observed holidays:

• Labor Day

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday; classes end at 12:30 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving

• Christmas Day, which is included in the winter recess

• New Year’s Day, which is included in the winter recess

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Presidents’ Day

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

• Independence Day

6.21 Campus Use Rules

Harvard University’s campus grounds and buildings support faculty, students, staff, other affiliates, and visitors in advancing the University’s teaching and research mission.

Each year, the University, its Schools, and affiliates host thousands of events, programs, and activities that support this mission and contribute to the intellectual and residential life of the Harvard community.

Given the volume and complexity of requests to use campus resources, the University has established rules, practices, and policies intended to protect community well-being, facilitate appropriate use of University property, and preserve campus resources for future generations.

All students are expected to follow the University’s Campus Use Rules, which are available here.

6.22 Program Evaluation and External Review

External Review

To maintain and strengthen its role as a leader and innovator in medical and graduate biomedical education, Harvard Medical School continuously monitors, evaluates, and improves its Master’s curricula and their impact on students.

These efforts help ensure that curricular objectives are met, educational outcomes align with the School’s mission, resources are allocated effectively, and students receive professional training that prepares them for leadership in their respective fields.

Each HMS Master’s program periodically undergoes a formal review by an external review committee consisting of at least three reviewers approved by the Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education.

The review evaluates the program’s importance and value and provides constructive feedback to support its continued development. The Office for Graduate Education manages all aspects of the external review process.

Student Evaluation of Courses and Programs

Students are strongly encouraged to complete course evaluations. All students are also asked to participate in annual program evaluations.

Course and program evaluations collect information that supports continuous quality improvement across HMS Master’s programs.

Students who complete all HMS course evaluations during a given term may view their final grades before the general grade-release date. Students who do not complete all required HMS course evaluations must wait until the final grade-release date to view their grades.

Early and final grade-release dates are communicated when course evaluations are published.

6.23 Patents, Trademarks,

and Use of Name Regulations

Members of the University, including students, are expected to notify and disclose to the Office of Technology Development any discovery or invention made in connection with their University work.

The University policy governing inventions, patents, and copyrights is available through the Office of Technology Development. When an invention is subject to University policy, the Office of Technology Development determines whether a patent application should be filed. The University covers the cost of approved patent applications and works to license inventions to companies for development into commercial products. Net licensing income is shared with the inventors.

Students and student groups may use the names and insignia of Harvard University or any of its units only as permitted under the University Policy on the Use of Harvard Names and Insignias.

References to “Harvard,” “Harvard University,” or an affiliation with any Harvard School or unit in connection with an organization, publication, activity, or third party require advance permission from the appropriate Dean or the Provost.

Student-group names, logos, and publications that incorporate University trademarks are owned by the President and Fellows of Harvard College and are used with the University’s permission.

The Harvard University Trademark Program, administered through the Office of Technology Development, licenses the use of Harvard trademarks throughout the world. These trademarks include “Harvard,” “Harvard College,” “Harvard Medical School,” and the VERITAS shield.

Student groups wishing to reproduce a University trademark on products such as apparel, mugs, or promotional materials must obtain written approval from the Trademark Program. The program can provide guidance regarding appropriate use, recommend licensed manufacturers, and advise whether royalty exemptions apply.

The Trademark Program also addresses unauthorized use of University trademarks by third parties and assists Harvard departments with trademark-related questions and protections. Unauthorized use of Harvard trademarks should be reported to the Trademark Program.

For questions or additional information, contact the Office of Technology Development:

1350 Massachusetts Avenue

Smith Campus Center, Suite 727

Cambridge, MA

617-495-3067

HMS Office of Technology Development

Gordon Hall, Suite 414

617-432-0920

hms_otd@harvard.edu

7.0 Student Health

Harvard Medical School is committed to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of its students. Master’s students are expected to be familiar with applicable health and immunization requirements and to take appropriate precautions when participating in academic, research, laboratory, or clinical activities.

This section provides information about student health services and insurance, immunization and infection control requirements, reproductive health resources, and health and safety precautions. Students should consult the resources referenced throughout this section for the most current requirements, guidance, and contact information.

