apsu_handbook2010

Approaching Stanford

Approaching StanfordA Handbook for Entering Students

Sweet Hall, First Floor

Stanford, CA 94305-3094

Class of 2014

Class of 2014

and Transfer Students

and Transfer StudentsAPPRO

ACHIN

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TANFO

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andbook for E

nterin

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ts2010 – 2011

Contains information for submitting time-critical reply forms online.

Freshmen:Due by 5:00 p.m., PDT, June 8, 2010

Transfer Students:

Due by 5:00 p.m., PDT, July 13, 2010

THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PROVOST FOR UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Stanford University saved the following resources by using paper made with 30% post-consumer waste, processed chlorine free, and manufactured with electricity that is offset with Green-e® certified renewable energy certificates.

www.ChaseVP.com

Calculations based on research by Environmental Defense Fund and other members of the Paper Task Force.

trees water energy solidwaste greenhousegases

12 5520 4 335 1146 fullygrown gallons millionBTU pounds pounds

Environmental Benefits Statement

CONTACT INFORMATION

Website:http://undergrad.stanford.edu

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (650) 723-7674Monday–Friday, 9:00–5:00, PDT

Fax: (650) 725-1436

For mail, including thatdelivered by courier service:Approaching StanfordSweet Hall, First Floor590 Escondido MallStanford, CA 94305-3094

Approaching Stanfordis available online. Pleasesubmit your reply forms athttp://undergrad.stanford.edu.

CONTENTS

Welcome to Stanford University 1–3

Academic Calendar 2010–11 4

Stanford, Past and Present 5–6

At the Core: Academics 7–32

Requirements, Majors, Degrees 7

Approaching Your Academics 18

Academic Opportunities and Programs 26

Your Stanford Community 33–46

Belonging at Stanford 33

Values and Standards 34

Finding Your Place(s) 37

The Practical Stuff 47–77

Housing 47

Dining 52

Health Services—Vaden Health Center 54

Finances 58

Computing Resources 63

Getting Here 71

Reply Form Instructions 79

New Student Orientation inside back cover

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

http://undergrad.stanford.edu/NBY/Freshman.html

(650) 72-FROSH (723-7674)

[email protected]

Orientation Preview

During New Student Orientation (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 14

through Sunday, September 19. A detailed calendar of

Orientation events will be provided when you arrive on

campus and will be available on the Freshman page of the

Undergraduate Academic Life website after September 1. You

will be expected to participate fully in Orientation activities,

which will take place from early morning to late evening.

Parents may join you on the first day.

Students who register for International New Student

Orientation should plan to arrive on campus by 5:00 p.m.

on Saturday, September 11. Those invited to participate in

the Native American student retreat should plan to arrive on

campus by 12:00 noon on Sunday, September 12. Students

who register for Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT)

should plan to arrive on campus by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday,

September 8. More information about these programs will be

mailed to students in May.

Tuesday, September 14—First Day on the Farm

Go directly to your residence where check-in will begin at

8:00 a.m. Orientation Volunteers and residence staff members

will be waiting to greet you. Plan to arrive and move in before

2:00 p.m. so that you and your family can enjoy the day’s

activities. If you cannot arrive by 2:00 p.m., you will need to

pick up your room key and welcome packet from the Housing

Front Desk 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 120th

Opening Convocation, a ceremony you and your family won’t

want to miss. Parents are invited to attend a special dinner

with the Provost after saying their final goodbyes to you. Over

dinner you will have a chance to meet your dormmates and the

day will end with your first house meeting.

Parent Events

Your parents are invited to join you for the first day of

Orientation. During the summer, information will be made

available regarding Orientation events planned for parents

between 11:00 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14.

From mid-morning until early afternoon, parents can visit the

Parent Lounge and Resource Center. In addition to providing

a place for parents to meet one another, representatives

from campus departments and programs will be on hand to

answer questions. If your parents or other family members

are interested in reserving tickets for the Parent Dinner with

the Provost, they will need to register by mail or online with

payment postmarked no later than Friday, August 20.

For Individuals with Disabilities

Students or parents with disabilities requiring assistance during

Orientation should contact our office at (650) 723-7674 as soon

as possible with information about their needs.

Religious Observances

We respect students’ religious commitments and have ensured

that there are opportunities on campus for holiday observance.

All Orientation and residential 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 of Religious Life at

(650) 723-1762 or visit http://religiouslife.stanford.edu.


Welcome to Stanford University!

FROM STANFORD’S 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 Stanford’s 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.

This is a challenging time. But at Stanford, we understand that challenges bring opportunities, and we are committed

to finding solutions for the issues we face and to educating our students to be tomorrow’s leaders.

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.

The university’s breadth—from the arts to the environment to athletics to the sciences—provides 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 student-initiated 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 another’s 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 new—whether 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

President Hennessy greets a new student.

2

WELCOME

APPROACHING APPROACHING STANFORD

Important Business Points to Tend to:

1. You must complete and submit the Approaching Stanford forms

online. Make sure you have read this handbook before filling out the

forms. Many of these forms request personal information. It is not

appropriate for someone else to complete them on your behalf, unless

there are extenuating circumstances. The deadline for our receipt

of the forms is 5:00 p.m., PDT, Tuesday, June 8 for freshmen and

5:00 p.m., PDT, Tuesday, July 13 for transfers.

2. Please go online and create your SUNet ID if you have not already

done so. To do this, you will need your Stanford ID number. Your

ID number can be found at the top right-hand corner of the letter

received in the same mailing as this book. You need your SUNet ID to

submit your Approaching Stanford forms and to log-in to Axess (the

online student record system). For instructions on how to create your

SUNet ID, see page 63 of this handbook.

3. Check http://undergrad.stanford.edu regularly throughout the

summer for helpful updates such as unexpected delays or changes in

the mailing schedule, information on campus resources, and answers

to frequently asked questions. This is also the site where you can reach

the Approaching Stanford forms by clicking on the Freshman tab.

