Interested in learning more about Student Services at HKS?
By Jane Finn-Foley, Associate Director of Student Services
As a Harvard Kennedy School student, you’ll have access to a wide variety of resources. One such resource is the Office of Student Services, whose single focus is to support each student’s overall student life experience. Their programs, initiatives, and support services serve the many needs of the active student body, and include accessibility support, overseeing and supporting all student-run events and activities, and working closely with the Kennedy School Student Government (KSSG).
In the Q&A below, Associate Director of Student Services Jane Finn-Foley discusses Student Services’ offerings for students. In her role, she oversees the School’s 90 student organizations, guides the 12 student-led conferences, and orchestrates Commencement. She also works with the KSSG and serves as a general resource to help students navigate and make the most of their HKS experience outside the classroom.
What does the Office of Student Services do?
Since our main goal is to help students, we put on the annual Student Organization Fair and Student Resources Fair, host study breaks, run the Student Lounge complimentary coffee and tea station, and administer programs like the discounted MBTA Pass Program for the Boston area public transportation system and our Take a Faculty Member to the Cafe Program, which provides funding for small groups of HKS students to invite an HKS faculty member to the campus cafeteria for coffee or lunch. We also host weekly Quorum Calls, a casual gathering on most Fridays that are a fun way to unwind at the end of the week while catching up with friends or meeting new students from different programs over snacks and a beverage.
What is your favorite part about working on the Student Services team?
I thoroughly enjoy supporting and getting to know our students. I enjoy meeting with them to hear their ideas for events or new student organizations and offering guidance as they work to bring their vision to fruition. Our students are so enthusiastic about sharing their areas of interest and expertise with each other and at the same time are incredibly eager to learn from their fellow students. Our student organizations and their events are integral in making this possible, and they add significantly to our dynamic campus life.
“There are many unique and engaging ways to connect—not just with your classmates—but with students in other degree programs, as well as faculty and staff members. It’s special to be at a school where the entire student experience is valued.”
Jane Finn-Foley, Associate Director of Student Services
How do students connect with you?
Students connect with me in many ways. It’s easy to schedule an in-person or remote meeting with me, and email is a great way to be in touch with quick questions. But my favorite is when students just pop their heads into my office and ask if I have a minute to talk. My office is right alongside the Student Lounge, so I often catch students on their way to class or when they’re grabbing a coffee before finding a study spot. Like many of my colleagues, I value being approachable and accessible to students, and really enjoy when we’re able to connect in person. Even just a quick hello can really brighten the day!
What advice do you have for students considering HKS?
You will find your community at HKS. There are many unique and engaging ways to connect—not just with your classmates—but with students in other degree programs, as well as faculty and staff members. It’s special to be at a school where the entire student experience is valued.
What is your favorite HKS memory?
After 14 amazing years working with students at HKS, it’s difficult to pick just one! But one of my favorite moments each year is our graduates’ procession into the HKS Diploma Ceremony on Commencement Day. The joy is palpable and I’m filled with optimism watching our students cross the stage, receive their diploma, and head back out into the world to help make it a more just, safe, and prosperous place for us all.
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