Spouses, Partners, & Children

Resources for Spouses

Below is information on Harvard University organizations that offer services to spouses and in some cases qualified domestic partners. There is a listing for English classes which includes organizations not affiliated with Harvard University.

Library Privileges
Spouses or qualified domestic partners of students and scholars in the Harvard community may apply for borrowing privileges at a number of the University's many libraries. To apply for a library card, take the Harvard ID card of the Harvard affiliate (or a copy of the ID card) and your own passport to the privileges desk on the first floor (Room 130) of the Widener Library. If your family name is not the same as that of your spouse or partner, you will need either proof of marriage or evidence that you live together. The cost for a library card is $5. Please have exact change or a check. For further information please call 617- 495-4166.

Auditing or "Sitting In" on Courses
Adult family members of international students and scholars may sit in on regular lecture courses in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and some of the other graduate schools, at the discretion of the faculty member. Arrangements for auditing are very informal. Choose the course by first consulting the FAS course catalog available for a fee at the Harvard Cooperative Society (Harvard Coop) in Harvard Square or on line. Attend the first lecture. After it is over, introduce yourself to the professor, explain your status at Harvard and ask that you be allowed to audit the course. This privilege does not apply to small seminars or language courses.

English Classes
The HIO has a flyer listing three different types of organizations that offer English classes in the Boston/Cambridge area. Please click here to view the flyer.

Athletic Facilities
Students, faculty, scholars, staff and their families can use the athletic facilities by showing their Harvard I.D. cards. Students need to check with their respective schools to see if they need to purchase a participation sticker. To purchase a sticker go to The Murr Center.

Religious Services at Harvard
Harvard has a rich variety of opportunities for religious participation. During the academic year chapel services are held every weekday morning from 8:45 to 9:00 and on Sundays at 11:00 in the morning at the University's non-denominational Memorial Church (617-495-5508), located in Harvard Yard. The weekday service normally includes a short address by a member of the Harvard community. From time to time, religious leaders of various denominations throughout the United States are invited to preach.

Schedules for services, concerts, group meetings, and lectures are announced in the Harvard Gazette. In addition, the Harvard Chaplains has an association of chaplains who work together in interfaith ministry for the Harvard community and who offer special programs of worship, discussion, and personal counseling to Harvard students, faculty, and staff of many faiths and traditions. They will also provide chaplains for weddings, baptisms, and memorial services.

Harvard Extension School
The Harvard Extension School is located at 51 Brattle Street in Cambridge. It offers education to meet the needs and interests of the community through open enrollment, part-time study, and affordable tuition. There are daytime and evening courses in many subjects. The Harvard Institute for English Language Programs (I.E.L., 617-495-2693) offers a wide variety of noncredit courses designed to assist students to achieve the English proficiency levels needed for many types of jobs and study programs. For more advanced training in English, the IEL offers a diploma program for students planning professional or graduate study in English speaking institutions.