If you have any questions, be sure to check the website first. If your

answer isn’t there, call or email us at (650) 723-7674 or

[email protected]. We will gladly help you find your answer.

4. To ensure you receive mailings from the University, always keep

your address updated in Axess. It is crucial that this information is

accurate. Go to page 64 for more information about Axess.

5. As a Stanford student, starting this summer you are expected to check

your @stanford.edu email on a regular basis. The University will send

important information to you at this email address only. See page 64

to learn more about accessing messages sent to your Stanford email

account.

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT: The mailings, what you have read in Approaching Stanford, filling out the forms, deadlines, University requirements, accommodations for disabilities, housing options, New Student Orientation, extracurricular activities, or anything else related to student life on campus, call the Approaching Stanford staff at (650) 72-FROSH or (650) 723-7674 or send an email to [email protected]. Vaden Health Center’s medical requirements, please contact Vaden directly at (650) 498-2336 or [email protected].

Undergraduate academics, visit the Undergraduate Academic Life website at http://undergrad.stanford.edu. Here you can get guidance on curricular opportunities and academic support, learn about research opportunities, scholarships, and fellowships. You will be able to talk directly with your Academic Director in mid-August (he or she will send an introductory email around that time).

3

Members of the Class of 2014 and Transfer Students,

Nothing excites me more at this time of year than the opportunity to welcome a new class of undergraduates

to the Farm. I picture you at school going through a last set of exams, winding down a set of activities, grasping a

group of friends more tightly than usual knowing that with excited new beginnings, come bittersweet ends. I sense

your eager apprehension, your nervous confidence, your restless calm. I remember this time in my own life when

I, like you, set my compass heading to Stanford. I remember it like it was yesterday. For a Stanford graduate, those

precious memories linger on.

While the times are different and trends have come and gone, the Stanford I knew as a student is the Stanford

you will come to know as well.

Annually, young people choose to grow to become who they are meant to become under our cloudless blue sky,

beneath our red-tiled roofs, within our sandstone colonnades. During their time here they study with faculty eager

to mentor young minds, they learn in equal measure from each other, they have experiences they will remember for

a lifetime, and then they move on to life’s next adventure. As you make your way to the Farm, the Class of 2010 is

preparing to leave us. As I welcome you today I have to say that nothing makes me more wistful at this time of year

than to see a class getting ready to graduate.

I am not alone in thinking about this transition. 119 classes have graduated from Stanford, and hundreds of

thousands of Stanford alumni live in every imaginable corner of the world. With the cyclic rhythm of the school

year still in their souls, alumni far and wide envision your faces lighting Stanford’s pathways, your ideas generating

new knowledge and understanding, your laughter rippling off a dorm room wall. Though for the time being, you

are strangers to us alumni, you are also becoming family. You are inheritors of our promise that Stanford will always

live on.

I hope you’ll find ways to make the most of these last few months before your Stanford life begins. Savor what

you love about where you are and who you are with, and dream about what is to come. Stanford awaits. And though

it may feel like a stranger to you, soon enough—I am all but certain—Stanford will feel like home.

Fondly,

Dean Julie (Lythcott-Haims) ’89

Dean of Freshmen and Undergraduate Advising

Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Welcome to the Stanford Family!

4

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2010–11*

New Student Orientation

September 11 Students who register for International New Student Orientation should arrive on campus

by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 11. More information on this program will be sent to

students over the summer.

September 12 Students invited to participate in the Native American student retreat should arrive on

campus by 12:00 noon on Sunday, September 12. More information about this program will

be sent to students over the summer.

September 14 At 8:00 a.m., freshmen and transfers begin moving in. New Student Orientation begins for

all new undergraduates. See the inside back cover for more information about what you can

expect during Orientation.

Autumn Quarter

September 20 First day of the quarter; instruction begins.

November 22-26 Thanksgiving recess. Residences remain open.

December 6-10 End-quarter examinations. The final exam schedule appears online in Axess. Review your final

examination schedule before committing to travel plans.

December 11 – Winter recess. Residences close at 12:00 noon on December 11 and reopen

January 1 at 1:00 p.m. on January 1.

Winter Quarter

January 3 First day of the quarter; instruction begins.

January 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. No classes.

February 21 Presidents’ Day. No classes.

February 25–26 Parents’ Weekend.

March 14-18 End-quarter examinations. The final exam schedule appears online in Axess. Review your final


March 21-27 Spring recess. Residences remain open.

Spring Quarter

March 28 First day of the quarter; instruction begins.

May 30 Memorial Day. No classes.

June 3-8 End-quarter examinations. The final exam schedule appears online in Axess. Review your final


* For a detailed listing of the academic dates for 2010-11, see the Office of the University Registrar’s Academic

Calendar site at http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/academic-calendar. You can see key academic dates

through 2019-20 at http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/calendar-future.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

5

PAST AND PRESEN

T

Leland Stanford Junior University opened its doors

in October 1891 to a set of transfer students who

would become the first graduating class, the Class of

1892. These first students attended a university that

was untraditional: 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 produce “cultured and useful citizens” when most

universities were concerned only with the former.

Visionary for their time, Leland and Jane believed that

a liberal education, cultivated through the arts as well

as the sciences, would provide Stanford students with

the basis needed to achieve success and contribute

meaningfully to the world around them.

STANFORD TODAY

In the 119 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

THE FOUNDING OF THE UNIVERSITY

Stanford University is a living memorial to Leland

Stanford, Jr., the young 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 son’s name.

Stanford, Past and Present

A reflection of Stanford’s beginnings, the campus is often called “The Farm.”

The Stanford family: Leland, Jane, and Leland, Jr.