7.01 General Information

Personal Responsibility

Harvard Medical School encourages Master’s students to take an active role in protecting their health and the health of the broader community by remaining attentive to immunization requirements, standard precautions, and other preventive health measures. Students who participate in activities at clinical or affiliated sites must also comply with any health, immunization, vaccination, or infection control requirements established by those institutions.

Immunization

Massachusetts law and Harvard University require students to provide documentation of certain immunizations. Students should consult the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Immunizations page for current immunization requirements, documentation instructions, deadlines, and information regarding applicable exemptions.

Students participating in clinical, research, or other activities at affiliated institutions may be subject to additional health and immunization requirements established by those institutions.

Infection Control

Students who are ill with or exposed to an infectious or communicable illness should follow current Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) guidance and any applicable requirements of the clinical, research, or affiliated institution where they are working or studying. Students with medical or symptom-related questions should consult their primary care clinician as needed.

Students participating in clinical care or human subjects research should follow all applicable infection control requirements and precautions. Additional information regarding communicable diseases is provided in Section 7.06, Precautions Against Communicable Diseases.

7.02 Harvard University Health Services

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) provides a range of health care services to the Harvard community, including primary care, urgent care, mental health services, and specialty care. Services are available at the Smith Campus Center in Harvard Square and at satellite clinics, including the Medical Area Clinic on the Longwood Campus.

Students should visit the Harvard University Health Services website for current information about available services, locations, hours, appointments, and urgent care.

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provides mental health support and services to eligible students. Students should visit the CAMHS website for current information about available services, appointments, urgent support, and additional mental health resources.

Medical Specialty Care

HUHS provides access to a range of medical specialty services. Some specialty services may require a referral from a primary care clinician. Students should consult the HUHS website for current information about specialty care and referral requirements.

7.03 Student Health Program

The Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) provides access to health care and health insurance coverage for eligible Harvard students. HUSHP consists of two components: the Student Health Fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan.

Student Health Fee

The Student Health Fee provides access to many services at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS), including primary care, mental health services, and other eligible health services. Applicability of the Student Health Fee may vary based on a student’s enrollment status and location of study.

Student Health Insurance Plan

Massachusetts law requires students enrolled in institutions of higher education to maintain qualifying health insurance coverage. Eligible Harvard students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and charged through their student account unless they meet applicable eligibility requirements and complete an approved waiver by the established deadline.

Students considering waiving the Student Health Insurance Plan should carefully review whether their existing insurance provides adequate coverage while enrolled at Harvard.

Students should consult the HUSHP website for current information regarding eligibility, coverage, costs, waiver requirements and deadlines, dependent coverage, and other plan details.

7.04 Reproductive Health

Harvard Medical School is committed to supporting the health and safety of students participating in academic, research, laboratory, and clinical activities. Students with questions or concerns related to reproductive health and potential workplace or environmental exposures should consult the appropriate health and safety resources for guidance.

Radiation Safety

Students who work with or around radioactive materials may contact Harvard’s Radiation Protection Office for confidential consultation and information about available

resources and safety programs, including guidance related to pregnancy and reproductive health.

Lactation Resources

Lactation rooms and related resources are available throughout the Harvard Longwood Campus and at affiliated clinical sites. Students seeking lactation accommodations or resources should consult the Harvard Longwood Campus Lactation Rooms website for current information about available resources, locations, access, and support.

Students participating in clinical activities may also contact their assigned clinical site for information about available lactation facilities and resources.

7.05 Standard Precautions

Students participating in laboratory activities, clinical simulations, clinical care, or human subjects research should always follow applicable standard precautions and sitespecific safety requirements.

Standard precautions include:

1. Practice appropriate hand hygiene before and after contact with patients or research participants, after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or materials, and as otherwise required by applicable protocols.

2. Treat blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious and follow appropriate infection control procedures.

3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, when exposure to blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin may occur. Change gloves and perform hand hygiene as appropriate between procedures and individuals.

4. Wear appropriate face and eye protection when there is a risk of splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials.

