Approaching Stanford Handbook 2015

A Handbook for Entering Students
APPROACHING STANFORD A Handbook for Entering Students
Approaching
Stanford
Approaching
Stanford
A Handbook for
Entering Students
CLASS OF 2019 AND TRANSFER STUDENTS

20152016
UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING & RESEARCH

590 Escondido Mall
Sweet Hall, First Floor
Stanford, CA 94305-3085
Contains information for

submitting time-sensitive
forms online.
FRESHMAN FORMS:
Due by June, 8, 2015
at 5:00 p.m. (PDT)
TRANSFER FORMS:
Due by July 1, 2015
at 5:00 p.m. (PDT)
KEY DATES
KEY DATES FOR INCOMING STUDENTS, 2015-16
Contents
The Office of the University Registrars Academic Calendar represents the official list of
University dates and deadlines and is subject to change at the discretion of the University.
The full Academic Calendar for 2015-16 is posted online at
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/academic-calendar.
ORIENTATION
September 9
Students registered to
participate in Stanford
Pre-Orientation Trips
(SPOT) arrive on campus
for check-in from
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
September 10
participate in the Stanford
Native Immersion Program
arrive on campus for
check-in from
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
September 12
participate in International
Student Orientation
(ISO) arrive on campus
for check-in from
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
AUTUMN QUARTER
WINTER QUARTER
SPRING QUARTER
September 21
January 4
March 28
November 21
February 26-27
June 3-8
First day of the quarter;

instruction begins.
118th Big Game: Stanford
Football vs. Cal.
November 23-27
Thanksgiving recess.
Residences remain open.
December 7-11
End-Quarter examinations.
Review your final examination
schedule before committing to
travel plans.

instruction begins.
Parents Weekend.
March 14-18
travel plans.
March 21-25
Spring recess. Residences

remain open.
Dec. 12-Jan. 2
Winter recess. Residences

close at 12:00 noon on
December 12 and reopen at
8:00 a.m. on January 2.
September 15
At 8:00 a.m., freshmen and

transfers begin moving in.
NSO begins for all new
undergraduates.
* You can see key academic dates through 2019-20 at studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/calendar-future.

instruction begins.
travel plans.
CONTENTS
Welcome
Welcome to Stanford University
Approaching Stanford
Welcome to the Stanford Family
Stanford, Past and Present
campus community
3
4
7
8
Approaching
Stanford Forms
Approaching Your Forms
Approaching Stanford Forms
Vaden Health Centers Health Forms
Approaching Your Campus Community

Residential Community
Finding Your Communities
Values, Standards, and Policies
54
56
58
65
Life on the Farm

12
14
26
liberal education
Approaching Your Liberal Education
28
Overview 30
Creating Your Autumn Quarter Study List
33
Beyond the First Quarter
40
Stanfords Undergraduate Degree-Granting Schools 45
Academic Opportunities
47
Academic Resources
51
Approaching Life on the Farm

70
Residential & Dining Enterprises
72
Finances 75
Health Services
78
Emergency Planning
81
Computing Resources
82
Parking & Transportation Services
84
Campus Services
87
Moving to Stanford
89
New Student Orientation
93
Key Dates, 2015-16
96
Visit our website:

approaching.stanford.edu for more detailed information.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Approaching Stanford team in Undergraduate Advising and Research at:
approaching@stanford.edu.
(650) 72-FROSH or (650) 723-7674
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PDT)
Welcome
to Stanford
University
2
welcome to stanford university
FROM STANFORDS PRESIDENT

I am delighted that you have decided to attend Stanford
University. For the next few years, you will have
many opportunities to explore new ideas and to learn
from our superb faculty and your fellow students.
As Stanfords 10th president and a faculty
member for more than 30 years, I encourage you
to make the most of your time here, and I offer
you a few suggestions to get you started.
Stanford has one of the most accomplished faculties in
the nation, and I encourage you to get to know your
professors. Stop by during office hours to continue a
class discussion or to ask about research possibilities.
As a research university, Stanford can offer our
undergraduates many opportunities not available at
other institutions. At Stanford, we are committed to
finding solutions for todays issues and to educating
our students to be tomorrows leaders. The universitys
breadthfrom the arts to the environment to athletics
to the sciencesprovides students with unparalleled
freedom to cross departmental boundaries and
discover intellectual and personal passions.
You will have the chance to work with distinguished

faculty members in small classes from your first
days on campus. If you are interested in research,
there are numerous avenues for pursuing studentinitiated research or working on faculty projects.
Your fellow students are a critical part of the Stanford
community. Some of your most valuable experiences
will be shared with your peers, whether you are
working together to understand a difficult concept or
getting to know more about one anothers background
or culture. I often hear our alumni say that they
made lifelong friends while attending Stanford.
Stanford University has a tradition of boldness,
and I hope you will challenge yourself while you
are here. This is your time, and I hope you will
use it to attempt something newwhether in the
classroom, in a laboratory, in a theater, or on the
athletic field. Above all, I urge you to enjoy the
intellectual journey and pursue it with enthusiasm.
John L. Hennessy
President
Your Guide for Approaching Stanford

The Approaching Stanford process will guide you through
your transition to Stanford. Follow these guidelines, read
the Approaching Stanford Handbook, pay attention to the
Important Dates and Deadlines handout, and complete
the necessary actions. More comprehensive information
about the policies, programs, and resources in the
handbook is available online at approaching.stanford.edu.
1. Communications Emails and Mailings
As a Stanford student, you are expected to check your

@stanford.edu email account regularly starting May
13 when the Approaching Stanford process begins. All
emails from Stanford, including the weekly Approaching
Stanford Newsletters, will be sent to your @stanford.edu
email account. You must also communicate with Stanford
offices and departments using your Stanford email so that
we can verify your identity as the sender. Some emails
convey time-sensitive information that will require action
on your part, so it is critical to check this account often.
Refer to the printed Important Dates and Deadlines
schedule sent with this handbook for a listing of
the major emails and mailings that you will receive
throughout the summer. Please pay close attention
to these communications when you receive them,
as they are essential to your transition process.
You will receive additional emails and mailings
from Stanford during the Approaching Stanford
process, but those listed on the Important Dates
and Deadlines schedule are the most critical.
2. Approaching.stanford.edu
Visit the Approaching Stanford website regularly throughout

the summer for detailed information, important reminders,
critical updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and
references to additional resources. You will need to go to
this site to submit your Approaching Stanford Forms and
to access Vaden Health Centers Health Forms, and you
should continue to visit this site throughout the summer for
updates and further information. Additional information for
new transfer students is available at transfers.stanford.edu.
3. Approaching Stanford Forms (Required)

Freshman Forms due 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 8 (PDT)
Transfer Forms due 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 (PDT)
Upon receiving the Approaching Stanford Handbook, read the

first two sections: Welcome to Stanford University and
Approaching Your Forms. After reviewing the information
and instructions provided in these sections, complete your
Approaching Stanford Forms online at approaching.stanford.
edu. Freshmen will also need to read the Thinking Matters
Catalog, included in your first mailing with the handbook,
to complete your forms. The forms are required for all new
students and must be submitted according to the deadlines
listed above. It is recommended that you upload your photo
early and may do so before submitting the rest of your forms.
Your Guide for Approaching Stanford
4. Entrance Medical Requirements &

Vaden Health Forms (Required)
Freshman Health Forms due Tuesday, June 30
Transfer Health Forms due Friday, July 31
Entrance medical requirements apply to all new

students and must be completed by the deadlines
listed above. You will need to complete required
health forms online at approaching.stanford.edu
or vadenpatient.stanford.edu and submit your
immunization records to Vaden Health Center.
7. Move-In Day and New Student Orientation

Tuesday, September 15 (Required)
Finally, as you prepare to move to campus, review

Approaching Life on the Farm. This section provides
information about getting to, around, and off campus;
guidelines for packing and moving in; and details about
New Student Orientation (NSO) and Move-In Day. All
new students are required to be in residence by 5:00 p.m.
on Tuesday September 15, 2015, and participate in the
full duration of New Student Orientation. This section
also includes information about the critical services that
will support you as a student and resident of Stanford.
5. Crafting Your First Year of Study
After submitting your forms, turn your attention to

Approaching Your Liberal Education. This section provides
guidance on crafting your first year of study; reviews
University requirements, majors, and degrees; and highlights
academic opportunities and resources. Be sure to review
the schedule for the summer Online Language Placement
Tests. This section addresses many of your questions
about academics and will help you prepare to work with
your Academic Advising Director (and for varsity athletes,
your Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes) starting in
mid-August when she or he sends you an introductory
email. These advisors are professional UAR staff and
can best address your academic advising questions.
8. The Approaching Stanford Team
The Approaching Stanford process is overseen by

Undergraduate Advising and Research (UAR). If you
have a question that is not answered within this handbook,
on the website, or by any of the resources mentioned
above, please contact the Approaching Stanford team
at (650) 72-FROSH or approaching@stanford.edu. We
encourage you to interact with the Approaching Stanford
team, faculty and administrators, and each other using
Stanford InYourClass, a new communication platform for
the Stanford community to which all new freshmen and
transfers have access. To log into Stanford InYourClass,
go to approaching.stanford.edu. You will need your
SUNet ID and password to log in.
6. Getting to Know the Stanford Community
Subsequently, as you prepare for your transition

to residential and social life at Stanford, review
Approaching Your Campus Community. This section
describes some of the ways you will experience
community at Stanford in the residences and through
myriad activities and organizations. It also outlines
University values, standards, and policies.
Welcome
to the
Stanford
Family
6
welcome to the stanford family
FROM THE DEAN OF FRESHMEN

Dear Members of the Class of
2019 and Transfer Students:
Welcome to the Stanford Family!
As I write to you, it is a beautiful
spring day here on the Farm.
The sky is a bright and cloudless
blue, the wildflowers are in bloom
across the campus, and as the warm sun shines down
on the red tiled roofs of the Main Quad, I see students
everywherebiking, walking, laughing, and studying
under the shade of sandstone colonnades. But I am inside
thinking about all of youmore than 1,650 of younow
scattered across the globe, finishing up one part of your
life and getting ready for the next part of it to begin.
I know that you may be feeling many things right now:
eagerness and apprehension; nervousness and confidence;
restlessness and calm. Contradictory as these feelings
may seem, they are known to all of us who have made
the transition that you are about to make. So even though
you have yet to gather together in person, take comfort
in the notion that your future classmates, dormmates,
and friends are also experiencing these feelings.
Soon you will arrive here at Stanford, a special place
that you will enrich and make better by your presence.
Stanford will embrace you and what you will bring
to it, and I know that you will embrace Stanford and
that it will become a cherished part of your life.
I know this because every year since 1891, men and women
from around the world have come to Stanford to become
the kinds of people they are meant to become. During their
time here they study with faculty eager to mentor creative
minds, they learn from and with one another, they have
experiences they will remember for a lifetime, and then
they move on to their next great adventure and bring those

experiences with them. Just as you begin the process of
approaching Stanford, the members of the Class of 2015
are getting ready to depart. In their time on the Farm, they
have contributed significantly, and they have supported
one another as they have learned and lived together. Rest
assured that you and your classmates will do the same.
One hundred and twenty-four classes have graduated from
Stanford, and more than two hundred thousand Stanford
alumni now live in every imaginable corner of the world.
This September, alumni far and wide will think of your
faces lighting Stanfords pathways, your ideas generating
new knowledge and understanding, your laughter rippling
off dorm room walls, and your passionate voices cheering
on the Cardinal. Even though they do not know you yet,
they already consider you part of the Stanford family.
There is a well-known African proverbIf you want
to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk
together. When you arrive at Stanford in a few short
months, you will not be alone; you will be joining a caring
community of amazing people. Your time here will be
a journey, not a race, and I am confident that you will
both walk far and walk together as Stanford classmates.
Enjoy your summer and see you in September!
Fondly,
Rob Urstein
Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Dean of Freshmen
Director of Undergraduate Advising and Research

THE FOUNDING OF THE UNIVERSITY
Stanford University is a living memorial to Leland

Stanford, Jr., the son of Senator Leland and Jane Stanford,
who died in 1884 of typhoid fever at just 15 years of age.
Overcome by their grief and desiring to create a fitting
tribute to their only child, Leland and Jane soon decided
that the most appropriate way to honor him was to do
something for other peoples children. After consulting
with leaders of the greatest universities of their day, Leland
and Jane began to craft their vision for the university
community that would bear their beloved sons name.
THE EDUCATIONAL MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY
Leland Stanford Junior University opened its doors in

October 1891 to a set of freshmen and transfer students
who would be among the first graduates, the Class of
1892. These first students attended a university that was
non-traditional in several dimensions: coeducational
in a time when most private universities were all male;
non-sectarian when most were associated with a
religious organization; flexible in its program of study
when most insisted on a rigid curriculum; and boldly
practical, seeking to qualify students for personal
success and direct usefulness in life, when most
universities were concerned only with the former.
As the Universitys first president, David Starr Jordan
attended to students personal development and the
practical value they would bring to the world through
their training, just as the Stanfords envisioned. But he
also connected the mandate of useful training to the more
traditional idea of liberal learning. Jordan embedded this
idea into the Universitys motto, Die Luft der Freiheit
weht (the wind of freedom blows), quoted from the
16th century humanist Ulrich von Hutten. Guided by
this motto, Stanford aims to make its students useful

for life precisely by promoting a wide-ranging freedom
of mind through direct involvement in the pure search
for knowledge, regardless of its particular practical
applications. This ideal places Stanfords teaching mission
squarely in the long tradition of liberal education, which
holds that such study promotes a persons freedom
for expansion and self-development. Free study is also
an education for freedom, and Stanfords emphasis
on liberal education reflects the institutions founding
commitment to the development of our students.
The Universitys distinctive, collaborative integration
of the resources from all its various schools into the
mission of educating undergraduates arises from a
sustained effort to blend these two idealsusefulness
in life and freedom of mindinto a seamless whole.
Three broad educational aims structure Stanfords pursuit

of this mission. First, Stanford aims for students to acquire
important bodies of knowledge and participate in knowledge
creation across a wide range of domains, including arts,
engineering, the interpretive, analytical and historical
humanities, languages, natural sciences, social sciences,
and quantitative and statistical studies. Second, Stanford
aims for students to build foundational intellectual and
practical capacities such as critical thinking; aesthetic and
interpretive judgment; formal and quantitative reasoning
skills; an ability to think historically; facility in both
scientific and social scientific analysis, including the abilities
to formulate and test hypotheses, assess data, and weigh
competing theories; a rich capacity for creative expression;
and the ability to communicate effectively in a wide array
of circumstances and media. Finally, Stanford aims for
students to develop personal and social responsibility;
ethical and moral reasoning skills; an appreciation of
cultural difference, as well as of human commonality;
the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams;
tolerance, generosity, and a broad capacity for empathy.
These three broad aims are encompassed by a fourth
educational idea: throughout their studies at every
level, students should synthesize and integrate the
skills and knowledge they acquire and learn to apply
them in new contexts. Each of these four broad
areas is initially developed in a students general
education studies and deepened in a students
more advanced studies, including the major.
CORE VALUES OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
President Jordans belief in the values of freedom of

mind and study extended to his confidence in students
capacity for honor, ethical behavior, and self-regulation.
In 1896, Jordan set forth the Fundamental Standard, which
remains the guiding principle of student conduct today.
The Fundamental Standard states:
Students at Stanford are expected to show both within

and without the University such respect for order,
morality, personal honor, and the rights of others as
is demanded of good citizens. Failure to do this will be
sufficient cause for removal from the University.
Over the years, the Fundamental Standard has been
applied to a great variety of situations, but the expectation
remains that students will appropriately enjoy the
freedom granted to them by the University by giving
conscious thought to the impact of their behavior on
others in the community. Although infractions may
result in penalties ranging from a formal warning to
expulsion depending on the severity and context of
the violation, all violations are taken very seriously.
In May 1921, a few decades after the articulation of the
Fundamental Standard, students lobbied the Academic
Council to adopt the Honor Code as the application of
the Fundamental Standard to academic matters. The
signatures of 1,750 students (more than 70% of the student
body at that time) affirmed the petition that sought to
invest primary responsibility for academic integrity
with students. The Honor Code remains in effect today
as a collaborative effort between faculty and students
to create an academic environment based on trust.
The Honor Code states, in part:
1. that [students] will not give or receive aid in examinations;

that they will not give or receive unpermitted aid in class
work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other work
that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of grading;
2. that they will do their share and take an active
part in seeing to it that others as well as themselves
uphold the spirit and letter of the Honor Code.

At Stanford, faculty and teaching assistants do not proctor
exams or take any action that would result in a breach of
that trust (such as searching a student for notes before
the student enters a test room). This means students
assume full responsibility for their conduct and are held
accountable for the same. With roots deep in Stanfords
history, the Fundamental Standard and Honor Code
remain core values of the community because they
express the spirit of Stanfords commitment to citizenship,
freedom, and personal and social responsibility.
STORIED TRADITIONS
Opening Convocation
When Stanford opened on October 1, 1891, after six years of
planning and building, construction workers remained busy
preparing the Inner Quadrangle for the ceremonies even
into the morning hours. Two thousand seats were set in
the Quad, but the crowd soon exceeded expectations. One
faculty member recalled, Hope was in every heart, and the
presiding spirit of freedom prompted us to dare greatly. At
the opening ceremonies that day, Senator Leland Stanford
addressed the nearly 500 women and men in the first
freshman and transfer classes: You, students, are the most
important factor in the university [....] All that we can do
for you is to place the opportunities within your reach.
On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, the University will

celebrate the 125th Opening Convocation when President
John Hennessy inaugurates the new academic year.
The ceremony is characterized by the grandeur of a
processional of faculty and the Board of Trustees in their
academic regalia and the heraldic flags representing the
University, the Office of the President, and the seven
schools. Although the entering class has now grown to over
1,650, when you gather in this same distinguished Quad,
you will join the ranks of more than 217,000 alumni around
the world in marking the start of your Stanford journey.
10
Hail, Stanford, Hail

Albert W. Smith, a mechanical engineering professor, and
his wife Mary Roberts, (who later joined the sociology
faculty) composed Hail, Stanford, Hail in 1892. The
song became popular in 1902 after it was performed
on campus by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and was
then adopted as the Stanford hymn. The hymn, which is
commonly referred to as The Alma Mater, is performed
during University ceremonial events, including Opening
Convocation, and it may also be sung by the crowd on
other occasions, such as following a victory in a major
athletic event. It is tradition to stand, link arms with those
beside you, and sway as you sing Hail, Stanford, Hail:
Where the rolling foothills rise

Up towards mountains higher,
Where at eve the Coast Range lies
In the sunset fire,
Flushing deep and paling;
Here we raise our voices, hailing
Thee our Alma Mater.
From the foothills to the bay,
It shall ring,
As we sing,
It shall ring and float away;
Hail, Stanford, hail!
Hail, Stanford, hail!
Class Plaques
Did you know that you can see (and touch) your class
plaque in the Frances C. Arrillaga Center? It will remain
hanging on the wall the four years you are at Stanford.
During spring quarter of your senior year, you will have
the opportunity to put an item in the time capsule that
will be placed underneath your class plaque when it is
laid in the Main Quad arcade. The class plaque tradition
dates back to 1896 when the class obtained permission

from Jane Stanford to install a bronze plate featuring
their class numerals under the Main Quad arcade.
STANFORD TODAY
In the 124 years since its founding, Stanford has in

many ways stayed the same. It is still on the same 8,180
acres that was the Stanfords Palo Alto Stock Farm and
is still a place that never allows tradition to restrict
creativity and innovation. Over the years, Stanford
has grown to seven schools (Business, Earth, Energy
& Environmental Sciences, Education, Engineering,
Humanities and Sciences, Law, and Medicine), 2,000
faculty members, 7,000 undergraduates, 9,000 graduate
students, 650 student organizations, and 36 varsity

sports. With the Universitys growth come greater
opportunities and challenges to help you grow as a
person, develop as a scholar, and emerge as a leader.
You, the Class of 2019 and transfer students, are whom
Leland and Jane envisaged long ago. The path you
chart through Stanford adds not only to your own
personal history, but also to the growing legacy of
Leland and Janes generosity. In the name of Leland,
Jr., approach Stanford with the goal of developing
into the scholar and citizen you desire to become.
Leland and I have at heart the hope that you will

each strive to place yourselves a high moral standard;
that you will resolve to go forth from classrooms
determined in the future to be leaders with high aims
and pure standards; and live such lives that it will be
said of you that you are true to the best you know.
Jane Stanford
11
Approaching your Forms
Approaching
Your Forms
Freshman Forms
due 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 8 (PDT)
Transfer Forms
due 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 (PDT)
12
approaching your forms

Instructions 14
Form 1: Personal Information
15
Form 2: Parental Information
15
Form 3: Academic Interests
15
Form 4: Think, ESF, and ILE Preferences
16
Form 5: Education as Self-Fashioning Preferences
18
Form 6: Housing Preferences
18
Form 7: FroSoCo and ITALIC Application
24
Form 8: Roommate Information
24
Form 9: Language Background and Interest
25
Form 10: Optional Summer Information
25
Form 11: Student Check-In and Photo Submission
25
Form 12: Social and Academic Life at Stanford
26
Vaden Health Centers Health Forms
Entrance Health Requirements
26
13
contents

The first thing you will need to do is complete your Approaching Stanford Forms online at approaching.stanford.
edu by the stated deadline. University offices will immediately begin using this information to prepare for your
arrival. The information you provide will be used in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act of 1974 (FERPA) and University policy. Visit ferpa.stanford.edu for information on student record privacy.
You, the student, must complete your own Approaching Stanford Forms. You cannot authorize another individual
to complete them on your behalf and you cannot share your SUNet ID password with anyone; doing so would be a
serious violation of University policy. If you cannot access your forms during the specified timeframe due to lack of
internet access, contact Approaching Stanford at (650) 72-FROSH for assistance.
FRESHMAN FORMS DUE 5:00 P.M. MONDAY, JUNE 8 (PDT)

TRANSFER FORMS DUE 5:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 (PDT)
Instructions
1. Prior to starting your forms, read this section

of the handbook carefully. Freshmen will also
need to read the Thinking Matters Catalog.
2. Go to approaching.stanford.edu and click on
Approaching Stanford Forms. You will need your
SUNet ID and password to log in. Keep in mind that to
log in you may need to use Two-Step Authentication,
so be sure that you have access to the authentication
methods, especially if you will be traveling.
3. When you are finished, click Final Review.
The system will verify whether you have missed
anything. If you receive warning or error
messages, please resolve them. Errors must
be resolved before submitting but warnings
do not prevent you from submitting.
14
4. Click Submit when you are satisfied with your

forms. You will receive an email confirmation when
your forms have been received.
TIPS
Start filling out your forms early to allow time to

resolve unexpected problems or issues. You are
encouraged to upload your photo (Form 11) as early as
possible and can do so before submitting your forms.
FORM 1: PERSONAL INFORMATION
This form will be provided to your Academic Advising

Director, Pre-Major Advisor, Resident Fellow(s), and
other University staff to assist them in getting to know
you and in working with you to plan your academic
program. This form also helps in making roommate
assignments and may be used in the selection processes
for special freshman programs. Some information in the
form will be auto-filled from your Stanford application.
FORM 2: PARENTAL INFORMATION
The summer Approaching Stanford Parents Mailing

will be sent to the parents/guardians you list on this
form. Moreover, these parents will be invited to join
an online Approaching Stanford summer parent forum
where they can ask University staff questions and learn
more information about preparing for Stanford.
You may work on your forms in any order and do
not need to complete them all at once. Your work
will be saved automatically as you move from form
to form. You may also click Save Form at any time.
The system will automatically log you out if your
forms remain idle for more than 30 minutes and
unsaved changes will be lost. Therefore, you should
first compose your essay responses in a separate
file and then copy them into your forms.
A
t the end of your session be sure to log out to
protect the confidentiality of your information,
especially if you are using a public terminal.
If you need to change anything after you have
submitted your forms and the forms deadline
has not yet passed, use your @stanford.edu
email account to contact Approaching Stanford
at approaching@stanford.edu with your
requested changes.
Because we value involvement from all members of our