6

STANFORD, PAST AND PRESENT

Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and

Sciences, Law, Medicine), 1,900 faculty members,

6,800 undergraduates, 8,400 graduate students, 600

student organizations, and 35 varsity sports. With the

University’s growth comes greater opportunities and

challenges to help you grow as a person, develop as a

scholar, and emerge as a leader.

You, the Class of 2014 and transfer students, are

whom Leland and Jane envisaged long ago. The path

you carve through Stanford adds not only to your

own personal history, but also to the growing legacy of

Leland and Jane’s generosity. In the name of Leland, Jr.,

approach Stanford with the goal of developing into the

scholar and citizen you desire to become.

It is indeed a most exciting time for me to welcome you to the incoming class. You

have worked hard to navigate your way to this time in your life and I am quite

ecstatic that you have chosen to spend the next four years at Stanford University. This is the fifth class at

Stanford that I, along with my dedicated colleagues in Admission, have had the honor of selecting. This is

also the twenty-eighth class I have helped evaluate in my career. Let me assure you that you have been

chosen—in the most competitive application cycle in Stanford’s history— for good reason. Your application

clearly revealed special capabilities, both proven and potential, which led us to the conclusion that in making

this transition to Stanford you will understand and boldly embrace the myriad opportunities that await you at

Stanford and beyond. I am further excited that, for many of you, we have made financing your education less

of a distraction in an effort to make it possible for you to thrive academically and in all other ways.

By accepting you into this community of scholars, I want to emphasize that you have a responsibility to

do your best and be your best. This is a place that really celebrates excellence in all forms and there is no

doubt that you have the capacity to excel here. Be bold and believe that anything is possible if you work

hard to make it so. Avail yourself of the amazing possibilities that lie ahead and grab them with a sense of

adventure. Go for it! Welcome to Stanford!

Richard H. Shaw, Dean of Admission, Financial Aid, and Visitor Information Services

7

Requirements, Majors, Degrees STANFORD BULLETIN

The Stanford Bulletin is Stanford’s online catalog of courses

and degrees. The Bulletin’s Explore Degrees website

publishes degree requirements, University requirements,

minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress,

and nonacademic regulations, as well as information on

Stanford’s schools, departments, and interdisciplinary

programs. The Stanford Bulletin’s Explore Degrees is

available at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/

bulletin.

The Bulletin’s Explore Courses website publishes

courses and class scheduling for the entire University.

The Stanford Bulletin’s Explore Courses is available at

http://explorecourses.stanford.edu.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To graduate, you will need a minimum of 180 academic

units and must fulfill the following requirements.

TO GRADUATE, YOU MUST FULFILL:

1. General Education Requirements

• Introduction to the Humanities

• Disciplinary Breadth: Engineering and Applied

Sciences, Humanities, Mathematics, Natural

Sciences, and Social Sciences

• Education for Citizenship: Ethical Reasoning, The

Global Community, American Cultures, and Gender

Studies

2. Writing and Rhetoric Requirement

• Part 1: Program in Writing and Rhetoric

• Part 2: Writing in the Major

3. Language Requirement

4. Departmental Requirements for a Major


Stanford Bulletin 7

Graduation Requirements 7

Advanced Placement 12

Majors, Minors, Honors, and Degrees 13

Degree Options 16


Undergraduate Advising and Research 18

How Many Courses to Take 19

Enrolling in Autumn Quarter Classes 20

Undergraduate Research 24


Bing Overseas Studies Program 26

Career Development Center 27

Exchange Programs 27

Haas Center for Public Service 27

Hopkins Marine Station 28

Hume Writing Center 29

Introductory Seminars 29

Office of Accessible Education 29

Oral Communication Program 30

Overseas Resource Center 30

Residential Education 30

Stanford in Washington 31

The Stanford Libraries 31

ACADEM

ICS

At the Core:Academics

Each quarter make sure

to take a class simply

because its description

excites you.

– Jack ’12

8

1. General Education Requirements

The General Education Requirements (GERs) are an

integral part of your undergraduate education at Stanford.

Their purpose is to introduce you to a broad range of fields

and areas of study within the applied sciences, humanities,

natural sciences, social sciences, and technology. Whereas

the courses you take in your major will provide you with

depth of knowledge in a field, the General Education

Requirements have the complementary purpose of

providing you with breadth. Together they will serve as the

nucleus around which you will build your four years here

and perhaps pursue graduate study or professional work.

The General Education Requirements are divided into

three areas: Introduction to the Humanities, Disciplinary

Breadth, and Education for Citizenship. You are required

to take a specified number of courses within each area. The

courses you take must be designated as a GER in the given

area. Once you begin using the Stanford Bulletin, you will

see courses that satisfy a GER are identified as such at the

end of the course description.

INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMANITIES

During your freshman year, you must fulfill the

Introduction to the Humanities requirement by completing

a three-quarter series of courses. These courses promote

vital intellectual development through the study of human

thoughts, values, beliefs, creativity, and cultures. They also

enhance your skills in analysis, reasoning, argumentation,

and oral and written expression, all of which will help

prepare you for future academic success at Stanford. You

may satisfy this requirement in one of two ways: by taking

a year-long series of IHUM courses, or by signing up for

a residence based year-long program, Structured Liberal

Education (SLE).

SLE

SLE is a residential program that encourages students

to live a life of ideas in an atmosphere that stresses

critical thinking and interpretation, while at the same

time fostering close student-instructor relationships.

In contrast to theme-focused IHUM courses, SLE is a

chronologically structured three-quarter course beginning

in the ancient world and ending with the modern period,

leaving students with a strong sense of the history of the

ideas that have shaped our world. SLE freshmen live and

learn together in three houses (one all-freshman and two

four-class) within one residence hall. This is the informal

setting for lectures, small-group discussions, films, and

plays. Because of its intensive concentration on both the

analysis of texts and the written communication of ideas,

students who complete SLE satisfy the full Writing and

Rhetoric requirement (PWR 1 and 2), as well as the GER

breadth requirement in Humanities. SLE offers students

28 units during freshman year: 9 units in the Autumn

and Winter Quarters, and 10 units in the Spring Quarter.