5. Wear appropriate protective clothing when activities may generate splashes or sprays of potentially infectious materials.

6. Handle needles and other sharps safely and dispose of them immediately in designated sharps containers in accordance with applicable safety procedures.

7. Use available safety-engineered devices and activate safety features as appropriate.

Exposure or Injury

Students who experience an occupational or research-related exposure or injury should immediately attend to the affected area, notify the appropriate supervisor, and follow the

exposure or injury procedures established by the clinical, laboratory, research, or affiliated site where the incident occurred.

Students should seek appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up care as directed. For current guidance regarding bloodborne pathogen exposures, students should consult the Harvard University Health Services Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Protocol and any applicable procedures established by their clinical or research site.

7.06 Precautions Against Communicable Diseases

Students who are ill with or exposed to an infectious or communicable disease should follow current public health guidance, Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) guidance, and any applicable requirements of the clinical, research, or affiliated institution where they are working or studying.

Students participating in clinical care, laboratory activities, or human subjects research must follow all applicable infection control requirements and site-specific precautions. Depending on the nature of the activity or exposure, additional precautions or restrictions may be required to protect students, patients, research participants, and members of the Harvard community.

Students with medical or symptom-related questions should consult their primary care clinician as needed. Students should refer to the HUHS website and applicable clinical or research site guidance for current information regarding communicable diseases, precautions, and health-related requirements.

8.0 Services and Programs

Harvard Medical School and Harvard University offer a wide range of services, resources, and programs to support students throughout their academic experience. These resources provide support in areas including student engagement, career and professional development, accessibility, research, wellness, and other aspects of student life.

This section highlights selected resources available to Master’s students and is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all services or programs available across HMS and Harvard University. Students are encouraged to consult the resources referenced throughout this section for the most current information about available services, eligibility, and access.

8.01 Student Organizations

Student organizations provide opportunities for Master’s students to build community, develop leadership skills, pursue shared interests, and engage with students across HMS and the broader Harvard community.

Master’s Student Council

The HMS Master’s Student Council serves as the representative student organization for HMS Master’s students, providing a formal channel for student engagement and communication with the Office for Graduate Education (OGE) and fostering community across the Master’s programs.

OGE works with the Master’s Student Council to support its activities and facilitate annual elections. Additional information about the Master’s Student Council is available in Section 8.01

Master’s Student Organizations

Master’s students may participate in recognized student organizations or explore opportunities to establish new organizations based on shared academic, professional, cultural, social, or other interests.

The OGE Student Affairs team provides guidance and administrative support to the Master’s Student Council and recognized Master’s student organizations. Student organizations and their leaders are responsible for following applicable HMS and Harvard University policies and requirements, including those governing student organizations, events and activities, use of campus spaces, and the Harvard name and trademarks.

Students serving on the Master’s Student Council or in Master’s student organizations are expected to remain in good academic and professional standing. The Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Education, in consultation with the Academic Progress and Review Board for the Master’s Programs (APRB), reserves the right to remove a student from the Master’s Student Council or a Master’s student organization based on academic or professionalism concerns.

Students interested in participating in a student organization or establishing a new organization should consult OGE Student Affairs for current information regarding recognition, registration, and applicable requirements.

U.S. Restricted Party Screening Guidance for Student Groups Organizing, Sponsoring, or Hosting Programs/Events Online and Abroad

Student groups at Harvard provide valuable educational and social opportunities for students and give them the opportunity to form connections around common academic, cultural, political, and social interests. Student groups also contribute to the overall intellectual and social life of the University and enrich the opportunities and experience of Harvard students, faculty, and staff, by offering programming and events that are consistent with the University’s teaching and research mission. These may include programs or events hosted abroad or online that include international participants. This guidance is designed to help ensure that student groups and their leaders engage in international programming in a manner consistent with their legal responsibilities.

