Recentering Academics

As articulated in the 2025 Report of the Classroom Social Compact Committee, the purpose of a Harvard education is to cultivate a community of academically excellent, curious, and engaged students through rigorous, enriching academic experiences that prepare them for meaningful lives and lifelong learning. 

In partnership with the College, OUE, GSAS, and other campus stakeholders, the Bok Center advances this mission by collaborating with faculty and teaching staff to ensure courses are engaging, challenging, and intellectually rigorous. 

The Bok Center has a number of self-service resources available to instructors on topics including setting course policies that center academics, designing rigorous assignments & exams that lead to meaningful grades, and designing and facilitating engaging class sessions.

The Bok Center partners with faculty, courses, and departments on teaching experimentation, innovation, and implementation that promote academic engagement, rigor, and excellence.