Students who select SLE as their first Introduction to the

Humanities preference on their Approaching Stanford

forms and are admitted to SLE will automatically be

assigned to SLE housing as their first housing preference.

IHUM

Students choosing to fulfill this requirement by taking

a year-long series of IHUM courses will find a diverse

range of courses designed and taught by Stanford faculty

from various disciplines or fields of study. Students

choose one interdisciplinary Autumn Quarter course

and one discipline-based two-quarter Winter/Spring

course sequence. IHUM courses consist of two 50-minute

lectures per week given by Stanford faculty. Lectures are

complemented by small discussion seminars, which also

meet for 50 minutes, twice a week. IHUM courses are

4 units each quarter, for a total of 12 units during the

freshman year.

IHUM and SLE are fully described in the Introduction

to the Humanities Course Catalogue, which you received

along with Approaching Stanford. Read the choices

carefully and then complete Form 4. Transfer students

are not required to complete the Introduction to the

Humanities requirement.

ACADEMICS | Requirements, Majors, Degrees

Stanford is committed to a broad liberal arts education for all of its undergraduates.

9

DISCIPLINARY BREADTH

These courses provide students with educational breadth by

giving them experience in the areas of (i) Engineering and

Applied Sciences, (ii) Humanities, (iii) Mathematics, (iv)

Natural Sciences, and (v) Social Sciences. You are required

to take five certified GER courses, with one course in each

subject area. You will know which courses satisfy a GER by

checking the course descriptions in the Stanford Bulletin.

EDUCATION FOR CITIZENSHIP

Education for Citizenship is divided into four subject areas:

(i) Ethical Reasoning, (ii) The Global Community, (iii)

American Cultures, and (iv) Gender Studies. These courses

provide students with skills and knowledge necessary for

citizenship in our contemporary national cultures and for

participation in the global cultures of the 21st century.

You must take two certified GER courses in Education

for Citizenship; each course must be in a different subject

area. IHUM courses do not satisfy this requirement. Some

courses in Disciplinary Breadth (Humanities and Social

Sciences subject areas) may also fulfill an Education for

Citizenship requirement. Courses that meet both the

Disciplinary Breadth and the Education for Citizenship

requirements will be designated in the Stanford Bulletin.

2. Writing and Rhetoric Requirement

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 is taken in the first year, the second

by the end of the sophomore year, and the third in the

major you declare.

PART 1: PROGRAM IN WRITING AND RHETORIC

http://undergrad.stanford.edu/AP/univ_req/PWR/Req.html


(650) 723-2631

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.

During the summer you will be informed of the

quarter in your first year in which you will take your

4 unit PWR 1 course and the quarter during your

sophomore year in which you will take your 4 unit

PWR 2 course. If you are assigned to take PWR 1 during

Autumn Quarter, you will review the courses to be

offered on the Undergraduate Academic Life website in

mid-August and submit your top seven choices later in

August. The PWR Enrollment Coordinator will contact

you via email when the section descriptions are available

online, also informing you of the deadline for submitting

your section preferences. You will be informed of your

assigned PWR 1 section early in September, and you

will have the opportunity to petition for a change of

section during New Student Orientation if necessary.

If you are assigned to the Winter or Spring Quarter

for PWR 1, you need do nothing before coming to

campus. Before each of those quarters, PWR will post the

descriptions of all classes to be offered the following term

on the Undergraduate Academic Life website. Before your

assigned quarter begins, you will consult this site to preview

the PWR course offerings, identify those that best match

your interests, and submit your top seven choices online.

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 and meet

frequently with your instructor. 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.


ACADEM

ICS

Students work on a group editing exercise in a PWR 2 class.

10


PART 2: WRITING IN THE MAJOR

http://undergrad.stanford.edu/AP/univ_req/PWR/WIM/

WIM.html

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 are working on 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. For information on WIM courses in

any particular major, see the table of Undergraduate Major

Unit Requirements and individual department or program

listings in the Stanford Bulletin.

TRANSFER COURSES AND THE WRITING AND RHETORIC REQUIREMENT

If you have taken writing courses at other colleges or

universities, you may be able to apply them toward the

Writing and Rhetoric requirement.

Freshmen: Request that the other college or university

mail official transcripts directly to the Office of the

University Registrar. You will need to file a request for

credit evaluation and certify that the course was not used

to satisfy requirements toward your high school diploma.

Additional information and instructions are available

at http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/

transfer-credit.

Transfer students: You will be mailed a preliminary

evaluation of transfer courses in May, which will address

whether previously completed courses can be applied

toward the Writing and Rhetoric requirement. If you have

not satisfied any part of the writing requirement, please

consult with the office of Undergraduate Advising and

Research (UAR) during the summer or when you arrive on

campus and then contact PWR at [email protected]

to arrange to enroll in the appropriate PWR course, making

sure to complete the course at your earliest opportunity.

3. Language Requirement

http://language.stanford.edu

You are required to complete one year of college-level

study, or the equivalent, in a foreign language. Courses

taken to fulfill the Language Requirement may be taken

credit/no credit. You can fulfill this requirement in a

number of different ways:

• Complete three quarters of a first-year language course

(12–15 units) at Stanford or the equivalent at another

recognized postsecondary institution, subject to current

Stanford transfer credit policies.

• Obtain a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement

(AP) language test in one of the following: Chinese,

French, German, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish Language

(please note: AP tests in foreign literature do not fulfill

the Language Requirement).

• Obtain a satisfactory SAT II score, taken prior to college

matriculation, in the SAT II table on the next page.

• Take the two-part language placement test (written

and oral) that either demonstrates you have met the

Language Requirement or diagnoses you as needing one,

two, or three additional quarters of college-level study.

