President Drew Faust responds to concerns about Harvard’s e-mail policies

President Faust responds to concerns about the University’s e-mail policies.

During the April 2 disclosure that the e-mail accounts of a resident dean were investigated multiple times in connection with an Administrative Board review of students’ academic misconduct (see “E-mail Imbroglio,” May-June, page 46), President Drew Faust told the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) that the University appeared to have “highly inadequate” policies and processes in place for treating electronic communications properly.

She therefore retained attorney Michael B. Keating, LL.B. ’65, to review the facts and report on whether the situation is fully understood; The Harvard Crimson subsequently disclosed that his report will be delivered to a committee comprising Faust and Corporation members Lawrence S. Bacow, William F. Lee, and Theodore V. Wells Jr. According to a statement issued by Lee:

In addition to discussing his findings with the Corporation committee, [Mr. Keating] will prepare a written report, with appropriate regard for confidentiality, that will be shared with the Harvard community. He aims to finish his work by June 30.

Separately, Faust set up a University task force to establish policies and guidelines on e-mail privacy, chaired by Green professor of public law David J. Barron. That group began meeting on May 6; it expects to make recommendations for Corporation action by the end of the coming fall term. It operates under this charter from Faust:

The task force will consider and recommend appropriate policies regarding access to, and confidentiality of, electronic communications that rely on university information systems. It will consult with faculty, staff, and students in order to obtain a full understanding of the perspectives of each group.

In undertaking its work, the task force will inform itself about policies now in place at Harvard and other relevant institutions and solicit perspectives and advice on best practices.

The task force will consider whether and to what extent Harvard’s policies should be University-wide or specific to certain parts of the University or particular institutional roles and responsibilities.

The task force will be expected to focus on recommending policies for the future that are both principled and practicable and that account for the reasonable expectations of individuals, the legitimate interests of the University, and associated issues of notice and process.…

Barron’s task force includes administrative, associate, and executive deans from the schools of divinity, public health, and medicine, and a dozen professors from diverse faculties (the complete list appears at www.harvardmag.com/privacy-13). It will be supported by vice presidents Marilyn Hausammann (human resources), Robert Iuliano (University general counsel), Anne Margulies (chief information officer), and Leah Rosovsky (strategy and programs).

Related topics

You might also like

Harvard’s Endowment, Donations Rise—but the University Runs a Deficit

The annual financial report signals severe challenges to come.

Harvard’s New Playbook for Teaching with AI

Faculty across Harvard are rethinking assignments to integrate AI. 

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Zeroes in on the Classroom Experience

Class schedules and academics are at the top of the agenda for Harvard faculty.

Most popular

What Trump Means for John Roberts's Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

The Harvard Professor Who Quantified Democracy

Erica Chenoweth’s data shows how—and when—authoritarians fall.

Three Harvardians win MacArthur Fellowships

A mathematician, a political scientist, and an astrophysicist are honored with “genius” grants for their work.

Explore More From Current Issue

Aisha Muharrar with shoulder-length hair, wearing a green blazer and white shirt.

Parks and Rec Comedy Writer Aisha Muharrar Gets Serious about Grief

With Loved One, the Harvard grad and Lampoon veteran makes her debut as a novelist.

Illustration of tiny doctors working inside a large nose against a turquoise background.

A Flu Vaccine That Actually Works

Next-gen vaccines delivered directly to the site of infection are far more effective than existing shots.

A lively concert in a modern auditorium with an audience seated on multiple levels.

Concerts and Carols at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Tuning into one of Boston's best chamber music halls