U.S. federal law – including regulations administered by agencies such as the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and State – restricts or prohibits U.S.-based individuals and entities from providing services, including University and studentorganized programs and events, to certain foreign individuals and entities that are formally designated on U.S. sanctions or export controls restricted party lists (“Restricted Parties”). All U.S-based individuals and entities, including Harvard students and student groups, are also prohibited from engaging in many financial transactions (such as accepting fees or payments, accepting gifts in support of the organization, providing compensation or stipends, or reimbursing costs) with Restricted Parties. Individuals who violate U.S. sanctions and export controls laws may be subject to federal civil and criminal penalties.

To facilitate compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls laws, Harvard has adopted University-wide guidance governing screening of Restricted Parties for educational programs. This includes any programs, conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, or similar events that Harvard is directly involved in facilitating, sponsoring, or organizing. The guidance covers events that take place online (partially or fully) or abroad that Harvard hosts, sponsors (meaning that Harvard provides resources, support or official backing for the program), or organizes, independently or with others as a co-host, co-sponsor, or co-organizer.

As part of its compliance responsibilities, each Harvard student group must comply with Harvard’s University-wide guidance on Restricted Party and export control screening for events that are online or that take place outside the United States where the student group is itself a host, sponsor, or organizer (or co-host, co-sponsor, or co-organizer) –particularly for events that involve international payments to or from student organizations. In addition, Harvard student groups must coordinate with their School’s

development office before accepting gifts from donors to ensure appropriate screenings have been conducted.

If you have questions about compliance with U.S. sanctions and export control laws, or require assistance with screening, contact your Dean of Students office, who will work with your School Export Control Administrator (ECA).

For more information, reference the University’s Educational Program Screening resources, including the Bulletin on Educational Programs and Screening, the FAQs, and Infographic on Screening for Educational Programs.

See also: https://studentaffairs.harvard.edu/policies/ https://provost.harvard.edu/pages/policies

8.02 Student Development and Career Services

The Career Navigator is a centralized professional development portal for Harvard bioscientists, connecting Master’s, doctoral, and professional students with resources, events, and opportunities that support skills development, wellness, and career and professional development.

Career Navigator provides access to a network of platforms and resources that allow students to explore professional development goals, participate in programming, track skill-building and professional development activities, access career coaching, explore internship and employment opportunities, connect with employers, and access career-related data and resources.

Master’s students are encouraged to explore Career Navigator throughout their time at HMS and should consult the Career Navigator website for current information about available resources, platforms, programming, and career services.

The Career Navigator is maintained by the Harvard Medical School Office for Graduate Education.

8.03 Services for Students with Disabilities

Harvard Medical School is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Students who require disability-related accommodations are encouraged to begin the accommodation request process as early as possible.

Requesting Accommodations

Students seeking disability-related accommodations should generally follow these steps:

1. Initiate a request. Students should contact HMS Disability Services and follow the established process for requesting accommodations.

2. Provide required documentation. Students may be asked to provide documentation supporting their accommodation request in accordance with current HMS requirements.

3. Participate in the accommodation process. Accommodation requests are reviewed on an individual basis to determine reasonable accommodations that provide access without fundamentally altering the essential requirements of an academic program or course.

4. Implement approved accommodations. Students are responsible for following applicable procedures to ensure that approved accommodations are implemented in their courses or other academic activities.

Accommodations are not applied retroactively.

Appeal Procedure

A student has the right to appeal any accommodation decision by filing a written explanation and petition for reconsideration. The Director, Office of Disability Services will first attempt to mediate with the student and faculty/staff member.

If the Director is unable to resolve the matter, they will present the student's petition to the Academic Progress and Review Board for the Master’s Programs (APRB), chaired by the Associate Dean for Graduate Education. In adherence with confidentiality policies, the Disability Coordinator will obtain the student's written permission prior to distributing primary clinical documentation to members of the APRB, if relevant to the petition.

Members of the APRB will discuss the case and offer recommendation(s) for a solution. Within three school days following the APRB meeting, the Disability Coordinator will notify the student and faculty/staff member of the APRB’s recommendation(s).

If the APRB resolution is still unsatisfactory, the student may appeal in writing to:

Director, Harvard University Disability Resources Smith Campus Center, Suite 662 Cambridge, MA 02138 617-495-1859

disabilityresources@harvard.edu

The Director of University Disability Resources’ decision will be final.

