Overview

In May we wrote to let you know that Harvard is transitioning away from the OpenScholar web platform, and that all Harvard OpenScholar websites will need to move to a new platform by November 2025. 

We’re pleased to confirm that most Harvard OpenScholar sites can be automatically migrated to our new HarvardSites Drupal platform. For most website owners, this means your content and information architecture will be automatically transferred to this new Drupal 10-based platform, which adheres to University standards on security and accessibility, offers modern, accessible design templates based on School and Unit brand guidelines, and comes with support and hosting from HUIT: 

  • HUIT will work with Schools and Units to review websites and begin automatic migrations in waves between March 2024 and August 2025
  • Schools and Units will also contact owners of websites that require additional planning due to unique requirements

You don’t need to do anything now, and you will be contacted in advance with details on timing and what to expect.

  • Unsolicited marketing emails re: Harvard website transition project
    HUIT is aware that some Harvard website owners have received emails from a third-party web development company regarding the ongoing Harvard OpenScholar website transition project. Please note that this company is not affiliated with Harvard or the website transition project. Read more on the HUIT website….

OpenScholar Sites

What can I do to prepare?

Here are some things you can do to prepare your OpenScholar site for a smooth migration.

Remove old or unnecessary content

This is a good time to create a site inventory and audit to identify content that can be deleted or archived elsewhere. 

  • Create an inventory of your website and delete any old content you no longer need (old events, press releases, announcements, files, etc.)
  • If you’ve created several sites, delete any sites that are no longer needed

Review your Site Owners and Members 

It’s important to make sure your site owner and site members are up-to-date. Site owners are usually the first point of contact if there is an issue with a site. 

Read the knowledge base article about transferring ownership. If the owner of the site has left Harvard and you need more help, please contact the HUIT Service Desk.

Make sure your content is accessible 

Check for broken links and any quality issues 

SiteImprove is a tool available to Harvard that scans your website for typos, broken links, accessibility, and other content quality issues 

Where can I get help with my OpenScholar site?

Support for all existing Harvard OpenScholar websites is now provided by HUIT. If you need help, please contact the HUIT Service Desk.  

You can also review these OpenScholar help resources:   

How will OpenScholar site moves be managed?

  • Sites moving to HarvardSites Drupal will be migrated through coordinated bulk migrations with Schools and Units
  • Initial migrations will begin in April 2024 with biweekly migration sprints
  • Timing and inclusion within sprints will be coordinated with Schools and Units and communicated to site owners

HarvardSites

How do I know which HarvardSites platform I need for my site?

Your HarvardSite will be provided on the platform that best meets the needs for your site, or based on School requirements. See the Platforms page for more information.

Will my site still look the same?

HarvardSites provides a selection of Harvard-branded, modern design templates that meet web accessibility requirements. 

When can I deploy a new site on HarvardSites Drupal?

HarvardSites Drupal is targeted for limited availability April March 2024 for sites with initial design capabilities. General availability for all School / Unit-based designs is targeted for December 2024. 

What training and documentation will be available? When?

Additional training resources including training sessions, and workshops will be provided for site owners and administrators. We will provide an update to site owners as training resources become available.