Site Access FAQ

I have forgotten my user ID or password.  How do I retrieve them?

You can retrieve your user ID and reset your password using the online login retrieval system.  Please see our login help page for detailed instructions on retrieving your password.

The login retrieval system is not accepting the answer to my security question. Why?

You need to enter the answer to your security question exactly the same way as when you created it.  For example, if you chose "John Smith" as your security answer, the system will not recognize an answer of "Smith" or "Dr. Smith" or "JohnSmith."  If you are still unable to proceed, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.

I have reset my password, but am still unable to login.  Why?

Please make sure that you are using the correct user ID, and that you are entering your password exactly the same as when you reset it.  Your user ID is included in emails sent through the online login retrieval system.  Please note that both your user ID and password are case-sensitive.

Please also make sure that the site you are trying to access is part of Alumni.Harvard, or has Post.Harvard Login listed as the login type; please note that not all Harvard websites accept an Alumni.Harvard login.  If you are still unable to login, please contact the Help Desk, and include the web address of the page where you are trying to login, as well as the error message you receive when you attempt to login.

How do I register for an Alumni.Harvard user ID and password?

If you do not yet have an Alumni.Harvard user ID and password, you can set them up using our registration system.  Please see our registration help page for detailed registration instructions.

The registration system asks for an HAA ID.  What is this and how do I find it?

Your HAA ID is a 10-digit number used to uniquely identify you (this is different from your Harvard ID number, and different from your Alumni.Harvard user ID).  You only need to use your HAA ID once, when you first register for Alumni.Harvard.  You can find your HAA ID in the footer at the bottom of a recent email sent from Harvard, such as Harvard Monthly or HAA eVENTS.  If have not received these emails or are unable to find your HAA ID, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.

When I try to register, the system does not find my record.  Why?

If your record does not appear in the registration system, it may mean that our database lists your information differently from the way you are entering it, or that you are not eligible to register for Alumni.Harvard.  Please see our registration help page for detailed registration instructions and troubleshooting tips.

When I try to login using the PIN system, I get a message that says my ID has been de-activated.  What does this mean?

You will receive a "your ID has been de-activated" message if you have been given a temporary password and you have not yet reset it.  Please login to the main Alumni.Harvard website and reset your password (you will be prompted to enter a new password immediately upon logging in if you have a temporary password). The "your ID has been de-activated"  error message may also mean that you have had too many consecutive failed login attempts and access has temporarily been suspended.  Please try again in 20-30 minutes.  If you do not know your user ID or password, you can retrieve them using the online login retrieval system.

I have registered for Alumni.Harvard, but when I try to login to the HAA-Lenovo website I am told that I "may not be eligible for this promotion."  Why?

It may take up to 24-48 hours for your Alumni.Harvard login to be transferred to the HAA-Lenovo system after you first register.  Until this happens, you may see an error message when you attempt to login.  Please try again in a day or two, or contact the Help Desk for assistance.

I am a current student.  When I click on some links in Alumni.Harvard, I am told that I am not eligible.  Why?

Access for current students is limited to the Crimson Compass career advising network.  You will be given full access to the site when you graduate.

What Harvard websites do I have access to as an alumnus/alumna?

All Harvard alumni have access to Alumni.Harvard.  In addition, most schools at Harvard have their own alumni websites (these vary in terms of the content and services they offer).  Many other Harvard websites are limited to current students, faculty or staff members.  See the site access help page for more information on your access to various websites.

Some Harvard websites ask for a Harvard University ID number and PIN.  How do I obtain these?

In general, sites which require a Harvard University ID and PIN are reserved for current students, faculty and/or staff members, and are not open to alumni.  If there is particular content that you are trying to obtain, the best course of action is generally to contact the department which is responsible for the content in order to inquire about access.  Please see the site access help page and the links and contacts page for more information.

Still need help? Contact the Help Desk for assistance.