Online Communication Packet FAQ
Online Directory Update Portal FAQ
Online Course Enrollment FAQ
Online Registration FAQ
Online Student Record FAQ
Course Evaluation FAQ
Online Communication Packet FAQ
What is the Online Communication Packet?
The Online Communication Packet contains documents and/or weblinks submitted by academic departments and other Harvard groups and organizations. For undergraduate students, the documents are targeted to specific students based on concentration, House affiliation, or Class, so that each document should be relevant to the student for which access has been granted. For GSAS students, the documents are targeted by year in school and department.
Where can I find my Online Communication Packet?
The Online Communication Packet is available on the http://my.harvard.edu portal. To view your Online Communication Packet, enter your HUID Number and PIN and then click on the "Campus Resources" tab.
Is the Online Communication Packet available for graduate students?
Yes, the Communication Packet is available to all students that are expected to register.
Will all Undergraduate students have access to the Online Communication Packet?
Only undergraduate students that are expected to register will have access to the Communication Packet.
How long will the documents I currently see be available in my Online Communication Packet?
Documents are intended to remain in the online packet throughout the term. However, documents could be removed at the request of the originating department, group, or organization.
What does the checkbox beside each document, labeled "More", do?
There is additional information about each document that can be either displayed or hidden by clicking the "More" checkbox. Click the checkbox to see the document's full description and source.
A document or weblink in my online packet does not work. Where can I report this error?
Issues of this nature can be reported to commpacket@fas.harvard.edu.
I'm having problems accessing / logging into the portal or the Online Communication Packet. Who can I talk to for help?
General questions concerning the Online Communication Packet should be directed to the Registrar's Office at ro-help@fas.harvard.edu.
Questions concerning access to Web services and supported software should be directed to FAS Computer Services at the Help Desk in the basement of the Science Center, or sent to help@fas.harvard.edu.
Online Directory Update Portal FAQ
What is the Online Directory Update Portal?
The Online Directory Update Portal contains the demographic information currently recorded in the Registrar's database for each student. In the event that any of the information is outdated, students may update most of their data directly through the portal. Any data that cannot be updated online will have instructions directing the student to the appropriate office for updates.
How is the Online Directory Update Portal related to Online Registration and Enrollment?
The Directory Update Portal is a required step of Online Registration. It can also be accessed independently at any time via the portal. In the past, students were provided a print-out of their demographic information at the registration event and were given the opportunity to make updates if needed. Incorporating the Directory Update Portal into registration ensures students have the same opportunity to update their information throughout the academic year.
How does the privacy setting work?
When accessing the Directory Update Portal all students must specify their privacy setting to confirm the desired setting. The Directory Update Portal allows you to set privacy levels (options 1 through 5) for several data fields. The privacy levels you select will determine only how Harvard displays this information in its on-line and printed directories. Harvard may disclose this information within the University and to the public by other means, as allowed by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The Handbook for Students describes your rights under FERPA in the Access section within Education Records of the Academic Information section of the Undergraduate Handbook, and in the Access to Student Records section within the Academic Information section of the Graduate Handbook. To restrict access to your information to the fullest extent allowed by FERPA, you must contact the FAS Registrar's Office and select full non-disclosure status in writing.
How do I change my name?
To change your official name, you must provide the Registrar's Office with official documentation such as a passport or court-approved name change documents.
How do I change my concentration?
To change your concentration, you must complete the "Change of Field of Concentration" form. The form is available at the Registrar's Office, at 20 Garden Street.
How do I change my birth date?
To change your birth date, you must provide the Registrar's Office with official documentation such as a passport, driver's license, or birth certificate.
How do I change my country of citizenship or citizenship status?
To change your country of citizenship or citizenship status, you must provide the Registrar's Office with official documentation such as a passport or green card.
I'm having problems accessing / logging into the directory update portal application. Who can I talk to for help?
General questions concerning directory portal and demographic information should be directed to the Registrar's Office at ro-help@fas.harvard.edu.
Questions concerning access to Web services and supported software should be directed to FAS Computer Services at the Help Desk in the basement of the Science Center, or sent to help@fas.harvard.edu.
Online Course Enrollment FAQ
How does course enrollment work?
The Online Course Enrollment tool and the Online Shopping Tool should be used to generate your electronic Study Card. Once you are sure about the courses in which you want to enroll, you will print your Study Card and gather required signatures before submitting your Study Card on Study Card Day.
