Learning & Development

Whatever your position at the FAS, we can help you plan and follow your path to professional and personal growth. You may be eligible for a variety of courses, workshops, and degree programs ranging from GED to Ph.D.—some at no cost to you, and many at a greatly reduced cost.

Navigate to our Dynamic Work at FAS page to find career development opportunities while working remotely or in a hybrid model. 

For information on incorporating professional development into your department or unit's budget, please review the Professional Development Guidelines.

Opportunities for FAS Staff

  • FAS Staff Mentoring Program: The mentoring program is for strong-performing FAS staff members who are interested in developing their career at Harvard and willing to invest time and energy into their professional development. Mentoring Rings give participants a broad group of peers and mentors to connect with and learn from.
     
  • CWD Leadership Courses: Through assessment tools, group exercises and case studies, participants will develop leadership skills and gain a full understanding of their strengths and development needs. Program lengths vary from one day a week for three weeks to monthly meetings throughout the academic year. To learn more about CWD Leadership Courses please contact your FAS HR Consultant.

Opportunities for FAS Managers

  • Managers' Essentials: This program, held every other year, enhances the capabilities of FAS managers through five modules presented over the academic year. Each of the Managers’ Essentials modules focuses on a critical management skill or competency and imparts – in a highly interactive manner – the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to enhance that skill or competency. The program also shares HR managing best practices and enables participants to expand their networks with colleagues who participate from across the FAS. On hold for FY23.
     
  • Universal Manager Training (UMT): This is a Harvard-wide training program for managers that covers the essential knowledge and skills needed to serve as a manager at Harvard. This includes compliance with employment laws and Harvard employment policies; and creating a safe, productive, and diverse work environment. Participants will attend classroom sessions and complete online learning modules.  

Harvard-Wide Opportunities for Staff

  • The Center for Workplace Development (CWD) is focused on helping employees achieve the career growth they desire.  Among many career management and skill-building resources available both in-person and online, CWD offers the following programs and online resources for staff.
    • Career Roadmaps is a self-assessment and career planning tool to enhance your ability to develop your career.  Career Roadmaps is available in a workshop setting or through a Web-based program that you can access at your convenience and at your own pace.
    • Training courses are available in subjects ranging from office computer applications like Excel, Office and Adobe Photoshop to the "how-tos" of handling difficult conversations, time and space management, and mastering Harvard's unique financial management systems.
    • The Office of Work/Life offers Mindfulness programming as well as resources on elder, child and selfcare. Learn more now through our FAS Staff Wellness and Family Care Microsoft Teams site
       
  • Tuition Assistance Plan: Harvard's Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) makes it possible for you to take individual classes or pursue a degree or certificate at a greatly reduced cost through eligible programs at the Harvard Extension School and other participating Harvard schools, as well as job-related courses at other institutions.
  • HUCTW Education Fund: In addition to TAP, you may be eligible for the HUCTW Education Fund.
     
  • Career Conversation Meetings: Current Harvard staff are invited to participate in Career Conversation Meetings Across Harvard. These sessions give staff the opportunity to meet one-on-one with local HR officers to learn more about Harvard’s schools and departments, explore career interests, expand professional networks and strengthen future applications.
     
  • IT Mentoring Program: Open to all IT staff at Harvard, this program aims to provide coaching and tools for organizational guidance, promote networking through a "One Harvard" IT Community, engage and empower employees, and develop leadership skills for high-potential staff. This is an opportunity for IT professionals to network, receive coaching, and develop leadership skills.

Skill-Building Programs

For hourly workers and members of HUCTW: The Harvard Bridge Program provides Harvard employees with training courses and services to improve skills in their current positions and/or develop new skills for different positions.  Classes are held on campus and are offered at multiple times throughout the day, evening, and weekends. Classes include three levels of computer instruction, advanced pronunciation, business writing, academic writing, college preparation, TOEFL preparation, high school diploma preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); individual tutoring, citizenship preparation and career development services are also available.

Organizational Development Consulting

Individualized consulting is provided upon request to assess needs and define strategies to enhance the performance of individuals, teams, and departments.  CWD partners with work teams to assess workplace issues and pursue solutions.