Support, safety, and security

Harvard Chan School is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone in our community during these difficult times. We encourage use of the resources outlined here. Please reach out to the Office for Student Services if you need additional support.

COUNSELING

• Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is available around the clock at 617-495-2042
• For PhD students, the University’s Employee Assistance Program is also available 24/7 at 877-327-4278
• The Harvard Chaplains are also an excellent resource at 617-879-8365
• Mental and emotional health support are also available through TimelyCare, a telehealth service provider that provides counseling, self-care tools, and a peer support community.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• If you feel that your physical safety is threatened, please reach out immediately to HUPD at 617-495-1212 (or 5-1212 from a Harvard phone)
• Security officers will provide walking escorts from campus to nearby parking garages and transit stops. Please stop by the security desk to coordinate.
• Taxi vouchers are available to cover the first mile of a ride home from campus in the evening or overnight hours; they can be picked up from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day at the security desk.
• Students who feel unsafe on public transport can request a lyft pass.
• Students who need support for expenses beyond the first mile of a taxi ride are encouraged to apply to the Student Hardship Fund.
• HCSA and OSA have launched the HSPH Walking Buddy Initiative to promote safety and camaraderie. Sign up to participate.

DIGITAL SAFETY

• The University offers a Guide for Protecting Against Online Abuse and Harassment. It includes instructions and templates for requesting the take down of abusive, harassing, or threatening online content about a person. It also outlines steps that can be taken to respond to a harassing situation online.
• Harvard Information Security offers resources with guidance on cybersecurity and online harassment.
• If you receive a threatening email, please use this Information Security Incident Reporting Page and also forward it to concerningemail@hupd.harvard.edu.
• Any student who wishes to change their FERPA elections (i.e. direct Chan School not to disclose directory information) may do so by emailing the Registrar’s Office at registrar@hsph.harvard.edu.
• Follow these steps if you wish to change your privacy settings on Engage.
• Looking for more resources on protecting yourself against doxxing or other malicious online activity? See the following links:
  • Digital First Aid Kit
  • Electronic Frontier Foundation
  • How to get a website taken down
  • How to remove personal information from data broker sites
• You may also wish to review this recorded webinar on digital security and well-being, featuring staff from Harvard University Information Technology and Harvard University Health Services.
• The Harvard International Office and the Harvard Law School’s Harvard Representation Initiative can answer questions from students about how abusive or harassing online conduct may affect their immigration status or prospects.

STUDENT SUPPORT

• The Office for Student Affairs supports students through challenges and promotes the well-being of the student body. Reach out at: studentsupport@hsph.harvard.edu
• The Harvard Ombuds Office offers confidential support for an array of concerns. Please call 617-432-4041 or email ombuds_longwood@hms.harvard.edu.
• Additionally, students who have been harassed or subjected to abusive behavior by Harvard students, staff, or faculty can raise the issue through several means. They may file a complaint under Harvard’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Policies or their respective School’s code of conduct. The Office for Equity, Diversity and Belonging website provides information and instructions on the process.
• If a student wishes to proceed anonymously, they can contact the University’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline either by phone or online.

RESOURCES FROM CAMHS

• Event Recording: How to Talk with Children About the Traumatic Events Happening in Israel and Gaza (October 18, 2023)
• PDF: How to Make Sense of Tragedies Happening in the World: How to Take Care of Yourself and Your Children in Difficult Times
• PDF: Things to Think About and How to Care for Yourself During Times of Disaster / High Stress
• Access: More shareable resources

Looking to support Harvard Chan School community members? Be mindful about opportunities for bystander intervention. If you witness a peer being harassed or discriminated against, consider employing the steps outlined in this guide from the Office for Gender Equity.