Community Values Statement

Harvard University and the Graduate School of Design aspire to provide education and scholarship of the highest quality—to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to prepare individuals for life, work, and leadership. Achieving these aims depends on the efforts of thousands of faculty, students, and staff across the University. Some of us make our contribution by engaging directly in teaching, learning, and research, others of us, by supporting and enabling those core activities in essential ways. Whatever our individual roles, and wherever we work within Harvard, we owe it to one another to uphold certain basic values of the community.

  • Conscientious pursuit of excellence in one’s work
  • Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others
  • Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community
  • Accountability for personal behavior

Achieving the mission of the School requires an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellence, and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff, and alumni accept these principles when joining the Harvard Graduate School of Design community.

Community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these values into every aspect of their experience at HGSD. Through our personal commitment to these values, we can create an environment in which we all can achieve our full potential.

Rights and Responsibilities

Each member of the GSD community has rights and responsibilities related to upholding these collective values. The GSD is committed to ensuring these rights and responsibilities through the five key areas listed below. These areas contextualize the GSD’s commitment, which is put into practice through related policies and procedures accessible through the following pages:

Rights & Responsibilities

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Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

The GSD believes in equipping students with the skills to design spaces for all. To…

Rights & Responsibilities

Admitted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Employers, Faculty, Incoming Students, International Students, Prospective Students, Staff and Teaching Assistants

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Equitable Accountability

In accordance with Harvard University policy, the GSD does not discriminate against any person on…

Rights & Responsibilities

Admitted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Employers, Faculty, Incoming Students, International Students, Prospective Students, Staff and Teaching Assistants

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Respectful and Transparent Engagement 

Transparency in engagement, honesty, and respectful behavior are critical components of being a part of…

Rights & Responsibilities

Admitted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Employers, Faculty, Incoming Students, International Students, Prospective Students, Staff and Teaching Assistants

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Academic Integrity

The general mission of the GSD is to promote the development of design excellence through…

Rights & Responsibilities

Admitted Students, Alumni, Current Students, Employers, Faculty, Incoming Students, International Students, Prospective Students, Staff and Teaching Assistants