Stanford families, the University would also like to provide
your parents, grandparents, and/or legal guardians with
information about and invitations to Stanford events and
programs. The contact information you provide will help
us communicate with your family. This information will
also be shared with residence staff and your advisors.
FORM 3: ACADEMIC INTEREST
The information you provide on this form about your

current academic interests will assist your Academic
Advising Director and your Pre-Major Advisor in
providing you with important guidance in navigating
Stanford, whether with classes, opportunities, or selfreflection. Please be as specific and detailed in answering
these questions as you can. Although your interests may
change in the future, it is helpful for your first academic
advisors to know what you are thinking as you begin
15

your intellectual journey at Stanford. This form may also
be used by University administrators and by staff for
making selections for Freshman-Sophomore College,
ITALIC, SLE, and the Leland Scholars Program.
For more information about the roles of your advisors,
as well as for information about AP credit and
transfer credit, refer to the Approaching Your Liberal
Education section in the handbook. In particular, if
you plan on requesting an external credit evaluation
for possible equivalency of a college-level writing
course with Stanfords writing requirement, please
review the criteria and follow the process described
under the Writing and Rhetoric requirement.
FORM 4: THINK, ESF, AND ILE PREFERENCES
This form is for freshmen only and collects your ranked

preferences for courses in Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Quarters that satisfy the freshman year Thinking Matters
requirement. Transfer students are not required to
complete the Thinking Matters requirement and should
skip Form 4. More information about the General
Education requirements, including Thinking Matters,
Writing and Rhetoric (PWR), and Ways of Thinking/
Ways of Doing (WAYS), can be found in the Approaching
Your Liberal Education section of the handbook.
There are three ways to satisfy the Thinking Matters
requirement:
1. One Thinking Matters course in either
Autumn, Winter, or Spring;
2. Education as Self-Fashioning (ESF) in Autumn; or
16
3. Immersion in the Arts: Living in Culture

(ITALIC) or Structured Liberal Education
(SLE) in Autumn, Winter, and Spring.
These options are fully described in the Thinking Matters
Catalog enclosed with the handbook. Be sure to read
the Thinking Matters Catalog carefully before ranking
your preferences. There are at least seven courses
offered each quarter and you should rank your top four
preferences for each quarter. We use these rankings to
make preliminary plans for course size and will give you
a preliminary assignment to one course for the year.
Individual Thinking Matters Courses
Each Thinking Matters course earns 4 units of credit,
with two 50-minute faculty lectures and two 50-minute
discussion sections each week. Each course will also
satisfy at least one WAYS requirement. More than 95% of
students receive one of their top ranked Thinking Matters
courses. There will be spaces open in every Thinking
Matters course if you decide to enroll in a different
(and/or additional) Thinking Matters course instead of
(and/or in addition to) your preliminary assignment.
Education as Self-Fashioning (ESF)
Offered only in Autumn Quarter, Education as
Self- Fashioning (ESF) provides an opportunity for
you to satisfy both the PWR 1 requirement and the
Thinking Matters requirement in a single 7-unit
course. Each week, you attend both a 75-minute
faculty-led seminar discussion, two 110-minute
writing-intensive class sessions, and a lecture by a
prominent speaker on the nature and meaning of
liberal education. If you choose ESF as one of your
top four Autumn preferences, be sure to review and
rank all five ESF seminar options on Form 5.
Integrated Learning Environments (ILEs)

By integrating the academic and residential
experience, ILEs offer a comprehensive approach
to liberal education across the entire first year. ILEs
satisfy multiple General Education requirements by
combining study on specific thematic areas and writing
instruction. Students participating within each ILE
will live together in a residence where courses and
other academic activities will take place. The two ILEs
offered in 2015-16, ITALIC and SLE, are described
below. Because each ILE is a three-quarter course
sequence, if you want to be considered for an ILE you
must rank it as your first or second preference, and
give it the same ranking for each quarter on Form 4.
Space is limited and ILE faculty and staff may also
consider the information you submit on Forms 1, 3, and
7 in making their selections. If you are selected for an
ILE, you will automatically be assigned to live in the
affiliated residence and thus must also indicate this
preference on the Housing Preferences Form (Form 6).
Immersion in the Arts: Living in Culture (ITALIC)
undergrad.stanford.edu/programs/residentialprograms/italic
ITALIC is a residence-based program built around a
series of big questions about the historical, critical, and
practical purposes of art and its unique capacities for
intellectual creativity. This year-long program fosters
close exchanges among faculty, students, and guest

artists in class, over meals, and during excursions to
arts events. We rigorously trace the challenges that
art has presented to categories of knowledgesuch as
history, politics, culture, science, medicine, and lawby
making the arts our frame for exploring existence.
All lectures, sections, hands-on arts workshops,
and guest talks take place in a cluster of on-site
seminar and practice rooms. Students live and learn
together, participating in a series of close readings
and analyses of canonical works of theatre, film,
dance, music, and visual arts, including examples
of street art, comics, and popular culture.
ITALIC satisfies the Thinking Matters requirement,
PWR 1, and four WAYS requirements. ITALIC students
earn a total of 16 units for the year: 4 units during
two quarters and 8 units during the PWR quarter.
This gives students the freedom to take several
additional classes outside of ITALIC each quarter to
round out the freshman year, while still maintaining
a strong connection to the arts at Stanford.
Structured Liberal Education (SLE)
sle.stanford.edu
Structured Liberal Education is the liberal arts college
experience within the University. It is a chronologically
structured three-quarter course beginning with the ancient
world and ending in modernity. The students in the SLE
Program live together in Florence Moore Hall, along with
other freshmen and upperclassmen. Conversations that
begin in the main lounge, where the lectures are held,
often spill over into the dining halls and student lounges,
creating a lively and collaborative intellectual atmosphere.
17

Focusing on great works of philosophy, religion,
literature, painting, and film, the SLE curriculum places
particular emphasis on artists and intellectuals who
brought new ways of thinking and new ways of creating
into the world, often overthrowing prior traditions in
the process. These are the works that redefined beauty,
challenged the authority of conventional wisdom,
raised questions of continuing importance to us today,
andfor good or illcreated the world we still live in.
In the course of the year, SLE lectures are given by
faculty experts from all over the University. In-depth
class discussions center on close readings and critical
analysis of primary texts. Because of the intensive
interaction with the SLE instructors and the one-onone work with writing tutors, SLE students make great
strides in their writing abilities, whatever their main
field of interest. Extracurricular activities include trips
to Bay Area performances, special guests (including
artists, poets, and political figures), SLE Challenges,
and a student-produced play each quarter.
SLE fulfills the Thinking Matters requirement,
PWR 1 and PWR 2, and four WAYS requirements.
SLE counts for 8 units per quarter, about half of
the normal academic load, allowing students to
take two or three other courses per quarter.
FORM 5: EDUCATION AS SELF-FASHIONING

PREFERENCES
This form is for freshmen and required only if you have

ranked Education as Self-Fashioning (ESF) on Form
4 as one of your Autumn Quarter Thinking Matters
preferences. Review the descriptions of the ESF seminars
in the Thinking Matters Catalog and, on Form 5, rank all
five ESF seminars that will be offered in Autumn 2015.
18
FORM 6: HOUSING PREFERENCES
Your residence will be more than just a place to

sleep, study, and leave your belongings. Residential
living is an opportunity to extend learning beyond
the classroom, to make lifelong friends, to relax and
hang out, and to learn about yourself and others.
Three formsHousing Preferences (Form 6), FroSoCo
and ITALIC Application (Form 7), and Roommate
Information (Form 8)provide the information
essential to place you within a residential community
and with your specific roommate(s). The information
below will help you make informed decisions
about the choices available on these forms.
Housing assignments are made in random order once
the deadline for submission of the forms has passed.
This is an important reason to ensure your forms
are submitted on time. In making freshman housing
assignments, the R&DE Student Housing Assignments
staff endeavor to make each residence a microcosm
of the freshman class, balancing factors such as home
state, academic interest, gender, and ethnicity.
Housing Preferences for Freshmen

After you have carefully read the section on freshman
housing options below, consider which options will be
the best fit for you and indicate your preferences by
ranking all the options. While some students wish to
live in a community made up exclusively of first-year
students, others appreciate living among upperclassmen
in four-class houses. Cross-Cultural Theme Houses
offer an academic and social immersion into a focus
culture, while the Integrated Learning Environments
(ILEs) and Freshman-Sophomore College (FroSoCo)
provide unique learning and residential opportunities
for freshmen. Although R&DE Student Housing makes
every effort to assign you to one of your top choices, any
student may be assigned to any of the housing options.
For this reason, it is very important that you indicate
your preferences by ranking all of the housing options.
You should include the ILE programs and FroSoCo in
your rankings only if you apply to them. If you do not
want to be selected for them, please leave them blank.
Freshman Housing Options
1. Integrated Learning Environment (ILE)

programs: ITALIC and SLE
Special note: If you are an incoming student who is

married, in a long-term same-sex or opposite-sex
domestic partnership, has children, or is age 25 or
older, you may request to live in graduate housing.
Be sure to apply for graduate housing via the link
in Form 6 by the deadline of July 12, 2015. It is not
necessary to complete the Roommate Information
Form (Form 8) if you are requesting assignment
to a graduate residence. If you have any questions:
please contact R&DE Student Housing Assignments,
(650) 723-2428, newhousing@lists.stanford.edu.
2. Freshman-Sophomore College (FroSoCo)

3. Cross-Cultural Theme Houses: Casa Zapata,
Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, Okada, and Ujamaa
4. Four-class residence halls: coed
floor or single gender floor
5. All-freshman residence halls: coed
floor or single gender floor
1. Integrated Learning Environments (ILEs)
Please see the Thinking Matters Catalog for a description
of both the academic and residential components of
the ILE programs, ITALIC and SLE. If you want to be
considered for an ILE, you must rank one (or both)
of these programs among your top two Thinking
Matters course preferences on Form 4 and among
your top three housing preferences on this form.
(Leave this choice blank if you are not interested in
the ILE programs.) In addition, if you rank ITALIC,
you must also provide a short response on Form 7.
2. Freshman-Sophomore College (FroSoCo)
frosoco.stanford.edu
Freshman-Sophomore College provides the vibrant
residential intellectual community of a small, elite,
liberal arts college while offering enhanced access to the
academic resources of one of the worlds premier research
universities. The College consists of approximately 100
freshmen and 60 sophomores living in two adjoining
houses with rooms for freshmen and sophomores
interspersed on all floors. Admission is by application
19

only, and once admitted, students can opt to stay for their
sophomore year. The College brings together talented
students at Stanford and helps them achieve a balance
of academic preparation, personal exploration, cultural
enrichment, and self-reflection at the highest level.
Participating students emerge with the critical selfunderstanding needed for the lifelong project of designing
a meaningful life and become connected to the resources
at Stanford that can set them on the path towards being
exceptional individuals and community leaders. Part
of what helps the College achieve these goals is a fun
community of students who share their extraordinary
abilities and help each other develop, flourish, and enjoy
life. At the College you will live, study, and play with
like-minded individuals who are academically driven, are
excited about the arts, and give back to their community.
Each house of the College has College Directors who
live in attached residences; the College Dean lives across
from the College. The College also has a residential
oral communication tutor and a resident multimedia
coordinator. In addition to the wide range of workshops
and tutorials provided by the staff, sophomores lead
mini-seminars on a diverse array of subjects exclusively
for College residents. If you are interested in living
in FroSoCo, rank this among your top three housing
preferences on this form. (Leave this choice blank if you
are not interested in FroSoCo.) If you rank FroSoCo,
you must also submit short responses on Form 7.
3. Cross-Cultural Theme Houses
These four-class houses provide cross-cultural living
at its best. Students of all backgrounds live in these
active and vibrant communities that embrace their
theme through the exploration of traditions, history,
and politics. Leading scholars, artists, and community
leaders engage with students in an intimate residential
20
setting. Students also contribute to shaping the living

and learning experiences in the houses. Each house
fosters cross-cultural dialogue and relationships in the
residential environment through everyday interactions.
These houses are often cited by students as being one of
the transformational experiences in their time at Stanford.
Symbolizing the diversity of Stanford, approximately
one-half of the residents in a theme house are of
a different ethnic or cultural background than the
theme/focus of the house. Theme houses offer the
same opportunities and resources available in other
residence halls, but as four-class houses, they also
provide the added bonus of mentoring opportunities
for freshmen. Each theme house has a staff of Resident
Fellows, Resident Assistants, and Theme Associates
to help plan the educational and social activities of
the house, such as in-house classes, film and lecture
series, group discussions, drama productions, music
recitals, and readings by noted authors. These
residences house between 30 and 110 students.
Casa Zapata
Named for Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata
(1879-1919), Casa Zapata is a four-class house focusing
on the Chicano/Latino experience through educational
and cultural programs. Zapata was established in 1972
when Stanford was home to only a handful of Chicano/
Latino students, who were the first in their families to
attend college. Today, Zapata is home to students from
many different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences,
as well as Americans of Latino descent from a wide range
of occupational and educational backgrounds, creating a
rich diversity of people and perspectives in this dorm.
Zapata residents are engaged in a wide range of activities

staging plays for Zoot Suit/Watsonville week, planning
film series, sharing poetry and music at regular dorm
gatherings, and engaging in lively discussions about

culture, social justice, and activism. Zapata has been
a source of inspiration, creativity, and community for
over three decades. Decorated with vibrant murals
by renowned Latino artists throughout the common
areas, Casa Zapata is a hub for community events, such
as Floricanto, Posadas, and Chicano/Latino Reunion
Homecoming, as well as host to performing groups,
including El Mariachi Cardenal, Ballet Folklrico, a
cappella groups, and service organizations. Zapata
provides students with the opportunity to share a distinct
cultural experience, form strong friendships across all
undergraduate classes, and experience the enthusiasm
and spirit that is usually reserved for freshman dorms.
Muwekma-Tah-Ruk
Muwekma-Tah-Ruk, which means House of the
People, is the Native American theme house. The
house is named in honor of the Muwekma Ohlone
tribe, who were the original inhabitants of the San
Francisco Bay Area. Located in an area of campus
known as the Lower Row, Muwekma is a beautiful
three-story, New Orleansstyle, four-class house
with an intimate community of students. It is the only
house on the Row that is home to a Resident Fellow.
Muwekma was established at its present location in 1988 to

celebrate the diversity of Native American, Alaska Native,
and Native Hawaiian people. A credit-bearing seminar
class is offered to residents and to the greater University to
explore significant cultural identity, legal, language, and land
issues through speakers, discussions, and events. Programs
and seminars presented in the house are representative
of Native cultures, histories, and current issues. All are
explored in an engaging and supportive environment for all
freshmen and upperclass students, Native and non-Native.
Okada
Okada, established in 1971 as the Asian American theme
house, explores the diversity of Asian American peoples
and cultures in a historical and contemporary context.
The dorm is named after John Okada, who is recognized
as the first Asian American author. In addition to the
activities common to a four-class residence, Okada also
serves as a focal point for students to explore the Asian
American experience through a variety of dynamic
programs, conversations, and the lived experience. All
residents, Asian American and nonAsian American,
contribute to the vibrancy of the dorm community.
Okada has two main goals. The first is to be a community

in which residents feel at home, meaning everyone
feels supported and able to contribute to the dorms
vitality. The second goal is to explore the variety of
definitions and experiences of what it means to be
Asian in Americahow it is experienced by those who
are connected to an Asian/Pacific Islander American
identity, as well as by those who are not (and the people
who feel in-between). Programs and activities related
to the theme are for everyone in the dorm, not just for
students who identify with it by heritage. Exploration
of cultural, historical, and societal differences and
commonalities is the basis for dorm programming.
21

Ujamaa
Ujamaa focuses on the histories, issues, and cultures
of the African Diaspora. The name comes from the
Swahili word for extended family. This house prides
itself on fostering that sense of family by creating a safe
environment for open, honest, and sometimes challenging
dialogue. A wide range of opportunities and activities
are offered to residents to deepen their knowledge and
understanding of their peers, themselves, and the world.
Whether it is a presentation by an upperclassman on the
African Sensibility in Mexico, or engaging with notable
Ujamaa alumni like Jeff Raikes or Charles Ogletree,
residents of Ujamaa are encouraged to step out of their
comfort zone and explore all that Stanford has to offer.
As an Ujamaa Scholar, you are the foundation of the

program, one that not only educates but also creates a
space for residents to explore topics that are not a part
of their academic journey. Stanford is proud of this
long tradition of intellectual engagement around the
African Diaspora and looks forward to the students
who will be part of what makes Ujamaa special.
4. Four-Class Residence Halls
Freshmen in four-class houses benefit from the best of all
worldsbonding with fellow freshmen who are undergoing
similar first-year experiences plus close interaction with
upperclass students who have much to share from their own
campus history. In addition, upperclass students can often
assist with problem sets, serve as sounding boards for ideas
for Thinking Matters papers, introduce stress-reducing
social events during exam times, and lend guidance to
house activities and intramural teams. Four-class houses
can include sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and are
located in large complexes that have a significant number
of freshmen. These residences house between 50 and 300
students, and approximately 50% of the residents in a fourclass house will be freshmen. Four-class houses have the
same staffing support found in all-freshman residences.
22
5. All-Freshman Residence Halls

In all-freshman houses, students enjoy the experience
generated by living with an entire house of first-year
students where everyone in the house is going through
similar adjustments and facing similar challenges. Allfreshman houses are usually characterized by high
spirit and an almost constant buzz of activity. These
residences house between 65 and 100 students.
Coed or Single-Gender Floor?
All residences in which freshmen live are coed. However,
within a residence, individual floors may be coed or
single gender. It is possible that a single-gender floor
will have a staff member of the opposite gender. On
single-gender floors, there is one bathroom. Some coed
floors have separate mens and womens bathrooms;
while others have private shower and toilet facilities with
a coed sink area. You can indicate your preference for
coed or single-gender floor arrangements on Form 6.
Special Circumstances
Non-Traditional Students are those who are older
than the typical 18 to 24 year-old Stanford student.
Single non-traditional students can choose to live
in the residence halls, but are strongly encouraged
to live in graduate housing. If you are a nontraditional student and wish to live in a graduate
student residence, please indicate this on Form 6 and
complete the appropriate application by July 12.
Couples or Students with Children should indicate this

on Form 6 and follow the link to apply for graduate
housing in apartments in Escondido Village, an oncampus residential neighborhood. Couples may include
students who are married or in a long-term samegender or opposite-gender domestic partnership.
Form 6 for Transfers

In order to foster a strong sense of community among
new transfer students, we have found it to be very
helpful for new transfers to live together within a
larger all-upperclass residence community. As such,
those transfer students who are under the age of 25
and not requesting couples/students with children
housing (see Special Circumstances below) are
generally assigned to an upper-class community
within a specific residence. Those who live in graduate
housing will also have the opportunity to affiliate
with the greater transfer community in residence.
Students with Documented Disabilities and/or Medical

Conditions that require special housing considerations
should submit a request for accommodation via the
Office of Accessible Education (OAE) by June 26, 2015.
Students who submit requests to OAE after June 26
may not be able to be accommodated by the start of the
academic year. Request forms and more information
about OAE can be found at stanford.edu/group/OAE.
Students with Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Considerations who have concerns about their roommate
match and/or housing assignment in relation to their
sexual orientation or gender identity can request and
receive assistance. Please include your concerns on
Question 13 of the Roommate Information Form (Form
8) or contact Edith Wu-Nguyen, Associate Dean for
New and Continuing Student Programs, at (650) 7253115, edithwu@stanford.edu. Students will not be asked
to provide more information than is necessary. All
inquiries will remain confidential. Student Housing
has gender-neutral (also known as gender-inclusive)
housing options for interested students beyond their
first year. You can read more about the gender-neutral
housing program at studenthousing.stanford.edu.
23

FORM 7: FROSOCO AND ITALIC APPLICATION
This form is required only if you are a freshman applying to

Freshman-Sophomore College (FroSoCo) and/or Immersion
in the Arts: Living in Culture (ITALIC). The number of
students who wish to live and participate in these year-long
residential programs often exceeds the number of available
slots. In addition to providing your response(s), you must
select them as your first, second, or third choice(s) on the
Housing Preferences Form (Form 6). If you are applying to
ITALIC, you must also select it as your first or second choice
on the Think, ESF, and ILE Preferences Form (Form 4). Be
sure to read the program descriptions in the handbook and
the Thinking Matters Catalog before completing this form.
The program directors will use the information provided
on Forms 1, 3, 4, and 7 to select students for their programs.
FORM 8: ROOMMATE INFORMATION
Unlike many other colleges and universities, Stanford

does not give you the option of requesting a particular
roommate in your first year, nor do we reveal the name
of your roommate prior to the day you move into your
residence. This policy is rooted in the belief that the
relationship you and your roommate have with each
other will be more positive and successful if it begins
from the point of face-to-face interaction, rather than
being shaped by any preconceived notions stemming
from limited information or online communications.
Stanford realizes there are practical consequences to
this policy that may create temporary inconveniences
for you, but year after year, experience tells us this is
a winning way to handle roommate assignments.
New Undergraduate Housing, the division of R&DE
Student Housing Assignments that handles the roommate
matching process, devotes a great deal of time and
24
care towards devising good roommate pairings. The

information on this form is only for the purpose of
making roommate assignments. In order to make the
best matches among roommates, it is important that you
respond candidly and with as much detail as possible.
New Undergraduate Housing will then work to match
you with someone who shares important habits (e.g.,
you both have similar sleeping hours), but who is not so
similar that you have nothing to learn from each other (e.g.,
someone from California will most likely have a roommate
from another state; two varsity athletes are unlikely to
be roomed together). If you have health concerns or
important personal circumstances that you feel should
be taken into account when making your roommate
assignment, particularly regarding your sexual orientation
or gender identity, please indicate this on Question 13.
Your roommate relationship is very important to your
first year at Stanford and you will benefit from investing
in open and honest conversations early on in your time
living together. Discuss your likes and dislikes. Develop
shared expectations and preferences. Get to know each
other on your own terms. Being a good roommate is
not just about being friends, but about respecting each
other, appreciating your differences, and making sure
that coming into your room feels like coming home.
As part of your General Education requirements,

you must complete one year of university-level
study of a foreign language or demonstrate that you
have already achieved the equivalent. This form
asks for information about your language-learning
background, as well as your current interests. Your
answers will assist the Stanford Language Center
in planning for the coming years, but they do not
commit you in any way to the study of a particular
language. Completion of this form is required, even
if you have already fulfilled the language requirement
with an AP/SAT-II/IB score. For further information
about the Language requirement and Language
Placement Tests, please refer to the Approaching
Your Liberal Education section in the handbook.
FORM 10: OPTIONAL SUMMER INFORMATION
This form is optional. Various offices and programs

in our campus community would like to contact you
in the summer and provide additional information
to help in your transition to Stanford.
Please indicate on this form if you would like to
be contacted this summer by a current Stanford
student and talk about preparing for and moving to
Stanford. If possible, we will try to match you with
an Orientation Volunteer by geographic region.
Stanfords Office for Religious Life supports ritual,
educational, pastoral, and multifaith opportunities for
students from a variety of religious traditions. It also
oversees and provides support for Stanford Associated
Religions (SAR), which include religious student
groups. If you are interested in learning more and
being contacted by a particular campus religious group,
please provide your religious affiliation on Form 10.
Community centers and programs on campus

also offer information to new students during
the summer about opportunities, programs, and
resources. Some offices may send information to
students based on demographic information you
provided on your application for admission, while
others offer an optional email to your @stanford.edu
email account that you can elect to receive. Please
indicate on Form 10 the offices from which you
would like to receive an optional summer mailing.
FORM 9: LANGUAGE BACKGROUND AND INTEREST
You will have the opportunity once you are on campus

to engage with all of these religious groups and
community centers and programs at Stanford. You
can read more about them in the Approaching Your
Campus Community section in the handbook.
FORM 11: Student Check-In

and Photo Submission
Student Check-In on Axess
Federal law requires the University to collect and
confirm certain information. Providing this information
assists the University in receiving federal funding and
also allows University staff to respond effectively in
emergencies. Incoming students must complete the
required sections of the Student Check-In on Axess
for the first time as part of the Approaching Stanford
Forms. An enrollment hold has been placed on your
account to ensure that you complete the Student
Check-In before you arrive at Stanford. The Student
Check-In is available throughout the year for you to
update and you will be required to review it annually.
More information, including guidance on specific
sections within the Student Check-In, is available
at the Office of the University Registrar webpage,
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/check-in.
25

Your SUNet ID and password are required each time you
use Axess. For your personal information to remain secure,
it is vital that you do not share your SUNet ID password
with anyone else. You may not authorize anyone else to
use Axess on your behalf. It is a violation of University
policy to misrepresent yourself in any way. You may lose
student privileges or be subject to disciplinary action
if you use another students SUNet ID password or if
you deliberately provide false information in Axess.
Photo Submission
The photo you submit during the Approaching Stanford
process will appear on your Stanford ID Card and serve as
your official identification at Stanford. It will be used by
University offices and provided to Residential Education
and your advisors. It will also serve as your default
photo for Stanford InYourClass and will be included
in the Stanford Lookbook, a printed publication of the
pictures, names, hometowns, and dorm assignments of
entering freshmen and transfer students given to all new
students and their residence staff. You are encouraged to
upload your photo online as early as possible and may
do so before submitting your completed forms. After
you submit your photo, you will receive notification
by email to your @stanford.edu account indicating
whether your photo is accepted or rejected. If your
photo is rejected, the email will explain why and you
will be asked to resolve the error and try again.
Vaden Health Centers