Advising conversations will take place as usual. The tool is designed to enhance the shopping experience and will not restrict course shopping in any way. Once your signed Study Card is submitted, the courses in which you have enrolled electronically will roll to the live database so that you will be able to view online your official course selections the day after Study Card Day. Faculty will also be able to view their official course lists at that time.
The electronic shopping cart and Study Card are available on the "Courses" tab at http://my.harvard.edu. Enter your HUID and PIN and then click on the "Course" tab to access them.
When is the course enrollment tool available?
The online course enrollment tool is available 24 hours a day during the enrollment period. There may be occasional outages for maintenance during off-peak hours.
When is the course enrollment period?
You can find information regarding course enrollment period at the following links:
What is the online shopping cart and how does it work?
The online shopping cart tool offers you the ability to search for FAS courses using multiple course attributes and to place course selections into your shopping cart. Courses in your cart can be viewed using a graphical schedule that you can print and carry with you to help with your daily shopping. To use the shopping tool, access the my.harvard portal by entering your ID Number and PIN and then click on the "Courses" tab.
How does online enrollment affect the add/drop process?
There are no changes to the add/drop process. Refer to the Dropping/Adding Courses section in the Change of Course section within Academic Information in the Undergraduate Student Handbook, or in the Changing Courses During Term section in the Variations in Program section within Academic Information in the Graduate Student Handbook for additional information regarding the add/drop process.
How do I move a course from the shopping cart into my Study Card?
When you have decided that you would like to enroll in a course that is in your shopping cart, you can move it to your Study Card by clicking on the "Add to Study Card" button next to the course.
Can I add courses directly to my electronic study card and by-pass the online shopping tool?
Yes; you can directly add courses to your electronic study card by selecting the "add by cat #" button on the Study Card Tool. You can then input up to six course catalog numbers at one time and add them to your electronic study card.
Why don't I see the "Add to Study Card" button next to the courses I have added to my online shopping cart?
The "Add to Study Card" button will only be available when the Study Card Tool application is open for the term. You can use the Online Shopping Tool anytime throughout the year, but the Study Card Tool is only available for a set period of time at the beginning of each term. Once the Study Card tool opens for the term, the "Add to Study Card" button will appear next to the courses in your shopping list.
Why are there Course Tabs above my shopping list and what do they mean?
The Course Tabs above the shopping list provide quick access to the course website. The Course Tabs are populated as you add courses to your shopping cart or once you officially enroll in the course.
If I drop a course from my Study Card, why does the Course Tab still appear?
The Course Tabs above the shopping list are populated once you officially enroll in the course. If you withdraw or drop the course, this tab will still appear. To confirm that your add / drop form was processed, refer to the Course / Grade report at http://www.fas.harvard.edu/registrar_grades/.
Why do I have courses on my study card if I did not add any for the spring term yet?
If you are currently enrolled in a FAS or Cross-Registered course that meets throughout the year, the course will be pre-printed on your study card and you need not edit any information for the course if you intend to remain in the course through the spring term.
How do I enroll in a Cross-Registered course?
Students can indicate their interest to enroll in a Cross-Registered course by clicking the "add x-reg classes" button on the Study Card tool. As in the past, all students must file a separate Cross-Registration petition to be officially enrolled. Students who enrolled in a full year Cross-Registered course in the fall term will see the course on their electronic study card and must also complete another petition to continue their course enrollment for the spring term. Information about Cross-Registered courses can be found at http://crossreg.harvard.edu.
For more information, refer to the Cross-Registration section in Academic Information of the Undergraduate Student Handbook, or the Cross-Registration into Courses Offered by Other Faculties section in Academic Information of the Graduate Student Handbook.
How do I enroll in an Independent Study course?
Undergraduate students can enroll in an Independent Study course by selecting the "add Ind. Study" button on the Study Card tool.
How do I enroll in a TIME course?
Graduate students can enroll in a TIME course by selecting the "add TIME" button on the Study Card tool.
How do I enroll in a course that I want to audit?
Audited courses should not be included on your study card. There is no official tracking of audited courses in FAS. Students who audit courses do so with the permission of the course head and are not officially enrolled in the course. For more information on auditing courses, contact the FAS Registrar's Office. Undergraduate students call (617) 495-4655; Graduate students call (617)495-1519.
Does the course "Day - Time" on my study card equate to the section of the course that I will be enrolled in?