Placement test results are valid for one year.

The written portion of the placement tests are offered

online throughout the summer in Chinese, French,

German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and

Spanish for Home Background Speakers. The date of your

written exam is determined by the first letter of your last

name, as noted in the “Online Test Dates” table on the

next page. Latin and Ancient Greek written tests will be

administered on campus on Wednesday, September 15. For

languages not listed, the placement test is by appointment

only—contact Patricia de Castries at patricia@stanford.

edu for more information. If you have difficulty meeting

this schedule, send an email to [email protected].

Information about the exams is available on the web at

http://language.stanford.edu. Locations and times for the

oral tests, as well as the Greek and Latin written tests, will

be announced in your Orientation materials when you

arrive on campus.

Andrea Lunsford, Professor of English, talks with students after class.

11

ACADEM

ICS


SAT II Scores Needed to Satisfy the Language Requirement Chinese 630

French 640

German 630

Hebrew 540

Italian 630

Japanese 620

Korean 630

Latin 630

Spanish 630

Online Test Dates Last name begins with:

A–C June 14–30

D–F July 1–11

G–J July 12–22

K–M July 23–31

N–Q August 1–8

R–U August 9–19

V–Z August 20–31

If you are going to continue studying the language

you studied in high school, you must take the placement

test to determine the level at which you should enroll

at Stanford. There may be good reasons to start a new

language, however. For example, if you have a strong

interest in Renaissance art and want to go to the Florence

overseas campus in your junior year, you may wish to begin

studying Italian instead of continuing in the language you

studied in high school.

4. Departmental Requirements for a Major

Each degree program specifies the courses necessary for

completion of the major. These will include prerequisites,

core courses, electives, and sometimes a capstone experi-

ence such as a senior thesis. Check the individual depart-

ment or program listings in the Stanford Bulletin to find the

specific requirements for the majors of interest to you.

To the incoming class of 2014, I extend my hearty congratulations and warmest

welcome to you as you prepare for your Stanford career. Now is indeed a special

time rich with possibilities, for Stanford is a place of unparalleled intellectual opportunities, ranging from

scientific research to theatrical practice to overseas studies at any of our eleven different campuses abroad.

You embark on a new adventure which will not only further your academic interests but challenge them, one

that will not only ask you to think deeply, but differently.

We encourage you to use your freshman and sophomore years as a time of exploration, before you

declare a major. This is a time for you to find and chart your own intellectual course, perhaps by selecting

a road less travelled, but one that appeals particularly to you and that pushes your academic curiosity. For

some, your career path may seem clear, while for others, your interests are too many at present to select

just one. In either case, we urge you to take a few risks, to experiment. You will find unexpected educational

rewards in such seeming divergences.

We hope that you will take full advantage of the varied academic resources that Stanford has to offer.

This is a time of new beginnings as you enter college and embrace a new wondrous fellowship of the mind.

We are indeed pleased that you have chosen Stanford, and we look forward to helping you become the

student, the person, the lifelong learner you are to be.

Harry J. Elam, Jr

Olive H. Palmer Professor in the Humanities

Senior Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

12


ADVANCED PLACEMENT

http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/ap

A maximum of 45 units of Advanced Placement (AP)

and/or transfer work and/or other external credit may

be applied toward the 180 units required for graduation

for freshmen; transfers can transfer in up to 90 units of

external credit to count towards the 180 units required for

graduation. AP units count as units toward graduation,

but do not fulfill the General Education Requirements.

AP units may be applied toward completion of the

Language Requirement. The International Baccalaureate

Examination and other advanced placement examinations

such as General Certificate Education “A” levels, French

Baccalaureate, and German Abitur may also be awarded

credit. For more details on Advanced Placement, see

http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/ap.

You may check in Axess (the online student records sys-

tem—see page 64 for more information about Axess) after

the first day of classes to determine the AP credit you have

been granted. It is your responsibility to have the College

Board send your AP scores directly to Stanford.

You can call the College Board regarding questions about

your AP scores at 888-308-0013. The College Board website

is http://www.collegeboard.com.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY CEEB ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CHART 2010-11

Effective for Undergraduates Matriculating 2010-11

A maximum of 45 quarter units of Advanced Placement (AP), transfer credit, and/or other external credit (such as International Baccalaureate) may be applied toward the undergraduate degree. Stanford University policies on AP and other external credit are subject to review and change on an annual basis. Subjects not listed on this chart are not eligible for AP credit at Stanford University.

SUBJECT SCORE PLACEMENT QUARTER UNITS

Calculus AB (or AB Subscore) 5 MATH 51 10

4 MATH 42 5

Calculus BC 4, 5 MATH 51 10

3 MATH 42 5

Chemistry 5 CHEM 33 or above 4

Chinese Language & Culture* 5 Take placement exam if continuing in this language. 10

Computer Science A 4, 5 CS 106B or CS 106X 5

Computer Science AB 4, 5 CS 106B, CS 106X, or CS 107 5

French Language* 5 Take placement exam if continuing in this language. 10

German Language* 5 Take placement exam if continuing in this language. 10

Italian Language & Culture 4, 5 Take placement exam if continuing in this language. 0

Japanese Language & Culture* 5 Take placement exam if continuing in this language. 10

Latin (Literature or Vergil)† 4, 5 Take placement exam if continuing in this language. 0

Physics B 5 PHYSICS 25 8

4 PHYSICS 23 and 25 4

Physics C (2 Parts)

Mechanics only 4, 5 PHYSICS 43 and 45; or PHYSICS 23 and 25 4

3 PHYSICS 41, 43, and 45; or PHYSICS 23 and 25 4

Electricity and Magnetism only 4, 5 PHYSICS 41 and 45; or PHYSICS 21 and 25 5

3 PHYSICS 41, 43, and 45; or PHYSICS 21 and 25 4

Both 4, 5 PHYSICS 45; or PHYSICS 25 9

3 PHYSICS 41, 43, and 45; or PHYSICS 25 8

Spanish Language* 5 Take placement exam if continuing in this language. 10

*A score of 4 or 5 on this test fulfills the Language Requirement. A score of 5 is required to receive 10 units of credit.