Health Forms
vaden.stanford.edu/entrance-requirements
vadenemr@stanford.edu
Must-Do Requirements
Before Entering Stanford
Freshman Health Forms due Tuesday, June 30
Transfer Health Forms due Friday, July 31
Before you can be enrolled at Stanford, you must
complete the Health Requirements referenced below
using VadenPatient (vadenpatient.stanford.edu),
the portal to your electronic health record and web
forms. You will need your SUNet ID and password.
1. Consent for Treatment (secure web

form to read and submit)
2. Health History (secure web form that becomes
part of your electronic health record)
3. Immunizations (print the Stanford University
Immunization Form and have it completed
and signed by a heath care provider)
4. Vaden Health Center Notice of Privacy Practices
(secure web form to read and submit)
FORM 12: SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC

LIFE AT STANFORD
Coming to college is a major transition. This

survey will share stories from current and former
students about the transition to college and will
ask you to share your thoughts and feelings about
coming to Stanford. Your thoughts will be used to
help improve this transition for future students.
26
5. Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire

(secure web form to fill out and submit)
6. Tuberculosis Testingonly required if you answered
yes to any questions on the Tuberculosis Screening
Questionnaire (print this form and take to a health
care provider to have your testing completed)
The Health Requirements must be completed and forms

submitted by the deadlines listed above. International
students must also complete the forms by these dates,
with the exception of the Tuberculosis Testing Form
(if applicable) which must be submitted by September
15. An enrollment hold may be placed if you do not
meet the deadline for your health requirements.
Make an appointment with your health

care provider to complete:
What To Do:
Enter the information on your completed

Stanford University Immunization Form into
the Immunizations section of your electronic
health record at vadenpatient.stanford.edu
Gather your health information, medications

you take, allergies you have, etc.
Review the health history of your family members
Log on to vadenpatient.stanford.edu and
complete your Vaden Health Forms
Review the detailed instructions and FAQs online

at vaden.stanford.edu/entrance-requirements
Stanford University Immunization Form

(no other form will be accepted)
Vaden Tuberculosis Testing Form, only required
if you answered yes to any questions on the
Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire
Submit your completed Stanford University

Immunization Form and Tuberculosis Testing
Form (if applicable) to Vaden Health Center by fax,
email (as scanned documents), or postal mail:
Fax: (650) 498-1118
Email: vadenemr@stanford.edu
Postal Mail: Vaden Health Center
Attn: Medical Records
866 Campus Drive
Confirmation of receipt of your document(s) is

not possible; however, you can check to see if
your forms have been verified via vadenpatient.
stanford.edu. It may take up to 30 days for the
health center staff to verify your information.
For Questions About the Health Requirements:
Contact Vaden Health Center staff at vadenemr@
stanford.edu using your @stanford.edu email account.
27
Approaching Your
Liberal Education
Our purpose at Stanford is to prepare you to be global
citizens, future leaders, and life-long learners. This means
not simply training you for a single vocation, but recognizing
that your path will be varied and will involve a process of
growth and evolution.
Harry J. Elam, Jr., Freeman Thorton Vice Provost for Undergraduate
Education and the Olive H. Palmer Professor in the Humanities
28
LIBERAL EDUCATION
contents
overview
Academic Advising
The Stanford Bulletin
How Enrollment Works
The Quarter System
Creating Your Autumn Quarter Study List

Courseload 34
General Education Requirements
34
Cardinal Compass
34
Introductory Seminars
34
Course Sequencing and Placement
35
Advanced Placement and Transfer Credit
38
Academic Departments & Programs
38
Considerations for Transfers
38
Graduation Requirements
40
Majors 43
Degree Options
44
Stanfords Undergraduate Degree-Granting Schools
School of Humanities and Sciences
45
School of Earth. Energy & Environmental Sciences
46
School of Engineering
46
Academic opportunities
Expanded Advising Programs
47
Off Campus Programs
47
Reflection Opportunities
49
ROTC 49
September Opportunities
49
Service in an Undergraduate Education
49
Undergraduate Research and Independent Projects
50
Academic Resources
Academic Skills Resources
Hume Center for Writing and Speaking
Office of Accessible Education and Schwab Learning Center
Stanford University Libraries
Tutoring Resources
51
51
51
52
53
29
liberal education
30
32
32
32
Overview
Stanford aims to promote wide-ranging freedom of mind in its students and, in so doing, to shape useful citizens
of the world. Although it is your ultimate responsibility to fulfill the requirements to graduate, what is most
important at this time is that you begin to recognize the tremendous amount of freedom you have within the
requirements, the opportunities they present for you to explore new ideas, and where you will find support for
this exploration. As you come to understand how you will create for yourself a meaningful whole from seemingly
disparate elements, you will exercise new levels of independence and to take ownership for your intellectual
identity. With ample opportunities to reflect on what is important to you and deeply examine your goals and
aspirations, you will shape your own Stanford journey.
In the first year, it is also important to recognize that learning at Stanford will present a new set of intellectual
challenges that will require sophisticated strategies for approaching, absorbing, interrogating, and mastering
material, and eventually generating knowledge yourself. The process of becoming a confident, versatile, and
highly adaptive learner who can think critically, ask important questions, and solve problems is not intuitive.
Certain skills for how to think about the material you read or how to approach problem-solving will need to be
explicitly developed and/or refined. The time you spend studying will be most effective when you develop the
skill of asking what does it mean, how does it work, and why is it important?
academic advising
Perhaps you already know what you want to study at

Stanford. Perhaps you are weighing different alternatives.
Perhaps you have no idea. Whatever the case may be, come
to Stanford ready to ask questions and seek guidance.
Your Pre-Major Advisor, Academic Advising Director,
and Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes are the
first of many people eager to help you along your way.
Keep in mind that while advice will abound, the choices
will be your own. Advisors can aid you in weighing
competing priorities and identifying correct information
in order to strengthen your decision-making process.
Rarely will advisors tell you what to do, but they will
help you reach the decisions that are right for you.
30
Your Pre-Major Advisor

Each new student is paired with two advisors, a Pre-Major
Advisor (PMA) and an Academic Advising Director (AAD),
who work together but play different roles. Your PreMajor Advisor is a faculty or staff member who volunteers
to mentor you and a handful of other freshmen or new
transfer students from the point of your arrival on campus
until you declare your major. PMAs serve in a variety of
professional roles on campus and are the first of many
mentors we expect you will find at Stanford. You will
Advising Directors (AADs), Academic Advisors for

Student-Athletes, and Academic Advisors in Sweet Hall.
As a freshman, you will work most closely with your
Academic Advising Director, who is a Ph.D.-level, fulltime professional UAR advisor with an office in your
residential complex. AADs advise all undergraduate
students and can assist with both routine and complex
matters pertaining to academic requirements and
policies, course selection and sequencing, investigating
majors, research, fellowships, and post-graduate study.
Your AAD will contact you by email in mid-August to
begin the advising conversation with you. She or he will
provide you with additional resources and invite you to
ask questions about your academic plans prior to your
arrival. During New Student Orientation, your AAD will
present general guidelines, meet with you in groups, and
offer drop-in appointments to answer questions about
the classes you are planning to take in Autumn Quarter.
meet with your PMA during New Student Orientation

and at least once per quarter until you declare a major
(by the end of your sophomore year). Since they will
get to know you well, PMAs are well-suited to help you
understand the University and the sorts of opportunities
you should seek out and are well-positioned to help you
connect to those opportunities by introducing you to
other faculty and staff around the university. They are
not expected to know specialized information about
course sequencing and placement: these are questions
you should bring to your Academic Advising Director
and your Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes.
Your Academic Advisors in Undergraduate
Advising and Research
advising.stanford.edu
There are three different sets of academic advisors in
Undergraduate Advising and Research (UAR): Academic
Varsity athletes also work closely with Academic Advisors

for Student-Athletes, UAR advisors who are uniquely
qualified and trained to evaluate student athletes academic
eligibility requirements as well as to help student-athletes
balance their time commitments so that they can meet
both their academic and athletic goals. They will contact
student-athletes by email in mid-August and will meet
with student-athletes prior to the start of classes.
Additional UAR advisors, including the Transfer
Advising Coordinator, are located in Sweet Hall and are
available during drop-in hours or by appointment. In
addition to general academic advising, these advisors
provide specialized advice regarding pre-professional
interests (e.g., pre-law, pre-health, and pre-business).
New transfer students will work most closely with
the Transfer Advising Coordinator who will be in
communication with transfers throughout the summer
and offer advising appointments before and during NSO.
31
liberal education
LIBERAL EDUCATION
liberal education
The Stanford Bulletin
bulletin.stanford.edu
The Stanford Bulletin is Stanford Universitys official
catalog of courses, degrees, policies, and University and
degree requirements. It is composed of two sections,
ExploreDegrees and ExploreCourses, and is published
online by the Office of the University Registrar.
ExploreDegrees (exploredegrees.stanford.edu) publishes
degree requirements, University requirements, and
academic and nonacademic policies and regulations,
as well as information on Stanfords schools,
departments, and interdisciplinary programs.
ExploreCourses (explorecourses.stanford.edu)
publishes courses and class scheduling for the
University. Students can browse courses, descriptions,
class schedules, and faculty profiles. Every first-year
student has full access to the undergraduate offerings
in the Schools of Earth, Energy & Environmental
Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences.
How Enrollment Works

axess.stanford.edu
registrar.stanford.edu
Axess is Stanfords web-based student information system that
allows you to take care of many administrative responsibilities
associated with your undergraduate education, such as
enrolling in classes, viewing your grades, tracking the
completion of your University degree requirements,
evaluating courses at the end of each quarter, requesting an
official transcript, reviewing your financial aid information,
checking the balance of your University bill, updating your
personal and emergency contact information, and indicating
what information in your record is releasable to the public.
32
Stanford refers to the classes that you are enrolled in

as your Study List. In general, you are responsible for
enrolling in classes and making sure that your Study
List is correct in Axess. While upperclassmen can begin
enrolling in classes for Autumn Quarter on August 1, as
a new student, you will not be able to enroll until the
advising component of New Student Orientation (NSO)
concludes on Friday, September 18, and you have met with
your Pre-Major Advisor and Academic Advising Director.
This enrollment date puts you at no disadvantage and will
not affect your ability to get into the classes you want to
take. The purpose is to ensure that you have the benefit
of guidance from advisors while making your course
selections. Transfer students have the option of meeting
with the Transfer Advising Coordinator during the summer
to have the enrollment hold lifted before NSO begins.
There are two important enrollment deadlines to track
every quarter, the Preliminary Study List deadline (5:00
p.m. on the first day of classes) and the Final Study
List deadline (5:00 p.m. on Friday of the third week
of the quarter). You must be enrolled for a minimum
of 12 units by the Preliminary Study List deadline and
can then modify your course schedule until the Final
Study List deadline. You should always verify course
scheduling information and the final exam schedule
online in Axess before finalizing your course of study for
any quarter. Be sure to print a copy for your records.
Once you are on campus, you will receive important
emails regarding enrollment from the Student Services
Center on behalf of the Office of the University Registrar.
The Office of the University Registrar coordinates
many important functions, such as overseeing
course enrollment, maintaining academic policies,
maintaining your official record and transcripts, tracking
requirements fulfilled, and assessing transfer credit.
LIBERAL EDUCATION
Stanfords undergraduate program is divided into 10-week

quarters (three per year, with the summer quarter typically
off). The quarter system provides you the opportunity
to take several courses each year, allows courses to be
focused and specialized, and gives you the opportunity
to choose courses twelve times over the course of four
years. The result is more flexibility and more choice.
One challenge of your first year will be getting used to
the fast pace of the quarter system. With the Final Study
List deadline at the end of the third week of classes, you
may want to research and attend a few classes prior to
making your final choices. You can pick up syllabi (lists
of assignments, readings, etc.), look at the textbooks for
the courses, listen to lectures, and talk to your advisors
before deciding your final set of classes. However, do not
take too long to finalize your list. Faculty begin assigning
work on the first day of class and midterms may begin as
early as your third week. Good time management skills are
absolutely essential for keeping up with your classes and for
balancing your coursework with your other commitments.
Full-time students must enroll in at least 12 units each
quarter, unless medical documentation warrants an
official exception. To remain in good academic standing,
students are required to meet three conditions: earn a
minimum of 9 units each quarter, earn 36 units over three
consecutive quarters, and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Creating Your Autumn

Quarter Study List
Over the summer, use resources such as the Stanford
Bulletin, the Introductory Seminars Course Catalog,
the Thinking Matters Catalog, Cardinal Compass on
undergrad.stanford.edu, and departmental websites
to identify the types of classes and the specific courses
in which you are interested. Identify more courses
than you intend to take, rather than trying to settle
on a schedule before you arrive on campus.
In early August, notification of your preliminary
assignments for your required first-year courses will
be sent by email. These courses will be added to your
Study List; you will have the opportunity to change
your assignment(s), if desired. Specifically, you will learn
whether you will be enrolled in a Thinking Matters course
and a PWR 1 course, an Integrated Learning Environment
(ITALIC, SLE), or Education as Self-Fashioning.
New Student Orientation will have a full schedule of
academic programs that are meant to help you decide among
courses. You will hear directly from departments about entry
points for different pathways and faculty will share their
inspirations and larger models for how you might shape
your education. After attending these sessions and meeting
with your Pre-Major Advisor and Academic Advising
Director during NSO, you will be able to register your Study
List online using Axess beginning Friday, September 18.
Be proactive about connecting with advisors and
gathering multiple perspectives on how best to explore
your interests within Stanfords curriculum. The
following are helpful considerations for establishing
your academic foundation and exploring your interests.
Keep these in mind and discuss them with your advisors
as you develop your Autumn Quarter Study List.
33
liberal education
Managing the Quarter System
liberal education
Courseload
While students can take between 12 to 20 units each

quarter, the typical load for a first-year student in
Autumn Quarter is 12-15 units. Most students see
the wisdom of carrying a moderate load their first
quarter to allow time for adjusting to Stanford,
getting a feel for the quarter system, acclimating to
residence life, and exploring extracurricular activities.
Stanford courses range from 1 to 5 units, with 3-5
units used for most academic classes with several
major assignments, and 1 unit used for athletic classes
or academic lecture series that may only require one
hour a week. Every student will identify their own
best combination, but generally, students will enroll
in between two to four main academic classes, with
additional 1- or 2-unit courses as desired. To reach the
180 units needed to graduate in 12 quarters (4 years),
you will want to average about 15 units per quarter.
If you will be enrolled Autumn Quarter in required
first-year courses (Thinking Matters, PWR 1, ITALIC,
SLE, or ESF), consult with your Academic Advising
Director or your Academic Advisor for Student Athletes
for recommendations on developing your Study List.
The General Education requirements are an integral part

of your undergraduate education at Stanford and will
help you to develop a broad set of essential intellectual
and social competencies, while your Major requirements
allow you to gain depth in a particular area of study. In
order to graduate, every student must fulfill the following
three sets of General Education requirements: Ways of
Thinking/Ways of Doing, Writing and Rhetoric, and
Language. In addition, freshmen must fulfill the Thinking
34
Matters requirement in their first year. They are each

described in more detail further on in this section of the
handbook. As you develop your Study List for Autumn
Quarter, think carefully about how you will balance
courses that fulfill General Education requirements
with courses that will allow you to explore academic
interests and potential majors, or that you are interested
in taking for the sheer pleasure of it. Oftentimes, you
may find courses that accomplish all these goals.
Cardinal Compass
undergrad.stanford.edu/CardinalCompass
Not sure where to start? Cardinal Compass is an online
resource designed to help you navigate through your
first year at Stanford and take advantage of the wealth
of courses designed uniquely for freshmen. You will find
answers to many of the most commonly asked questions,
suggestions for succeeding at Stanford, opportunities for
reflection, as well as frosh-friendly courses, which you
can take with no or minimal prerequisites as you explore
your own passions or stretch and try something new.
LIBERAL EDUCATION
introsems.stanford.edu
Freshman Introductory Seminars (IntroSems) offer you
the opportunity to interact and learn with other first-year
students in 100 enormously varied seminars. These small
classesabout 15 studentsare designed for freshmen
and taught by faculty from every school at Stanford.
Many seminars include field trips, visitors, lunches or
dinners with faculty, and other activities that foster both
individual learning and a strong sense of community.
Faculty teach IntroSems because they are energized by

your curiosity, enthusiasm and openness. Students take
them for many reasonsto learn how to do work at a
university level; to learn about a field from a leader in
that field; to explore a potential major or a subject related
to their own experiences; to familiarize themselves
with different approaches to learning and thinking; to
acquire specific skills and methodologies; or to be in
a class of diverse students who share their interests.
The seminars are available throughout the academic
year and you can apply for up to three each quarter. In
early August you will receive the Introductory Seminars
Course Catalog, which contains course descriptions,
faculty biographies, and application information. The
deadline to apply for an Autumn Quarter IntroSem will
be in early September before you arrive on campus.
Course Sequencing and Placement
Stanford gives you a significant degree of freedom and

flexibility to choose among a wide range of courses
offered. The Stanford curriculum is not strictly divided
into upper and lower divisions, so you may enroll
in any course for which you are prepared. If you are
in doubt about an appropriate match between your

background and a particular class, talk to the instructor.
Some foundational courses are taken as a sequence
over multiple quarters, with the first course serving
as a prerequisite for the second course, and so on.
Common course sequences that begin Autumn Quarter
are explained in more detail below. Consider the
following guidance for determining when and where
you should begin and consult with your Academic
Advising Director. Depending on your interests, it
may be a good idea to start a course sequence Autumn
Quarter freshman year or it may be a good idea to wait.
Calculus Sequences and Placement
mathematics.stanford.edu/academics/undergraduate
The Mathematics Department offers three calculus
sequences: MATH 19-20-21, MATH 41-42, and MATH
51-52-53. The MATH 19-20-21 and MATH 41-42 are the
single-variable calculus sequences (covering the same
material at different paces). If you do not have a strong
background in high school trigonometry, advanced
algebra, and analysis of elementary functions, including
exponentials and logarithms, then it is recommended
that you take MATH 19. Students who can use the
Chain Rule are ready for Math 20. Students who
scored a 4 on the AP Calculus AB exam or a 3 on the
BC exam are ready for Math 42. If you have not taken
precalculus or wish to brush up before starting calculus
at Stanford, then you will want to use the online module
during the summer at precalculus.stanford.edu.
After completing MATH 21 or MATH 42 or learning

one-variable calculus elsewhere, you will be prepared to
take the first multivariable calculus course, MATH 51.
The MATH 51-52-53 sequence integrates several topics
in multivariable mathematics and is recommended for
students who scored a 5 on the AB exam or a 4 or 5
35
liberal education
Introductory Seminars
liberal education
on the BC exam. The MATH 51H-52H-53H sequence
is a very theoretical honors version and requires a 5
on the BC exam or permission of the instructor; it is
not required for an honors degree in mathematics.
The CME 100-102-104-106 sequence of computational
mathematics courses covers important areas of
engineering mathematics, including partial differential
equations, probability & statistics, and numerical
methods, and focuses on applications and computation.
The sequence can be used as an alternative to the
MATH 50 series to satisfy the general mathematics
requirement for the School of Engineering. The
MATH 50 series puts more emphasis on the conceptual
development alongside problem-solving skills.
Chemistry Sequences and Placement
chemistry.stanford.edu/node/199
Chemistry is a prerequisite for the Biology Core, typically
taken in the sophomore year. Students interested in
health-related careers such as Medicine, Earth Systems
and other areas of Earth, Energy & Environmental
Sciences, and certain Engineering majors should also
consider taking Chemistry courses during their first
year. The Department of Chemistry offers the following
introductory courses: CHEM 31A-31B, 31X, and 33.
The CHEM 31A-31B sequence, which begins in

Autumn Quarter, is for students with moderate or no
background in high school chemistry. It covers all the
essential topics in general chemistry that are required
to prepare students for the subsequent courses in the
curriculum and emphasizes problem solving. CHEM
31X, offered only in Autumn Quarter, is an accelerated
course for students with a strong high school chemistry
background. To enroll in CHEM 31X, you must either
pass the Chemistry Placement exam during NSO or
receive a score of 5 on the AP Chemistry exam. CHEM
36
31X covers the more advanced portions of the same

topics in CHEM 31A-31B and moves at a faster pace.
CHEM 33 is the next course in the chemistry sequence
after CHEM 31A-31B or CHEM 31X and is the first
organic chemistry course in the introductory sequence.
Students who scored a 5 on the AP Chemistry
exam may be able to start their study of chemistry
with CHEM 33 beginning Winter Quarter.
If you are planning on taking a chemistry lab at
Stanford, be sure to bring your eyeglass prescription
with you to request customized protective eyewear
provided by the Chemistry Department.
Physics Sequences and Placement
physics.stanford.edu/introductory-physics-courses
There are three different Physics sequences: the
algebra-based Physics 20 track and the calculusbased Physics 40 and Physics 60 tracks. See the
Physics Department website for more information
on the differences between these three sequences.
Most students interested in Physics or Engineering

take Physics in their first year, often starting with either
Physics 41 in Winter Quarter or Physics 61 in Autumn
Quarter. Students interested in life science or healthrelated careers typically take the Physics 20 series after
their first year, although some take the Physics 40 series.
If you are considering Physics 40 or Physics 60, you
should take the Physics Placement Diagnostic given
during New Student Orientation (NSO). The diagnostic
is designed to help students calibrate their readiness and
identify the Physics course sequence in which they will
be challenged but not overwhelmed. It helps students
determine whether they should complete further studies
in Math and/or Physics before entering one of the
calculus-based Physics sequences. More details on the
Physics Placement Diagnostic are at physics.stanford.edu/
undergraduate-program/placement-test. The Physics
teaching staff will provide advice to each student based
on the results of his or her placement diagnostic.
Language Sequences and Placement

language.stanford.edu
languagecenter@stanford.edu
If you plan to continue studying a language at Stanford
that you speak at home or studied in high school, you
must take a placement test to determine the level in which
to enroll at Stanford. Students with any background
in a language (study or home background) may not
self-place, even into beginning-level courses. Students
who have fulfilled the language requirement through
Advanced Placement (AP), SAT II, or International
Baccalaureate (IB) testing must take the placement
test if they wish to continue taking courses in that
language at Stanford. The Language requirement is
explained further in this section of the handbook.
A language placement test is not required if you plan

to start a new language. There are many reasons
to begin learning a new language, such as your
personal, academic, or research interests, or plans
to study abroad. The Stanford Language Center
offers courses in over 40 different languages.
Most language placement tests have two parts: oral and
written. The written portions are offered online during
the summer according to the schedule below. In the case
of Spanish only: if you scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Spanish
Language Exam or a 630 or above on the Spanish SAT
II and have sent your score to Stanford, you do not need
to take the online portion of the Spanish placement
test; simply take the oral test on campus during NSO.
The oral portions of the Chinese, French, German,
Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish
placement tests are administered on campus during
NSO. Please note that there are no online written tests
for Arabic, Classical Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Latin,
Portuguese, Tagalog, or Vietnamese. Full placement tests
37
liberal education
LIBERAL EDUCATION
liberal education
(written and oral, if applicable) in these languages are
administered on campus during NSO. For languages
not listed above, placement tests may be arranged by
appointment. More information about placement tests
is available on the Language Center website. Contact
the Language Center if you have questions or difficulty
meeting the schedule below. The schedule for the oncampus placement tests will be announced in your
NSO calendar when you arrive on campus. You are
welcome to take placement tests in multiple languages.
For course placement purposes, placement test results
are valid for one year.
Language Online Written Test Dates
web.stanford.edu/dept/lc/language/placement/
guidelines.html
Online written tests offered for Chinese, French, German,
Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
Last name begins with:

