General Support Resources
Whether you're looking for academic support, financial assistance, wellness resources, help navigating a personal challenge, or guidance on where to turn, this page is a great place to start. Explore the resources below, and if you're not sure what you need or where to begin, please reach out. The Office of Student Support can help you think through your options, identify resources, and connect you with the right people across HDS and Harvard.
The following are common areas of support for students and some of the many offices, people, and resources available to HDS students.
Please reach out to Kelly Tyman (she/her), assistant director & local disability coordinator, or accessibility@hds.harvard.edu. There’s no wrong reason to connect, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
Confidentiality: The Office of Student Support is not a confidential resource, but we are committed to respecting your privacy and sharing information only on a need-to-know basis. If you are seeking confidential support, resources include the HDS Chaplain, Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and the Harvard University Ombuds Office. Learn more about privacy, confidentiality, and confidential resources at Harvard.
Need Immediate Support? If you are experiencing a mental health concern or need immediate emotional support, please call the 24/7 CAMHS Cares Line at 617-495-2042. For urgent safety concerns, please call HUPD at 617-495-1212. For a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.
Office of Student Support
Please reach out if you are looking for academic support or want help figuring out your options. Students come to us for many reasons, such as seeking support with writing, talking through academic skills or concerns like meeting deadlines, or simply figuring out what their next step should be. We can provide support directly and offer recommendations and referrals when appropriate.
HDS Library
Meet with a subject expert at Harvard Divinity School Library. Get personalized advice on defining your topic, developing your research strategy, and locating and using sources.
HDS Registrar’s Office
The Registrar’s Office supports students with registration, academic records, degree requirements, and academic policies. For advising and academic questions, visit the HDS Advising Canvas site or HDS Student Handbook.
HDS Office of Information Technology & Media Services and Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT)
Technology at HDS provides IT support and academic technology resources, including help with computers, Wi-Fi, email, Canvas, classroom technology, software, and audiovisual services. Students can also access one-on-one technology support and training.
HDS Community Events Calendar
Lists HDS community events. Requires HarvardKey login.
Virtual Tea
Want to learn about events happening off campus that may be of interest to HDS students? Check them out here!
Office of Student Life (OSL)
OSL supports the HDS student experience through orientation, commencement, student organizations, and campus events. Look through the current list of student organizations, or create a new one!
Office of Community and Belonging (OCB)
The Office of Community and Belonging supports a welcoming and inclusive HDS community by offering programs, resources, and opportunities that foster connection, dialogue, and a sense of belonging for all students.
Office of the Chaplain and Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL)
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life supports dozens of gatherings and events.
Harvard Students’ Spouses and Partners Association (HSSPA)
HSSPA is a free, volunteer-led, welcoming community for Harvard spouses, partners, and families. As a member, you’ll gain access to the WhatsApp Community, where all groups connect, share updates, and organize meetups.
Financial Aid Office
HDS is committed to providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate need. Connect with the Office of Financial Aid to learn about tuition and fees, grants, loans, work opportunities, and other resources to help finance your education.
HDS Hardship Fund
This fund is designed to provide financial assistance to HDS students in degree programs who are experiencing unanticipated or emergency financial situations. Students will only have up to one hardship grant approved per academic year. Please be in touch with the Office of Financial Aid if you have any questions.
Harvard Student Employment Office (SEO)
Maintains a database to connect all currently enrolled students in a degree-granting program with employers both on and off-campus.
Career Services
The Office of Career Services supports students in exploring career paths, developing professional skills, and pursuing meaningful work. Connect for career advising, job and internship resources, networking opportunities, and application support. They are also a resource for HDS alum.
HDS Community Food Pantry
The Office of Student Life runs a community food pantry, located on the bottom floor of Swartz Hall by the lockers, open to all students. The pantry is restocked every other week, on Thursdays, when classes are in session. All students are welcome to use the pantry—no questions asked. Students who wish to donate are encouraged to bring items directly to the pantry or share non-food items with the community through Free Cycle, located in the same area.
HDS Commons
Open while classes are in session for breakfast and lunch. Located in Swartz Hall.
Optional Meal Plan
HDS students may purchase GradPlus, a declining balance meal plan for use in designated Harvard University Dining Services campus cafes. Receive a 10 percent discount for any purchase made with your meal plan.
HUHS Nutrition Team
Students have access to the nutrition team at HUHS. They can help you manage specific health concerns or conditions, such as diabetes, elevated lipids, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, food allergies, and eating concerns/disorders. They also can advise you based on your personal needs, including sports nutrition, vegetarian/vegan nutrition, improving nutritional balance, becoming a competent eater, and weight management. Students do not require a referral. Make an appointment on the HUHS Patient Portal.
Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline
Call or text 1-800-645-8333, or chat online using the Live Chat feature on their website. A statewide, free, and confidential food helpline for Massachusetts. A “one-stop shop” for learning about programs and supports available to help you afford or access food.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
A federally run nutrition program that provides monthly funds on an EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at participating retailers. You can learn more about the process and apply online using the DTA Connect website.
Food Resource Guide (Vital Connections)
A nonprofit providing a weekly updated food resource guide available in many languages. You can also sign up to receive it by email.
Greater Boston Food Bank Pantry Locator
Find your nearest food pantry through the Greater Boston Food Bank’s locator.
Please visit the Office of Student Life’s housing page for information and resources.
HDS recognizes the challenges international students experience when becoming acquainted with a new country, culture, and lifestyle, as well as the adjustments associated with a new academic environment.
Please visit the International Student Resources page.
Harvard Representation Initiative
The Harvard Representation Initiative offers pro-bono legal immigration consultation and representation, inclusive of social work support, to members of the Harvard community who are undocumented, DACAmented, or non-U.S. citizens who are concerned about their immigration status. Schedule a consultation: 617-495-6648 or hri@law.harvard.edu.
Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic
Law students take the lead in representing low-income immigrants who are fighting deportation and seeking asylum and other forms of humanitarian protection in the United States. Students utilize a range of legal tools on behalf of their clients, including direct representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community outreach.
Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS)
A team of 90+ attorneys and 40+ paralegals provide free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance and representation to low-income individuals and families in the city of Boston and 31 surrounding cities and towns.
Mass Legal Help
Free, practical information about your legal rights in Massachusetts.
Cambridge Housing Rights and Assistance
The City of Cambridge offers resources to help renters understand their rights, find affordable housing, prevent eviction, resolve landlord-tenant disputes, and connect with legal assistance, mediation, and housing stability services.
Leave of Absence
Students may find that taking time away from their program is the best option to address health, family, financial, or personal needs. If you are considering a leave of absence, we encourage you to consult with the Registrar to discuss important considerations, such as tuition credit and insurance coverage. Students who have borrowed loans or received financial aid from Harvard should also contact the Office of Financial Aid before finalizing their plans. Please refer to the HDS Student Handbook for the most up-to-date leave policies and instructions.
Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)
HUHS is a is a multi-specialty medical practice exclusively for members of the Harvard community. Use the HUHS Patient Portal to communicate with your providers, review information in your medical record, and schedule available appointments.
Health Insurance
All HDS students pay the Student Health Fee, which covers a wide array of services on campus, including adult routine preventive exams. Students who pay the Student Health Fee may receive care at any of the Harvard campus clinics or through HUHS telemedicine appointments.
In addition to paying the Student Health Fee, students are required to have health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, but can waive if they have comparable coverage. Students who are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan can also enroll their dependents for an additional fee.
Questions? Call 617-495-2008 or email mservices@huhs.harvard.edu.
Patient Advocate
The HUHS Patient Advocate helps students navigate their healthcare experience by connecting them with resources, addressing concerns, discussing financial assistance options, coordinating accessible accommodations for visits, and welcoming feedback to improve services.
Center for Wellness & Health Promotion
Schedule an acupuncture or massage appointment (for a fee), participate in meditation, or attend a workshop on a wellbeing topic. They also provide support, education, and resources related to alcohol and other substance use, as well as sexual health.
Harvard Recreation
Harvard Recreation provides fitness facilities and programming to the Harvard Community, with group exercise, personal training, and more. There is a membership fee for HDS students.
PAATHS Program
Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support (PAATHS) is a one-stop shop. The program provides information for anyone looking for information about, or access to, substance use treatment services. That includes individuals, families, community partners, and other treatment providers. You can reach PAATHS by calling 3-1-1 or 1-855-494-4057.
Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS provides short-term individual counseling, psychiatric care, support/therapy groups, and psychoeducational workshops. Services are free and confidential. The best way to get started is to schedule an initial 20-minute phone consultation by calling 617-495-2042 or requesting an appointment through the HUHS Patient Portal.
CAMHS Cares Line (24/7 support)
24/7 support line for students who are experiencing distress or mental health concerns. Speak with a CAMHS Cares Counselor any time by calling 617-495-2042 (this number is located on the back of your Harvard ID).
TimelyCare (24/7 support)
Students have access to virtual services at no cost, including 12 telehealth counseling visits each academic year, psychiatry appointments, unlimited health coaching, self-care content, and peer support. TimelyCare also offers unlimited 24/7 access to on-demand emotional support delivered by TimelyCare providers.
SHARE Counselors
The confidential SHARE Team provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered support, a 24/7 confidential hotline (617-495-9100), restorative practices, and culture change initiatives related to sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive relationships, and discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation.