† A score of 4 or 5 on this test only fulfills the Language Requirement and does not earn quarter units

13


ACADEM

ICS

MAJORS, MINORS, HONORS, AND DEGREES

Stanford believes the choice of a major is best made after

exploring a variety of courses. Therefore, you are neither

required, nor expected, to arrive in September knowing

your major. We encourage you to spend your first two years

exploring a variety of disciplines and classes. You have until

the last 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.

The requirements for each major vary. You can find out

what they are by referring to the online Stanford Bulletin or

by going to departmental websites. Minors may be a limited

version of a major concentration or a specialized subset of

a field defined by a department or degree program. Refer to

the departmental listings in the online Stanford Bulletin for

more information about minors.

Although most students declare only one major, it is

certainly possible to declare more than one major within

a single bachelor’s degree. Multiple majors require, more

than anything else, very careful planning of your four-year

schedule because individual courses cannot be used to

meet the requirements of both majors. If you are interested

in pursuing multiple majors, you should meet with your

Academic Director early in your freshman year to discuss

a four-year schedule, making sure that you will be able to

fulfill the requirements of both majors. Although most

students who pursue multiple majors do so in related fields

within a broad discipline—for example, in economics

and political science, both of which are social sciences—it

is possible to pursue multiple majors in cross disciplin-

ary fields, such as physics (natural sciences) and history

(humanities).

For the administrative policies and procedures

governing the declaration of majors and minors, consult

the Stanford Bulletin at http://bulletin.stanford.edu or the

Office of the University Registrar website at

http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students.

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.

Stanford’s Three Undergraduate Degree-Granting Schools

Like most universities, Stanford is made up of

schools specializing in different academic disciplines.

Undergraduates at Stanford earn bachelor’s degrees from

the schools of Humanities and Sciences, Earth Sciences,

and Engineering. Undergraduate degrees are not offered

in Stanford’s Business, Education, Law, or Medical

schools, although faculty from each of those schools teach

undergraduate courses.

Students discuss their assignments for class in Tresidder MemorialUnion.

14


SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES

http://stanford.edu/dept/humsci

(650) 723-2275

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the

largest of Stanford’s seven schools and home of the liberal

arts education offered by the University. H&S includes

the fine arts, core humanities, languages and literatures,

mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. The

School of Humanities and Sciences also offers 19 interdis-

ciplinary degree-granting programs. These include such

programs as: Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity;

Feminist Studies; American Studies; Human Biology;

International Relations; Public Policy; Science, Technology

and Society; Symbolic Systems; and Urban Studies. The

School of Humanities and Sciences allows individually

designed majors (IDMs), but only in rare cases when what

you are interested in pursuing cannot be accommodated

by an established academic department or program of

the University. The departments within H&S are divided

into three academic clusters—humanities, social sciences,

and natural sciences—each of which has its own distinct

character, described below.

Humanities

Critical interpretation is at the heart of humanistic inquiry.

Scholars in the humanities analyze the nature of being

human, through historical, comparative, and critical

study of languages, literature, arts, and ideas. Students

encounter questions about the meaning and significance

of life through examination of creative representations of

human thought and experience. Students in the humanities

learn skills of logical thinking, effective writing, cultural

awareness, and ethical reflection that underpin a variety of

advanced degrees and professional careers.

Languages and Literatures Central to these disciplines

is the interpretation of literary texts. Scholars explore the

powers of language to express the personal and cultural

experiences of diverse peoples, regions, and times.

Departments in this cluster include Asian Languages,

Comparative Literature, English, French and Italian,

German Studies, Iberian and Latin American Cultures, and

Slavic Languages and Literatures.

Arts In the departments of Art and Art History, Drama,

and Music, scholars focus on analyzing the products of the

human imagination as articulated in dramatic and musical

texts and performances, and in visual representations.

Students explore the history and theory of the arts as well

as participate in the creation of art. In addition to enrolling

in academic courses in these disciplines, students may also

take part in extracurricular opportunities in music, drama,

dance, and other performance forms.

Core Humanities Traditionally, this cluster of

disciplines addresses fundamental questions about the

human condition. The departments of Classics, History,

Linguistics, Philosophy, and Religious Studies offer students

a range of approaches for developing a deep understanding

of knowledge, its creation, history, and implications.

They provide occasions to think critically about diverse

beliefs, values, and traditions, as well as the origins and

development of human languages and cultures.

Social Sciences

Social sciences focus on the systematic examination of

the human experience. Social scientists study 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? For many students, a social science

major provides the ideal background

for a variety of advanced degrees and

career opportunities, including law,

business, and government. The core

social science departments consist

of Anthropology, Communication,

Economics, Political Science,

Psychology, and Sociology.

Playwright and director Stan Lai and a student work on a scene fromhis English-translated play, Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land.

The quarter system

gives students many

opportunities to explore

different fields of

study and take unique

classes.

– Paolo ’11

15

ACADEM

ICS


Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The disciplines in the School of Humanities and Sciences

that are called 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 in the areas of 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.

The specific topics are diverse and fascinating: ecological

processes to DNA replication, the evolution of the cosmos

to quantum mechanics, the structure of proteins to the

synthesis of polymers, set theory to differential geometry.

Students who plan to pursue graduate work and careers

in science or medicine often choose to major in one of the

natural science disciplines. However, in our increasingly

technological society, an understanding of the sciences and

math is valuable for all students. Many students who major

in one of the natural sciences or math go on to careers that

are not directly related to the sciences.

SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES

http://earthsci.stanford.edu

(650) 724-0984

Earth scientists work to gain a better understanding of

our planet’s history and its future, the energy and resource

base that supports society, geologic hazards that impact a

growing population, a changing climate, and the challenge of

sustainability. Earth scientists use a variety of methods and

tools to address their research questions, including field work,

laboratory and experimental studies, and computer modeling.

The School of Earth Sciences offers four degree-

granting undergraduate programs. All provide a means

for students to study the Earth and its processes in an

interdisciplinary fashion using various approaches. The

program in Geological and Environmental Sciences focuses

on the history and structure of the Earth, the physics and

chemistry of Earth materials, the processes that cycle those

materials on a global scale, and the interaction of human

activities with geological processes and resources. The

program in Geophysics combines the principles of physics

and geology to explore the Earth using seismic waves,

electromagnetic fields, satellite data, and rock physics,

and to address questions about global Earth structure,

earthquakes and fault mechanics, volcanic processes,

surface deformation, and groundwater contamination.

The program in Energy Resources Engineering builds on

a foundation of engineering principles to explore a variety

of aspects of Earth’s energy resources, including optimizing

oil recovery from petroleum reservoirs, carbon capture and

sequestration, efficient geothermal energy extraction, and

non-traditional energy resources. The program in Earth

Systems goes beyond the disciplines within the School of

Earth Sciences to combine science fundamentals with the

economic, societal, and political expertise necessary for the

investigation of complex environmental problems caused

by human activities in interaction with natural changes in

the Earth system.

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

http://engineering.stanford.edu

(650) 723-5984

Engineers design, build, and analyze structures, devices,

and systems. These may be physical entities, such as

buildings or integrated circuits, or they may be analytical

models or computer programs. Although engineers focus

on the intended function of their creations, they must also

consider such things as the life-cycle costs of a design, its

environmental impact, and the financing available for its

Robotics lab provides students with hands-on opportunities.

16

manufacture. Students with a diversity of postgraduate

interests major in engineering. Of course, many pursue

careers in engineering, but many others, who are inter-

ested in business, law, policy, and even medicine, major

in engineering. Engineering majors represent about 20

percent of the undergraduate body. Thirty-five percent of

these majors are women, a number that has steadily risen

over the past several years.

The School of Engineering provides the fundamental

scientific and technical education necessary for basic engi-

neering practice and for advancement to graduate study.

This is achieved within the context of Stanford’s broad

educational programs, which include a substantial amount

of work in the liberal arts and the social sciences. The

Stanford engineering graduate is able to pose and answer

questions that have both technical and societal implications

and receives, in every sense, a balanced education. If you

are thinking of majoring in engineering, you will need to

plan your four years early on, especially if you want to go

overseas during your junior year.

In addition to the traditional engineering degrees,

the School of Engineering also provides a mechanism for

students to design their own majors. Many students use this

Individually Designed Major program to create original

and innovative courses of study—no surprise given the

entrepreneurial atmosphere of a school with many ties to

Silicon Valley.

Individually Designed Majors

To learn more about designing your own major, consult the

Stanford Bulletin for the policies and procedures governing

IDMs, as well as the Office of the University Registrar web-

site at http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students.

DEGREE OPTIONSSingle Degrees

The Bachelor of Science (BS)

is awarded to students who

complete undergraduate

degree requirements in the

School of Earth Sciences, in

the School of Engineering,

or in the Departments of Applied Physics, Biology,

Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics in the School of

Humanities and Sciences. The University also awards

BS degrees to candidates in the Program in Science,

Technology, and Society; in the Program in Mathematical

and Computational Science; in the Program in Symbolic

Systems; and, when appropriate, in the Program for

Individually Designed Majors. Candidates who fulfill major

requirements in other schools or departments receive the

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

The Bachelor of Arts and Science (BAS) is awarded to

those who complete undergraduate degree requirements

and fulfill the requirements for two majors, one leading

to a BA degree and one leading to a BS degree (e.g.,

economics and civil engineering; international relations

and geophysics).

To earn a BS, BA, or BAS degree, you will have to

complete a minimum of 180 units of University work that

includes the General Education, Writing and Rhetoric,

and Language Requirements. At least 135 units must be

earned at Stanford by incoming freshmen. At least 90 units

must be earned at Stanford by incoming transfer students.

Curricular requirements for at least one undergraduate

major must also be fulfilled.

Dual Bachelor’s Degrees (concurrent BA and BS)

You may work concurrently toward both a BA and a BS

degree. To qualify, you will have to complete a minimum

of 225 units of University work that includes the

General Education, Writing and Rhetoric, and Language

Requirements. A minimum of 180 units must be taken at

Stanford. Curricular requirements for both majors (one

leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree and the other to a

Bachelor of Science degree) must also be fulfilled.


Ask a lot of questions

about scheduling

classes. It can get

confusing.

– Tommy ‘11

Small group classes often meet outside in the many open areas ofcampus.

17

Coterminal Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees may be pursued

simultaneously. The two degrees do not have to be from

the same department, though they can be. You may, for

instance, combine a BA in Economics with an MS in

Management Science and Engineering, or a BS in Biology

and an MA in East Asian Studies.

Accelerating the Degree

In some cases, you can accelerate the earning of your degree

by completing the requirements for graduation in fewer

than the traditional 12 quarters or four years of work. You

might be able to do this by taking the maximum number

of units allowed in some quarters (20), by attending classes

on a year-round basis, or by having sufficient Advanced

Placement or transfer credit units to graduate early. Due to

major or minor requirements and University graduation

requirements, it is not always possible to accelerate earning

of your degree.

The most common argument for accelerating the degree

is persuasive: significant financial savings may be possible.

Acceleration has disadvantages as well. Stanford abounds

with opportunities, many of which take place outside of

the classroom. It is difficult enough to take advantage of

all that Stanford has to offer when you are working toward

your degree in four years; it is more difficult to try to do it

in three.