AC
DF
GJ
KM
NQ
RU
VZ
June 8 28
June 29 July 9
July 10 20
July 21 29
July 30 August 6
August 7 17
August 18 29
Advanced Placement or Transfer Credit

studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate
(IB), and transfer credit can often affect your
decisions in your first year, and it is important to
know what having AP/IB or transfer credit might
suggest. Consult the Stanford University College
38
Board Advanced Placement Chart 2015-2016

and the Stanford University IBO International
Baccalaureate Higher Level Chart 2015-2016 online
to determine your placement and possible credit
earned based on your scores. You should discuss
transfer credit with your Academic Advising Director
or for transfers, the Transfer Advising Coordinator.
More information about AP credit and external
credit, including how to transfer them to Stanford, is
explained further in this section of the handbook.
Academic Departments & Programs
While Academic Advising Directors, Academic Advisors

for Student-Athletes, and the Transfer Advising
Coordinator will be your main resources for choosing
your first year courses, you may also wish to consult
with faculty and staff in specific academic departments
and with other professional advisors. All academic
departments and interdisciplinary programs have
websites with useful information such as department
descriptions, faculty and staff profiles, alumni stories,
sample schedules, major requirements and program
sheets, how to declare a major or minor, and more.
Considerations for Transfers

transfers.stanford.edu
Class registration will open on August 1 for sophomores,
juniors, and seniors; however, like the freshmen, new
transfer students will have a hold on their ability to enroll.
You can wait until you arrive on campus to enroll, as New
Student Orientation will include presentations by faculty
and staff to assist you with your planning. Alternatively,
you can contact the Transfer Advising Coordinator,
Sally Mentzer, between now and September 4 to review
your class choices and have your hold released early.
LIBERAL EDUCATION
Carefully read the material you receive during the summer

as well as information online and consider the following:
C
ontact Sally Mentzer over the summer with
questions and to arrange a telephone or in-person
appointment: (650) 723-2426, smentzer@stanford.edu.
Begin to investigate potential majors. Refer to
undergrad.stanford.edu to learn about choosing
courses, research opportunities, University
requirements, and engaging with faculty.
Even if a course from your previous institution will

count toward the total number of units required
for graduation or for a specific General Education
requirement, it does not guarantee it will fulfill
specific requirements for your major. Consult with
the Student Services Administrator in the relevant
department(s) to determine which courses they will
and will not accept toward your Major requirements.
Pay particular attention to your General Education
requirements before you arrive. These course
requirements can affect the length of time you will
spend at Stanford, and it is your responsibility to
know the requirements. For transfers, the General
Education requirements include: Ways of Thinking/
Ways of Doing (WAYS), Writing and Rhetoric, and
Language. Transfers are exempt from the Thinking
Matters requirement and cannot enroll in these
classes. With your admission offer, you received a
credit evaluation outlining the requirements you
have met through previous course work. Review this
report during the summer, and note if any of your
transfer course work is not reflected in the report.
S ave or collect your syllabi from courses taken at
your previous school. They will be useful should you
choose to petition courses for WAYS transfer credit
and in case the Office of the University Registrar
needs additional information. Bring materials from
prerequisite courses in your potential major to
assist department faculty in evaluating your correct
course placement at Stanford. Remember it is up
to the department to determine whether any of the
courses taken at your previous school will satisfy
the departmental requirements for your major.
39
liberal education
If you receive financial aid and expect to have some

financial aid funds to help with out-of-pocket expenses
(e.g. books), you will need to enroll in Axess by
September 7 in order to have those funds available
by the first day of class. If you wait until you arrive
on campus to enroll, your financial aid check will
typically be issued within a week of registering online.
Contact the Financial Aid Office with questions.
liberal education
To graduate with a degree, you must:

Earn a minimum of 180 academic units,
Complete the Departmental
Requirements for a Major, and
Fulfill the following General Education Requirements:
Thinking Matters Requirement (freshmen only)
Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing Requirement
Writing and Rhetoric Requirement
Language Requirement
general education Requirements
The General Education requirements are an integral

part of undergraduate education at Stanford. Their
purpose is to introduce you to the intellectual life of
the University, foreground important questions, and
illustrate how these questions may be approached from
multiple perspectives. The required courses will help you
develop a broad set of essential intellectual and social
competencies that will be of enduring value no matter
what field you eventually pursue. You have the flexibility
to select topics that appeal to you while building critical
skills, exploring your interests, forming relationships
with faculty and peers, and forging connections between
educational experiences in many spheres. Together with
your major, the requirements will serve as the nucleus
around which you will build your four years at Stanford.
40
Courses that satisfy a General Education requirement

are identified as such at the end of the course description
in the ExploreCourses section of the Stanford Bulletin.
You are required to take a specified number of courses
in each area, as described in the Stanford Bulletin.
General Education requirement courses must be taken
for a letter grade and a minimum of 3 units, with the
exception of courses taken to fulfill the Language
requirement, which may be taken for credit/no credit.
Thinking Matters Requirement
thinkingmatters.stanford.edu
thinkingmatters@stanford.edu
Taught by faculty from a wide range of disciplines
and fields, all courses satisfying the Thinking
Matters requirement are meant to develop your
ability to ask questions and articulate problems
in ways that are as unique as each of you. In
approaching questions and problems from multiple
perspectives, you will develop critical skills in
interpretation, reasoning, and analysis as well as
enhance your capacities for writing and discussion.
LIBERAL EDUCATION
While you are only required to take one Thinking Matters

course, you are encouraged to take more than one during
your first year, as they can be an excellent way to explore
a topic while fulfilling your WAYS requirements.
Ways Of Thinking/Ways Of Doing (WAYS) Requirement
ways.stanford.edu
Courses that fulfill the Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing
(WAYS) requirements provide educational breadth by
giving instruction in essential skills and capacities. These
capacities are: 1) Aesthetic and Interpretive Inquiry
(AII), 2) Social Inquiry (SI), 3) Scientific Method and
Analysis (SMA), 4) Formal Reasoning (FR), 5) Applied
Quantitative Reasoning (AQR), 6) Engaging Diversity
(ED), 7) Ethical Reasoning (ER), and 8) Creative
Expression (CE). You are required to take 11 certified
WAYS courses: two courses in AII, SI, and SMA, and one
course in each of the remaining five WAYS. CE may be
fulfilled by taking one course for a minimum of 2 units
or taking two 1-unit courses in the same department.
Although courses may be certified to fulfill two WAYS,

you may only count a course toward one WAY in
your program of study. Thinking Matters courses will
typically satisfy a WAY. Courses may also count both
for Major and General Education requirements. The
WAYS publication sent with this handbook explains
these categories and possible approaches to fulfilling the
WAYS in more detail. This requirement is detailed in

the ExploreDegrees section of the Stanford Bulletin.
The Writing and Rhetoric requirement, which will
develop your abilities in analysis, academic argument, and
research-based writing and oral presentation, consists of
three courses. The first course (PWR 1) is taken in the first
year, the second (PWR 2) by the end of the sophomore
year, and the third (WIM) in the major you declare.
Parts 1 and 2: Program In Writing And Rhetoric (PWR)
pwr.stanford.edu
pwrcourses@stanford.edu
Through instruction and practice, you will develop
increasingly sophisticated research, speaking, and
writing abilities during your years at Stanford. Program
in Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) courses will engage
you in producing complex and well-researched
academic arguments and oral presentations.
PWR offers approximately 110 sections of PWR 1 per

year, taught in a seminar/workshop format with 15
students in each class. In these small classes, you will
read and analyze your own and other students work;
you will also have conferences with your instructor
outside of class. Classes explore writing and rhetoric
from a range of perspectives, as described online.
Building on the analytical and research-based writing
focus of PWR 1, the second-level course, PWR 2, will
give you opportunities to develop more sophisticated
abilities in oral and multimedia presentation of research.
In PWR 2, you will analyze written, oral, and visual
texts, carry out research projects requiring work
with a range of sources and methods, and present
your research in both written and oral forms.
41
liberal education
Freshmen are required to take one Thinking Matters

course during their first year. Freshmen may
choose among three different options to satisfy this
requirement: one stand-alone Thinking Matters course;
a year-long residence-based Integrated Learning
Environment program: Immersion in the Arts: Living
in Culture (ITALIC) or Structured Liberal Education
(SLE); or Education as Self-Fashioning (ESF).
liberal education
While most students fulfill these requirements by taking
PWR 1 and PWR 2 courses, other ways to fulfill one or
both include the Integrated Learning Environments
(ITALIC or SLE) and Education as Self-Fashioning (ESF).
If you have completed (or plan to complete by the end
of summer) one or more writing courses at a college
or university, you may have your writing course(s)
evaluated for possible equivalency with Stanfords writing
requirement. (Note: AP English courses are NOT considered
equivalent to college-level writing courses.) To qualify for
equivalency, your writing course must have included:
7,500 to 9,000 words in writing spread
over several substantial assignments;
A research-based argument
incorporating at least 8 sources;
A drafting and revision stage with instructor
feedback for all major assignments; and
O
ne-to-one in-person meetings between the
instructor and student for each major assignment.
If you feel that your course adheres the above criteria
and would like to request that a course be assessed for
equivalency, follow the instructions outlined at studentaffairs.
stanford.edu/registrar/students/transfer-credit.
Part 3: Writing In The Major
wim.stanford.edu
You will satisfy the Writing in the Major (WIM)
component of the Writing and Rhetoric requirement
by completing a certified writing-intensive course
in your major. If you declare a double major, you
will be required to complete a WIM course in
each major. Each degree-granting department or
program offers at least one WIM course annually.
Major requirements will list the WIM courses.
42
language.stanford.edu
All Stanford students are required to complete one
year of college-level study, or the equivalent, in a
foreign language. Students may fulfill the Language
requirement in any one of the following ways:
Complete three quarters of a first-year language

course sequence (1215 units total) at Stanford,
or the equivalent at another postsecondary
institution, subject to current University transfer
credit policies. Courses may be taken credit/
no credit to fulfill the language requirement.
Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP)
exam in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese,
Latin (Literature or Vergil), or Spanish Language.
Achieve a satisfactory score on the SAT II Subject
Test, prior to college matriculation, in one of the
following languages listed online at web.stanford.
edu/dept/lc/language/requirement/index.html
Score a 5 or higher on a higher level International
Baccalaureate (IB) exam in a language listed in
the Registrars IBO chart: studentaffairs.stanford.
edu/registrar/students/baccalaureate-credit.
Take a language placement test at Stanford that either
places you out of the requirement or diagnoses you
as needing one, two, or three additional quarters of
college-level study. In the latter case, the requirement
can be fulfilled by completing the required number of
additional courses either at Stanford or elsewhere.
All official AP, SAT II, and IB scores must be sent
to the Office of the University Registrar.
Majors
We encourage you to spend your first two years

exploring a variety of disciplines and classes. You have
until the spring quarter of your sophomore year to
declare a major. The purpose of declaring a major is
to allow you to study, in considerable depth, a field
that interests you. Think of majors not as career paths
but as the opportunity to explore a field of study, to
pursue original and creative work, and to join with a
community of scholars who share common interests.
Once you have declared a major, you will become a
member of the department or program that offers that
major. You will be invited to departmental programs,
including undergraduate societies, have access to
research funding, and have the opportunity to work
with faculty and graduate students in the department.
Although most students declare only one major, it is
possible to declare more than one major, declare a joint
major, or add a minor within a single bachelors degree.
Major Requirements
Each degree program specifies the courses necessary
for completion of the major. These will include
prerequisites, core courses, electives, and sometimes
a capstone experience such as a senior thesis. Check
the individual department or program listings in the
ExploreDegrees section of the Stanford Bulletin to find the
specific requirements for the majors of interest to you.
Honors Programs
Honors programs provide juniors and seniors the
opportunity to work on advanced independent research
projects. Under the supervision of faculty researchers,
undergraduate honors students conduct lab experiments,
do library research on campus, or travel to an archive
or fieldwork site. The honors thesis is a substantial
achievement that the University recognizes by conferring
the degree With Honors. We encourage you to think
about whether you have intellectual interests that might
lead to an honors project. Honors projects provide a
wonderful capstone experience to your four years of
undergraduate work, and, many times, form the basis
for research you will continue in your graduate career.
Postgraduate Considerations
Students interested in pursuing postgraduate degrees
should consult early and often with their Academic
Advising Director, Academic Advisor for Student-Athlete,
and/or UAR advisor. UAR advisors in Sweet Hall specialize
in pre-professional advising: pre-business, pre-education,
pre-health, pre-law, and pre-med. Most pre-professional
programs do not require that students major in a particular
field. As a result, students are encouraged to pursue majors
that will enable them to develop their intellectual talents
and interests fully while also sharpening relevant skills.
Note that students interested in the health professions

must complete specific requirements that are set forth
by the schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing,
and dentistry. Although coursework in the natural
sciences is required, students do not need to major in
the sciences. During NSO, the pre-professional advisors
will offer a program providing information on the many
paths students can follow to meet these pre-health
requirements. Students interested in health-related careers
should be also be aware that most medical schools will
ask you to repeat AP/IB courses or take a more advanced
course in the same field to replace AP/IB credit.
43
liberal education
LIBERAL EDUCATION
liberal education
Degree Options
registrar.stanford.edu
For the administrative policies and procedures governing
the declaration of majors and minors, consult the Stanford
Bulletin or the Office of the University Registrar website.
Degrees
Stanford confers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
degree and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
The Bachelor of Arts and Science (B.A.S.) is awarded

to those who complete undergraduate degree
requirements and fulfill the requirements for two
majors, one leading to a B.A. degree and one leading
to a B.S. degree. Students may elect to pursue a joint
major program that combines computer science and
one humanities major chosen from among ten approved
majors; this program culminates in a B.A.S degree.
You may work concurrently toward both a B.A.
and a B.S. degree. To qualify, you must complete
a minimum of 225 units of University work that
includes the General Education requirements and
departmental requirements for your majors.
Advanced Placement and Transfer Credit
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/ap
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/
students/transfer-credit
A maximum of 45 units of Advanced Placement (AP),
transfer work, and/or other external credit may be applied
toward the 180 units required to graduate. Transfer
students may apply up to 90 units of external credit. AP
units count as units toward graduation but do not fulfill
the General Education requirements, with one exception:
AP/IB may be used to fulfill the Language requirement.
44
For Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate

exams, see the Office of the University Registrars
policies online. The Stanford University College Board
Advanced Placement Chart 2015-2016 and the Stanford
University IBO International Baccalaureate Higher Level
Chart 2015-2016 will enable you to determine your
placement and possible credit earned based on your
scores. If Stanford courses are taken below the level of
the placement course, the corresponding AP units will be
removed as these are considered duplicating courses.
To request AP credit at Stanford, it is your responsibility
to contact the College Board (collegeboard.com) to
request that your scores are sent to the University. Note
that scores sent before June as part of the admission
process are not automatically incorporated as transfer
credit. You may check Axess after the first day of Autumn
Quarter to view the AP credit that has been granted.
To potentially receive transfer credit for courses
taken at other accredited colleges, begin by reading
the Office of the Registrars policies and procedures
online. Transfer credit from another institution can
count toward graduation and can sometimes be
used to fulfill General Education requirements.
LIBERAL EDUCATION
Like most universities, Stanford consists of schools

specializing in different academic disciplines.
Undergraduates at Stanford earn bachelors degrees from
the Schools of Humanities and Sciences, Earth, Energy &
Environmental Sciences, and Engineering. Undergraduate
degrees are not offered in Stanfords Business, Education,
Law, or Medical Schools, although faculty from each
of these Schools teach undergraduate students.
School of Humanities and Sciences

humsci.stanford.edu
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the
largest of Stanfords seven schools and the heart of the
Universitys liberal arts education. The departments
within H&S are divided into three academic
clustersHumanities and Arts, Social Sciences,
and Natural Sciences. The School offers numerous
interdisciplinary degree-granting programs (IDPs)
that bridge traditionally disparate fields, including
African and African American Studies; American
Studies; Archaeology; Comparative Studies in Race
and Ethnicity; Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality
Studies; Human Biology; International Relations;
Mathematical and Computational Science; Public
Policy; Science, Technology, and Society; Symbolic
Systems; and Urban Studies. New joint majors also
provide exciting opportunities to create projects
that fuse computer science and the humanities (e.g.,
CS + English, CS + History, CS + Linguistics.)
Humanities and Arts
Since humans have been able, we have used philosophy,
literature, religion, art, music, history and language
to understand and record our world. In humanities

and arts courses, students investigate how people have
documented and interpreted the human experience
across time. This exploration provides the ideal
foundation for understanding not only our past, but
also our present and future. As students pursue these
subjects, they learn skills of logical thinking, effective
writing, cultural awareness, and ethical reflection.
Core Humanities What is a human right? Why do
societies have religions? How did the ancient world
shape our modern time? The departments of Classics,
History, Linguistics, Philosophy, English, and Religious
Studies address these and other fundamental questions
about the human condition. Students develop an
understanding of how knowledge is created, think
critically about diverse beliefs and traditions, and explore
how languages and societies develop over time.
Languages and Literatures Learning languages
enables students to step inside other cultures and
understand diverse peoples and regions on their
own terms. In literature courses, students learn to
analyze how people use language to make sense of the
world. Departments in this cluster include East Asian
Languages and Cultures, English, and the programs
that make up the Division of Literatures, Cultures,
and Languages: Comparative Literature, French and
Italian, German Studies, Iberian and Latin American
Cultures, and Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Arts In the departments of Art and Art History, Music, and
Theater and Performance Studies, students analyze and
participate in the rich world of imagination in critical and
creative ways. Film and media studies, sculpture, set design,
and computer-generated sound are just a few of the wideranging areas that can be explored in the arts at Stanford.
45
liberal education
Stanfords Undergraduate
Degree-Granting Schools
liberal education
Social Sciences
The social sciences focus on the systematic examination
of the human experience and seek to explain why people
behave as they do over time. They look at questions ranging
from the causes of economic growth to the reasons for social
stratification to the explanation of psychopathologies. Social
scientists examine human behavior in all its facets. How
do we learn? How do we organize ourselves into families,
communities, organizations, and societies? What are the
economic, political, and social issues surrounding health
care? Why are some countries rich and others poor? Why
do people vote the way they do? The core social science
departments consist of Anthropology, Communication,
Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The natural sciences include the core physical and
biological fields of study: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and
related programs. Traditionally, physics is the domain of the
inorganic world, biology the domain of the organic world,
and chemistry the bridge between the two. In recent years,
however, study in any of the natural sciences has become
more interdisciplinary, with some new areas of study
defined by the intersection of two or more fields, such as
biophysics and biochemistry. Mathematics is considered
the language of the sciences, but it is also a fundamental
discipline in which the world is understood quantitatively.
Broadly, the goal of studying the natural sciences is to
achieve understanding of how the natural world works.
School of Earth, Energy &

Environmental Sciences
earth.stanford.edu
The School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences
offers students the opportunity to learn about our planets
history and future, and prepares them to contribute
46
solutions to the complex challenges facing our society,

including those related to climate change, geologic
hazards, energy resources, and food and water security.
Classes in the School will teach you how to approach
these problems with an interdisciplinary mindset while
applying principles of physics, geology, chemistry, biology,
engineering, and social science. Many undergraduates
in the School do research in collaboration with faculty
mentors who use a variety of methods and tools in their
investigations of our planet, such as fieldwork, laboratory
experiments, and computational analysis and modeling.
There are four degree-granting undergraduate programs:
Students majoring in Geological Sciences study the
physical and chemical makeup of the Earth and the
dynamic processes that shape our planet through time.
Geophysics majors learn quantitative methods for
investigating the behavior of Earth materials at all scales.
Energy Resources Engineering allows students to explore
the complex and changing nature of energy production
and consumption. The Earth Systems Interdisciplinary
Program (IDP) engages students in an investigation of the
causes and consequences of sustainability challenges and
potential societal responses to them. All of these programs
provide opportunities to evaluate environmental issues,
and all further an understanding of the planet we share.
School of Engineering
engineering.stanford.edu
Engineering students at Stanford gain an unrivaled education
in the fundamentals of their chosen engineering disciplines,
enjoy opportunities to learn and conduct research in a
multidisciplinary environment, pursue solutions to global
challenges, and benefit from the Universitys proximity to
Silicon Valley. Students can reach far beyond traditional
areas of engineering to address challenges of health, energy,
LIBERAL EDUCATION
Stanfords School of Engineering offers nine departmental

majors and eight interdisciplinary major programs. It is
worth exploring the details of more than one program
since many of these majors offer specialty areas that
incorporate aspects of design, energy, biology, medicine,
computing, business process, physics, and even music to
allow students to focus on frontline issues of the 21st century.
All sixteen majors and the Individually Designed Major
in Engineering are described in detail in the Handbook
for Undergraduate Engineering Programs (ughb.stanford.
edu). The School of Engineering provides the fundamental
scientific and technical education necessary for basic
engineering practice and for advancement to graduate study.
Academic Opportunities
Stanford courses are designed with the expectation
that students will take advantage of the following
opportunities and resources that help students make the
most of their undergraduate education at Stanford.

undergrad.stanford.edu/eap
Undergraduate Advising and Research, in conjunction
with campus community centers, provides additional
advising opportunities through Expanded Advising
Programs (EAP) for first-year students who share a
common interest or background. These programs are
co-sponsored by the Asian American Activities Center,
the Black Community Services Center, the Athletics
Department, El Centro Chicano y Latino, the Native
American Cultural Center , the Diversity and First Gen
Office, and the LGBT Community Resources Center.
liberal education
and environmental sustainability. Stanford engineers are

developing better ways to pinpoint clean water, diagnose and
treat diseases, and create energy-efficient energy sources.
Designed to smooth the transition to academic and

social life at Stanford, EAP offers access to graduate
and undergraduate student mentors; communitythemed workshops; seminars and discussions on
academic opportunities like scholarships, fellowships,
and research; dinners with distinguished Stanford
faculty; and networking with Stanford alumni.
Students may elect to participate in EAP for 1 unit
of credit during Autumn and/or Winter Quarter.
Off Campus Programs
After you have completed your required first three

quarters on Stanfords main campus, you my be interested
in the following off-campus Stanford programs.
Bing Overseas Studies Program (bosp.stanford.edu)
Every Stanford undergraduate should give serious
consideration to studying overseas. Regardless of the
academic path you choose, spending time in another country
will enrich you. Achieving cultural literacy and gaining
substantive understanding of other perspectives in the world
will deepen your awareness of yourself, your own society,
47
liberal education
and your educational goals. The Bing Overseas Studies
Program (BOSP) offers you the opportunity to study abroad
while remaining enrolled at Stanford. BOSP operates
programs in Australia, Beijing, Berlin, Cape Town, Florence,
Istanbul, Kyoto, Madrid, Oxford, Paris, and Santiago. BOSP
also offers three-week Overseas Seminars in various locations
each Summer Quarter, participates in two consortium
programs located in Barcelona and Kyoto, and offers fourweek Community Health in Oaxaca and Bio-cultural
Diversity and Community-Based Conservation in Oaxaca
programs, as well as additional faculty-initiated programs.
Bing Stanford in Washington Program (siw.stanford.edu)
is an opportunity to spend a quarter studying in the
nations capital. During the quarter, students work at
full-time internships in the world of Washington politics
and policy, at international NGOs (non-governmental
organizations) and at world class museums and
artistic venues. Students take courses from visiting
Stanford faculty and Washington experts, and attend
a wide range of cultural events and field trips.
Hopkins Marine Station (hopkins.stanford.edu)
is located on the shoreline of the Monterey Peninsula
and offers opportunities for research and study in
marine biology. In odd-numbered years, Stanford@SEA
spends half of the Spring Quarter at Hopkins and the
remainder doing shipboard research in the South Pacific.
In even-numbered years, Holistic Biology is offered
combining instruction at the Station with field work.
Overseas Resource Center (bechtel.stanford.edu/orc)
is located in the Bechtel International Center and is
Stanfords advising center for students and alumni
pursuing international scholarships for study and research
abroad. The Center advises on many postgraduate awards,
including the Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright Scholarships.
48
Stanford Diversity Exchange Program (undergrad.

stanford.edu/opportunities) allows Stanford
students to exchange places with students from another
college or university for a quarter, a semester, or an
academic year. The Diversity Exchange currently
partners with two historically black colleges
and universities: Morehouse and Spelman.
Stanford in New York City (undergrad.stanford.edu/sinyc)
is a new program that combines diverse internships,
challenging coursework taught by visiting Stanford faculty
and local experts, and the magnificent city of New York.
In Autumn Quarter, coursework and internships focus
on the Arts, Architecture, Design, and Urban Studies.
Winter Quarter courses focus on Finance and Media.
The Wrigley Field Program in Hawaii (gohawaii.
stanford.edu) is a quarter-long immersive field
experience led by Stanford faculty that engages
students in an investigation of the natural and human
LIBERAL EDUCATION
Reflection Opportunities
Stanford places great value on the importance of

reflection in charting a meaningful course aligned with
your values, goals, and interests. There will be many
opportunities for you to engage in reflection in your
classes, activities, residences, and more. Reflections
Seminars, Designing Your Stanford, and Education as SelfFashioning are a few of the courses designed specifically
for freshmen that provide a space for reflection.
ROTC
Stanford students have the option of participating in

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) through
cross-enrollment agreements with three neighboring
universities. Under the agreements, students pursue
their undergraduate degree at Stanford but complete
the military portion of their training with the military
unit at one of the host schools. Stanford provides
students with travel assistance between campuses.
Stanford advisors work closely with ROTC program
liaisons, who hold office hours at Stanford in order to
provide comprehensive services, support, and advice.
September Opportunities
Occurring in the first three weeks of September, these

programs offer an opportunity to work closely with
faculty in a small group setting on areas of intellectual
inquiry, creative practice, or leadership development.
Sophomore College (soco.stanford.edu) Rising

sophomores participate in a deeply immersive
learning experience that extends beyond the
classroom with Stanford faculty and peers who
share a passion for a focused area of study.
Arts Intensive (artsintensive.stanford.edu)
Arts Intensive courses engage students in the
theory and practice of a particular artistic
discipline in a rich collaborative community.
Leadership Intensive (undergrad.stanford.edu/lead)
Rising juniors are selected to participate in an immersive
examination of their own leadership skills and a handson laboratory in which to practice and improve them.
Bing Honors College (bhc.stanford.edu) Rising seniors
actively engage in researching and planning their Honors
thesis with the support and guidance of faculty leaders,
building a community of Honors scholars, and getting
a focused start on their independent scholarship.
Service in an Undergraduate Education

