Getting Started at HCO
Research Appointments
Research Administration
Events Administration
Harvard ID Card
To gain access after-hours to both the Observatory and the CfA Library (located off the main entrance at 60 Garden Street) and to most other SAO and Harvard facilities, you will need your Harvard photo ID card. Once your appointment has been confirmed you will be notified. Once you have your ID#, Please go to the Campus Service Center (Smith Campus Center, Room 807). Business hours: Mon – Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. You must bring a government-issued photo ID, in order to receive your Harvard ID card. Examples of government issued ID cards are:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- State issued ID card
- US Military ID card
- Green card
- Naturalization certificate
For more information visit the Harvard ID Card Website. Your ID will be programmed by the HCO Business Office for after-hours access to the CfA buildings.
Harvard University Participation Agreement
All salaried scholars are required to sign the Harvard University Participation Agreement as soon as their Harvard ID is current. To access the Harvard University Participation Agreement for signature, please follow this link: https://gmas.harvard.edu/gmas/participationagreement.
Computer Accounts
After you obtain a Harvard ID number you can obtain an email account. Even though your appointment is through Harvard – it’s the Smithsonian’s Computation Facility (CF) who manages the computing at the CFA as they can meet our specialized needs. If you are a postdoc, in order to get a connection to the CFA Network and CFA Accounts you must sign the SAO Computer Account User Agreement Policy (SD931). This is sent to SAO HR echaisson@cfa.harvard.edu and once reviewed your account will be created and your supervisor and administrator will be notified that you can pick up your password from computing. CfA uses Google Apps for Government for email, which provides a “@cfa.harvard.edu” address. To log in to your CfA Google Apps account, go to mail.cfa.harvard.edu.
There are two other passwords to get in addition to the email account:
- VPN – SI password (WebTA) – REQUIRED for internal resources if working on a self-managed wireless device
- SSH – Remote Access
If a Unix account is required, please let your Division Administrator know so that it can be requested at the same time as your email address so you have less required password visits.
Harvard Key
After you obtain your cfa.harvard.edu email account you can claim your HarvardKey. HarvardKey is Harvard University’s unified online user credential, uniquely identifying you to Harvard IT applications and services such as Human Resources information, Library, Secure Wireless Network etc. To claim your key visit the Harvard Key webpage and enter in:
- Your eight-digit Harvard University ID (HUID)
- Your last name
- Your date of birth
- A personal email address to use for account reminders
Connecting to the Network
Wireless Connection
For wireless connections use your HarvardKey to just register the machine on the Harvard Wireless network. Long term wireless users should be set up with eduroam – the Computing Facility Helpdesk can assist with the set up. Eduroam will enable you to use your devices at any eduroam institution in the program. Harvard IT has a site that walks you through the set up of different devices on the Harvard Secure Wireless Network.
Wired Connection
For wired connections (ethernet or a ethernet adapter) bring your laptop down to the CF helpdesk in B-207 to get it registered for a wall connection. The machines have to be documented and tagged before they can attach to the network.
Phones
A telephone number will be assigned when you arrive (if applicable). A voice-mail box or system can be set up on your line, provided funds are available to cover the cost and approval is obtained by your Host or Advisor. For internal CfA or Harvard calls, only use the last 5 digits (e.g., if 617-495-7280, dial 5-7280). For an outside line dial 9.
Voice mail can be delivered to your email instead of the phone. For information on navigating your voicemail please visit the voicemail user guide. To access your voicemail, dial 5-8168 from your office phone or 617-495-8168 from any non-Harvard phone.
Mailing services is currently under construction.