No, the "Day - Time" column on your study card simply lists one of the meeting times for the course as defined in the course catalog. The study card indicates the courses in which you are enrolled, not a specific section of the course. If you have enrolled in a course that meets in sections, your TF/faculty head will contact you with sectioning details for the course.
As an Undergraduate student, how do I withdraw from a full course mid-year on my Study Card?
Only Undergraduate students are eligible to withdraw from a full course mid-year through the Online Study Card Application. To withdraw from a full course mid-year, select "Withdraw" under the "Action" field on your electronic study card. You will receive no credit when withdrawing from a full course at mid-year.
As a Graduate student, how do I withdraw from a full course mid-year on my Study Card?
Graduate students cannot withdraw from a full course mid-year through the Online Study Card Application. Graduate students must petition the Dean's Office to withdraw from a full course mid-year. Petition forms are available on the GSAS website.
How do I divide a full course for credit on my Study Card?
To divide a FAS, divisible full course and receive half-course credit for the fall term, you should select "Divide With Credit" under the "Action" field on your study card. You will receive credit for the Fall Semester portion of the course. The signature of the course head is required. When completing a full course in the fall term (the first half taken in a previous term), you must divide the course on your electronic spring study card. If you fail to divide the course at mid-year, you will remain enrolled in the course for the spring term. If you are currently enrolled in an indivisible full course or a half-course that meets throughout the year, you are not allowed to divide the course with credit for the fall term. You should contact the Office of the Registrar, Records Office, 20 Garden Street, for further instructions.
Can I drop a full year course on my Study Card?
No, full year courses cannot be dropped on your electronic study card. Undergraduate students who want to drop a full year course in the spring term should discuss the process with their Resident Dean or Assistant Dean of Freshmen. Graduate students who want to drop a full year course in the spring term must petition the Dean's Office.
Can I suspend a full year course on my Study Card?
No, full year courses cannot be suspended on your electronic study card. If you suspend a full year course for the Spring Term, you will not receive full course credit until you complete the course in a subsequent term. Undergraduate students who want to suspend a full year course in the spring term must file a petition with their Resident Dean or Assistant Dean of Freshmen. Graduate students who want to suspend a full year course in the spring term must complete a petition form.
Can I enroll in a new full year course mid-year on my Study Card?
Yes, in order to enter a full course at mid-year, you should add the course to your study card using the Online Shopping Tool and "Add to Study Card" button (as you would any other new spring course). The instructor signature is required. If you wish to combine this course with the first half taken in a prior term giving you full course credit and a final full course grade, you must also file a petition with the Office of the Registrar, Records Office, 20 Garden Street, by the seventh Monday of the spring term.
How do I change the grading status of a full course mid-year on my Study Card?
To change the grading status of a full course mid-year from Pass/Fail to Letter, or vice versa, you must file a separate petition by the fifth Monday of the spring term. You cannot change this grading status directly on your electronic study card.
As a Graduate student, how can I take a designated language course Sat/Unsat?
The grading status of designated language courses cannot be changed in the Study Card tool. GSAS degree candidates who wish to enroll in designated language courses Sat/Unsat should include the course on the study card and complete a separate Petition to Change Grading Status To Or From Sat-Uns For Language Courses Only form. The petition form is available at the Office of the Registrar, Graduate Records Office, 20 Garden Street, #109.
The online enrollment tool is informing me of errors on my Study Card. What does that mean?
There are several rules that specify courses and combinations of courses that are valid for specific types of students. Descriptions of these rules are provided in the Registration and Course Enrollment section of the Undergraduate Student Handbook, and of the Graduate Student Handbook. The online enrollment application checks your Study Card against these rules to ensure that the course selections on your Study Card are valid. All errors must be resolved in order to print a valid Study Card.
What do the red and green validation statuses indicate on the course enrollment screen?
The red and green statuses are a visual representation of the validity of the study card. A green status, which is accompanied by a checkmark, indicates a valid study card. A red status, with a hand indicating "Stop", means errors are present.
What do I do if the instructor I want to take is not listed for the course?
Contact the Courses department of the FAS Registrar's Office, at courses@fas.harvard.edu. In the email, you should include the course name and number, the instructor's name, and your contact information (name, email and phone number). You will be notified once the change has been made in the Online Enrollment Application. You should allow up to 24 hours for the modifications to appear in the Online Enrollment Application. Course information is updated 4 scheduled times a day.