Haas Center for Public Service
haas.stanford.edu
As a home for service at Stanford, the Haas Center for
Public Service inspires and prepares students to create
a more just and sustainable world through service,
scholarship, and community partnerships. You can
participate in transformative service trips, leadership
development courses and workshops, and signature
education programs rooted in enduring community
partnerships and cutting-edge research. Guided by the
Centers Principles of Ethical and Effective Service,
students engage in service across diverse pathways
direct service, engaged scholarship, activism, philanthropy,
public policy, and social entrepreneurship.
49
liberal education
systems of Hawaii culminating in an independent,

student-designed research project during the final
two weeks of the quarter. The program is offered
in Autumn Quarter of even-numbered years.
liberal education
Cardinal Courses Students can participate in
community-engaged learning (service-learning) courses
across disciplines that blend community experiences,
examination of public issues, and exploration of civic
identities. Taught by renowned faculty, these innovative
classes integrate rigorous coursework with real-world
experience, offering students a unique chance to
address complex social problems and timely issues.
Cardinal Commitments Students support more than
100 service groups on campus, lead Alternative Spring
Break courses and trips, and work toward educational
equity as mentors and tutors to local youth, among other
activities. Through sustained commitments, students
develop the knowledge, skills, and adaptive leadership
practices to catalyze and sustain positive social impact.
Cardinal Quarter Through fellowships, internships,
and the Community Service Work-Study program,
Stanford offers need-blind advising and support
for students to engage in quarter-long, full-time
service at the local, national and global levels.
Cardinal Careers A Stanford education prepares students
to be leaders and innovators adept at working across
the private, nonprofit, government, and philanthropic
sectors to create positive change. Stanford offers
support to explore multiple career options and make
service part of your career regardless of sector.
Undergraduate Research and

Independent Projects
undergradresearch.stanford.edu
Engaging in research, art, and other kinds of capstone
experiences is a chance to pursue your intellectual passion
within a close community of faculty and students mutually
50
committed to exploration and the discovery of new

knowledge. Partnerships between faculty and students
across all disciplines can be among the most satisfying and
intellectually exciting experiences of your undergraduate
education. This kind of scholarly connection with faculty
can foster lasting mentorships built on shared interests and
close collaboration.
Advisors in Undergraduate Advising and Research
can help you:
Identify and approach faculty who share your
intellectual interests and might serve as project
mentors.
Understand the course sequences and seminars that
will best prepare you for the advanced scholarship
you are pursuing, and identify the right ways to
structure a substantive foundation in the discipline
you have chosen using advanced coursework,
directed readings, and methodology classes.
LIBERAL EDUCATION
Apply for your own project funding through the

Student Grants program (studentgrants.stanford.
edu). Students who have designed their own
research, art, or senior synthesis project under the
guidance of a faculty mentor can use these grants
for project-related expenses such as travel, supplies,
or summer living expenses for full-time projects.
Share the results of your projects as a presenter
at the Symposium of Undergraduate Research
and Public Service (surps.stanford.edu), which
is held twice each year.
Academic Resources
academicskills.stanford.edu
Through courses, workshops, and individual coaching,
you can enhance your academic skills for the fast-paced
and intense Stanford learning environment. Topics
include time management, exam preparation, test-taking
skills, reading for meaning, and avoiding procrastination.
Go online to schedule an appointment with an
Academic Skills Coach or learn about other resources
such as our blog, The Duck Stops Here (duckstop.
stanford.edu), the Academic Skills Inventory, and the
Stanford Resilience Project (resilience.stanford.edu).

hume.stanford.edu
The George and Leslie Hume Center for Writing
and Speaking provides an important intellectual hub
for writing and oral communication on Stanfords
campus. At the core of the Hume Centers services are
individual consultations for students working on any
type of writing, presentation, or project. Along with
individual tutorials, Hume offers writing and oral
communication workshops for students enrolled in
PWR, ITALIC, SLE, Thinking Matters, IntroSems, and
WIM classes as well as other courses with writing and
multimedia assignments. To foster a lively culture of
writing and presentation, Hume provides a meeting and
performance space for students working in a variety
of forms, including poetry, spoken word, and drama.
Oral Communication Program (speakinghelp.
stanford.edu) can help you develop your skills in spoken
expression and presentation by providing personalized
assistance to meet your oral communication needs,
including reducing speech anxiety, practicing class
presentations, and integrating multimedia tools.
Office of Accessible Education and

Schwab Learning Center
oae.stanford.edu
(650) 723-1066, TTY: (650) 723-1067
The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) provides
services and resources to students with disabilities.
Eligible students may have a variety of disabilities,
including mobility impairments, chronic illnesses, sensory
disabilities, learning disabilities, and psychological
disabilities. The OAEs goal is to enable students with
disabilities to participate fully in the educational
experience at Stanford while meeting the academic
51
liberal education
Gain experience with specific scholarly methods

by learning about more than 40 campus-wide
departmental research programs that match
undergraduates with faculty-designed projects.
liberal education
standards maintained by the University. In accordance
with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the OAE offers an
array of accommodations and auxiliary aids and services
to students with documented disabilities. Direct support
services include, but are not limited to, note taking,
conversion of documents to Braille or electronic text,
oral or sign language interpretation, CART, examination
accommodations, and special housing arrangements.
Stanford students have access to world-class print

and digital collections at nearly 20 libraries. Subject
librarians are available to provide research consultation
to students across all disciplines. On the Libraries
website, you can access SearchWorks, the Libraries
official online search tool; browse ejournals, databases,
course reserves; and initiate an interlibrary loan.
Individual and group study spaces, Internet access,
and computing resources are available for use in the
Libraries. A full list of the Libraries is available online.
The OAE supports a variety of assistive computer

technology applications throughout the University.
These applications are intended to assist students in
meeting their academic objectives and support their
learning needs. Assistive technology applications,
including screen-magnification, text-to-speech
reading programs, and mind-mapping solutions
are available at campus computing clusters.
Green Library and the Information Center

The Cecil H. Green Library is the largest library on
the Stanford campus and holds an expansive and
deep research collection in the humanities and social
sciences in myriad formats. Students have access to
rare and unique materials through the Department
of Special Collections and University Archives. The
Media and Microtext Center offers unique films
collected for research purposes and many thousands
of reels of resources on microfilm that have not been
During the academic year, the OAE runs a golf cart service,
DisGo Cart, for use by students who have temporary and
permanent mobility impairments or who use a wheelchair.
Schwab Learning Center (oae.stanford.edu/
schwab-learning-center) offers enhanced services
(beyond those required by state and federal laws)
for students with learning disabilities and attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder. There is no cost to use
services and students may self-refer to the SLC.
Stanford University Libraries

library.stanford.edu
The Stanford University Libraries are an integral
part of the academic life of Stanford, providing an
array of resources and services to the community.
52
LIBERAL EDUCATION
Lathrop Library
Lathrop Library is a newly renovated library that
houses several services and collections, such as the
East Asia Library (EAL). With access to more than
800,000 volumes of online books and journals, EAL
collections include special collections, government
documents, media, and periodicals. The first floor of
Lathrop Library features a 24-hour study space and a
Tech Lounge that provides group and individual study
options as well as tech support for general technology
and multimedia troubleshooting, multimedia production,
poster printing, and multimedia equipment checkout.
Tutoring Resources
tutoring.stanford.edu
Free peer tutoring is offered in Biology, Chemistry,
Economics, Engineering, Human Biology, Math,
Physics, and Statistics. Peer Tutors are trained to
coach you and give you tools to learn your subject
and solve its problems yourself. In addition, foreign
language conversation practice is available for students
enrolled in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian,
Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish courses.
Tutoring for writing and public speaking is available
through the Hume Center for Writing and Speaking.
liberal education
digitized. Social Science Data and Software provides

support for selecting and using quantitative and
qualitative analysis software. The Information Center
houses current journals, magazines, and newspapers.
The Circulation & Privileges Desk, the main service
point in Green, is where students may retrieve Course
Reserves books that faculty and instructors have
requested to circulate with brief loan periods.
53
Approaching
Your Campus
Community
Stanfords community is built on diversity with a
profound and fundamental respect for individual
differences. Try new classes, meet new people, and
explore new activities and organizations. If you
challenge yourself in the quest for knowledge and
self-enlightenment, your Stanford experience will be
fulfilling in ways you cannot yet imagine.
Greg Boardman, Vice Provost for Student Affairs
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campus community
contents
residential community
Residential Education
Residence Staff
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Finding your communities

Arts at Stanford
Asian American Activities Center
Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation
Bechtel International Center
Black Community Services Center
Career Center
Diversity and First Gen Office
El Centro Chicano y Latino
Fraternity and Sorority Life
LGBT Community Resources Center
The Markaz: Resource Center
The Office for Military-Affiliated Communities
Native American Cultural Center
Religious Life
Student Activities and Leadership
Womens Community Center
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Values, Standards, and Policies

Freshman and Transfer Student Policies
Office of Community Standards
Acts of Intolerance Protocol
Office of Alcohol Policy & Education
Policy on Smoke-Free Environment
Title IX Office
Sexual Harassment Policy Office
Office of Sexual Assault & Relationship Abuse
Education & Response (SARA)
Confidential Sexual Assault Counseling Office
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campus community
Living and Learning at Stanford
Living and Learning at Stanford

Your academic interests and learning will be informed and enriched by all of the people and activities you
engage withboth inside and outside the classroom. In fact, the majority of your time will be spent in spaces
outside the classroom: residence and dining halls, the library and student union, ethnic and community centers,
and more. At Stanford, living and learning are intertwined.
A critical component of your learning environment is the diversity of life experiences and backgrounds
represented by students, faculty, and staff. At Stanford, we respect the entire spectrum of diversity, including
age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability difference, economic status, nationality, political beliefs,
and geographical background. We believe encounters between people with different experiences and points of
view stimulate creative thinking, foster a deeper understanding of the world beyond Stanford, and promote the
development of a strong campus community in which all members are truly valued.
Residential Community
We see the time living on campus as a period of

great learning and development that will enhance
your Stanford experience in meaningful ways.
Priorities of Residential Education
resed.stanford.edu
Residential Education at Stanford provides undergraduates
with a small community experience within the context
of a large research university. Our conviction is that
living and learning should be integrated, and that formal
teaching, informal learning, and personal development
are important components of a Stanford education. The
University considers the residential component of your
education so important that you are required to live
on campus as a freshman or first-year transfer student
for your first three quarters. Should behavior warrant
a first year students removal from the residences, that
student is prohibited from enrolling in classes until he
or she has returned to the residential community.
Residential Education complements the academic

curriculum with programs and opportunities that are
essential to your preparation for a life of leadership,
intellectual engagement, citizenship, and service.
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1. Intellectual developmentYour house is a place for

you to synthesize all that you are learning, inside and
outside the classroom. Whether it is debating with
your hallmates late into the night, participating in
talks with leading scholars or artists in your lounge,
engaging in stimulating dialogues with your Resident
Fellow, or discussing current events over dinner
with friendseach of these and more contribute to
building a rich intellectual life in your residence.
campus community
Residence Staff
The central support of your residence life is your

residence staff. The staff includes your:
Resident Fellow (RF) or College Director (CD)
Resident or College Assistants (RAs/CAs)
Resident Computer Consultant (RCC)
Peer Health Educator (PHE)
Residence Dean (RD)
Academic Advising Director (AAD)
2. Interpersonal developmentCollege is a time for

you to complement your rich academic life with
personal learning and growth. The residences
are a place where you can be challenged to see
things in new ways, where you can explore your
beliefs and build life-changing relationships. The
more that you seek out opportunities to learn
from and with the people in your dorm, the more
you get out of this unique and vibrant time.
3. Leadership developmentYou can pursue formal and
informal leadership roles in your house in your first
year and throughout your Stanford experience. Each
student has the opportunity to develop leadership
skills living in and through community. Building
a community of respect where all are valued and
feel connected requires every member of a house
to be a meaningful contributor and leader.
Your Resident Fellow (RF) or College Director (CD)

is a faculty member or a senior administrative staff
member. In addition to guiding the life of the house, the
RF or CD brings his or her own unique combination
of interests to the residence while affording you the
opportunity to become acquainted with a professor or
senior staff member in an informal setting. Resident
Assistants (RAs) are upperclass students who work
closely with you and your RF to plan activities and
programs. RAs are available whenever you have a
problem and can provide valuable insights from their
own Stanford experiences; they are students who want
to listen and help. The Resident Computer Consultants
(RCCs) are upperclass students who support your
network connections, your personal computing,
and your residence computer cluster. They conduct
workshops and provide general technical education
and consulting. Peer Health Educators (PHEs) are
upperclass students who offer one-on-one wellness
and health coaching and dorm health programs.
They can connect you to campus health resources.
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campus community
Program Associate (PA)
campus community
In addition, each residence is assigned a Residence
Dean (RD), an Academic Advising Director (AAD), and
a Program Associate (PA), all of whom work closely
with the RF. The RD is a trained professional who
can advise students about personal matters, assist
with personal emergencies, and intervene directly
in behavioral concerns when necessary. RDs advise
on issues of housing and roommate concerns. The
AAD, described earlier in this handbook, helps you
navigate your academic path through Stanford.
PAs are professional staff across the residential
system who facilitate events and programs.
Finding your Communities

Arts at Stanford
arts.stanford.edu
Engaging in the arts is one way to connect with other
students on campus in a meaningful and lasting way. With
new world-class performance and visual art venues and a
multitude of student arts groups, the arts at Stanford are
on the move. Our academic departments and resources
are the foundation of the arts opportunities you will
find on the Farm. Stanford awaits you with many rich
opportunities for study in an arts discipline and with
a vast array of accessible and immersive independent
arts activities. Whether it is in your residence, a student
group, a course taught by award-winning arts faculty
or through an independent creative project, the arts
are integral to a 21st century education at Stanford
and every student will find a place to engage.
Arts Disciplines (Art & Art History, Creative

Writing, Dance, Design, Film, Music, Theater and
Performance Studies) offer a broad spectrum of
academic classes, art practice, labs, workshops,
58
and showcase/performance opportunities. You do

not have to major in the particular discipline to
participate in activities such as lessons, ensembles,
theater, and performance. Auditions for music lessons
and ensembles begin during the final days of NSO and
continue through the first week of Autumn Quarter.
Arts in Student Life are integral to the community with
approximately 100 student arts groups at Stanford.
The Cantor Arts Center hosts a diverse
collection that spans continents, cultures, and
5,000 years of art history at this museum.
Sign up for a free student membership to hear
about student-only programs, including gallery
openings, studio art classes, and field trips.
K
imball Hall, the Arts and Performing Arts
Academic Theme House, offers performance
and exhibition opportunities, arts activities,
workshops, and trips to Bay Area performances.
S tanford Live presents a range of celebrated and
emerging artists in the Bing Concert Hall.
T
he Anderson Collection at Stanford is one of
the worlds most outstanding private assemblies
of modern and contemporary American Art.

a3c.stanford.edu
The Asian American Activities Center (A3C) offers
a welcoming community for all students. Located in
the Old Union Clubhouse, it is the hub of the Asian
American community at Stanford and home to more
than 40 Asian American student organizations. The A3C
collaborates with faculty, alumni, and staff to provide
seminars, mentoring programs, and lecture series for
the campus community. It houses an Asian American
resource library and sponsors a speaker series that
campus community
Associated Students of
Stanford University (ASSU)
assu.stanford.edu
On the third day of classes in 1891, the student body
met and established itself as the Associated Students
of Stanford University (ASSU). The ASSU represents
Stanfords 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students
on campus issues, funds student organizations, and
provides important student services. Each year, the
ASSU appoints students to University committees,
brings engaging speakers to campus, holds concerts,
sponsors community service projects and student
advocacy campaigns, and offers free legal help. The
ASSU has offices in Old Union and consists of the
President, the Vice President, the Undergraduate
Senate, and the Graduate Student Council, along with
Stanford Student Enterprises (SSE), a business subsidiary
of ASSU. The Undergraduate Senate and the ASSU
Executives have intern programs for new students.
Athletics, Physical Education,

and Recreation
gostanford.com
recreation.stanford.edu
Stanford promotes excellence in academics,
athletics, and recreation and has won the Division
I Directors Cup, which honors the most successful
program in NCAA sports, the last 20 years.
Approximately 850 students participate in Stanford
Athletics 36 intercollegiate varsity sports.
The Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation

(ACSR) houses a variety of recreational activities,
including basketball, rock climbing, fencing, fitness,
recreation classes, squash, and weight training. The
Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center
(AOERC) provides additional indoor recreation-based
facilities and an outdoor pool, including a climbing
wall and outdoor education center, indoor courts,
exercise studios, cycling team and sports medicine
areas, academic classrooms, and a fitness center.
campus community
provides opportunities for students to interact with faculty

and staff in small, informal sessions to discuss topics
ranging from freshman transition to internships. The
Center provides organizational and individual advising,
a computer cluster, and meeting and rehearsal space.
Students can join a variety of club sports that

compete at the intercollegiate level and accommodate
a wide spectrum of talent. Club sports provide
over 1,200 student-athletes the opportunity to
participate in competitive sports at Stanford.
Additionally, students compete annually in a variety
of team and individual intramural sports.
Stanford Outdoor Education offers a wide variety of
opportunities for involvement, including adventure
trips, outdoor gear rental, rock climbing classes, and
the Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT) program.
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campus community
The Red Zone is the official student fan club for
Stanford Athletics and the most raucous section
of Stanford Stadium. As a Stanford student, you
automatically receive free membership to the
Red Zone. Register online at gostanford.com/
redzone to activate your membership to receive free
admission to all regular season Athletics events.

bechtel.stanford.edu
new_intl_students@stanford.edu
The Bechtel International Center serves as a resource for
international undergraduate and graduate students and is
Stanfords liaison to U.S. federal agencies regarding visa
regulations that impact international students, faculty, and
staff. Bechtel seeks to address concerns of international
undergraduate and graduate students, offers orientation
programs for all incoming international students, and
assists students in adjusting to Stanford culture. For more
information about International Student Orientation
(ISO), see the New Student Orientation section of this
handbook. Incoming international students should expect
to receive emails from Bechtel during the summer regarding
immigration and ISO details. Bechtel provides all necessary
immigration documents for new international students.

bcsc.stanford.edu
The Black Community Services Center (BCSC) is
an organization focused on providing resources,
opportunities, and support for the total advancement
and excellence of Black students and Black student
groups within the Stanford community. The BCSC
staff are committed to fostering respect for the
diverse experiences and backgrounds within the Black
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community; exploring equity, inclusion, and social

justice for traditionally marginalized communities; and
developing the whole studentmind, body, and soul.
The BCSC provides academic and research guidance
and intellectual and leadership programs for students,
and offers programming support and event advising to
more than 30 Black student organizations. The BCSC
provides meeting spaces, a computer cluster, academic
recognition programs, and a variety of workshops
and activities that highlight the Black experience.
Career Center
cdc.stanford.edu
The Career Center provides you a network of communities
that help you explore opportunities and make meaningful
connections. The Frosh/Soph Career Community
Team assists freshmen in discovering interests, summer
opportunities, on-campus jobs, mentorship with employers
and alumni, and research experiences with faculty. Transfer
students are connected to either the Frosh/Soph team
or another career community based on major. You can
explore your interests through regular meetups (casual
group discussions on career topics) in dining halls and
campus community
Part-Time Employment
As a newly enrolled student, you have immediate
access to the career centers database of internships and
jobs on campus. Many departments and offices hire
students for on-campus employment. Begin by creating
a Cardinal Careers account online at cdc.stanford.
edu. You will need to bring personal documentation
with you if you anticipate working on campus.

diversityandfirstgen.stanford.edu
The Diversity and First-Gen Office supports the
campus and academic life of first-generation and/
or low-income students by coordinating the efforts
of campus partners to ensure a warm welcome and
successful transition to college life. Support for diversity
includes, but is not limited to, class, socio-economic
background, privilege, gender, sexual orientation, race,
ethnicity, educational heritage, and immigration status.
El CENTRO CHICANO Y LATINO

elcentro.stanford.edu
El Centro Chicano y Latino offers a welcoming and safe
community for all students. It serves as the hub for the
diverse Chicano/Latino undergraduate and graduate
student community. Located in the Old Union Nitery,
the center provides a variety of academic, cultural,
social, leadership development, and mental health and
wellness programs. These programs include the weekly
Cafecito hour where students engage in conversation

while enjoying home-made chocolate, pan dulce and
coffee, the El Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Student
and Alumni Professional Development Networking
Dinner, Csar Chvez Commemorative Celebration,
and the Annual Community Awards Dinner. The center
also serves as an important link to faculty, staff, and
alumni. In collaboration with Undergraduate Advising
and Research (UAR), El Centro offers the Frosh Scholars
Program, which introduces freshmen to crucial campus
resources and supportive mentors. The center houses
more than 20 voluntary student organizations, giving
students many opportunities to explore career options
while serving Stanford and the outside community.
Through advising and referrals, El Centros professional
staff help students succeed academically and personally.

fsl.stanford.edu
Fraternities and sororities have been part of the Stanford
student experience since the founding of the University.
Today, the Greek community is diverse and vibrant and
comprises approximately 20% of the undergraduate
student body. Each of the 30 organizations is affiliated
with four individual councils that collectively form the
Greek community: the African American Fraternal and
Sororal Association (AAFSA), Inter-Fraternity Council
(IFC), Inter-Sorority Council (ISC), and Multicultural
Greek Council (MGC). Students who are attracted to
fraternity and sorority life have a desire to develop
leadership skills, serve the community, maintain high
scholastic standards, and build a robust support network.
Many fraternities and sororities contribute actively

to campus life by hosting speakers, planning benefit
fundraisers for local nonprofits, performing community
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campus community
residences, personal assessments, freshman-focused

events, and more. The Frosh Open House, held in January,
includes an opportunity fair specifically for freshmen with
tailored resources to jump-start your career exploration.
campus community
service, connecting students to special guests and
alumni, and contributing to many social traditions
on campus. The University actively supports all 30
social Greek letter organizations through Residential
Education. Some organizations have dedicated
University-owned facilities for members of their
organization to reside together. Formal recruitment
for this community takes place in spring quarter,
and freshmen are not able to join until that time.
Markaz aims to meet the needs of students identifying

with the Muslim world as well as build interest among
the greater campus community in the context of the
ongoing dialogues related to this growing population.
Staff actively work to connect students to opportunities
across campus and act as an interface between campus
communities and the administration. The Centers focus
is to provide academic, social, and cultural programs
for undergraduate and graduate students to add to the
richness of their Stanford experience and to foster an
environment where student leadership can flourish.

lgbt.stanford.edu
The LGBT Community Resources Center provides a
warm and welcoming space for Stanfords diverse and
vibrant population of students celebrating, questioning,
investigating and struggling with sexual orientation
and/or gender identity. The Center is a great place to
relax, study, check email, browse books and magazines,
watch films, or converse with queer and allied students.
The space is open to all Stanford students and offers a
computer cluster; complementary printing; a library;
magazines, academic journals, and arts publications; and
study, meeting, and events space with a media center and
dry erase boards for creative brainstorming, along with a
plethora of programs, events, and activities. The Center
is located on the second floor of the Fire Truck House.
The Markaz: Resource Center

markaz.stanford.edu
The Markaz: Resource Center is a place for engagement
with the cultures and people of the Muslim world.
Its mission is to enrich Stanford students experience
by facilitating discovery and dialogue around critical
social and political issues related to Muslims. The
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THE OFFICE FOR MILITARY-AFFILIATED COMMUNITIES

military.stanford.edu
The Office for Military-Affiliated Communities
(OMAC) provides support and services for the
military-affiliated community at Stanford. Primary
responsibilities include the certification of GI Bill
benefits, programming, and agency for military-affiliated
initiatives. OMAC is located on the second floor of
Tresidder Student Union in the Student Services Center.

