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  • Working, Learning & Living on Campus
    • Working, Learning & Living on Campus
    • Reopening Levels
    • Common Spaces
    • Learning Spaces
    • Housing
    • Work Spaces
    • Events- *TEMPORARILY PROHIBITED*
    • Local Dining & Personal Services
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Working, Learning & Living on Campus

Working, Learning & Living on Campus

  • Reopening Levels
  • Common Spaces
  • Learning Spaces
  • Housing
  • Work Spaces
  • Events- *TEMPORARILY PROHIBITED*
  • Local Dining & Personal Services
Page Updated: 05 Jan 2021(No updates in last 10 days)
Page Updated: 05 Jan 2021
(No updates in last 10 days)
 

We all have a role to play in keeping HBS healthy.

 
Harvard, local, state, and federal guidelines provide the framework for our campus operations.

A hybrid approach remains the expectation, with a number of programs and activities occurring on campus and remote work the norm for others.

Teams have worked hard to adapt the campus to meet public health guidelines. Everyone plays a role in supporting the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

How We Are Keeping You Safe 

A comprehensive overview of the health and safety steps we’re taking across common and academic spaces.

Accountability 

Every member of the community will be asked to undergo training and sign an attestation that they understand their personal responsibility and role in supporting the health, safety, and well-being of our community. In everything we do, we aspire to be a model of the principles we teach, and our response to COVID-19 is no exception.

Reopening Levels 

Harvard Business School’s COVID-19 operating plan describes five possible levels of campus activity, as detailed in the table below. HBS will modify its level of operation in response to guidance and metrics from Massachusetts, Boston, and Harvard University, in addition to local metrics (e.g., Campus Access Protocol compliance, current and projected support capabilities). The level of operations may move from more restrictive to less restrictive should public health improve, and from less restrictive to more restrictive level if conditions suggest the need for additional caution.
→View all levels

Common Spaces 

Protocols for reserving and utilizing common spaces for events, activities, and casual usage.

Learning Spaces 

Precautions being taken to ensure health and safety in our classrooms.

Housing 

Guidelines for residence halls and campus housing.

Work Spaces 

Guidelines and cleaning practices for shared work stations.

Events 

Protocols for planning events on and off campus.

Local Dining & Personal Services 

These businesses offer dining options and other personal services close to campus.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I plan an online event?

Please reference the virtual event planning guide (login required), which offers best practices and resources. Email events@hbs.edu if you need additional help.

Are small meetings allowed in conference rooms and individual offices?

While meetings should be remote or outdoor whenever possible, small group meetings in offices and conference rooms are possible if all parties agree, group size is at or below the room’s stated capacity (for offices without stated capacities, this may be two or three people in order to ensure at least six feet of distance), masks are worn and attendees maintain six feet of distance at all times, no food or beverage is consumed, attendees wipe down all surfaces that have potentially been touched at the conclusion of the meeting, and meetings are scheduled with a buffer of at least ten minutes to reduce interaction with attendees of subsequent meetings.

How has HBS housing changed with the COVID-19 pandemic?
All housing allocated within the HBS residence halls is single occupancy with a private bathroom—each occupant has their own toilet, sink, and shower.
Have you considered plexiglass barriers in the classrooms or other learning spaces on campus?
Yes. Absent evidence that they eliminate the need for physical distancing or face coverings, we have chosen not to pursue them at this time.
What is a hybrid classroom?
A Hybrid Classroom enables a combination of in-person and virtual participation for students who may wish or need those options. The classroom accommodates physical distancing guidelines by limiting the number of individuals in the classroom, yet provide a compelling teaching and learning experience for everyone. Students are required to wear masks that conform to the nose and are tightly fitted and multi-layered.
Will we have access to wipes and hand sanitizer?

Yes. Wipes and hand sanitizer will be available throughout the community for general use and individualized cleaning of shared spaces. In high touch areas with frequent turnover wipes and sanitizer will be available for use by the uses within each space. Even though these items will be available in various spots around campus, you are encouraged to have your own hand sanitizer and wipes available as well.

Has the airflow and ventilation in classrooms, offices and public spaces been enhanced?

Yes. HBS Facilities has taken steps to optimize the amount of fresh ventilation and outside air being supplied to campus buildings based upon the HVAC system design and outside air conditions. HBS meets or exceeds the recommended air filtration levels in all campus classroom and assembly buildings.

Will buildings on campus be locked during the day?

Yes, campus buildings will be locked and you will need to use your Harvard ID card for access. All community members will have access to the buildings that are typically open during the day such as Aldrich, Spangler, Shad, and Baker Library) with swipe access. If you have access difficulties while on campus please contact HBS Security at 617-495-5577 or the Operations Service Counter.

What is the maximum occupancy for various indoor spaces on campus?

Occupancy varies based on the size of the space and each space will be clearly marked with occupancy levels. Currently the guidance for an indoor space is no more than 10 people per 1,000 sq. ft. up to a maximum of 25 people (State and City guidance). Informal gatherings should not exceed 10 attendees, whether inside or out.

Is catering available?

HBS provided catering is limited to outdoor student events at this time. Please visit the Operations website (login required) for information on both HBS and self-catering options for fall 2020..

Can visitors come to campus?

Visitors and guests are strongly discouraged from coming to campus at this time. Those who do must receive prior approval and complete the Campus Access Protocol.

How will HBS clean and disinfect an area that is suspected to be contaminated by Covid-19?

HBS Custodial Services will oversee the cleaning and disinfecting on campus for any level of contamination. They will assess the area of closure needed and determine how long it will remain closed. They will coordinate with Harvard Environmental Health & Safety as well as 3rd party service providers who are certified to deep clean and disinfect the area. The area will be reopened as soon as the odors from cleaning chemicals dissipate.

Will the capacity of campus spaces change with the physical distancing guidelines?
Yes. From lounges to conference rooms to classrooms, fewer people will be able to occupy these spaces at any given time. Please see signage at each space for capacity limits.
→More Frequently Asked Questions
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