Dear Incoming Graduate Student,
Welcome to the start of your graduate studies at Stanford! You are joining a vibrant and diverse graduate community of over 9,600 graduate students across seven distinguished schools. We are excited that you have chosen Stanford for the next chapter of your academic and professional journey.
Stanford offers extensive resources for your intellectual and personal development, as well as countless collaborative opportunities with fellow students and faculty. We encourage you to explore new opportunities and share your interests, passions, and experience with our Stanford community as you deepen your expertise, nurture your creativity, and prepare for your future.
In close collaboration with your school and degree program, the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate of Education and the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs are dedicated to your success and well-being during your studies.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) encompasses graduate policy, academic advising, fellowships and funding, teaching support, professional development, and initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary learning.
The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs (VPSA) includes a wide range of support, including medical and mental health services, seven campus community centers, career education, student organizations, immigration/visa services, disability accommodations, the registrar, and the Graduate Life Office.
Here are some actions to take and information to review before you arrive on campus:
Academic and Professional Development
Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL): CTL trains and supports you in your teaching roles at Stanford (e.g., Teaching Assistant, Course Assistant, Instructor) and offers teaching-related professional development opportunities. CTL also offers academic skills resources, including academic coaching, for graduate and professional students.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program: First-year PhD students may apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) until October 9 at 1:00 PM PST to join the 2025 cohort. Review KHS admission and upcoming KHS admission events for more information.
New Student Resources
Gateway for New Graduate Students: Check out the Gateway for New Graduate Students and learn about the many resources available to you throughout your academic journey.
Graduate Housing: If you will be living in Residential & Dining Enterprises (RD&E) housing, review move-in information and submit housing questions with a ServiceNow ticket.
New Graduate Student Orientation: Check out New Graduate Student Orientation, which runs from September 15 - 21 and is open to all new students.
Next To-Dos
IDEAL Initiative: Dive into Stanford’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in a Learning Community (IDEAL) initiative.
Stay Updated on Your Degree Program: Review your degree program’s info on program-specific orientations, class start dates, orientation, and advising expectations.
Title IX Training: Complete Stanford’s Title IX training, which addresses harassment and discrimination prevention and provides tools for responding to and reporting such behavior.
Update Your Pronouns: Indicate your pronouns to support Stanford’s inclusive community. Pronouns appear on class rosters and on Canvas.
Student Support Services
Bechtel International Center: Reach out to Bechtel if you have visa-related or immigration-related questions.
Student Services Center: The SSC is Stanford’s one-stop student resource to demystify academic policy and resolve issues. The SSC works with you to develop student success strategies by connecting you to opportunities and resources available at Stanford.
Well-Being Resources: Explore the many mental health and well-being resources available to you, including peer counselors, well-being coaches, and the confidential support team.
During your time at Stanford, you will find many who are eager to offer guidance and support. Our university community, including our dedicated staff, is committed to supporting your well-being and success.
We hope that you will join VPGE at Meet VPGE on Tuesday, September 17 from 3:00 – 4:30 PM at Lomita Mall during New Graduate Student Orientation. We are thrilled to welcome you to graduate and professional studies at Stanford!
With best wishes,
Stacey F. Bent
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs
Jagdeep and Roshni Singh Professor in the School of Engineering
Professor of Energy Science and Engineering
C. Matthew Snipp
Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Burnet C. and Mildred Finley Wohlford Professor of Humanities and Sciences in the Department of Sociology