# Navigating FAS Administrative Services FAS Administrative Services connects our staff, faculty, and researchers, whether you're seeking assistance or providing it. It combines dedicated, local support with expertise shared across the FAS so colleagues get the help they need when they need it, enabling all of us to focus on the academic mission at the heart of our work. The new [administrative services model](/fas-task-force-workforce-planning "FAS Task Force on Workforce Planning") was developed following a year-long process, which engaged staff, faculty, and researchers across the FAS. It will be fully operational by mid-October 2026. ![Hopi Hoekstra, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences & Warren Petrofsky, Dean of Administration and Finance](/sites/g/files/omnuum716/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-09/hopi-and-warren%20copy.png?itok=7FyzSFBI) "The new model for administrative services strengthens how the FAS supports its teaching and research mission. As partners in advancing that mission, we're accountable for making sure the model delivers on its promise, and for ensuring the FAS community is equipped to carry out our critical work." — **Hopi Hoekstra**, *Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences* & **Warren Petrofsky**, *Dean of Administration and Finance* ## Explore FAS Administrative Services by Function Finding the right connection starts here. Some of the ways we work together have changed, so your contact for a given need, or the team you're now part of, may be different than it was before. Below, you'll find details on every FAS function: what they do and how to reach them. [### Academic Affairs ](/academic-affairs) [### Administrative Operations ](/administrative-operations) [### Communications and Marketing ](/communications-and-marketing) [### Finance ](/finance) [### Faculty Support Services ](/faculty-support-services) [### Human Resources ](/human-resources) [### Information Technology (HUIT) ](/harvard-university-information-technology-huit) [### Physical Resources and Planning ](/office-physical-resources-and-planning) [### Rapid Response ](/rapid-response) [### Research Administration ](/research-administration) ## FAQs Open all sections Close all sections ### How is the new FAS Administrative Services model different from our previous model? expand\_more Under the previous model, administrative practices varied widely across departments and centers, and staff often covered a broad range of responsibilities without the chance to build deep expertise in any one area. The new model addresses this by: - Organizing staff into functional teams with deeper expertise in specific administrative areas - Standardizing core processes where appropriate while still supporting the needs of individual disciplines - Clarifying roles and responsibilities, so it's easier to know where to go for help - Ensuring administrative support continues when staff are on leave, on vacation, or leave the university - Creating larger administrative teams with clearer paths for training and career growth Managing Directors represent the needs of departments and centers as these services are coordinated across the FAS. ### What is an administrative grouping? expand\_more An administrative grouping is a cluster of departments and centers that share a dedicated administrative team, led by a Department Administrator (DA) or Executive Director (ED). Each grouping connects to the broader FAS through a Managing Director, who represents the group's needs in FAS-level decisions and serves as an escalation point when issues arise. This is solely about how staff support is organized; it doesn't change the academic independence or boundaries of individual departments and centers. ### When will we fully transition to the new model? expand\_more Our target date for operating fully under the new model is mid-October 2026. In the meantime, administrative support continues as usual across the FAS, and support mechanisms are in place to help address any challenges that may arise along the way. ### Should we expect disruption during the transition? expand\_more Some disruption should be expected. Any organizational change of this scale involves a period of adjustment, and finding a rhythm within the new model will take time. Support structures, including the Rapid Response Team, are designed with this in mind. We expect to respond quickly when something isn't working optimally. ### How will we know if the new model is working? expand\_more Advisory and governance groups made up of faculty and staff will provide feedback and direction as the model takes hold. We will also track key metrics to ensure strong levels of service, and we'll be transparent about our progress. ## News and Updates [### Closing a Difficult Chapter and Looking Ahead ](/news/2026/08/closing-difficult-chapter-and-looking-ahead) August 14, 2026 ![widener](/sites/g/files/omnuum716/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/20250508_FAS_EndOfSemester_2232_0.jpg?itok=o18a4RHY) [### FAS Workforce Planning: Final Notifications This Week ](/news/2026/08/fas-workforce-planning-final-notifications-week) August 11, 2026 ![University Hall](/sites/g/files/omnuum716/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/uhall.png?itok=F5VlhyGN) [### FAS Workforce Planning: Additional Notifications This Week ](/news/2026/08/fas-workforce-planning-additional-notifications-week) August 05, 2026 ![harvard building up close](/sites/g/files/omnuum716/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/DSC03378.jpg?itok=dlyZ_EEE) [### FAS Workforce Planning: Additional Notifications This Week ](/news/2026/07/fas-workforce-planning-additional-notifications-week) July 29, 2026 ![Exterior view of University Hall](/sites/g/files/omnuum716/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-08/UHALL_2.jpg?itok=QroOT_m3) [### FAS Workforce Planning: An Update on Notifications ](/news/2026/07/fas-workforce-planning-update-notifications) July 22, 2026 ![A view of Dexter Gate looking out toward Harvard Square](/sites/g/files/omnuum716/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/Springgate.jpg?itok=dLrEe124) [### FAS Workforce Planning: A First Step ](/news/2026/07/fas-workforce-planning-first-step) July 14, 2026 ![Harvard Yard gate](/sites/g/files/omnuum716/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-03/hgates_0-1024x461-1.jpeg?itok=nJQivj9a)