# Resources ## expand\_more [**Student Groups**](#student_groups) **|** [**Campus Resources**](#campus_resources) **|** [**New Student Resources**](#new_student_resources) **|** [**Additional Readings and Videos**](#useful_readings_and_videos) ## Student Groups ![Carmen Sivakumaren Graduation](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dms/files/50061456468_0d0e928004_c.jpg?itok=t2XNUAhy) > "By balancing personal/professional development and networking events with social gatherings and outreach efforts, MBSH provides a welcoming and enriching environment to a diverse population of students." \- Carmen Sivakumaren (BBS Alum) All students are welcome to participate in these communities and take advantage of the resources and support they offer. [**Minority Biomedical Students at Harvard (MBSH)**](http://www.mbsh.website/) is a student group dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the life sciences community at Harvard. [**Graduate Society of Underrepresented Students in STEM**](https://engage.gsas.harvard.edu/organization/gsuss) is dedicated to providing a space for Harvard Griffin GSAS students to come together throughout their time at Harvard for academic and personal community and support. [**Underrepresented Students of Neuroscience**](https://engage.gsas.harvard.edu/organization/usn) USN seeks to provide community support for students who are underrepresented minorities or who come from underrepresented/non-academic backgrounds. [**W. E. B. Du Bois Graduate Society**](https://engage.gsas.harvard.edu/organization/dubois) is an organization of Harvard Griffin GSAS students and others devoted to addressing minority issues. ![MSBH students sitting around a table for a holiday celebration](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2024-12/MBSH%20Holiday%20Celebration.jpg?itok=BgsLa1QU) MBSH Holiday Party[**ADHD+ Group**](https://engage.gsas.harvard.edu/event/9229339) provides a supportive space for graduate students to work on executive function skills including planning, focus, and self-regulation. Each week will focus on a different skill such as time estimation, breaking down tasks, and decreasing academic anxiety. **DAO Student Groups:** - [Disability Alliance](https://www.facebook.com/Harvard.Disability.Alliance/): Creating a community for disabled students at Harvard. - [Deaf Awareness Club](https://www.pbha.org/programs/dac/): Advocating for understanding of Deaf Culture at Harvard through educational events and working with the local Deaf Community. - [RSI Action](http://www.rsi.deas.harvard.edu/): Providing preventative education, advocacy, and support for students experiencing repetitive strain injury. [**LGBTQ@GSAS**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/resource/harvard-lgbtqgsas-association) provides a community and safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer graduate students. [**Harvard Black Graduate Student Alliance**](https://scholar.harvard.edu/bgsa) was created to foster a greater sense of unity among the various Black communities across all twelve of the Harvard University Graduate schools. [**Harvard Native American Program**](https://hunap.harvard.edu/home) brings together Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students and interested individuals from the Harvard community for the purpose of advancing the well-being of indigenous peoples through self-determination, academic achievement, and community service. [**Harvard Griffin GSAS Latinx Student Association**](https://engage.gsas.harvard.edu/organization/latinxstudentassociation) is an interdisciplinary organization committed to building community and providing intellectual and social support among students currently enrolled in graduate programs at Harvard University. [**The Harvard Graduate Women in Science and Engineering**](https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/hgwise/home) (HGWISE) is committed to enhancing the personal, academic, and professional development of women in science, social science, and engineering at Harvard University. **Additional Student Groups are listed on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Diversity** [**Student Groups**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/diversity/student-affinity-groups) **page.** ## Campus Resources ![group of students having a picnic lunch](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2024-12/20220910_GSASLunchLawn22_HE_122%20%281%29.jpg?itok=QVmAZu_f) [**The Office of Culture, Community, and Engagement (CCE)**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/office/culture-community-and-engagement) supports students from the time they are prospective applicants, throughout their studies at Harvard, and as they join our alumni community. We support recruitment and engagement efforts, including on- and off-campus events, training programs, and programs for admitted students. We host a variety of events and programs that celebrate and affirm the Harvard Griffin GSAS community. Additionally, we offer one-on-one support to students, support for student groups, and host academic, professional development, and community events. ![Group of people standing posing in front of a chalkboard](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2024-12/Spragg%202019_Career%20Panel_024.jpg?itok=9otNE2Ph) Jocelyn Spragg Lecture and Career Panel[**Office for Gender Equity**](https://oge.harvard.edu/#main-content) The OGE (formerly known as the Title IX Office) is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment that is free from sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. Our office supports the entire Harvard community in a neutral role, meaning that all members of the University community can access our resources. [**University Disability Services (UDS)**](https://accessibility.harvard.edu/) welcomes students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities. UDS provides leadership to University efforts to ensure an accessible, welcoming working and learning environment for individuals with disabilities while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. [**Disability Access Office**](https://aeo.fas.harvard.edu/): The Disability Access Office (DAO) partners with Harvard Griffin GSAS students with visible and invisible disabilities to identify barriers and implement plans for access. Through collaboration with the campus community, we foster an environment of equity and inclusion. ## New Student Resources **Summer Institute** The Summer Institute is an optional program that gives students the opportunity to meet and build social and professional networks with fellow incoming PhD students, staff, and faculty before the academic year begins. It also provides a preview of graduate school and includes professional development workshops to help ease the transition into graduate study. All participants receive a stipend and, if needed, on-campus housing for the duration of the program. **Culture and Community Workshop** All first-year students participate in a 2.5-hour Culture and Community Workshop during their program orientation in late August. Organized by the Harvard Griffin GSAS Culture, Community, and Engagement team, the workshop is designed to equip incoming students with the tools to establish and sustain an inclusive culture and community within their programs and across campus, through dynamic discussions and engaging activities. ## Contact Us [### Xavier du Maine ](/people/xavier-du-maine) Assistant Director of Culture, Community, and Engagement Harvard Integrated Life Sciences ![Xavier du Maine](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/dms/files/dumaine_xavier.jpg?itok=UO55BdFh) [### Gisselle Vélez-Ruiz ](/people/gisselle-v%C3%A9lez-ruiz) [gisselle\_velez@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:gisselle_velez@fas.harvard.edu)Associate Dean of Culture, Community, and Engagement ![Gisselle Vélez-Ruiz](/sites/g/files/omnuum3501/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/dms/files/gisselle_velez-ruiz.png?itok=mpDwEsF2)