MIDAS is the online application for managing identity data at Harvard University. MIDAS users perform a range of business functions, including looking up people to verify affiliation, updating contact or privacy data, getting ID numbers for Library Borrowers or other persons with roles like consultant or contractor.
- Log in to use MIDAS
- Request Access to MIDAS - download and fill out an application
- FAQs about MIDAS
- Download instructions for how to create a "Class participant" record in MIDAS
- Download instructions for how to create a "Library Borrower" record in MIDAS
- Download instructions for how to create a "Person of Interest" record in MIDAS
- Download instructions on how to search for HUIDs
What are the necessary system requirements in order to use MIDAS?
Are there any known issues with MIDAS?
Do I have to be on the Harvard network to access MIDAS?
Will MIDAS timeout when it is left inactive?
Will there be classroom training?
Why do you have an application form? I never filled anything out in the past?
How will I know whether my application was received and processed and what permissions I was assigned?
What happens if I don’t fill out the application?
My PIN works, but I can't access MIDAS, why?
What are the differences between the MIDAS roles?
Can I view historical data in MIDAS?
What are the necessary system requirements in order to use MIDAS?
- For Windows: IE 6 and higher. FireFox 2.x and higher.
- For Macs: FireFox 2.x and higher. Safari 2.x.
- If printing PIN letters: Windows (Mac not supported), MS Office 2003
- If running reports and using Internet Explorer, Downloads should be Enabled. To enable downloads go to Tools --> Internet Options --> Security --> Click on the Internet Icon --> Custom Level --> Downloads --> Automatic prompting for downloads --> enable and then click OK. Next select the Trusted Sites Icon --> Custom Level -->Downloads --> Automatic prompting for downloads --> enable and then OK twice. In addition, please make sure your Pop-Up Blocker is turned off. This option can be found in the Tools options of Internet Explorer.
- In order to use the e-mail address hyperlinks a default e-mail client with an e-mail account should be configured.
- General rules to follow:
-
- Cookies should be turned on.
- Avoid using the browser's Back feature.
- Avoid using the browser's Refresh feature.
- To view the most data about a person without having to scroll, it is recommended to use the highest screen resolution.
- It may be helpful to use the 'Collapse All' button and then expand the desired section of data.
Are there any known issues with MIDAS?
To download the current version's releases notes please see the MIDAS Release Notes.
Do I have to be on the Harvard network to access MIDAS?
Access to MIDAS is restricted to the Harvard network, which in general terms means you can access MIDAS from a wired connection inside a Harvard building. If you wish to access MIDAS from home, from a non-Harvard location, or from the Harvard wireless network (even if you are inside a Harvard building), you need to run vpn first, then open your browser, and then log in to MIDAS.
For assistance setting up or running your vpn client software, please contact your department's local technical support group.
Will MIDAS timeout when it is left inactive?
Yes, MIDAS is configured to timeout after 30 minutes of inactivity - the maximum allowed timeframe as defined by the central administration's security policy for enterprise information. For more information click here.
Will there be classroom training?
Training is offered for Directory Contact users. Please contact telephone_directory@harvard.edu for a schedule or to register for a session. We believe users will quickly get up to speed by using the on-line tutorials.
Why do you have an application form? I never filled anything out in the past.
MIDAS includes confidential information. The University is required by law to limit access to confidential data to only the employees who need the access to be able to perform their job responsibilities.
How will I know whether my application was received and processed and what permissions I was assigned?
If the application form was filled out completely, you will receive notification with your assigned role. If, however, the application was incomplete, Directory Services will ask for more information and you will need to re-submit your application.
What happens if I don’t fill out the application?
You will not be able to access MIDAS.
My PIN works, but I can't access MIDAS, why?
MIDAS is a PIN-authenticated website. In addition to needing a PIN to access it, you need to be authorized to access MIDAS. If you have not filled out an application, please access application form above, fill it out and submit it to Directory Services, 65R Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge You will be notified with instructions when your access is ready.
What are the differences between the MIDAS roles?
| MIDAS Role | Description |
| Basic Reader | User has the ability to verify a person's affiliation with the University. |
| Enhanced Reader | User has the ability to verify a person's affiliation with the University, as well as, the ability to view additional data fields. |
| Privileged Reader | User has the ability to verify a person's affiliation with the University, as well as, the ability to view additional data fields, including a person's National ID. |
| Health & Safety Reader | The user's job responsibilities include emergency response (Harvard Police Department and University Health Services). MIDAS privileges include those of the Privileged Reader, as well as, access to emergency contact information and the ability to disable/enable a person's ID Card. |
| Basic Manager | User can view, create and modify directory listing data, including directory privacy settings for all persons. |
| Directory Contact Basic Manager | User can view, create and modify directory listing data, including directory privacy settings for all employees within the user's associated GEO Code. Permitted to run the Report: Group Profile Data by GEO Code.
(GEO: groupings of PeopleSoft departments) |
| POI Basic Manager | User can create POIs, as well as, view, modify and delete data for POIs. User will manage only specific types of POIs. This role is enabled to print PIN letters. |
| LB Basic Manager | User can create Library Borrowers, as well as, view, modify and delete data for Library Borrowers. User will manage only library borrowers linked with specific library(s). This role is enabled to print PIN letters. |
| Registrar Basic Manager | User can create records for students and class participants, as well as, view, modify and delete data for students. User will only manage students within specific school codes. Permitted to run the following reports: ‘Students with FERPA Block', ‘Students Privacy Settings', and, ‘Students With Privacy Outside Default Range'. |
| HR Privacy Advanced Manager | User can view, modify and delete data for employees and POIs. |
| ID Card Advanced Manager | User can create POIs, students and class participants, as well as, view, modify and delete data for the same persons. Enabled for ID resolution actions within the application, such as; image move or copying and duplicate ID resolution. Enabled to print PIN letters. |
| Registrar Advanced Manager | User has the same privileges as the Registrar Basic Manager and may also update FERPA settings. |
| PIN Admin | User can search for a person in MIDAS for the sole purpose of printing a PIN letter. |
| Super User | The super user is granted the privileges of all other roles. Includes running reports, printing PIN letters, disabling / enabling ID Cards, and viewing National ID numbers. |
Can I view historical data in MIDAS?
MIDAS is not intended to be the source for historical data (neither for students nor for employees). In some instances, the system is displaying historical data, however, this data is not comprehensive. It represents the most current state of data which has been transmitted from SIS or PeopleSoft.