Frequently Asked Questions

What is the policy concerning bringing a guest to a facility?

Those who have an athletic membership are welcomed to bring one guest per visit with them to our facilities. The guest fee is $10 per facility per day.  On August 23, 2012 that fee will increase to $15. Please see the complete Guest Policy here.

What is the refund policy?

All sales are final, no refunds will be issued.

How long is my membership valid for?

Memberships are valid for the period of time that you choose. You can purchase a membership by semester, academic year, or full year (June 1 - May 31). Please note your membership is only valid as long as your affiliation is with the University. Should you be terminated, go on leave, or have an expired appointment your membership will expire with it. Please keep this in mind when making your membership purchase.

How do I obtain a family membership?

Family memberships can be purchased online under the recreation tab or in person at the Membership Office in the Malkin Athletic Center. First time family members will need to come into the Memberhsip Office to pick up an athletic membership card. There after, all Harvard affiliates will be able to reactivate their family member's white membership cards online.

I lost my athletic membership card. What do I do to obtain a new one?

If you have lost your athletic membership card please visit the Membership Office in the Malkin Athletic Center.

Who constitutes an eligible family member with respect to buying a family membership?

An eligible family member is considered a spouse, domestic partner, same-sex domestic partner, and any child under the age of 26 who you claim as a dependent on your taxes.

I forgot my towel at home. Can I buy a towel at the front desk of the facility?

Members who would like to rent a towel can do so for $2 per towel per visit.

I'm an alum in the area for a short time and would like to use the athletic facilities is that possible?

Yes, alumni who are here for a short-time may use the athletic facilities. Visiting alumni will be required to present a printed copy of their directory listing and a photo ID in order to use the athletic facilities.  A non-refundable $15 guest fee will be charged upon entry.  Directory listings can be obtained at www.alumni.harvard.edu.

What are the membership periods?

Annual: June 1st - May 31st

Summer: June 1st - August 31st

Academic: September 1st - May 31st

Fall: September 1st - January 15th

Spring: January 16th - May 31st

How do I access the recreational facilities once I purchase the athletic membership?

Once you've purchased the athletic membership your Harvard ID will be your access card to the facilities. In the case of a family membership, the white athletic membership card will serve as your access card.

Are children able to access the facility?

Children under the age of 14 are only allowed in a locker room, the gym floor, or the pool supervised by an adult at all times while in a facility.

Is parking available for recreation users?

The recreation department does not control the available parking near our facilities. There is limited on-campus parking available for guests. Please check with the parking office (http://www.uos.harvard.edu/transportation/parking/) for information on the best  parking options available for each facility.

The Athletic Department occasionally charges for parking due to heavy demand in the athletic complex off of North Harvard Street adjacent to the Football Stadium. This parking demand may be due to a single large event or a combination of events and regular recreation users at a given time. During those times, all patrons of our facilities are charged for parking, regardless of their reason for being in the complex. It is not necessary to utilize the meter system when we are charging for parking. There is on street parking on North Harvard Street as well as additional parking at the Business School at $5 per vehicle.

Please note: ALL members must swipe their ID once they enter a facility. If an ID is not presented you will not be admitted.