The RSEA Program is overseen by a Standing Committee that consists of faculty in East Asian Studies from different disciplines and departments. Led by the Chair, the Committee on Regional Studies East Asia reviews all applications to the program and makes admission decisions, and establishes and upholds academic standards for degree candidates. The RSEA Committee meets throughout the academic year to discuss and, when necessary, vote on program policies, student-related issues, and any matters of academic concern.

The Chair ensures that the program’s academic mission is carried out successfully and rigorously and that the financial structure of the program is sound. The Director of Graduate Studies oversees the students in the program, monitors students’ academic progress, and addresses students’ concerns and issues as they arise.

The Chair and Director of Graduate Studies have an office at CGIS-S132, in addition to their regular offices located at their department(s). The Chair and DGS each hold weekly office hours for RSEA students and are also available by appointment. Their office hours are posted on the RSEA website at the beginning of each semester (https://rsea.fas.harvard.edu/people/committee.)

The Program Administrator supports the Chair and DGS in their work and is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the program. The Program Administrator answers students’ routine questions about administrative matters and life in the University, and serves as a liaison to Harvard offices that deal with admission, financial aid, registration, housing, and other important elements of student life.

The RSEA program office is located at 1730 Cambridge Street, Suite 105 (aka CGIS-S105), and is generally open from 9:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the year (except for holidays).

Students are asked to meet separately with the Director of Graduate Studies and the Program Administrator at least once a semester to review their progress toward fulfilling RSEA requirements. If any question or problem arises, students are urged to take them up promptly with their Faculty Academic advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, or the Program Administrator based on the particular nature of the question or concern.

RSEA students are governed by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) policies and procedures. These rules can be found in Harvard Griffin GSAS Policies available at https://gsas.harvard.edu/policies. It is the responsibility of each student to carefully read the Harvard Griffin GSAS Policies and conform to the requirements.