Why would an instructor that is teaching a course not appear on my Study Card?
Some instructors, like teaching fellows, may not be eligible to be listed on a course in the Online Enrollment Application, although they are actively teaching the course. The instructor that is listed on the Study Card is the faculty head for the course. Note that the instructor that appears on the Study Card does not necessarily reflect your section leader.
What do I do when I'm done creating my Study Card?
Once you are sure about the courses on your Study Card, you should print it by clicking the "print this study card" button. Remember that all errors on the Study Card must be resolved before the application will allow you to print a valid Study Card. After printing your Study Card, you must obtain all required signatures and submit your Study Card to the appropriate location by the established deadline.
When the Study Card is invalid, I see a button to "print this draft." What does that mean?
The purpose of the draft document is to facilitate conversations with your adviser prior to finalizing the contents of your study card. The draft document can therefore contain all courses you are considering taking, and those courses can then be narrowed down and finalized in discussions with your adviser.
A draft Study Card cannot be submitted on Study Card day.
Can I create and print my Study Card using Harvard's computing resources?
Yes; students may use computers designated for Internet access at the Science Center and also at residential labs as appropriate. Additional information about the FAS computer labs and their policies can be found at http://www.fas.harvard.edu/computing/kb/kb0813.html. Note that not all of the residential labs have printers.
There are also computing resources available at some libraries and other campus facilities. Check their websites for more details.
I printed my Study Card, but I need to make a change. Can I do that?
Yes; a Study Card can be modified and printed as many times as needed, however, only one Study Card can be submitted on Study Card Day. All required signatures must be on the one Study Card you submit. Courses that are crossed-out or handwritten onto your study card are not valid. You must edit your study card to include these changes and reprint your study card.
I printed my Study Card but I need to reprint it. Can I do that?
Yes; you can always reprint your Study Card from the course enrollment tool. Don't forget that you will need to get any signatures that were on the original Study Card again.
Can I hand in more than one Study Card?
No; you can only submit one Study Card document. All required signatures must be on the one printed Study Card that you physically turn in. The Registration staff will not accept multiple Study Cards on Study Card Day.
After submitting my Study Card, can I confirm the courses that I am enrolled in?
After your study card has been submitted and processed, you can view your course enrollment at any time via the Course/Grade Report link on the FAS Registrar's website (http://www.fas.harvard.edu/registrar_grades/).
How does simultaneous enrollment work?
Simultaneous Enrollment refers to enrollment in two courses that meet at the same time or overlapping times. The Study Card application will not prevent simultaneous enrollment of courses. You should discuss simultaneous enrollment conflicts with your adviser. Should you wish to continue with a simultaneous enrollment, Ad Board approval is required for undergraduates and FAS Deputy Registrar approval is required for graduate students.
For more information, refer to the Simultaneous Enrollment section in Academic Information of the Undergraduate Student Handbook, or the Simultaneous Course Enrollment section in Academic Information of the Graduate Student Handbook.
If I am lotteried out of a course, do I still have to drop it?
Yes; you must drop any course that was on your submitted Study Card that you are not attending.
I'm having problems accessing / logging into the portal or the course enrollment application. Who can I talk to for help?
General questions concerning the enrollment process or course and grade information should be directed to the Registrar's Office at ro-help@fas.harvard.edu.
Questions concerning access to Web services and supported software should be directed to FAS Computer Services at the Help Desk in the basement of the Science Center, or sent to help@fas.harvard.edu.
Online Registration FAQ
How does registration work?
Undergraduate and Graduate students will use the online tool for registration. To use the registration tool, access the my.harvard portal by entering your HUID Number and PIN and then click on the "Campus Resources" tab.
When is the registration tool available?
The online registration tool is available 24 hours a day during the registration period. There may be occasional outages for maintenance during off-peak hours.
When is the registration period?
You can find information regarding the registration period at the following links:
I live off-campus. Can I register online from there?
Undergraduates: No; registration confirms the presence of a student on campus. As such, online registration must take place at an on-campus location within the Harvard network.
Graduates: Yes, graduate students can register from a computer that is either on-campus, or off-campus.
Are there Harvard computing resources available for online registration and/or for printing any registration materials?
Yes; students may use computers designated for Internet access at the Science Center and also at residential labs as appropriate. Additional information about the FAS computer labs and their policies can be found at http://www.fas.harvard.edu/computing/kb/kb0813.html.
