CMES is a welcoming and collaborative environment. The distinguished faculty and unmatched resources of Harvard University provide an intellectual environment in which students can focus on the most compelling challenges of their chosen discipline. CMES is also a cultural melting pot, attracting faculty, students, associates, and visiting scholars from all over the world to teach, study and carry out research. The Center offers many seminars, lectures, workshops, and exhibits, as well as opportunities to meet informally with fellow students and faculty for quiet study, and social activities.
The Harvard Middle Eastern Cultural Association (HMECA)
HMECA, run by CMES graduate students with the participation of undergraduates, is at the center of AM and PhD student life at CMES. It seeks to foster a sense of the diversity of Middle Eastern culture, and to promote academic exchange and mutual understanding between people from the Middle East and the Harvard Community. HMECA organizes social events, Middle East language lectures, a film series, and other activities. For information, please email the 2022-23 HMECA presidency, Rannd Muhanna and/or Rachel Nelson.
Harvard Student Organizations
Harvard students have access to a wide variety of student-led organizations in which to participate. For a full list of student groups, or to start your own, see the Harvard Griffin GSAS list of recognized student organizations.
GSAS Student Center
For more than 25 years, the GSAS Student Center has offered social, intellectual, and recreational activities designed to help Harvard Griffin GSAS students make connections outside of the classroom, lab, or library. From its convenient location at Lehman Hall in Harvard Yard, the Center welcomes students from all GSAS departments and disciplines.
GSAS Student Center Fellows
GSAS Student Center Fellows are Harvard Griffin GSAS students who create programs for graduate students. Some of the Fellow programs take place virtually, at Lehman Hall, in the Boston-area, or elsewhere in New England. All Harvard Griffin GSAS students, including those based in Longwood and Alston areas, and their partners, spouses, and children, and guests, as well as students living in Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls are welcome to participate. To explore the Fellows program visit Engage.
GSAS Office of Housing
GSAS Residence Halls are managed by the Office of Residential Life.
Student Support
Students can reach out to Danielle Farrell, Director of Student Services for help and support.
Cafes on Campus
The Café Gato Rojo is located in the basement of Lehman Hall. This student-run café is an excellent place to read, meet with friends, catch up on work, or attend the occasional poetry reading and "open-mic night." Other on-campus eateries near CMES include Chauhaus in the Graduate School of Design, the Clover Food Lab in the Science Center, and a rotating line-up of food trucks in the Science Center Plaza.
Outside Harvard
Boston is a vibrant, thriving city is renowned for its cultural facilities, world-class educational institutions, champion sports franchises, as well as its place at the very forefront of American history and severe winter weather
Harvard students with a valid ID have free access to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, and Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA).