Coronavirus: HGSE Looks Forward

Important Policies and Procedures

COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster are Required

Harvard University requires COVID-19 vaccination for all community members working and studying on campus. Vaccination includes a full dose of a primary vaccine series and one booster shot for all who are eligible.

• Learn about Harvard's vaccination policies.
• Learn how to verify your vaccination and booster status.

Testing Protocol for Arriving Students/Community Members

To maintain the health of our community, HGSE asks that all arriving community members take a rapid antigen test before coming to campus. (Note: Testing is required for arriving students living in Harvard residences.) For arriving community members with a negative test and no symptoms, there is no need to submit test results. For arriving community members who have tested positive or are feeling ill:

• Stay home and isolate. See guidance from Harvard University Health Services regarding quarantine, isolation, and next steps.
• Report your symptoms to Harvard University Health Servives through Crimson Clear.
• As with any illness that prevents you from coming to campus, you should advise your instructor/colleagues/supervisors that you are ill so that they can share your options for completing work that may be required. Please note that you are under no obligation to share the specifics of your illness.

Optional COVID Testing

Harvard offers optional PCR testing for COVID-19 via the Color system (the University's testing partner). Read an overview of Harvard's testing protocol. 

• Harvard ID holders can enroll in the testing protocol by creating a Color account using your Harvard ID. 
• HGSE community members can pick up a PCR test in the Gutman Library vestibule and drop it off for processing on the first floor of the Smith Campus Center or other drop-off locations.
• Contact HGSE's local testing coordinator with questions about your status in the Color testing system

Anyone with symptoms or a suspected or confirmed COVID exposure should test, using the Color testing program or a rapid antigen test.

After a Potential COVID-19 Exposure or a Positive Test

Individuals who have been exposed, or who have tested positive using Color, a rapid test, or an outside testing program, should see guidance from Harvard University Health Services regarding quarantine, isolation, and next steps.

If you test positive outside the Harvard testing program, report your result to Harvard University Health Servives through Crimson Clear.

Read more about testing at Harvard. 

Visitor Policy and COVID Protocols

The HGSE campus is open to all guests, provided that guests complete an attestation process in which they affirm that they are fully vaccinated and not experiencing any known symptoms of COVID-19. Read HGSE's Visitor Policy.

Policy for HGSE Professional Education Participants

Like other community members, all HGSE Professional Education participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend on-campus programs. Read about accepted vaccinations, vaccine documentation, and other Professional Education COVID-19 policies.  

Visit Harvard’s coronavirus website for detailed information about vaccination and boosters, testing, travel guidance, and other university policies and communication.