There are also computing resources available at some libraries and other campus facilities. Check their websites for more details.
Can I choose not to agree with any of the questions I'm asked during the registration process?
No; acknowledgement of all of the questions asked during registration is mandatory to complete the registration process.
I'm trying to register, but the application won't allow me to do so because I have a registration hold. What do I do?
You must resolve your hold with the office that initiated it and then revisit the registration application to register.
We used to get a registration packet on Registration Day. Where do I get the documents that used to be in my registration packet?
The registration packet has also transitioned to an online application called the Online Communication Packet, which can also be found on the "Campus Resources" of the my.harvard portal.
Where can I find the documents referenced during the agreement statements section of the registration process after I have completed the process?
All documents referenced during registration can be found in the Online Communications Packet.
What do I do if I can't register during the registration period?
Undergraduates: You must register late, when you are on campus. There is no early registration.
Graduates: You must register late, or have access to a computer during the registration period.
Can I ask a friend to register for me?
No, a student may only register for him/herself. Note that completion of the registration processes and the acknowledgement during that process that you are registering for yourself is taken seriously.
As stated in the Study Cards section of the Undergraduate Student Handbook, "A student may not sign any other person's name or initials on a study card, Plan of Study, change-of-course petition, registration form, or on any other official form or petition. Violation of this rule makes the student subject to disciplinary action, including requirement to withdraw."; and in the Registration for Resident Students section of Academic Information of the Graduate Student Handbook, "Students should note that use of a Harvard ID card is limited to the person to whom it is issued. The loan or any other unauthorized use of the card will render the rightful bearer liable to disciplinary action."
As a graduate student, do I have to register if I have been granted Non-Resident status?
No; non-resident status graduate students do not have to register. Refer to the Non-Resident Students section within Academic Information of the Graduate Student Handbook for more information on Non-Resident status.
Where do I get the CUE guide?
In the fall term, the Guides are distributed to each Upperclass student in their suites and to freshmen and transfer students under the key tents.Students living off-campus should pick up their copies at Dudley. Mid-year transfers can obtain a copy from the Advising Office in University Hall.
All students may view the CUE Guide on-line at http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~cueguide/.
I'm having problems accessing / logging into the portal or the registration application. Who can I talk to for help?
Questions concerning course and grade information should be directed to the Registrar's Office, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM, at (617) 495-4655.
Questions concerning access to Web services and supported software should be directed to FAS Computer Services at the Help Desk in the basement of the Science Center, or sent to help@fas.harvard.edu.
Online Student Record FAQ
What is the Online Student Record?
The FAS Student Record is an internal advising document that includes information on coursework undertaken in a specific degree program for both undergraduate and graduate students. Information such as a student's concentration or department, abbreviated course titles, year/term of course enrollments, course credit value and grades earned are listed on this document. For undergraduates, this document will also display courses that count for concentration credit, Core and College course requirements, Advanced Placement scores, credits received from Study Abroad, and an annual and cumulative GPA.
Where can I find my Student Record?
Student Records are available on the portal (http://my.harvard.edu). To view your Student Record, enter your HUID Number and PIN and then click on the "Campus Resources" tab.
Can I print the Student Record as my official transcript?
No, the Student Record document is not an official transcript.
How does the Student Record differ from a transcript?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) transcript is an official academic record of a student's coursework undertaken for credit in Harvard College or the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The transcript is printed on secured paper bearing the Registrar's signature and embossed seal. FAS does not produce unofficial transcripts.
The FAS Student Record is an internal advising document that includes information on coursework undertaken in a specific degree program.
How does the Student Record differ from my online grade report?
The online grade report shows only courses and grades. The Student Record is an internal advising document that includes information on coursework undertaken in a specific degree program.
How does the Student Record differ from the grade report sent to the parents or guardian of undergraduates?
The grade report shows courses and grades for a given term / year. The purpose of this report is to keep the parents / guardian appraised of the student's progress. The Student Record is an internal advising document that includes information on coursework undertaken in a specific degree program.
I'm having problems accessing / logging into the portal or the student record application. Who can I talk to for help?
General questions concerning Student Records should be directed to the Registrar's Office at ro-help@fas.harvard.edu.
Questions concerning access to Web services and supported software should be directed to FAS Computer Services at the Help Desk in the basement of the Science Center, or sent to help@fas.harvard.edu.
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