Online Community
No matter where you go or what you do, stay connected to HKS online!
Make a gift to Harvard Kennedy School
When you make a secure online gift, you’re providing essential financial support through the HKS Fund.
Home > About Us > Alumni > Contact Us > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
HKS Alumni Association
Is there a regional association or alumni chapter in my area? How can I get involved?
The HKS alumni webpage contains contact information on regional associations or alumni chapters around the globe that you can join.
The Harvard Alumni Association also maintains a complete directory of worldwide Harvard clubs and shared interest groups.
How can I find out about events at HKS or in my area?
Join a local HKS alumni network or start your own! Also, the Institute of Politics also maintains a detailed calendar of JFK Jr. Forum and School events.
HKS Publications
Magazines and Classnotes
What HKS publications will I receive?
As a member of the HKS alumni community, you can keep up with the School through electronic and print publications, including:
Where can I submit a classnote for HKS Magazine?
We are happy to publish announcements of both a professional and personal nature. Please send your update to hksalum@hks.harvard.edu. Your note may be edited for publication.
Can I submit updates longer than 150 words?
Yes! The Office of Alumni Relations encourages alumni to submit personal essays “from the field.” These essays may be published in a variety of media, including HKS Magazine, and the HKS alumni website. Email your ideas to hksalum@hks.harvard.edu.
HKS Website
What resources are available to me on the HKS Website?
You can access HKS news and events online, watch Forum events live, view an archive of past events, subscribe to RSS news feeds and read about the latest research from the School’s centers and programs.
Office of Career Advancement
Jobs and Careers for the Kennedy School (JACK)
How do I access JACK?
See the Office of Career Advancement (OCA) information page here. You will need to use your Alumni.Harvard login information to access JACK.
How can I post a job to JACK?
In order to post a job, you must create an Employer account through JACK, separate from your personal alumni account. Go to JACK for Employers and use your email address to create an account. The Office of Career Advancement (OCA) website details the benefits of JACK for Employers.
Summer Internship Program
How can I hire an HKS student as a summer intern?
The Office of Career Advancement can assist with summer internship placements.
Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) Program
How can I become a PAE client?
You can review the PAE webpage and email pae@hks.harvard.edu to get started.
Online Community
To contact the Alumni.Harvard Help Desk, you can email them or call +1.617.496.0559.
How do I register for Alumni.Harvard?
You can register online. Fill out the required information, including a 10-digit number that you will find in the footer of any broadcast emails you receive from the Harvard Alumni Association.
You can choose your own username and password with certain character limits. Once you’ve completed the process, you will receive an email confirming your registration and username. For privacy purposes, your password will not be displayed. Your username and password are referred to as your Alumni.Harvard login or member login.
If you have further questions, refer to the FAQs on registering for Alumni.Harvard.
How can I retrieve my username and/or password if I’ve forgotten them?
You can retrieve your username and password online. You will be asked to submit your identifying information.
Where can I update my contact information?
You can update home and business contact information by logging into the Alumni.Harvard site.
How can I use the privacy setting so that certain information won’t show?
Select the checkbox to the right of any field that you do not want displayed. Be sure to click the “Update Preferences” button to have your updates take effect. By choosing not to display certain fields, others may be unable to find your listing using search criteria that includes hidden fields.
Why can’t I access Alumni.Harvard or the HKS Alumni Directory page?
If you are trying to gain access from a computer in a very secure network (such as a bank, investment firm, or other organization with high security) or a very unsecured network (such as a coffee shop), you will be denied access. Try again from a different computer such as your home computer.
I’m using my home computer and still can’t get access. What’s wrong?
You may have a FERPA block on your record in the University database which is preventing you from gaining access.
What is a FERPA block and how can I remove it?
A FERPA block is a flag in the alumni database to protect access to your record and restrict the conditions under which information may be released. It alerts University staff that you have requested your contact information not be disclosed. Until the block is removed, you will not be able to access secure areas of the website. The block can be removed by contacting the Registrar’s Office and submitting a Release Request Form. It is not our practice to disclose any contact information.
How can I update my Alumni.Harvard email forwarding?
You can do this online at Alumni.Harvard.
For detailed instructions on accessing the HKS alumni directory, go to the directory instructions page.
How do I access the HKS Alumni Directory?
Click this link. Enter your Alumni.Harvard login information to access the directory search page.
How can I update my HKS email forwarding?
Click here to update your HKS email forwarding. To keep your HKS address active, you must provide a valid, non-HKS email address where email will be forwarded. If you are not registered for Alumni. Harvard, you will not be able to set up HKS email forwarding.
How can I search for a classmate or find other HKS alumni in my area?
You can search by name, degree, or class year. If you don’t have that information, you can search with criteria such as city, country, or place of employment. Keep in mind that each person enters data differently (i.e., Department of Homeland Security may also be entered as DHS), so you may need to try different combinations.
Why aren't email addresses visible in the HKS alumni directory?
Email addresses are hidden to prevent spam and protect your privacy.
How can I stay in touch with my classmates?
You can stay tuned to HKS on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and its own YouTube page.
Do I have access to Buy, Sell, and Trade?
Yes, use your Alumni.Harvard login to log in to the HKS Intranet. Make sure to use the Alumni Login.
Other
Library Access & Resources
Even after you have earned your degree, you still have access to the vast Harvard library system, on campus and online. Visit the HKS Library Alumni Services site to learn more about access for your professional, academic, or personal research.
How do I get access to the Harvard libraries when I’m in Cambridge?
HKS alumni are welcome to use the HKS Library during regular hours. On weekends, building access is through the courtyard entrance and photo identification is required. An HKS special borrower's card is available to HKS alumni who wish to borrow materials from the Kennedy School Library only. Application forms are available at the Circulation Desk. Please allow one hour for processing of the application.
Electronic Resources
- HOLLIS, Harvard's online library catalog, is searchable from anywhere in the world.
- Ask A Librarian is a resource where HKS research librarians are available to assist in locating materials and information not found in Harvard’s subscription databases.
- EBSCO's Academic Search Alumni Edition database provides full-text for more than 3,350 journals and covers many areas of academic study including public policy, international affairs, economics, environment, religion, education, the sciences, and more. To register for free access, e-mail Library Research.
Note: The HKS special borrower’s card is for the Kennedy School library only. For access to other Harvard College Libraries, see information below.
Do I have access to the Harvard College Libraries?
The HCL Library Privileges Office at Widener Library grants various library cards to alumni, depending on the nature of the visit: temporary pass, stacks access, limited borrowing and regular borrowing. Fees apply for a Special Borrower card. For more information on alumni library privileges, please consult the Widener Library web site or visit the Library Privileges Office on the first floor of Widener Library.
Note: Alumni may only access electronic resources such as LexisNexis and Academic Search Premier from the public computers in the Harvard College libraries if they have an HCL Special Borrowers Card. Harvard’s contracts with vendors restrict remote access to these resources.
Registrar
Where can I get a copy of my transcript or a duplicate copy of my diploma?
Information about ordering replacement diplomas and transcripts can be found online at the Registrar’s office.
Invest in HKS
How can I make a donation to HKS?
There are many ways to give back to the Kennedy School. For example, you can become a Littauer Society member by contributing to the HKS Fund and/or making a gift during your reunion year.
If you have other ideas for giving back, please contact Meg McMullen, Assistant Director of the HKS Fund or Meaghan Killian, HKS Fund Coordinator.
print
email