Off-campus mental health provider
Students seeking weekly, longer-term, or specialized support may choose to see a mental healthcare provider off campus. CAMHS Access Clinicians can support you in connecting with providers who have availability and align with your goals, preferences, and treatment needs. Visit the website linked above for instructions to schedule a phone consult, to access online databases to explore options on your own, and to read through FAQs.
Office of the Chaplain and Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL)
The Office of the Chaplain and Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) supports students of all religious, spiritual, and nonreligious backgrounds through spiritual care and community-building to advance HDS’s mission of multireligious pluralistic scholarship, engagement, and vocational discernment. Students can connect with the HDS Chaplain for confidential support, guidance, spiritual direction, and referrals, regardless of their beliefs or traditions. Read about the many gatherings and events supported by this office.
Harvard Chaplains
Harvard Chaplains is the umbrella organization of 38 chaplains who work at but not for the University. They represent 26 of the world’s traditions and are united in their commitment to serving Harvard’s diverse student communities.
HDS Office of Ministry Studies (OMS)
The Office of Ministry Studies supports students exploring ministry, chaplaincy, and other vocations rooted in service and leadership. The office offers advising, field education opportunities, denominational counseling, and multireligious ministry resources to help students integrate academic study with vocational discernment and professional practice.
HDS Denominational Counselors
The HDS Office of Ministry Studies employs part-time denominational and tradition-based counselors who serve the needs of several particular faith communities at the Divinity School.
The Pluralism Project
The Pluralism Project at Harvard University is a research and educational initiative that studies religious diversity, interfaith relations, and the changing religious landscape of the United States. The project offers resources for students to learn about different religious traditions and explore how people can engage in meaningful dialogue and understanding across religious and cultural differences.
Harvard University Police Department (HUPD)
The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) works to promote a safe and secure campus by providing emergency response, wellness checks, safety escorts, lost and found services, and other public safety resources. If you ever are feeling unsafe on campus, receiving any threats, or are in immediate danger, contact HUPD at 617-495-1212. Any threatening emails should be sent to concerningemail@hupd.harvard.edu.
Title IX, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Bullying
Please visit the Title IX, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Bullying page for information and resources.
Campus Safety
Please visit the Campus Safety page for suggested safety practices and other resources, such as the evening van service.
HDS Community Care Team
The HDS Community Care Team provides restorative, relationship-centered support and accompaniment to members of the HDS community who have experienced or caused harm. The team can provide listening, problem-solving, healing, accompaniment, resource referrals, and restorative-circle processes, as appropriate. Email careteam@hds.harvard.edu. Note: The Community Care Team is not intended for emergencies or immediate support. Contacting the Community Care Team does not initiate a formal University process.
Harvard Ombuds Office
The Harvard Ombuds Office is a highly confidential and independent resource available to anyone from Harvard’s community seeking assistance with any issue affecting one’s work or studies. The Ombuds Office can help you think through potentially challenging communications you are initiating or to which you are responding. Ombuds offers coaching in how, when, and if to have a difficult conversation and provides impartial facilitation of 1:1 and group conversations.
Anonymous Reporting Hotline
The Anonymous Reporting Hotline is a resource to confidentially report your concerns and support a safe, ethical community at Harvard University.
At HDS, students come from a wide range of academic, professional, and personal backgrounds. Some arrive directly from another degree program, while others are returning to the classroom after time away. Students also bring different experiences with academic writing, research, and approaches to learning. Wherever you’re starting from, there are resources available to help you strengthen your skills, navigate the expectations of graduate study, and feel supported in your academic work.
Additional resources are available on our intranet beyond those listed below. A HarvardKey is required to access them.
Writing Consultation
The Office of Student Support can connect students with a writing consultant, who provides limited, short-term support with the organization, structure, and clarity of academic writing. Consultants can support students at all stages of the writing process, from developing ideas and strategies for getting started to working through writer’s block or reviewing a final project. Writing consultants do not provide copy editing. If you would like a referral, please reach out to ktyman@hds.harvard.edu.
Accountability Groups
The Office of Student Support will be piloting accountability sessions during the 2026-2027 academic year. These sessions will provide dedicated time and space for quiet study, writing, reading, and other academic work. If you’re looking for a little motivation or dedicated time to focus, keep an eye on the HDS calendar for upcoming sessions.
HDS Library Research Support
The HDS Library offers research support at every stage of your academic work. Students can work with a librarian to develop research strategies, locate relevant sources, navigate library resources, and much more!
Using Sources Responsibly
The Harvard Guide to Using Sources explains what constitutes plagiarism, why proper citation is essential to academic work, and how to appropriately acknowledge the ideas and work of others. It also introduces citation management tools available through Harvard, including Zotero, EndNote, and Overleaf Pro, with Zotero recommended as a helpful starting point for those new to citation management.