nacc.stanford.edu
The mission of the Native American Cultural Center
(NACC) is to create a supportive environment
for Stanfords American Indian, Alaska Native,
Native Hawaiian, First Nations, and Pacific Island
undergraduate and graduate student population, guided
by the principle that students succeed where there
is support for success. The Center promotes a sense
of belonging and community, focusing on student
wellness, retention, graduation, and preparation for
global citizenship through its many offerings. NACCs
campus community
NACC is a resource center and clearinghouse for

indigenous issues and provides opportunities and
programs for the campus community, potential students,
families, scholars, alumni, tribal partners, and other
visitors. NACC staff advise over 30 student organizations
under the umbrella of the Stanford American Indian
Organization, sponsor the largest student-run Powwow
in the country, host the Stanford Native Immersion
Program (a summer transitional program for incoming
Native frosh and transfer students), and coordinate a
bounty of forums that promote Native excellence and
reflect the rich diversity of the Native Community.
Religious Life
religiouslife.stanford.edu
Stanford Universitys Office for Religious Life encourages
the flourishing of worship, ritual, educational, pastoral,
and multi-faith opportunities for students from a variety
of religious and spiritual traditions. Through the Office
for Religious Life, the University provides space and the
capacity for religious expression on campus, as well as
programming to address questions of meaning and issues
of spiritual, religious, ethical and moral significance in
students lives. The Deans for Religious Life lead worship,
teach courses, convene study groups, promote interfaith
dialogue, and offer spiritual and pastoral guidance to
individuals and to groups. Programming, ritual, and
worship occur in three distinct spaces overseen by the
Office for Religious Life: Memorial Church, the third
floor of the Old Union in the Center for Interfaith
Community, Learning and Experiences (CIRCLE),
and the new Windhover Contemplative Center.
The Deans for Religious Life provide support and

supervision for Stanford Associated Religions (SAR), which
constitutes more than 35 student groups including Bahais;
Buddhists; Hindus; Humanists, Agnostics and Atheists;
Jews; Muslims; Sikhs; Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox,
Evangelical, and Protestant Christian communities.
University Public Worship, Compline, and Roman
Catholic Mass are held each Sunday at Memorial Church.
Muslim prayers and Jewish Shabbat services are offered
on campus on Friday and Saturday. A number of other
groups gather in Memorial Church, in the CIRCLE, and
throughout the university. Check the Office for Religious
Life website for details on classes, programming, services,
and Stanford Associated Religion communities.
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campus community
programs include leadership development, counseling,

advising, mentoring, academic support, intellectual and
cultural programming, research forums, professional
guidance, and service to campus and community.
campus community
sal.stanford.edu
Student Activities and Leadership (SAL) is located on
the second floor of Old Union. You can get involved on
campus in many ways: joining or managing a student
group, starting an initiative, planning an event, and more.
SAL staff are available to advise, connect, and guide you
in all of these endeavors. With more than 650 student
organizations on campus, the diverse interests of Stanford
students are well represented. On the first Friday of
Autumn Quarter, SAL holds an Activities Fair where
many Stanford organizations promote their activities
and recruit new members. This is the best way to check
out organizations you might be interested in joining.
Students create groups, activities, and organizations

around many interests, including the following:
Academic (e.g., BioAIMS, Stanford Solar Car
Project, Stanford Applied Statistics Society,
Stanford Transhumanist Association)
Athletic/Recreational (e.g., Stanford Alpine Ski Team,
Stanford Badminton Club, Stanford Judo Club, Stanford
Mens Lacrosse, Stanford Womens Club Soccer)
Pre-professional (e.g., Business Association
of Stanford Engineering Students, Stanford
Black Pre-Medical Organization, Design for
America, Women in Computer Science)
Community Service (e.g., Stanford Dance
Marathon, Kids with Dreams, Partners in
Health, Math Magic, Challah for Hunger)
Arts (e.g., Cardinal Ballet, Stanford Chamber Chorale,
Talisman A Cappella, Los Salseros de Stanford)
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Ethnic/Cultural/International (e.g., Armenian

Students Association, First-Generation, LowIncome Partnership, Stanford Vietnamese
Student Association, Stanford Jewish Queers,
Multiracial Identified Community at Stanford)
Health/Wellness (e.g. Bhakti Yoga Club, Sexual
Health Peer Resources Center, Stanford Peace
of Mind, The Stanford Happiness Collective)
Media/Publications (e.g., KZSU 90.1 FM, The
Stanford Daily, The Stanford Review, Stanford
Undergraduate Research Journal, Mint Magazine)
Political/Social Awareness (e.g., Fossil Free
Stanford, Stanford Democrats, Amnesty
International, Power to Act: Abilities Coming
Together, Stanford Asian American Activism
Coalition, Stanford College Republicans)
Religious/Philosophical (e.g., Islamic
Society of Stanford, Atheists, Humanists, and
Agnostics, Catholic Community at Stanford,
Sikh Students Association at Stanford)
campus community
wcc.stanford.edu
The Stanford Womens Community Center (WCC)
is a dynamic and welcoming space that facilitates the
success of women students at Stanford by providing
innovative opportunities for scholarship, leadership,
and activism. The WCC is committed to enhancing
all students intellectual, personal, and professional
pursuits, and strives to provide an open environment
for anyone interested in gender issues, social justice,
and related topics to engage in conversations and meet
new people. The WCC staff implements a variety of
programs and initiatives to raise awareness and address
a wide range of issues regarding social justice and
gender at Stanford and beyond. These programs include
the Women at Work Series during winter quarter, the
Stanford Womens Leadership Conference in early spring,
Herstory Month in April, programs for women in science,
technology, engineering, and math, as well as roundtable
discussions, film screenings, faculty panels, and more.
The WCC serves as a hub for the various Womens

Volunteer Student Organizations (WVSOs), which provide
opportunities for students to get involved in academic,
political, and social organizations focused on needs and
issues regarding women and gender. We are located
on the first floor of the Fire Truck House and welcome
individuals of all genders, identities, and backgrounds.
Values, Standards,
and Policies
As a member of the campus community, you are expected
to live by a code of ethical behavior, and you are accountable
for your actions and the consequences of those actions,
both in and out of the classroom. Integrity and civility
toward others in all areas of academic and community
life are expected of all students, faculty, and staff.

approaching@stanford.edu
Stanford values the transition process as the foundation
for thriving both academically and personally in our
community. The following policies support this principle
and apply to freshmen and new transfer students:
All freshmen and new transfer students are

required to attend New Student Orientation (NSO)
and must be in residence by 5:00 p.m. on the
first day of NSO, Tuesday, September 15, 2015.
Freshmen and new transfer students are required
to live on campus in University housing for three
consecutive quarters in their first year. Should behavior
warrant a first-year students removal from the
residences, that student cannot enroll in classes until
he or she has returned to the residential community.
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campus community
campus community
When circumstances arise which make it
advisable for a freshman to take a leave absence
at any time during the first year, he or she
is required to wait until Autumn Quarter of
the following year to return to Stanford.
Freshmen and new transfer students cannot enroll
in the summer quarter prior to their first year.
Office of Community Standards
judicialaffairs.stanford.edu
The Office of Community Standards (OCS) promotes the
mutual responsibility of members of the Stanford
community to uphold the Honor Code and the
Fundamental Standard. OCS coordinates the student
conduct system, including administering the formal
disciplinary processes and the informal resolution of
concerns. OCS strives to resolve cases of alleged misconduct
in a fair, responsible, and timely manner that emphasizes
Stanfords core values of respect, trust, and integrity.
Violations of the Honor Code are taken very seriously.

The standard sanction for a first violation of the Honor
Code is a one-quarter suspension from the University
and 40 hours of community service. In addition, most
faculty members issue a no pass for the class in which
the violation occurred. The standard penalty for a second
violation of the Honor Code is a three-quarter suspension
and 80 hours of community service. Additional sanctions
include other penalties up to and including expulsion.
The full text of the Honor Code, the Interpretations
and Applications of the Honor Code, the full text of the
Student Judicial Charterwhich applies to both the
Fundamental Standard and the Honor Codeas well as
the text of other student conduct policies are available
on the Office of Community Standards website.
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intolerance.stanford.edu
Stanford is committed to providing a safe living and
learning environment in which everyone is valued and
respected, inclusion is assured, and free expression and
debate are encouraged. The Acts of Intolerance Protocol
establishes a mechanism for addressing situations
involving a real or perceived act of intolerance. In
such an instance, the University wishes to proceed
thoughtfully, providing support to all of those affected
while affirming that our community values differences,
free expression, and debate as sources of strength.
An act of intolerance is defined as conduct that adversely

and unfairly targets an individual or group on the basis
of one or more of the following actual or perceived
characteristics: gender or gender identity, race or ethnicity,
disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or age.
The protocol outlines procedures to be followed when
acts of intolerance (or perceived acts of intolerance) occur
and to promote a climate of respect. It is not intended to
be used as a means of censorship or to limit in any way
dialogue and the free expression of opinions and ideas.
OFFICE OF ALCOHOL POLICY & EDUCATION

alcohol.stanford.edu
Stanford University is committed to student safety
and well-being, and thus maintains an educational
approach to dealing with alcohol and drug issues
on campus. Many students choose to abstain from
substance use and the University strongly supports
this choice. The majority of you will make respectable
choices about alcohol and drug use and will behave
responsibly. That is the norm. However, for those
who engage in high-risk and/or disruptive drinking
campus community
For those who will be coming to Stanford from another

state or from another country, you should be aware
that in California it is illegal to: drink alcohol if you
are under 21 years of age, buy alcohol for minors,
serve alcohol to minors, and possess a fake ID. The
Stanford University Department of Public Safety
(SUDPS) enforces the drinking-age requirement.
Drugs, including marijuana, are illegal in California.
Stanford University offers a range of educational
programming about alcohol and drugs, and partners in
these efforts with students, faculty, staff, and the police.
Cardinal Nights is an OAPE initiative that

seeks to challenge the faulty normative belief
that alcohol is needed in order to have fun on a
college campus. Cardinal Nights shifts the campus
culture away from a focus on alcohol by providing
premium, equally attractive, non-alcoholic social
programming for students throughout the year.
Policy on a Smoke-Free Environment
It is the policy of Stanford University that smoking

(including vapor cigarettes) in enclosed buildings and
facilities and during indoor or outdoor events on the
campus is prohibited. Specifically, smoking is prohibited
in classrooms and offices, all enclosed buildings and
facilities, in covered walkways, in University vehicles,
during indoor or outdoor athletic events, during
other University sponsored or designated indoor
or outdoor events, and in outdoor areas designated
by signage as smoking prohibited areas.
TITLE IX OFFICE
titleix.stanford.edu
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on
the basis of sex (gender) in educational programs and
activities receiving federal financial assistance. Stanford
University is committed to providing an environment free
of discrimination on the basis of sex (gender), including
sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual assault,
relationship (dating and domestic) violence, and stalking
(collectively, Prohibited Sexual Conduct). The University
provides resources and reporting options to students,
faculty, and staff to address concerns related to sexual
harassment and sexual violence prohibited by Title IX and
University policy. The University urges any individual
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campus community
behaviors, the University takes swift steps to intervene.

Stanford takes a strong position in regard to illicit drugs
(including the abuse of prescription drugs) and does
not tolerate misuse. Students risk judicial proceedings
and serious consequences for drug violations.
campus community
who has been subjected to Prohibited Sexual Conduct to
make an official report to the Title IX Office and, where
appropriate, the Universitys Department of Public Safety.
The primary function of the Title IX Office is to
investigate and resolve student-related Title IX concerns.
The Office facilitates and monitors interim measures and
permanent remedies. The Office staff provide training
and education in this area to students, faculty, and staff.
The following University policies on Prohibited Sexual
Conduct are available online at NotAlone.stanford.edu:
Title IX Administrative Policy and Procedures
Sexual Harassment Policy
Consensual Sexual or Romantic Relationships
in the Workplace and Educational Setting
Prohibited Sexual Conduct: Sexual Misconduct,
Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Relationship Violence
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY OFFICE

harass.stanford.edu
Stanford is committed to providing a place of work
and study free of sexual harassment, intimidation, or
exploitation. The Sexual Harassment Policy Office
(SHPO) coordinates internal resolutions to sexual
harassment concerns that involve staff and faculty
and works closely with the Title IX Office to respond
to situations where students report concerns about
staff or faculty and vice-versa. The SHPO is available
to provide support and resources for all parties.
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Because we believe education and awareness are the best

ways to prevent sexual harassment, SHPO provides a
full complement of customized training programs for
faculty, staff, and affiliates of the University community.
OFFICE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT & RELATIONSHIP

ABUSE EDUCATION & RESPONSE (SARA)
sara.stanford.edu
The Office of Sexual Assault and Relationship Abuse
Education & Response (SARA Office) offers comprehensive
resources to Stanford students, provides information and
referrals to services on and off campus, and assists with
educational outreach and training. Victims of sexual
assault and relationship abuse and those supporting them
are encouraged to contact the SARA Office to learn about
available options and help in accessing resources.
campus community
The SARA Office is dedicated to creating a campus

community free from violence. Our programs are
designed to raise awareness of the impact of interpersonal
violence on campus and to reduce the occurrence of
these acts. We promote the right of our students to live,
work, and study in a safe and healthy environment.
CONFIDENTIAL SEXUAL ASSAULT

COUNSELING OFFICE
Mariposa House
585 Capistrano Way, 2nd Floor, Room 209
(650) 725-9955
vaden.stanford.edu/sexual-assault
sexual assault and relationship violence. CSAC is staffed by

a licensed psychologist and licensed clinical social worker.
At CSAC you can receive information and guidance about
your rights and reporting options. Confidentiality is
strictly maintained. There is no charge for CSAC services.
Other services include:
Consultation and outreach to faculty, staff, and
student organizations
Assistance connecting to other on- and off-campus
support resources
Consultation for urgent sexual assault and relationship
abuse situations by phone 24/7 (consultations requested
outside of business hours will be directed initially
to Counseling and Psychological Services [CAPS])
campus community
The Confidential Sexual Assault Counseling (CSAC) Office

offers emotional support, consultation, and short-term
individual counseling to Stanford students impacted by
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Approaching Life
on the Farm
During New Student Orientation (NSO) youll be
introduced to many people who can support and advise
you and who will be cheering you on throughout your
Stanford career. Whether youre trying to decide what
activities to join, or youre struggling with a difficult
personal decision, remember that there are many people
here to assist you.
Christine Griffith, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs
and Dean of Student Life
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life on the farm
contents
Residential & Dining Enterprises
R&DE Student Housing
R&DE Stanford Dining
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Finances
The University Billing Process
Financial Aid Office
Banking Options
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Health Services
Campus Health Service Fee
Health Insurance
Personal Health Services
Student Health Checklist
Special Needs
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79
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81
Emergency Planning
AlertSU 81
Computing Resources
Accessing the Stanford Network
Your Stanford Email Account
Personal Computing
Security Considerations
Technology Computing Spaces
Computer and Network Usage Policy
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84
Campus Services
Cable Television Service
Campus Safety
Mail Services
Mobile Device Service
Stanford Bookstore
Student Services Center
Student Unions
Telephone Service
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87
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moving to stanford
Guidelines for Packing
Shipping your Belongings
Getting to Campus on Move-In Day
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New Student Orientation Preview
Tuesday, September 15First Day on The Farm
Parent Events
Individuals with Disabilities
Religious Observances
Pre-Orientation Programs
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Overview
Parking & Transportation Services

Biking 85
Marguerite Shuttle Services
86
Cars 86
5-SURE: Students United for Risk Elimination 87
DisGo Cart Service
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overview
Within a few months you will be arriving on campus and beginning a new chapter in your life. You will also be
bringing with you a slew of questions about your new life. Some will be answered as you meet your roommate
and your Resident Fellow, move into your dorm room, and eat your first meal in the dining hall. Your residential
community will most likely be the early foundation for your life on campus, but its only a matter of time before
you will develop connections throughout the university.
Any new venture brings excitement and uneasiness, especially when youre leaving family and familiar
surroundings, so dont worry if you have mixed feelings about the future. This is a time to question and explore
who you are and who you want to be but even more incredible is the chance to engage in that exploration with
fellow members of the Stanford community.
Bring an open, questioning mind, an observant eye, and a desire to learn as much as possible, and we expect
that your Stanford years will be fulfilling in ways you cannot yet imagine.
RESIDENTIAL & DINING

ENTERPRISES
rde.stanford.edu
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE), comprised
of Student Housing, Stanford Dining, Stanford
Hospitality & Auxiliaries, and Stanford Conferences,
has made a significant, positive impact on the
awareness and habits of the Stanford community.
In striving to build a sustainable future by making
sustainability and conservation a way of life, R&DE
continually enhances our operations to optimize
services, reduce our environmental footprint, and
provide a healthy environment for students. R&DE
offers a robust living and learning environment
in support of Residential Education, with organic,
local, and seasonal meals in dining halls and
meeting spaces, sustainable fixtures, zero-waste
programming, and edible gardens in residences.
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R&DE STUDENT HOUSING

studenthousing.stanford.edu
Stanford is a residential university where 96% of
undergraduates (6,500 students) live in University-provided
housing. Residences are focal points of intellectual and
social life at the University. Under the Housing Guarantee,
entering freshmen are guaranteed four years of University
housing, while transfer students are guaranteed three
years of University housing. All housing locations are
managed by full-time staff dedicated to keeping the
residences safe, clean, and comfortable. R&DE Student
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Women living on coed floors will share rooms with other

women but will have men as neighbors, and vice versa.
Stanford University is a non-smoking campus.
Smoking (including vapor cigarettes) is prohibited
in or within 30 feet of all University residences,
including all interior common areas, individual rooms
and apartments, covered walkways, and outdoor
areas where smoke may drift into buildings, as well
as during organized indoor and outdoor events.
Housing Options
University residences differ in their physical
characteristics, including age, style of architecture, and
layout of student rooms and common areas. They also
vary in size, accommodating between 30 and 300 students.
Some are traditional residence halls, while others are
connected houses made up of smaller residences that
share common facilities for eating and recreation. Most
rooms are shared by two students; a few houses have
one-room triples. In some residences, four students
share between one and three rooms. All residences
with new students are coed, some within floors, some
floor-by-floor. In several residences, both options are
available. All rooms for freshmen are single gender.
Card Access
The majority of our undergraduate residences use a card
access system. This means that your Stanford ID card will
grant you access to your residence. Punching holes in the
ID cards causes them to be unreadable, so please use a
card holder to carry your ID on a lanyard or keychain.
Sustainability and Conservation Sustainable Living Guide
studenthousing.stanford.edu/
sites/default/files/SLG .pdf
Sustainability is a core value at Stanford. Your new home
is one of the best places to make a positive impact and
model your sustainable citizenship on campus. Review
the Sustainable Living Guide online to learn about all of
the opportunities to participate in sustainability efforts in
your residence, in the classroom, where you eat, and more.
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life on the farm
Housing is responsible for managing and maintaining

the physical aspects of student residences, assigning
students to housing, and operating the Housing Front
Desks (HFDs), which assist with housing and dining
related matters including assignments, meal plans, keys,
maintenance, and other housing-operations related issues.
Winter Break Housing Options

During winter break, undergraduate residences are closed.
For the 2015-16 academic year, residences will close at
noon on December 12, 2015, and will reopen at 8:00 a.m.
on January 2, 2016. Winter break housing options are
available for a fee for international students who are unable
to travel home during this period. You should budget
about $750-1000 for this continuous housing option.
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R&DE STUDENT DINING
dining.stanford.edu
Dining with your housemates is an integral part of the
Residential Education program by helping to develop
strong communities in the residences. R&DE Stanford
Dining promotes great tasting food with an educational
dining experience, engaging students in topics related to
food, wellness, sustainability, and performance dining.
High quality, seasonal, locally-produced, sustainable

foods are featured in every dining hall. Fresh fruit and
performance dining menus are available along with a
daily variety of nutritious options for all types of diners,
including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and
halal. In addition, R&DE Stanford Dining regularly
offers dishes from global regions, such as India, Mexico/
Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Meal Plans
diningplans@stanford.edu
Your Stanford ID card is your dining meal card and you
must have it with you to enter the dining halls. There
are three All-You-Care-To-Eat meal plans to choose
from that can be used in any of the dining halls. Every
new student is assigned to the 14 meals/week plan. You
may switch to one of the other two plans at any time
online. At the end of the day every Saturday, the next
weeks meal allotment (19, 14, or 10) is added to your
card. Any unused meals expire at the end of the week
(Saturday after dinner). Meal swipes can also be used
at all home football games in the Stanford Stadium.
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Meal Plan Descriptions
19 All-You-Care-To-Eat Meals per Week

14 All-You-Care-To-Eat Meals per Week
+ 420 Meal Plan Dollars per Year
10 All You-Care-To-Eat Meal per Week
+ 750 Meal Plan Dollars per Year
Meal Plan Dollars may be used at any R&DE
Stanford Dining location and select R&DE
Stanford Hospitality & Auxiliaries cafs.
Refer online for information about Meal Plan Dollars
and for a Stanford Dining FAQ. If you wish to change
your meal plan after you arrive or you need answers to
your questions about dining, see the dining manager in
your dining hall, the meal plan office at Arrillaga Family
Dining Commons, or your Housing Front Desk.
Hours
The dining halls offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner,
Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on
weekends. Late night dining is available from 9:30 p.m.
to 2:00 a.m. at Arrillaga Family Dining Commons,
Lakeside Dining, and R&DE Stanford Hospitality
& Auxiliaries The Axe & Palm Caf. Continuous
dining from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. weekdays can
be found at Arrillaga Family Dining Commons.
Guest Meals
Your meal plan also provides additional guest meals
which allow you to invite a friend, relative, or faculty
member to eat with you without additional cost. Every
meal plan provides five guest meals each quarter.
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Food Allergen Accommodations

oae.stanford.edu
If you have a food allergy that requires special housing
accommodations, please contact the Office of Accessible
Education to file a request for a special housing
accommodation and check the appropriate box at the
top of the Housing Preferences Form. For information
on the Peanut Sensitive Program located at Ricker
Dining Hall, the Gluten-Free Microkitchen located at
Arrillaga Family Dining Commons, or accommodations
for other food allergies, please contact the Wellness and
Performance Nutritionist at nutritionist@stanford.edu.
Stanford Hospitality & Auxiliaries Retail Cafs

hospitality.stanford.edu
Stanford Hospitality and Auxiliaries manages retail
cafs, athletic concessions, catering, the Market at
Munger and the Stanford Guest House allowing students
to make purchases with Cardinal Dollars, Meal Plan
Dollars and the StanfordCardPlan. This gives students
flexibility 7 days a week even when the dining halls
are closed. Refer online for a full list of retail cafs.
Cardinal Dollars
Purchased in addition to the All-You-Care-To-Eat meal
plan, Cardinal Dollars are similar to Meal Plan Dollars
and are an optional, flexible, cashless spending option
that function like cash or a debit card but provide
additional bonus dollars at the time of purchase.
Finances
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/sfs
When you accepted Stanfords offer of admission,
you made a binding contract with the University
to pay all debts, including tuition and fees, for
which you are liable. The Universitys financial
agreement is with you personally, not with your
parents. For this reason, it is important to study
this section carefully in order to understand your
financial responsibilities as a Stanford student.
Prior to the start of New Student Orientation, you

should set up your online accounts in Axess with Direct
Deposit and Stanford ePay, Stanford Universitys
standard funding and payment methods, which are fast,
secure, and unaffected by student address changes.
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Religious Food Practices

R&DE Stanford Dining values cultural and religious
diversity and supports students specific dietary
requirements. In partnership with students and Hillel,
there are three kosher meals served each week for
students who have signed up to participate in the kosher
dining program in Florence Moore Hall. You may request
an exemption to the meal plan for religious reasons;
religious exemption applications are processed by the
Office for Religious Life, religiouslife.stanford.edu.
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The University Billing Process
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/sfs/bill
Billing and payment services are provided electronically
on a monthly basis through Stanfords online billing
and payment service, Stanford ePay. Bill notification
is sent to your @stanford.edu email account.
Bill Structure and Components
Charges and credits from University departments are
aggregated in a students individual account and presented
on the monthly bill. Charges for tuition, room, and board
are billed prior to the beginning of each academic quarter.
Examples of other quarterly charges are ASSU fees,
the Campus Health Service fee, and, if not waived, the
Cardinal Care Health Insurance fee. Charges such as cable
TV and other IT services are billed monthly as incurred.
The August bill only will reflect the annual Post Office Box
fee, a one-time document fee, and a one-time Orientation
fee. Other monthly charges may include phone feature fees,
miscellaneous items such as music lessons, room damage
or room re-key charges, StanfordCardPlan purchases,
and changes to the quarterly charges listed above.
Posting of or adjustments to University charges to student
accounts may occur at any time during the academic
year. Students who are not enrolled at the University
(e.g., due to leave of absence, withdrawal, graduation, or
discontinuation) may see adjustments to charges and/or
financial aid on their account. If changes occur, additional
bills may be generated after students have left campus
and you must maintain a current email address in Axess
to ensure you continue to receive billing notices.
In addition to the charges on your University bill, students
are expected to need funds for books and out-of-pocket
personal expenses such as cell phone service, toiletries,
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bicycle repairs, and snacks. An estimated student budget

is available at financialaid.stanford.edu/undergrad/
budget. These charges are not included on your University
bill unless paid for using the StanfordCardPlan.
The StanfordCardPlan (SCP) allows you to use your
Stanford ID card to make purchases of up to $1,000
per quarter at the Stanford Bookstore and other oncampus locations. The charges are added directly to your
University bill. The SCP accommodates the needs of
students who must purchase books and other necessities
early in the quarter before their financial aid is available.
You use Axess to sign up for the SCP and confirm
your agreement to the SCP Terms and Conditions.
Due Dates
For undergraduate students, all term charges (tuition,
health insurance, ASSU fees, a one-time document
fee, etc.) are due prior to the start of the quarter unless
otherwise specified. All other charges are billed and
due monthly. Monthly bills are generated on the 20th
of each month (or the nearest business day thereafter)
and due on the 15th of the following month. Your first
University bill will be generated on August 20. Payment
for charges on this bill will be due by September 15.
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Payment Methods
Stanford ePay is Stanfords standard method for students
and Authorized Payers to make payments to your
University account. Students access ePay via Axess and
manage the access for any Authorized Payers. ePayments
may be made in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies.
Authorizing Others to Make Payment on Your Account

