Please view this document with frequently asked questions about HAA-provided Zoom licenses for classes, including who is eligible, the expectations for use, how classes access a license, how long classes can keep a license, and many more.
Virtual Backgrounds
Many Schools and departments around the University have created Harvard-themed Zoom virtual backgrounds. We have compiled these resources below. Feel free to look through any of the below links, download the photos onto your computer, and add them in Zoom as a virtual background!
The HAA College Alumni Programs team recommends using Zoom for your virtual programs. We recognize that volunteer-led groups may want to experiment with other platforms, but for the reasons listed below, we highly recommend the use of Zoom to optimize classmate participation and predictability.
Zoom is accessible and inclusive for your classmates in the following ways:
Captioning and transcribing: Zoom offers automated captions that are largely accureate.
Recordings: Capturing and sharing Zoom recordings is a straightforward process that allows content to be shared quickly and easily with class members who cannot attend in real time.
Zoom has been widely adopted: Nearly anyone who has participated or plans to participate in a Harvard virtual event or meeting has some Zoom experience. If a class chooses a different digital event platform, many participants may need to learn how to use it.
Zoom's regular updates continue to offer more flexibility:
A new feature allows participants to select their own breakout rooms. For example, volunteers could use this to create House-based rooms.
Zoom Training and Tips
Learn about the Zoom strategies fellow Classes are using to build engagement outside of in-person convening. Refer to the following links for training, tips, and tricks on hosting and participating in Zoom meetings.
Zoom Quick Start: Setting up Zoom is easy with this quick guide.
General Advice for Hosting Virtual Meetings: Make the most of your remote event or meeting this these tips on meeting expectations, accessibility, materials, and participant engagement.
Disclaimer: Zoom outages, while rare, can unexpectedly occur. You can determine if Zoom is experiencing an outage by logging into harvard.zoom.us. We suggest that all classes have contingency and communications plans in place, especially for larger gatherings.
