Following the recent closure of several diversity-related offices at Harvard, peer counseling programs are finding it increasingly difficult to guide students toward the right support resources. This restructuring has caused considerable uncertainty in how students with identity-based concerns can find the help they need, disrupting established referral methods. While peer counselors are actively working to adapt and find new ways to connect students, the impact of the new Harvard Foundation on bridging these gaps is still unclear, leaving many students without clear avenues for support.
Just two months after Harvard College made the decision to close three of its diversity-focused offices, its undergraduate peer counseling programs are still functioning. However, these counselors are now encountering significant hurdles when trying to refer students to appropriate support services. A report by The Harvard Crimson indicates that this organizational shift has created a sense of ambiguity regarding how best to support students with identity-specific challenges.
Peer Counseling: A Crucial First Line of Support
Harvard’s six peer counseling groups, operating under the umbrella of Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), offer confidential and free assistance to students. These groups address a broad spectrum of issues, including relationship dynamics, eating disorders, mental health struggles, and incidents of sexual misconduct. Unlike licensed professional therapists, peer counselors focus on providing empathetic listening, emotional support, and connecting students with relevant campus resources. In 2022 alone, over 130 students accessed these services within a two-month period, underscoring their vital role as an accessible initial point of contact.
The Repercussions of Diversity Office Closures
The decision in July to close the Women’s Center, the Office for BGLTQ Student Life, and the Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations has directly impacted the established referral networks that peer counselors previously relied upon. Historically, students with LGBTQ+-related concerns or other identity-based needs would be directed to these specialized offices. With their closure, peer counselors now have fewer clear options for referrals, particularly for students seeking guidance on complex issues such as gender transitioning, pronoun changes, or managing specific identity challenges.
Adapting to Resource Gaps
Although the peer counseling groups continue their daily operations, the lack of clarity regarding student referral pathways has become a significant challenge. Programs dedicated to areas like sexual assault counseling or eating disorders are still providing support, yet they also confront gaps in specialized referral capabilities. The absence of these identity-focused offices has compelled student counselors to revise their support materials and actively seek alternative referral methods, often without comprehensive guidance from university administrators.
The Harvard Foundation’s Evolving Role
To replace the closed diversity offices, Harvard has integrated staff under a redesigned Harvard Foundation. While this new office aims to maintain certain services, it will not offer the identity-based matching of students with support providers – a key service previously offered by the former centers. University administrators have affirmed their commitment to student belonging, but detailed information on new programs and services remains scarce.
Uncertainty Lingers for Students
This transition has left some students feeling adrift, especially during a crucial period at the beginning of the academic year. As new first-year students and returning undergraduates commence their studies, access to timely and reliable support is paramount. However, reports from The Harvard Crimson reveal that online information is still incomplete, with several resource pages indicating “coming soon,” which exacerbates frustration among both counselors and students.
Moving Forward
Harvard’s peer counseling programs, sanctioned by CAMHS, continue to offer confidential, student-led support networks. Nevertheless, the dismantling of key diversity offices has fundamentally altered the landscape of available resources. Peer counselors are now navigating this changed environment, adapting their practices while awaiting clearer guidelines on new referral structures. The long-term efficacy of the reconfigured Harvard Foundation in adequately addressing these emergent needs remains a significant question.