Getting Settled
 

Getting Settled / Arrival Checklist

Welcome to Harvard! The following list outlines steps you should take as soon as you arrive at Harvard to ensure that all necessary paperwork has been completed. The items below are necessary in order for you to be paid, to get a Harvard ID card, to gain access to the libraries, and to complete several other important tasks. This checklist is divided into four sections: General Checklist, Additional Checklist for International Postdocs, Additional Checklist for HMS Postdocs, and Additional Checklist for HSPH Postdocs.

General Harvard Postdoc Checklist

  • Before coming to Harvard, you should check with your department administrator or supervisor to determine the source of your funding and learn your postdoc employment status with Harvard University. Once doing that, you can check the Benefits section of this website to learn about the benefits for which you are eligible.
  • Sign up within 60 days of your start date for benefits. The University's Benefits Office will send you (via U.S. mail to your home address) benefits information and an enrollment form approximately 10 days after appointment paperwork has been completed. If you have not received the packet for benefits after a couple of weeks from arrival, call the Benefits Services Group, (617) 496-4001. For more information on benefits, please see the Benefits section of this website.
  • Get a Harvard ID card. Check with your supervisor or department administrator to learn how to obtain this card, or go to http://www.huid.harvard.edu/services_cards.html. Your ID card may be used to access Harvard libraries, athletic facilities, the Faculty Club and social events requiring proof of employment.
  • Personal Identification Numbers, or PINs, are intended to serve as a secure means of authenticating your identity to gain online access to University records. Get your Harvard PIN online here: http://www.pin1.harvard.edu
  • Sign up online for discounted Massachusetts MBTA Passes if you will be taking public transportation and are benefits-eligible for this discount. http://www.commuterchoice.harvard.edu
  • Visit the Harvard Housing Office (7 Holyoke Street, 617 495-3377) with your job offer letter to investigate housing that might be available to you. For more information on housing, see also the Housing Section of this website.
  • Familiarize yourself with Peoplesoft to view your paychecks past and present, enter or change your direct deposit, home address, or W4 information. Using your Harvard PIN, sign on to Peoplesoft from the Harvard University Employees website (http://www.harvie.harvard.edu). If you have any questions, human resources payroll may be reached at (617) 432-2035.
  • If you are receiving a stipend and will be covered by Harvard health insurance (HUGHP), complete the insurance form and give it to your administrator.
  • Signing Forms: Your department administrator will assist you in filling out several forms necessary to begin your position. The forms that need to be completed vary according to your School and department, but they are likely to include the I-9 form (if Harvard processes your check), W4 and M4 tax withholding forms, Participation Agreement, health insurance application forms, Affirmative Action Form, and Foreign National Information Form (FNIF).
  • Get an email account. In order to do this, you'll first need a PIN and Harvard ID. The process for getting an email account is different at each School; for instructions for HSPH and HMS/HSDM, see their additional checklists.