Harvard Medical School expressly reserves the right to make changes to its written policies, rules, and regulations that are consistent with its legal obligations of nondiscrimination and reasonable accommodation. The above information is not intended, and should not be construed, to give rise to contractual rights and obligations.

Students should consult the HMS Disability Services website for additional information.

8.04 Human Research Administration

Students conducting research involving human participants must comply with all applicable requirements for the protection of human subjects, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval when required.

Students should work with their faculty advisor, research supervisor, and applicable research administration office to determine the appropriate review and approval requirements before beginning human subjects research. Research activities may not begin until all required approvals have been obtained.

Students conducting research through a Harvard-affiliated institution must also follow the human subjects research requirements and procedures of that institution. Depending on the research and participating institutions, additional review, reliance agreements, or other approvals may be required.

Students are responsible for completing all required human subjects research training and maintaining any applicable certifications throughout their research activities.

Students should consult the HMS Office for Human Research Administration for current information about IRB requirements, submissions, training, and other human research policies and procedures.

8.05 Ombuds Office

The HMS/HSDM Ombuds Office provides an independent, confidential, and informal resource for students and other members of the Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine communities seeking guidance in navigating concerns, conflicts, or difficult situations.

The Ombuds Office can help individuals explore options, identify resources, develop strategies for addressing concerns, and navigate challenging academic, professional, or interpersonal situations. The Ombuds does not make decisions on behalf of individuals or serve as an advocate for any party.

Students may contact the Ombuds Office to discuss concerns confidentially and better understand the options and resources available to them.

Students should consult the HMS/HSDM Ombuds Office website for current information about services, confidentiality, appointments, and contact information.

8.06 Vanderbilt Hall Athletic Facility

The Vanderbilt Hall Athletic Facility provides fitness and recreational opportunities for eligible members of the Harvard Longwood community. Facilities and programming may include fitness and exercise spaces, recreational courts, group exercise opportunities, and other wellness resources.

Access, eligibility, hours, available facilities, programs, and membership requirements may vary. Students should consult the Vanderbilt Hall Athletic Facility website for current information about available resources, access, and policies.

8.07 Harvard International Office

International students are an important part of the Harvard Medical School community and have access to resources across HMS and Harvard University to support their academic, professional, and personal experience.

The Harvard International Office (HIO) provides immigration advising and support to international students and scholars across Harvard University. HIO serves as the primary and most up-to-date resource for information and guidance related to immigration status, visa requirements, travel, employment authorization, and compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

International students are responsible for understanding and maintaining the requirements associated with their immigration status throughout their enrollment at Harvard. Students are strongly encouraged to remain in communication with HIO and seek guidance whenever changes to their academic program, enrollment, travel, employment, or other circumstances may affect their immigration status.

Immigration and Visa Support

HIO provides guidance regarding immigration and visa matters, including F-1 and J-1 status, immigration documentation, travel, and maintaining lawful immigration status.

Immigration requirements and federal regulations may change. Students should rely on current guidance provided by HIO and should contact HIO directly with questions about their individual circumstances rather than relying on informal or third-party guidance.

Orientation and Community Resources

HIO provides resources to help international students navigate their transition to Harvard and life in the United States. Resources may include orientation and arrival information, guidance on practical matters related to living in the United States, opportunities to connect with the international Harvard community, and information about University resources and services.

International students are encouraged to explore HIO resources throughout their time at Harvard, not only when they first arrive.

Academic and Communication Resources

International students have access to academic and communication resources across HMS and Harvard University. These include writing and communication support through the Office for Graduate Education and additional resources available through Harvard University and Countway Library.

Students may also explore resources designed to support professional and academic communication, including programs and self-guided learning opportunities offered through Harvard.

Career Development and Employment Authorization

International students have access to career and professional development resources through the Career Navigator, including career coaching, professional development resources, internship and employment opportunities, and resources to support career exploration and preparation.

International students considering employment, internships, experiential learning opportunities, or other work in the United States must ensure that they have the appropriate authorization before beginning any employment or work-related activity

For students in F-1 status, employment authorization may include opportunities such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), depending on eligibility and individual circumstances.