You may authorize third parties, such as your parents,
to view your Stanford ePay account and make payments
on your behalf. Once authorized, these individuals are
referred to as Authorized Payers and can use Stanford
ePay to access your billing and account information
and make payments. Authorized Payers cannot set
up other authorized payers. Students may revoke
Authorized Payer access at any time by removing
the Authorized Payers access to Stanford ePay.
Payments Received Containing Financial Aid
All financial aid funds, such as scholarships and
employee tuition benefit plans, must be reviewed
first by the Financial Aid Office before the Student
Services Center can apply the funds to the students
account. Therefore, when a financial aid check is
submitted to the Student Services Center, the funds
are applied to the students account. All payments
made with financial aid are exempt from late fees.
Refunds
Refunds to students may result from an overpayment of
charges or excess financial aid funds after charges specified
by the financial aid source are paid. These circumstances
will result in a credit balance on the student account.
Credit balances resulting from excess financial aid funds
that are refundable are processed three times per week.
Credit balances resulting from an overpayment of cash
(e.g., ePayment, wire, check) are held on the student
account to be applied to future charges. A refund of a
cash overpayment will be provided at any time upon the
students request. Annually in August, Student Financial
Services will refund all remaining overpayments of cash
from the prior academic year to students. Students should
enroll in Direct Deposit at the beginning of their Stanford
career so that any refunds may be expedited. Note: receipt
of a refund does not imply that all charges on your bill
have been paid. Students are responsible for reviewing
their bill and ensuring all charges are paid by the due date.
Direct Deposit is Stanfords standard method for

refunds as it is fast, secure, and convenient for students.
Students enroll in Direct Deposit via Axess. Students
using Direct Deposit are responsible for ensuring the
accuracy of routing and bank account numbers.
Student Permissions is an optional feature in Axess
by which a student can authorize Student Financial
Services to apply their financial aid funds to all charges
in the current term on their University bill. Without
Student Permissions, some financial aid may be restricted
from paying some charges. Signing up for Student
Permissions prevents the student from receiving a
refund check of financial aid when the student account
has a remaining balance due. Your decision whether
to sign up for Student Permissions will not affect the
amount of your charges or your financial aid award.
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The Installment Payment Plan (studentaffairs.stanford.

edu/sfs/IPP) (IPP) offers undergraduate students the
option to spread payments of Tuition and Fees over nine
months ( July March). This option provides a resource
for families to budget payments on a monthly basis instead
of making large outlays quarterly. The IPP is available
to matriculated undergraduate students for Autumn,
Winter, and Spring Quarters. No enrollment fee applies
and installment payments are not enforced. The final due
date for Tuition and Fees remains unchanged each term.
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financialaid.stanford.edu
financialaid@stanford.edu
(650) 723-3058
The Financial Aid Office (FAO) administers federal and
institutional financial aid funds, including grants,
scholarships, student loans, and work-study. FAO staff
members determine eligibility for aid and provide
information and advising. The FAO also coordinates
external processing of student aid funds. Scholarship
checks from outside the University should be made payable
to Stanford University when possible. Your full name and
Stanford ID number should be included in the memo
section of the check. Funds received will be automatically
credited to your student account. Outside scholarship
checks should be mailed to the Financial Aid Office at
Montag Hall, 355 Galvez Street, Stanford, CA 94305-6106.
Checks should be mailed by mid-August when possible to
ensure that the funds are credited to your student account
in time for the September 15 billing deadline.
For detailed information about accepting and processing

student loans, refer to financialaid.stanford.edu/
loans. For your loan proceeds to be available in time
for the Autumn Quarter bill, be sure to complete loan
requirements in August. Scholarship and grant funds
are applied to your student account after you have
enrolled in the appropriate number of units. Until that
time, funds appear on your account as anticipated aid.
You will not be charged late fees on any balance that is
covered with anticipated aid. Additional information is
available online. You can speak directly with a financial
aid counselor via the email or phone number above.
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Banking Options
You may want to consider opening a personal checking

account when you arrive at Stanford. Wells Fargo
Bank and the Stanford Federal Credit Union have
branches and ATMs on campus at Tresidder Memorial
Union. Bank of America has an ATM at Tresidder and
a branch near campus. If you already have a checking
account, you should check with your bank or credit
union to see if it has a branch near Stanford.
Health Services
Vaden Health Center
vaden.stanford.edu
(650) 498-2336
Campus Health Service Fee
vaden.stanford.edu/fees
A mandatory quarterly fee of $197 is charged to
the University bills of all students enrolled on the
main campus. This Campus Health Service Fee
covers most services at Vaden Health Center.
Health Insurance
vaden.stanford.edu/insurance
(650) 723-2135
Vaden Health Centers Insurance Office provides
health insurance coverage information and dental
coverage information to students. The staff serves
as the primary resource on Cardinal Care, the
University-sponsored student health insurance plan.
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All students are required to have health insurance that

covers the costs of emergency and inpatient care, specialty
care, mental health care, prescriptions, and other types
of health services. This requirement can be met either
by purchasing Cardinal Care or by coverage through an
alternative insurance plan that has comparable benefits.
standards. Once confirmed, Vaden staff will complete the

waiver in Axess. Failure to submit the Insurance Coverage
Certification Form to Vaden by the published deadline
will result in annual enrollment in Cardinal Care and
corresponding charges on your University bill. Additional
details and the form can be found on the Vaden website.
Cardinal Care Features
Students Covered by an HMO

If you have a primary care physician (PCP) through
your health maintenance organization (HMO) at home,
you can use Vadens medical services for all of your
primary care as a student. The cost of primary care at
Vaden Health Center is covered by the Campus Health
Service Fee. With your permission, Vaden health care
providers can talk to your PCP to ensure the continuity
of your care. Specialty care outside Vaden Health Center
may require pre-approval by your PCP or primary care
medical group in order to be covered by your HMO.
Generally, HMO coverage outside your primary care area
(home) is for emergency services only. Carefully consider
whether health coverage provided through a homebased HMO would serve you well in the Stanford area.
Year-round coverage anywhere in the world

How to Enroll or Waive Coverage in Cardinal Care
Cardinal Care is an annual plan. At the start of each
academic year, students are automatically enrolled
for the entire policy year through August 31. Students
who wish to remain enrolled should acknowledge
enrollment in Axess by the published deadline.
Domestic students who have alternative insurance

coverage that is comparable to Cardinal Care may
waive enrollment each year by the published deadline.
You will be able to waive enrollment in Axess on (or
shortly after) August 1. Failure to take action by the
waiver deadline will result in annual enrollment and
corresponding charges on your University bill.
International students may request an exception to
enrollment in Cardinal Care each year by working with
an alternative insurance company to submit the Insurance
Coverage Certification Form to Vaden by the published
deadline. The alternative insurance policy must cover
the entire academic period of September 1 August 31
with benefits that meet or exceed minimum standards
set by the University. Vaden staff will use this form to
ensure that the alternative coverage meets established
Dental Care
The most up-to-date information about dental care
can be found on Vaden Health Centers website.
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Access to specialists at Stanford Unversity

Medical Center and Menlo Medical Clinic
(a co-payment will apply)
Personal Health Services

Medical Services at Vaden
The Medical Services unit at Vaden is the first
stop for diagnosis and treatment of illness, injury,
and ongoing conditions, as well as for preventive
counseling and education. Vadens medical
staff includes board-certified physicians, nurse
practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses.
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Services covered by the Campus Health Service
Fee include:
Crisis counseling for urgent situations, 24 hours per day

Medication evaluation
Medical appointments in general medicine, including

many associated laboratory tests and x-ray services
Workshops and groups that focus on students

social, personal, and academic effectiveness
Medical advice for routine concerns; when Medical

Services is closed, advice for urgent conditions
is available from Vadens on-call physician
Consultation and outreach to faculty, staff,

and student organizations
Referral to specialists, primarily at Stanford Hospital

and Clinics (fees will apply to specialist care)
Additional services (fees may apply) include:
Allergy injections and immunizations
Travel Clinic consultation and associated
travel vaccines
Physical exams for employment and scholarships
VadenPatient (vadenpatient.stanford.edu), is
Vadens online service, which allows students to make
general medical, travel, and immunization clinic
appointments; cancel appointments; and communicate
with clinicians. Your SUNet ID is required for login. For
best service, students should web-book or call ahead
to schedule a routine weekday appointment. Some
weekend and holiday services are available as well,
and students can call the same day for urgent care.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Vaden
vaden.stanford.edu/caps
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers
evaluation and brief counseling, including individual,
couples, and group therapy. The CAPS staff includes
psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists,
and licensed clinical social workers. Confidentiality is
strictly maintained. The cost of an initial evaluation
and short-term counseling is covered by the Campus
Health Service Fee. Other covered services include:
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Students requesting or requiring ongoing therapy

or medication management may incur fees
I Thrive @ Stanford
(Wellness and Health Promotion Services)
vaden.stanford.edu/wellness
The I Thrive @ Stanford student wellness community is
here to educate, inspire, and empower you to pursue your
goals with vibrant health, happiness, passion, and purpose.
Learn how to stress less, be happier, and enjoy a meaningful
intellectual life. Enroll in an academic course, workshop, or
seminar and learn about meditation, building compassion,
managing stress, developing resilience, and establishing
emotional intelligence. Staff members have expertise in
emotional health and wellness, nutrition, body image and
food, sexual health and relationships, and self-growth.
Wellness Network at Stanford
wellness.stanford.edu
The Wellness Network at Stanford is a comprehensive
online resource directory designed to connect students
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Student Health Checklist
Before you arrive at Stanford, make sure to do the following:

Complete your entrance medical requirements,
including required and recommended immunizations
and all associated forms by the applicable deadline
See your physician about any treatments currently
in progress
See your dentist
Refill your prescriptions and keep a copy on hand
Place your health insurance card in your wallet
Purchase basic, over-the-counter medications
and assemble a first-aid kit
Pack your bike helmet
Pack an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses
along with your prescription (prescriptions required for
customized lab glasses if you plan on taking lab courses)
Special Needs
If you have questions about a special health care need,

please call Vadens administrative office at (650) 725-1364.
Emergency Planning
emergency.stanford.edu
Stanford takes emergency preparation very seriously.
The University has an all hazards approach to emergency
planning, meaning that practiced procedures can
apply to any crisis. In an emergency, the Universitys
top priority will be life safety. Many departments and
staff members play a role in emergency response,
and they drill throughout the year for crises.
Students play an important role as well. Through

Axess you are required to: (1) provide current contact
information for yourself, and (2) designate at least
one personusually a parent, another family member
or close friendwho the University can notify in an
emergency on your behalf. Incoming students provide
this information when they complete the Student
Check-In on Axess and are then required to update
or confirm their emergency contact information on
Axess each year. These steps are crucial because the
University must be able to communicate accurately
and in a timely manner if there is an emergency.
Once you arrive, you will learn about emergency
procedures from fire drills to emergency gathering spots
in your residence. In the meantime, plan in advance
with family members how you might communicate
in an emergency, especially if cell phone coverage or
Internet access is impeded. Tips can be found on the
Office of Environmental Health and Safety website.
AlertSU
The University uses AlertSU to notify students, staff,

and faculty about imminent threats to the community.
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and the University community to immediate help, health

and wellness resources, and communities of support at
Stanford. The Wellness Network was created with guidance
from students, faculty, staff and others. The site is managed
by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, but
the extensive support network and resources it highlights
represent our entire community. Stanford has a broad
and long-term commitment to understanding, supporting
and encouraging student mental health and well-being.
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AlertSU delivers notifications via phone, email, textmessages, and outdoor warning sirens. Once you have
provided information in Axess, you (and your emergency
contacts) may begin receiving AlertSU notifications
as early as this summer. If there is a large-scale crucial
incident on campus, everyone, including parents, will
be directed to emergency.stanford.edu for emergency
updates and AlertSU posts. Information also will be
shared via Twitter and Facebook. There are three
Stanford hotlines: (650) 725-5555, (844) ALERTSU
(844) 253-7878, or, from abroad, 01-602-241-6769.
the privileged access it grants you. SUNet IDs provide

access to many University services, including:
Email service and an email address
(e.g., jdoe@stanford.edu)
Web services, including serving of personal web space
Login access to various web-based
applications, including Axess
Storage space on Stanfords online file system
Campus computing spaces
Printing
Computing Resources
acomp.stanford.edu/students
Stanford has one of the most extensive and diverse
campus computing environments in the world. Your
Stanford University Network Identifier (SUNet
ID) and password will give you access to many
online services, including email, library resources,
course information, and student systems. Once you
arrive on campus, you will find substantial access to
online resources through public computing spaces
in common buildings and student residences.
Accessing the Stanford Network

Stanford University Network Identifier (SUNet ID)
and Password
A SUNet ID provides access to the Stanford University
Network and its services. As a new member of the
Stanford community, you created a unique SUNet
ID and password that identifies you as an authorized
user of campus electronic services. It is critical that
you keep your SUNet ID login information private
and secure; it must not be shared with anyone due to
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Software
Two-Step Authentication
itservices.stanford.edu/service/webauth/twostep
You should have already enabled two-step authentication,
which is required to access Stanford systems that have
higher than normal levels of security and protects
your Stanford account should someone else learn your
password. Two-step authentication uses two types of
authentication to verify your identity: your SUNet
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Your Stanford Email Account

webmail.stanford.edu
Email is an important way of communicating with
faculty, staff, and students. You are responsible for
knowing the information sent to your Stanford email
account, even during this summer, and should check
the email account regularly. Undergraduate email is
provided through Google Apps for Education. You
can access your Stanford email account online at
webmail.stanford.edu or configure a mail program
using instructions at email.stanford.edu.
Personal Computing
acomp.stanford.edu/students/gettingstarted
Information is available online about personal
computing at Stanford, such as options to consider if
you are buying a new computer, information about
public and residential computer spaces, free software
available for students, the Acceptable Use Policy and
general computing policies at Stanford, and network
connection in the residences. Should you need financial
assistance purchasing a personal computer, contact
the Financial Aid Office to learn about your options.
Security Considerations
securecomputing.stanford.edu
Because Stanford is an open research and educational
environment, its network is accessible to almost
anyone worldwide. There are steps you can take to
reduce the risk that your computer is breached and at
the same time help the entire Stanford network stay
secure. The first time you connect your computer to
the campus network, you will be automatically directed
to the Student Computing Network Registration
System to register your computer with the University.
After you register your computer, the University
provides a number of additional resources to help
you maintain a safe computer security profile.
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ID login/password and an authentication code. There

are several options for receiving authentication codes,
including SMS text messaging, smartphone/tablet
authenticator applications, and a hardware token that
you carry with you. More information is available
online to help you select the most appropriate option.
Essential Stanford Software

Go to ess.stanford.edu to access a variety of software,
provided free to students, to keep your password
secure, protect against computer viruses, and patch
operating systems.
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Technology Computing Spaces
Computing in the Residences
Each student residence has one or more study spaces
with computers, scanners, and laser printers available
24 hours a day and supported by Academic Computing
Services. You can connect your personal computer
to SUNet in the residences and adjacent common
areas via wired or wireless networks. You may wish
to wait to speak with your Resident Computer
Consultant (RCC) before making decisions about
what programs, hardware, and peripherals to use, but
some students may wish to do so before moving in.
Computing in Central Locations
In addition to residence-based computing spaces, Stanford
has public computing spaces. In particular, Lathrop
Library hosts the Multimedia Studio for image, audio,
and video editing projects, as well as the Digital Language
Lab for foreign language computing. More information
about locations and policies of these spaces is available
online. You can use these facilities for coursework, email,
academic research, and other related purposes. You
cannot use them for commercial or political use; see the
Computer and Network Usage Policy section below.
Assistive technology applications, including screenmagnification, text-to-speech reading programs,

and mind-mapping solutions are available at campus
computing clusters.
Computer and Network Usage Policy

adminguide.stanford.edu/chapter-6/subchapter-2/
policy-6-2-1
Stanford has a Computing and Network Usage Policy
that translates the Universitys general business
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practices into the electronic domain and conforms

to federal, state, and local laws. This policy defines
the appropriate usage of computers and networks
with respect to intellectual property rights, privacy
issues concerning information belonging to others,
and the integrity of information resources. In
addition, you should familiarize yourself with the
related Student Computing Acceptable Use Policy.
File Sharing and Copyright Infringement
The University does not tolerate the use of its networks
to facilitate the unlawful distribution of intellectual
property. While the law provides limited exceptions,
it is generally a violation of law to either upload or
download copyrighted content, such as songs, movies,
TV shows, video games, software programs, and textual
works, without the express permission of the copyright
owner. The consequences for students who use the
Stanford network to unlawfully file share can be severe
and can come from different fronts. Both the copyright
owner and the University may impose penalties.
For more information, see the General Counsels Office

FAQ on Peer-to-Peer File Sharing (ogc.stanford.edu/
university-faqs/peer-peer-sharing), the Academic
Computings FAQ on file sharing (acomp.stanford.edu/
info/dmca), and the Provosts Copyright Reminder (library.
stanford.edu/libraries_collections/copyright_reminders).
Parking & Transportation

Services
transportation.stanford.edu/nso-trans
To get around campus and the Bay Area, Parking &
Transportation Services (P&TS) encourages all students
to take advantage of the many alternative forms of
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Biking
transportation.stanford.edu/nso-bike
Biking and walking are the most popular ways to get
around campus. Stanford is designated a Platinum-Level
Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American
Bicyclists. The heart of the central campus is a bike and
pedestrian-only zone. There is a bike shop on campus
and others near campus, some of which sell used bikes.
Some Bicycling Tips:
Register your bike during NSO: registration is

required under the campus Traffic and Parking Code,
costs $3.50, is valid for up to three years, and is your
only chance of recovery if your bike is stolen. P&TS
gives each new student a free bike light, reflective pant
leg band, and rear strobe light with bike registration.
Always wear a helmet when riding your bike,

even on short trips. In partnership with the
Campus Bike Shop, Stanford offers a quality
bicycle helmet for $25. Those who participate
in Stanfords Bicycle Safety/Diversion Class
receive an additional coupon at the Campus
Bike Shop. This is an inexpensive way to protect
one of your most valuable assets: your brain.
Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, including
stopping at stop signs, using a front bike light
after dark, riding on the right side of the
road, and yielding to pedestrians. Refer to the
website for Stanford bicycle tips, including
how to ride your bike in a roundabout.
A recycled or refurbished bike in good, operable
condition is recommended for campus riding, rather
than an expensive bike that may be a target for theft.
The only recommended lock is a U-type lock, which
can deter theft. Cables, padlocks, and chains can be
easily cut in seconds. Despite our best efforts, bike
theft does occur on the campus. Do not leave your bike
unlocked or kick-stand parked even for a few seconds.
Use designated bicycle racks and spaces for bike
parking. Always lock your frame and a wheel to a bike
rack. To allow sight- and mobility-impaired access,
do not lock your bike to hand railings, sign poles, or
light posts, and avoid parking your bike in front of
stairs or entrances, on ramps, or near doorways.
Campus Bike Shop
campusbikeshop.com
The Campus Bike Shop located in Tresidder Memorial
Union has an online ordering program for you to have a
new bike ready on campus when you arrive. It also offers
helmets and other accessories for purchase, free use of
tools to service your bike, and repairs and bike services.
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transportation available both on campus and in the region.

Provided below is information about the programs and
resources at Stanford that support students transportation
needs. For further assistance, contact commuteclub@
stanford.edu or go online for information about transit,
free and discounted transportation programs, airport
transportation, and thriving at Stanford without a car.
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Marguerite Shuttle Service
marguerite.stanford.edu
Stanfords free Marguerite shuttles will take you nearly
everywhere you need to go, whether to a class on campus
or to stores and restaurants nearby. The Marguerite
runs on weekdays year-round, with additional latenight and weekend service during the academic year.
Most Marguerite buses are equipped with a bike rack
and all are wheelchair accessible. Links to routes and
schedules are available online. Destinations include the
Stanford Shopping Center, the San Antonio Shopping
Center, Town & Country Village, downtown Palo Alto,
and the Palo Alto Transit Center for buses and trains
to San Francisco, San Jose, the East Bay, and more.
Cars
Freshman Parking Policy
Due to limited parking availability near most student
residences and in keeping with the Universitys efforts to limit
vehicle traffic to and from campus, freshmen cannot bring
vehicles to campus. Transfer students who intend to keep a
car on campus must purchase and display a parking permit.
Students can take advantage of the following programs

if you need access to a vehicle:
Zipcar operates a car-sharing program at Stanford,
with cars at dozens of campus locations. Members
can reserve Zipcars for hourly and daily use.
Zimride is a carpool ride-matching application that
enables students to arrange one-time rides with
others in the Stanford network or choose to share
a ride with the broader Zimride community.
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Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a branch on campus

that rents to Stanford students ages 18 and over,
offering hourly, daily, and weekly vehicle rentals.
In addition, campus residents can register for
the Enterprise Residents Rental Program and
reserve weeknight car rentals for only $10.
The Freshman Emergency Ride Home program
provides freshmen with a taxi ride back to
campus if they are unexpectedly without a ride
within eight miles of campus, or to the Vaden
Health Center or Stanford Hospital in a non-lifethreatening emergency. After registering online at
transportation.stanford.edu, freshmen are allowed
three free eligible rides per academic year.
The Freshman Parking Policy Waiver process allows
freshmen who can demonstrate a compelling need
for a car or who would suffer undue hardship under
the Freshman Parking Policy to apply for a waiver.
Waivers are reviewed by a committee and will be kept
to an absolute minimum. Requests for waivers are
due in early August. Visit the P&TS website for more
information about the policy and waiver process.
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5-SURE: STUDENTS UNITED FOR

RISK ELIMINATION
(650) 725-SURE
Managed by the Office of Alcohol Policy and Education,
5-SURE provides free safe rides and escorts around
campus at night during the academic year.
Sworn personnel receive their peace officer powers

through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office. SUDPS annually
publishes The Stanford Safety, Security, and Fire Almanac
and distributes it to the campus community in compliance
with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security
Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The Almanac is available at
web.stanford.edu/group/SUDPS/safety-report/Almanac.
pdf and you will receive this publication when you move in.
DISGO CART SERVICE
Campus Services
cardinalcable.stanford.edu
Student residences are wired for cable TV service. Cable
service is available by subscription through the University,
as local cable TV companies do not provide service at
Stanford. Charges will appear on your University bill.
Campus Safety
police.stanford.edu
The Stanford University Department of Public Safety
(SUDPS) is a multi-service agency providing law
enforcement, security, safety, crime prevention, and
emergency services on the Stanford campus 24 hours a day.
Mail Services
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/poboxes
Every Stanford undergraduate is required to maintain
a P.O. Box on campus, located in the U.S Post Office
in White Plaza, to receive mail; the Post Office does
not deliver mail directly to undergraduate residences.
Freshmen and transfer students are automatically assigned
a P.O. Box in September before arrival which you will
keep for as long as you stay at Stanford. You will be able
to view your P.O. Box address in Axess as of September 8.
P.O. Boxes for undergraduate students are automatically
renewed each year and the fee for your P.O. Box will
be included on your August University bill. Box keys
will be distributed when you check in during NSO.
MOBILE DEVICE SERVICE
Stanford has negotiated discounted mobile device service

rates with AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon for currently
enrolled students. This discount can be applied to new
or existing lines of service. To request the Stanford
affiliation discount, please visit an authorized AT&T,
Sprint, or Verizon retail location and make sure to
bring your Stanford University ID Card. You can pick
up a flier with online ordering information from the
Student Services Office at Tresidder Memorial Union.
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oae.stanford.edu/disgo-cart-service
The Office of Accessible Education operates a free
Disability Golf Cart service for anyone with a disability
or medical condition that makes it difficult to travel about
campus. DisGo provides on-campus transportation to
select parts of campus only during the day. Rides are
available starting the second week of every quarter.
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Stanford Bookstore
Course Materials and Supplies
stanfordbookstore.com
The Stanford Bookstore provides multiple ways to
manage your educational expenses. You can find used,
new, rental, and digital books in store and online for
your convenience. A 7% discount is given to all Stanford
students on the purchase of used and new textbooks.
Bring your books back at the end of the quarter or
year round and receive cash back for textbooks. The
Bookstore also carries a wide selection of general
interest fiction and nonfiction books, school and office
supplies, items to customize your dorm room (including
refrigerators), and Stanford clothing and gifts. You can use
the StanfordCardPlan for purchases at the Bookstore.
Cardinal Technology Center
bookstorecomputers.stanford.edu
computers@bookstore.stanford.org
The Stanford Bookstores Cardinal Technology
Center carries everything you need for your college
computing. Educational pricing provides savings that
are often deeper than discounts offered by traditional
retail outlets, including academic pricing on Apple
computers. The Bookstore is an Apple Authorized
Service Provider, offering on-site diagnostics, repairs,
and upgrades in addition to facilitating PC repairs.
Bookstore staff are familiar with campus technology
requirements so that they can help you pick out the
perfect computer to suit your academic needs.
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studentservicescenter.stanford.edu
(866) 993-7772 or (650) 723-7772
The Student Services Center (SSC) provides a single
point of friendly, professional service for answers to
questions concerning administrative and financial
issues. The SSC can assist you with University
billing, financial aid disbursements, refunds, cash
advances, registration, course enrollment, Stanford
ID cards, forms pickup/drop-off, and more.
Just after the first bill notification in August, the SSC

contacts parents and students by phone to ensure
that you can access the bill in Stanford ePay and to
answer any questions you may have. Students may
contact the SSC by submitting a HelpSU ticket online
at helpsu.stanford.edu, calling Monday through
Friday from 8 am to 5 pm PST, or visiting in person
on the second floor of Tresidder Memorial Union
Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Enrollment Certification
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/
certifications
Once you have enrolled in classes (enrollment for
new students occurs during NSO), you may request
an Enrollment Certification document through
Axess. Stanford does not fill out third party forms,
however you can request a cover letter in person
at the Students Services Center to accompany
the certification. Stanford will verify current or
past enrollment, but cannot certify enrollment for
future quarters. Prior to enrollment, if you need to
provide certification of enrollment for insurance,
scholarship, or other purposes, you may contact the
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Student Unions: Old Union and

