Week of Service FAQs

Is it mandatory to participate in the Week of Service?
No, this is voluntary for faculty and staff.

Do I need to get permission from my supervisor or manager to participate?
Please let your supervisor know about the project and the time you will be away from your duties. If you have any questions relating to attendance, payroll, etc., please contact the HR office.

Is there somewhere I can see a description of expectations and physical requirements to be sure I can complete the tasks?
Yes, please see the project descriptions for an overview of the involved tasks.

Will this program continue or is it for one week only? Will there be other opportunities to volunteer with HLS?
The week of March 12-16, 2018, is the official week of community service, but we strive to establish a tradition of faculty- and staff-focused volunteer opportunities. In addition, there is also a blood drive at HLS on March 30, 2018.

May I volunteer for more than one activity?
To ensure as many people as possible are able to participate, we ask that each person signs up for only one activity at this time.

Are we allowed to register for a service event as a department?
While each staff member must sign up individually, you are more than welcome to coordinate with other members of your department if you’d all like to work the same volunteer shift (please make sure your supervisor will permit you all to miss work at the same time). Our hope is that you will have the opportunity to volunteer alongside colleagues from across the law school community not just colleagues from your own department. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity to do as an entire department, please contact Paul Hoover (phoover@law.harvard.edu).

What should I do if I need to cancel?
If you are unable to participate, please let Paul Hoover (phoover@law.harvard.edu) know as soon as possible. We have committed a number of volunteers to each organization and will need to find a replacement for you.

What are the transportation and food arrangements?
There will be shuttles to and from each location, leaving from HLS approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the shift. All volunteers will receive a box lunch, water, and snacks. If you have special dietary needs, please contact Paul Hoover (phoover@law.harvard.edu) if you did not include the information in the registration form.

If I have any other questions, who should I contact?
Please call HR with questions about payroll, attendance, etc. If you have any other questions about the community service program, please contact Paul Hoover (phoover@law.harvard.edu).