CPT may provide authorization for eligible curricular or experiential learning opportunities related to a student’s academic program. Students pursuing an experiential learning opportunity that may require CPT must follow applicable academic

and immigration processes, including obtaining any required academic approvals and employment authorization before beginning the experience.

OPT may provide eligible F-1 students with authorization for temporary employment directly related to their field of study. Students considering OPT should begin exploring applicable requirements and timelines well in advance of when they intend to use the authorization.

Requirements, eligibility, application procedures, and timelines for CPT, OPT, and other forms of employment authorization may change and vary based on individual circumstances. Students should work closely with HIO and, when applicable, their academic program and the Office for Graduate Education to understand the requirements that apply to them.

Staying Informed

Immigration policies, procedures, and federal requirements may change during a student’s time at Harvard. International students are responsible for monitoring communications from HIO and taking timely action when required to maintain their immigration status.

Students should consult the Harvard International Office for current information regarding immigration and visa requirements, travel, employment authorization, advising services, orientation resources, and support for international students.

8.08 Religious and Spiritual Life

Harvard University supports the religious, spiritual, and ethical life of its diverse community. Students may access a variety of religious and spiritual resources, communities, programs, and opportunities for worship, reflection, and connection across the University.

Harvard Chaplains

Harvard Chaplains is a professional community of chaplains representing many of the world’s religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions. Chaplains provide opportunities for worship, spiritual and ethical exploration, community engagement, and pastoral support and can help students connect with religious and spiritual communities and resources across Harvard.

Students of all religious, spiritual, and ethical identities, including students who do not identify with a particular tradition, may access these resources.

Longwood Campus Resources

Students may also have access to religious and spiritual resources, services, and spaces on the Longwood Campus and through HMS-affiliated institutions. Students seeking a particular religious or spiritual community, worship opportunity, pastoral support, or accommodation are encouraged to consult available Harvard and Longwood resources for current information.

Students should visit the Harvard Chaplains website for current information about chaplains, religious and spiritual communities, programs, worship opportunities, and other resources.

8.09 Voter Registration

Harvard Medical School encourages eligible students to participate in the electoral process and provides access to voter registration information and resources.

Voting eligibility, registration requirements, deadlines, and voting procedures vary by state and jurisdiction. Students should consult the appropriate state or local election authority for current information about voter registration, voting by mail or absentee ballot, polling locations, identification requirements, and election deadlines.

Students who are eligible to vote in Massachusetts may consult the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division for current voter registration and election information. Students who vote in another state should consult the appropriate election authority in their state of residence.

8.10 Global Support Services (GSS)

Harvard Global Support Services (GSS) provides resources and guidance to support Harvard students planning or participating in international travel and activities. GSS offers information and support related to travel safety and security, international operations, visas and immigration, and other considerations associated with activities abroad.

International Travel Registration

Students traveling internationally for Harvard-related academic, research, or other University-sponsored activities must follow all applicable University and HMS travel requirements, including registering eligible travel with Harvard’s travel registry.

Travel registration helps Harvard provide travelers with important safety information and assistance in the event of an emergency. Students are responsible for ensuring that their travel and emergency contact information remains current throughout their trip.

Travel Safety and Emergency Support

Students traveling internationally should review current health, safety, security, and destination-specific guidance before departure and while abroad.

Harvard provides resources and emergency support for eligible travelers who experience unexpected situations while abroad. Students should familiarize themselves with available emergency resources and understand how to access assistance before traveling.

Planning Harvard-Related International Travel

International travel may involve additional requirements related to health and safety, visas and immigration, insurance, research activities, data security, export controls, or other University policies.

Students traveling abroad for academic credit, with Harvard funding, or as part of another Harvard-related activity are responsible for completing all applicable requirements before departure. Students should consult their academic program and the appropriate HMS and University offices for guidance regarding required approvals, safety training, forms, and other pre-travel requirements.

Students should consult Harvard Global Support Services for current information about international travel requirements, travel registration, safety and security resources, emergency assistance, and planning international activities.