Tresidder Memorial Union
Located in the heart of campus, Old Union and Tresidder

Memorial Union offer programs, services, space, and
activities designed especially for students. Inside Old
Union there are offices for ASSU, Educational Resources,
Diversity and First-Gen Programs, Student Activities and
Leadership, and Student Life. The Office for Religious
Lifes Center for Inter-Religious Learning, Community,
and Experiences (CIRCLE), a multi-faith sanctuary,
is also located here. The building offers study space,
student art and gallery space, a variety of meeting rooms,
and the Axe & Palm Caf. The southern wing of Old
Union is called the Clubhouse and houses the Asian
American Activities Center and the Native American
Cultural Center. Opposite the Clubhouse is the Nitery
housing El Centro Chicano y Latino, The Markaz:
Resource Center, a small theater, and meeting rooms.
Next door to Old Union, Tresidder Memorial Union has
a variety of administrative and retail services and meeting
rooms for the campus community. Tresidder is home
to the Lair computer center, the Office of Community
Standards, Residential Education, the Student Services
Center (SSC), the Office for Military-Affiliated
Communities, and the Office of the Vice Provost for
Student Affairs. Tresidder also houses a variety of dining
options, banking & ATM options, the Campus Bike Shop,
FedEx, Stanford Hair, the Stanford Store run by SSE,
the Stanford Ticket Office, and a convenience store.
Telephone Service
studentphones.stanford.edu
Stanford operates its own telephone system. A phone
with basic service is provided in most dorm rooms.
Basic phone service includes call waiting and free local
and long distance calls. The phone line will be active
when you arrive on campus. All residents in Stanford
student housing are assessed a Communications Fee
on the quarterly University bill. Basic phone service
and network service are included in this fee.
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Approaching Stanford team in Undergraduate Advising

and Research and we will provide you with a letter
explaining Stanfords policy and indicating your intent
to enroll at Stanford beginning September 2015.
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Moving to Stanford
You may hear people say that going to college was one
of the biggest moves of their lives. You will soon find out
whether this holds true for you as you begin the process
of packing in preparation for your move to Stanford.
GUIDELINES FOR PACKING

What to Bring
Based on the expert advice of the students who have come
before you, the following is a list of what you will likely
need or want in your room. Keep in mind that over the
next four years you will be moving at the beginning and
end of every school year. Therefore, we recommend you
start by bringing only the necessities. Be sure to pack
everything in boxes that you can lift and carry, as you
may need to carry your belongings on and off shuttles by
yourself, or up and down the stairs in your residence.
While we include a list of necessities below, you do not

need to have every item in hand on the day you move
in. For your first night, be sure that you have bed linens,
a blanket, a towel, essential toiletries, and a jacket.
Almost everything on the list can be purchased locally
or online. There are a number of stores (including Bed,
Bath, and Beyond, Target, and Wal-Mart) located within
a few miles of campus, and several specialty shops
in downtown Palo Alto and the Stanford Shopping
Center. All of these shopping areas can be easily
accessed by bike, the free Marguerite campus shuttle
service, public transportation, or Zipcar rental.
Since you will not know your roommate(s) until you
arrive, we recommend that you wait to meet them
before buying or renting large items such as microwaves
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and refrigerators. Stanford prides itself on being an

energy conscious campus. Coordinating with your
roommate(s) to minimize the number of appliances and
electronics in your room is the sustainable approach.
What is Provided
Your room will include the following, so you will
not need to pack, ship, or purchase these items:
Extra-long (80) twin bed (for each roommate; certain

rooms in Roble Hall have standard-sized beds)
Overhead light
Bookcase, either attached to the wall or freestanding
(for each roommate)
Small closet or freestanding wardrobe
(shared or individual)
Mirror (shared or individual)
Dresser drawers (for each roommate)
Desk and chair (for each roommate)
Wastebasket and recycling bin
Cubby or shelf for toiletries (in the bathroom)
Window covering
Robe hook or towel bar (shared or individual)
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At least one communication outlet with two

Ethernet ports, a telephone line, cable, and a
shared landline telephone
The Necessities
Be sure to bring these items with you or make
plans to purchase them upon your arrival:
Government issued ID and necessary cards (e.g.,

auto insurance card, bank/ATM card, drivers
license, health insurance and prescription
cards). Make sure you have your drivers license
or passport ready to show at move-in. If you
plan to pursue part-time employment on or off
campus, you will need multiple forms of ID.
Bedding (twin extra-long sheets fit our 80
extra-long mattresses)
Clothing (including a rain jacket and a warm coat)
Toiletries (including a shower caddy to transport
them to the bathroom)
Medications and/or prescriptions
Towels (including a large bath towel or bathrobe,
as the shower is down the hall)
The You Decide List

This list contains items some view as necessities
and others can easily live without:
Camera
Large plastic storage tubs
Books (only a fewyou will pick up plenty more
for your classes)
Sports equipment (baseball glove, Frisbee, etc.)
Photos
Computer, Ethernet network cable (as long as
possible), and computer accessories such as
headphones
Bike and helmet
Mini-refrigerator and microwave oven (look for
Energy Star-rated appliances and wait to coordinate
with your roommate)
Things We Discourage You From Bringing
To support Stanfords sustainability goals,
please think twice before bringing the following
items that are less energy efficient:
Holiday string lights
Shower sandals (plastic flip-flops)
Non-Energy Star-rated appliances
Laundry supplies
Disposable products that are not sustainable
Desk lamp (preferably LED design)
Most electronic equipment, such as stereos

and televisions
Surge protector (get the largest one available that

also helps prevent cord fires)
Extension cord (UL approved, two or threepronged; you do not need a heavy-duty cord)
Hangers
Flashlight and batteries (choose an LED flashlight
for longer life)
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Heating system
What You May Not Bring

The following items are strictly prohibited in the
residence halls:
Candles, torches, incense, and open-flame devices

Halogen lamps
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Non-University lofted beds
Dangerous weapons and ammunition (must be
stored with Stanford Department of Public Safety)
Appliances with open heating elements such as
hot plates, toasters, and electric heaters (toaster
ovens and clothing irons are allowed)
Mercury thermometers
Pets of any kind (including aquatic)
Shipping Your Belongings
studenthousing.stanford.edu
If you are planning to ship items as you move to campus,
please keep in mind that you can only receive packages
after you have moved in. Do not send your belongings
in advance of your arrival, as packages that arrive
before you do will be returned to the sender. The
University does not have the space to store packages
before you arrive. If you or your family/parents are
planning to stay in a nearby hotel before checking in at
Stanford, inquire whether it is possible to have
belongings shipped there.
The process for receiving packages on campus

will change beginning September 2015. Detailed
shipping information, including a shipping address,
will be provided to you this summer. Be sure to
review this updated information before shipping
your belongings. For questions, contact Student
Housing at roblepackagecenter@stanford.edu.
Shipping via USPS and Other Carriers
U.S. Postal Service All packages shipped via the USPS
will be accepted and held for pick up at the Stanford
Post Office. Packages sent to campus via the USPS
should be addressed as follows.
92
Your Name
531 Lasuen Mall
P.O. Box ##### (insert your box number here)
Stanford, CA 94309-#### (insert the last four digits
of your box number here)
Other Carriers All packages sent via other carriers

such as DHL, FedEx, OnTrac, and UPS will be
directed to a package receiving center on campus,
not to the Post Office. Be sure to review the updated
information online before shipping your belongings.
Note: UPS and FedEx often partner with the U.S.
Postal Service for deliveries through their SurePost
and SmartPost services. If you have something
being shipped through these services, final delivery
is done by the Postal Service to your P.O. Box.
Getting to Campus on Move-In Day

stanford.edu/dept/visitorinfo
Stanfords Visitor Information website has a
searchable campus map as well as an abundance
of travel-related information and resources
for driving directions, nearby airports, public
transportation, and nearby hotels and motels.
On August 31, you will receive specific Move-In Day

information via email, featuring links to a printable
map and the free NSO parking pass. The map will
help you in identifying the best route to your dorm
on move-in day, and your parents will need to display
the parking pass in their car in order to unload your
belongings at your dorm before parking in Galvez
Lot, the designated free parking lot for NSO.
life on the farm
If you will be flying and will not rent a car, note that
shuttle service is available from all three nearby airports.
(For information about specific shuttle services, visit the
airports websites to review your options.) Remember
that you will have to get your luggage on and off the
shuttle, so make sure you do not pack a bag that is too
heavy for you to lift or so many bags that you cannot
carry them all if you have to manage alone. Make sure
each piece of luggage is clearly labeled, inside and
outside, with your full name and Stanford residence.
Consider shipping some of your belongings to campus.

orientation.stanford.edu
approaching@stanford.edu
During NSO, you will settle into your new home away from
home, experience the excitement of intellectual engagement
with your peers, explore academic opportunities, build
new friendships, and enjoy your first days of campus
life. NSO events will take place Tuesday, September 15,
through Sunday, September 20. A detailed calendar of
NSO events will be available online by August 31 and will
be provided when you arrive on campus. You are expected
to participate fully in NSO activities which will take
place from morning to late evening each day. During this
time, you will have opportunities to meet with academic
advisors to discuss your academic plans, learn about
the numerous resources available, engage in meaningful
conversations with your dormmates and members of the
campus community, and participate in beloved Stanford
traditions. Parents may join you on the first day; however,
you will be involved in NSO activities and programs
the remainder of the week and should not make any
additional plans on or off campus outside of NSO.
New Student Orientation Preview
Go directly to your residence where check-in will begin

at 8:00 a.m. NSO volunteers and residence staff members
will be waiting to greet you and help you move in. They
will also provide you with your welcome packet, NSO
events calendar, Stanford ID card, and P.O. Box key
you must have a government-issued ID on hand in
order to pick these items up. If you have been previously
issued a Stanford ID card, please remember to bring it
with you, as you will not be provided with a new one.
All transfer students should check in at Kimball Hall.
Move-In Day details, maps, parking information, and the
NSO events calendar will be emailed to you and available
online by August 31. Plan to arrive and move in before
2:00 p.m. so that you and your family can enjoy the days
93
life on the farm
New Student Orientation (NSO) is required for all

new students. You must be in residence by 5:00 p.m.
on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.
Tuesday, September 15 First Day on the Farm
life on the farm

activities. If you cannot arrive by 2:00 p.m., you will
need to pick up your room key and welcome materials
from the Housing Front Desk (HFD) in your dorm
complex. Various campus offices will hold open houses
and welcome programs in the afternoon. Late in the day,
President John Hennessy will host the 125th Opening
Convocation, a ceremony you and your family will not
want to miss. You will meet your dormmates over dinner
and the day will end with your first house meeting.
All new students must check in by 5:00 p.m. and participate
in the first house meeting in their residences that evening.
If you will not be able to check in by 5:00 p.m., please
contact the Approaching Stanford team as soon as possible.
Dinner tickets may be available for purchase at the Parent

Lounge on September 15; however, it is recommended that
your parents purchase their tickets during the summer.
Please note you will be having dinner with your new
dormmates and should not attend the Parent Dinner.
Individuals with Disabilities
Students or family members with disabilities

requiring assistance during NSO events should
contact the Approaching Stanford team as soon as
possible with information about your needs.
Religious Observances
Parent Events
Your parents are invited to join you for the first day of
NSO. During the summer, information will be made
available regarding NSO events planned for parents on
Tuesday, September 15. A detailed parent event calendar
will be provided at the residences when you check in
as well as at the Parent Lounge and Resource Center.
During the day, parents can visit the Parent Lounge and
Resource Center to meet one another and have their
questions answered by representatives from campus
departments and programs. In the afternoon, open houses,
welcome programs, and parent panels are available for
parents to learn more about the University and its resources.
In the evening, parents are invited to a special dinner with
the Provost after saying their final goodbyes to you. If
your parents or other family members are interested in
purchasing tickets for the Parent Dinner with the Provost,
they will need to register online by Friday, August 21.
Depending on availability, a limited number of Parent
94
We respect students religious commitments and have

ensured that there are opportunities on campus for religious
observance. All NSO and residence staff will be aware of
the need that some students may have to arrive late or leave
early from some events. For further information about
religious observances, please contact the Office for Religious
Life at (650) 723-1762 or visit religiouslife.stanford.edu.
life on the farm
In 2015, the Jewish observance of Rosh Hashanah

(sundown September 13 to September 15) will occur
during NSO. Students and their families are invited to
observe the holiday with the Stanford Jewish community.
New students unable to travel during Rosh Hashanah
may submit a request for early arrival on September
13 to their residence on the basis of this religious
conflict. Each request must be accompanied by written
documentation from an independent (non-relative) clergy.
The request form is available at orientation.stanford.
edu. The deadline to submit a request is July 1. Religious
requests are processed by the Office for Religious Life.
Pre-Orientation Programs
Students who are invited to attend the following

pre-orientation programs will need to register in
advance for them. These programs will conclude by
September 15 so that you can participate fully in NSO.
If you are eligible to attend these programs, you will
receive more information with registration instructions
and deadlines during the summer.
For more information, contact the Bechtel International

Center at new_intl_students@stanford.edu or visit
icenter.stanford.edu/students/new/orientation.html.
Stanford Native Immersion Program (SNIP):
Thursday, September 10, to Tuesday, September
15. Information and registration forms will be
sent during the summer. For more information,
contact the Native American Cultural Center/
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian
Program (NACC/AIANNHP) at (650) 725-6944.
Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT): Wednesday,
September 9, to Tuesday, September 15. Please refer to the
brochure included in the first Approaching Stanford mailing.
For more information, contact the Outdoor Education
Program at spot@stanford.edu or visit spot.stanford.edu.
life on the farm
International Student Orientation (ISO): Saturday,

September 12, to Tuesday, September 15. All new
international students for whom the Bechtel
International Center issues immigration documents
are expected to attend the three-day ISO as part
of their transition to Stanford. U.S. citizens and
permanent residents living abroad may request
to attend ISO but are not required to attend. All
participating students must register to attend ISO
on their Approaching Stanford Housing Preferences
Form to ensure early arrival into their dorm rooms.
Additional information will be provided in early summer.

As part of ISO, parents are invited to a reception and a
Q & A session with Bechtel International Center staff.
95
INDEX
5-SURE
87
Academic Advising
30, 33, 43, 50
Academic Calendar
96
Academic Advising Director (AAD)
30, 33
Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes
30, 31
51
Accessible Education, Office of
51
Accommodations, Disability or Medical
51, 94
66
Advanced Placement (AP)
38, 44
Alcohol Policy & Education, Office of
66
AlertSU
81
4, 14
Arts at Stanford
58
58
Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) 59
Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation 59
Axess
32
Banking Options
78
60
Biking
85
Bing Overseas Studies Program
47
60
87
Calculus Sequences and Placement
35
Cardinal Care Health Insurance
78
Cardinal Compass
34
Cardinal Dollars
75
Cardinal Nights
67
Career Center
60
Cars
86
Chemistry Sequences and Placement
36
Community Standards, Office of
66
Computer Network and Usage Policy
84
Computing Resources
82
Confidential Sexual Assault Counseling Office 69
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 80
Cross-Cultural Theme Houses
20
Degree Options
44
Dental Care
79
Dining
74
Direct Deposit
77
DisGo Cart Service
52, 87
61
Dorms, see Housing Assignments and Options
Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, School of 46
Education as Self-Fashioning (ESF)
16, 18
El Centro Chicano y Latino
61
Email
4, 83
Emergency Planning
81
Employment, Part-Time
61
Engineering, School of
46
Enrolling in Autumn Quarter Classes
32, 33, 34
Enrollment Certification
88
47
ExploreCourses, see Stanford Bulletin
ExploreDegrees, see Stanford Bulletin
78
Food Allergen Accommodations
75
65
Freshman Parking Policy
86
Freshman-Sophomore College (FroSoCo)
19, 24
61
Fundamental Standard
9, 66
34, 40
40
Haas Center for Public Service
49
Health Forms and Requirements
26
Health Services & Checklist
78
Honor Code
9, 10, 66
Housing Assignments and Options
18, 72
Humanities and Sciences, School of
45
51
I Thrive @ Stanford (Wellness and Health
Promotion Services)
80
Immersion in the Arts: Living in Culture (ITALIC) 17, 24
Immunizations
26
Installment Payment Plan
77
International Student Orientation (ISO)
95
International Students
60, 95
Introductory Seminars (IntroSems)
35
42
Language Sequences and Placement
37
62
Libraries
52
Mail Services
87
Majors
43
Marguerite Shuttle Service
86
Markaz: Resource Center, The
62
Meal Plans
74
Military-Affiliated Communities, Office for
62
Mobile Device Service
87
Move-In Day
5, 90
Music
58
62
New Student Orientation (NSO)
93
Off Campus Programs
47
Oral Communication Program
51
Overseas Resource Center
48
P.O. Box
87
Packing
90
Parking and Transportation Services
84
Photo Submission
25
Physics Sequences and Placement
36
Pre-Major Advisor (PMA)
30, 33
Program in Writing and Rhetoric (PWR)
41
Refunds
77
Religious Life, Office for
63
Religious Observances, NSO
94
Residence Staff
57
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE)
72
56
Roommates
24
ROTC
49
Schwab Learning Center
52
Sexual Assault & Relationship Abuse Education
and Response, Office of
68
Sexual Harassment Policy Office
68
Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Considerations 23
Shipping
92
Smoke-Free Environment Policy
67
Sophomore College
49
Stanford Bookstore
88
Stanford Bulletin
32
Stanford ePay
77
Stanford ID Card
26, 73, 74, 88
Stanford Native Immersion Program
95
Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT)
95
StanfordCardPlan
76, 88
Structured Liberal Education (SLE)
17
64
88
Student Unions, Old Union & Tresidder
89
SUNet ID
26, 82
Sustainable Living Guide
73
Telephone Service
89
Theater and Performance Studies
58
Thinking Matters Requirement
16, 40, 41
Title IX Office
67
Transfer Credit
38, 42, 44
Transfer Students
23, 31, 32, 38, 39, 65
Tuition and Fees
78
Tutoring Resources
53
Two-Step Authentication
82, 83
Undergraduate Advising and Research
50, 51
University Bill
76
University Registrar, Office of the
32, 44
Vaden Health Center
5, 26, 78, 79, 80, 81
Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing
(WAYS) Requirement
41
Wellness Network
80
65
41
Approaching Stanford is produced by Undergraduate Advising and Research, a department within the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at
Stanford University. The information in this publication is also available online at approaching.stanford.edu.
2015 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University. All rights reserved.
Design: Duotone, John Shern, duotoneonline.com
Printing: Pacific Standard Print, printpsp.com
Photo Credits: Peter Adams, Contents / Sharon Barazani, p. 50 / Justine Beed, p. 4, 21, 24, 93 / David Bernal, p. 59 / L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service, p. 2, 33, 40, 52-53, 78,
60, 63, 64-65, 67, 68-69, 73, 85, 89 / Holly Hernandez, p. 31, 36-37 / ITALIC Program, p. 17, 43 / Stephanie Muscat, p. 34 / Lauren Oakes, p. 28-29 / Dan Schwartz, p. 15, 82-83 /
Nick Salazar, p. 6, 12-13, 14, 18, 39, 52-53, 54-55, 57, 70-71, 72, 75, 80, 90 / Magali Sanchez, p. 47 / Jenna Shapiro, p. 48 / Jae-Young Son, p. 56 / SPOT Program, p. 94 /
Stanford Historical Photograph Collection, Stanford University Archives, p. 8, 11 / Ian Terpin, Cover, p. 27, 76 / Tony Tran, p. 86 / VPUE, p. 30, 44 / Christopher Yuan, p. 22-23
96
KEY DATES
KEY DATES FOR INCOMING STUDENTS, 2015-16
Contents
The Office of the University Registrars Academic Calendar represents the official list of
University dates and deadlines and is subject to change at the discretion of the University.
The full Academic Calendar for 2015-16 is posted online at
studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/academic-calendar.
ORIENTATION
September 9
participate in Stanford
Pre-Orientation Trips
(SPOT) arrive on campus
for check-in from
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
September 10
participate in the Stanford
Native Immersion Program
arrive on campus for
check-in from
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
September 12
participate in International
Student Orientation
(ISO) arrive on campus
for check-in from
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
AUTUMN QUARTER
WINTER QUARTER
SPRING QUARTER
September 21
January 4
March 28
November 21
February 26-27
June 3-8

instruction begins.
118th Big Game: Stanford
Football vs. Cal.
November 23-27
Thanksgiving recess.
Residences remain open.
December 7-11
travel plans.

instruction begins.
Parents Weekend.
March 14-18
travel plans.
March 21-25
Spring recess. Residences

remain open.
Dec. 12-Jan. 2
Winter recess. Residences

close at 12:00 noon on
December 12 and reopen at
8:00 a.m. on January 2.
September 15
At 8:00 a.m., freshmen and

transfers begin moving in.
NSO begins for all new
undergraduates.
* You can see key academic dates through 2019-20 at studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/calendar-future.

instruction begins.
travel plans.
A Handbook for Entering Students
APPROACHING STANFORD A Handbook for Entering Students
Approaching
Stanford
Approaching
Stanford
A Handbook for
Entering Students
CLASS OF 2019 AND TRANSFER STUDENTS

20152016
UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING & RESEARCH

590 Escondido Mall
Sweet Hall, First Floor
Contains information for

submitting time-sensitive
forms online.
FRESHMAN FORMS:
Due by June, 8, 2015
at 5:00 p.m. (PDT)
TRANSFER FORMS:
Due by July 1, 2015
at 5:00 p.m. (PDT)

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A Handbook for Entering Students

APPROACHING STANFORD A Handbook for Entering Students

CLASS OF 2019 AND TRANSFER STUDENTS

UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING & RESEARCH

Contains information for

KEY DATES FOR INCOMING STUDENTS, 2015-16

First day of the quarter;

First day of the quarter;

Spring recess. Residences

Winter recess. Residences

At 8:00 a.m., freshmen and

* You can see key academic dates through 2019-20 at studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/calendar-future.

First day of the quarter;

Approaching Your Campus Community

Life on the Farm

Approaching Life on the Farm

Key Dates, 2015-16

Visit our website:

welcome to stanford university

FROM STANFORDS PRESIDENT

You will have the chance to work with distinguished

Your Guide for Approaching Stanford

1. Communications Emails and Mailings

As a Stanford student, you are expected to check your

Visit the Approaching Stanford website regularly throughout

3. Approaching Stanford Forms (Required)

Upon receiving the Approaching Stanford Handbook, read the

Your Guide for Approaching Stanford

4. Entrance Medical Requirements &

Entrance medical requirements apply to all new

7. Move-In Day and New Student Orientation

Finally, as you prepare to move to campus, review

5. Crafting Your First Year of Study

After submitting your forms, turn your attention to

8. The Approaching Stanford Team

The Approaching Stanford process is overseen by

6. Getting to Know the Stanford Community

Subsequently, as you prepare for your transition

welcome to the stanford family

FROM THE DEAN OF FRESHMEN

they move on to their next great adventure and bring those

Stanford, Past and Present

Stanford University is a living memorial to Leland

THE EDUCATIONAL MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY

Leland Stanford Junior University opened its doors in

this motto, Stanford aims to make its students useful

Stanford, Past and Present

Three broad educational aims structure Stanfords pursuit

CORE VALUES OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

President Jordans belief in the values of freedom of

The Fundamental Standard states:

Students at Stanford are expected to show both within

1. that [students] will not give or receive aid in examinations;

Stanford, Past and Present

On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, the University will

Hail, Stanford, Hail

Where the rolling foothills rise

Stanford, Past and Present