Dear Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars,

We’re beginning week 2 of spring quarter and week 5 of sheltering-in-place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By now, we have all made adjustments to meet the demands of this challenging time for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our globe. I have been inspired by our community’s actions: from our researchers and medical staff fighting the pandemic directly, to the many supporting that work, and to many others volunteering to help community members in need. Thank you for your commitment to keeping yourselves and those around you safe.

Today, I write draw your attention to critical information and university resources that I hope will help you persist and feel supported through this uncertain time.

First, I know that you have questions about when you may be permitted to resume your ‘normal’ activities. Stanford is closely following guidance from our local and national public health and government officials. Unfortunately, we still lack clarity about how long we may need to shelter-in-place and what our return to campus might look like, but please know that university leaders are beginning to plan how to bring the campus back to a new normal. As university leaders make progress in addressing the issues resulting from the pandemic, I will do my best to inform you in a timely fashion (see past communications here).

Collectively, Stanford graduate students and postdoctoral scholars represent a community of over 10,000 individuals, so some details of this message may not be relevant to you. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) maintains COVID-19 information specific to postdocs. For grad students, please check with your department or program about adjustments to academic requirements and funding opportunities that are specific to your degree and stage. Health Alerts also has FAQs for grad students and postdocs.

Community Conversation
This Thursday from 2-3 PM I am hosting a Community Conversation about the Global Pandemic with Dr. Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado, professor of Pediatrics and Health Research and Policy. Dr. Maldonado is also chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases, and senior associate dean for Faculty Development and Diversity. I hope you can join us for this discussion of medical, epidemiological, and public health approaches to fighting COVID-19. I also encourage you to browse this curated list of articles describing Stanford scholars' response to the pandemic.

Health & Well-being
Virtual Well-Being, a fantastic web site aggregating many campus resources and events, launched just last week. I’m amazed at how many things are being offered virtually! If you’re seeking more personalized support, the Faculty Staff Help Center is available for postdocs virtually. Grad students, whether you’re on or off campus, can contact the Graduate Life Office, Well-Being at Stanford Coaches, or Counseling & Psychological Services for virtual one-on-one appointments.

Classes, Research & Teaching
VPGE and OPA have moved many of our previously in-person programs to an online format. VPGE is curating Virtual Learning Opportunities, which includes virtual events and resources offered by many of our university partners to support you in your studies and training during the COVD-19 disruptions. OPA also maintains a list of upcoming virtual events. The Teach Everywhere site offers support if you're taking or teaching courses this quarter, or if you want to learn more about Zoom and other communication technologies. Remember that the Stanford Libraries’ collections and materials and research support services are available virtually. Now might be a good time to learn new bibliography or data management tools via a virtual workshop offered by the Libraries.

Academic Calendar & Graduation
Many academic calendar deadlines and processes have been adjusted in response to COVID-19. For those of you preparing to graduate in spring, please note that the deadline to apply for spring quarter degree conferral is this Friday, April 17. Your department or program can help you navigate academic processes virtually. Additional information about graduation, including electronic approval of doctoral dissertations, will be available shortly.

International Scholars & Students
The Bechtel International Center is available to work with those of you here on a visa, including offering guidance on international travel, OPT, and CPT issues, and help extending your visa if necessary.

I realize this is an enormous amount of information, yet many of your questions and concerns may not be addressed here. Please be patient as university leaders consider the public health guidance and the needs of our own community and assess what academic and policy adjustments and other resources can best help support our postdoc and grad student community. We will communicate more as soon as we can.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with suggestions or questions via email to vpge@stanford.edu. I look forward to continuing to engage with you virtually, and hopefully in person again soon. And please take good care of yourself and those around you.

Kind regards,
Stacey

Stacey F. Bent
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs
Jagdeep and Roshni Singh Professor in the School of Engineering
Professor of Chemical Engineering
Professor, by courtesy, of Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Chemistry