ACADEM

ICS


A student ascends the stairs to the second floor of Green Library.

18

Approaching Your AcademicsUNDERGRADUATE ADVISING AND RESEARCH

Sweet Hall, First Floor (Academic Directors have offices in

your residences)

http://undergrad.stanford.edu

(650) 723-2426

Undergraduate Advising and Research (UAR) assigns

every freshman two advisors—a Pre-Major Advisor and

an Academic Director. The Pre-Major Advisor is a faculty

or staff member who volunteers to mentor you and a

handful of other freshmen from the point of your arrival

on campus until you declare a major. An attempt is made

to match your stated academic interests with the scholarly

interests of one of the Pre-Major Advisors associated with

your residence. Pre-Major Advisors 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

meet at least once a quarter with your Pre-Major advisor

until you declare a major (by the end of your sophomore

year), when you will be reassigned to a faculty advisor in

your chosen department.

Your Academic Director, or AD, is a full-time

professional UAR advisor whose office will be in your

residential complex. Academic Directors focus on the

freshmen in their residence and sophomores living

nearby, and can assist with both routine and complex

matters pertaining to academic requirements and

policies, course selection, investigating majors, research,

fellowships, and post-graduate study.

A third set of advisors—the professional advising

staff in UAR located on the first floor of Sweet Hall—are

available during daily drop-in hours or by appointment,

in the event that your Pre-Major Advisor or Academic

Director is unavailable or if you seek specialized advice

regarding pre-professional interests (e.g., pre-law, pre-

health, pre-business). Varsity athletes have an additional

set of UAR advisors available to them in the Athletic

Academic Resource Center (AARC) located in the

Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation.

ACADEMICS | Approaching Your Academics

As you prepare for your journey to Stanford this fall, you will be filled with a mix

of excitement and uncertainty. You’ll likely wonder what your dorm and roommate

will be like, what classes to take, and how to find activities that interest you. We hope to provide answers

to many questions through the Approaching Stanford process, the correspondence you’ll have with students,

faculty, and staff before you arrive, during NSO, and in the months that follow.

Once you begin your Stanford career, you’ll find that your initial uncertainties are replaced with new

ones—about choosing and changing majors, getting involved with research, forming meaningful relationships

with faculty and peers, defining your purpose, and crafting your intellectual path. These profound questions

about the shape of your Stanford experience will persist throughout your time here, and they will require

constant reflection and examination. The answers will be yours alone to resolve, but you will never be alone

in this process.

One essential element of the character of this institution is the depth of its community. Whether you

are the first in your family to attend college, the first to travel out of state or overseas for college, the first

to consider a new academic path, or the next to continue a particular tradition, you will find at Stanford a

deeply caring community eager to support you as you determine your unique path. We are committed to your

personal success, and we are deeply honored to be part of your Stanford experience.

Koren Bakkegard, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Advising and Research

19


ACADEM

ICS

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 and

Academic Director are the first of many people eager

to help you along your way. They will read the Advisor

Questionnaire Form carefully (Form 7/7T), so be

thoughtful about completing

it. Keep in mind that while

advice will abound, the

choices will still be your own.

Rarely will advisors tell you

what to do, but they will help

you reach decisions that are

right for you.

HOW MANY COURSES TO TAKE

Stanford’s undergraduate program is divided into 10-week

quarters (3 per year, 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 12 times over the course of your four years instead

of 8 times, as is the case at semester schools. The result is

more flexibility and more choice. However, one challenge

of your first year will be getting used to the fast pace of

the quarter system. In a 10-week quarter, you may have

midterms as early as your third week, and they may last

until the eighth week. Good time management skills are

absolutely essential for keeping up with your classes, and

for balancing your coursework with your other commit-

ments. If you do not have good time management skills

now, you will need to develop them by the end of your first

year. Your Academic Director and the professional advisors

in UAR and the Center for Teaching and Learning can help

you develop strategies to use your time efficiently.

You may take between 12 to 20 units per quarter. The

typical freshman load is 15 units. Transfer students tend to

carry a similar load in their first year. Courses range from

1 to 5 units, and most entering students enroll in three to

four courses. Most students see the wisdom of carrying a

moderate load during the Autumn Quarter of their first

year to allow time for adjusting to Stanford, getting a feel

for the quarter system, adjusting to residence life, and

exploring extracurricular activities.

Along with your required IHUM and PWR courses,

students will usually select one to three other courses per

quarter during the first year. The choices for filling those

slots offer rich possibilities. Here are some suggestions for

how to approach your choices:

Freshman and Sophomore Seminars We urge you to

apply for at least one freshman seminar during your first

year; many students will take two or more. A link to a PDF

of the catalogue will be available in early August; print

copies of the catalogue will be mailed to your home address

shortly afterward. These classes give you the opportunity

to form relationships with a faculty member and up to 15

other students as you explore current research questions

together. The seminar setting is intimate and focused, allow-

ing you to engage in the materials and methods of a particu-

lar field. Many students describe these courses as the best

way to get to know a professor early in one’s undergraduate

career, as well as being invaluable in helping to narrow down

areas for a potential major. Seminars vary in subject matter

and approach, and enable you to investigate a new area of

interest or to delve more deeply into an area that you have

Undergraduate Advising and Research is located on the first floor of Sweet Hall.

Guidance from my

Pre-Major Advisor and

AD helped me discover

my true interests and

opened exciting doors.

– Laci ’11

20


already begun to explore. Many seminars also fulfill General

Education Requirements. More than 100 freshman seminars

are offered throughout the academic year.

Language Requirement If you have not already satis-

fied the Language Requirement (discussed on page 10), and

you plan to continue studying the language you studied

in high school, consider continuing your language study

during your first year at Stanford. If you want to study a

new language, consider beginning during your first year.

This will allow you to use your newly acquired language

skills if you apply to study overseas in your sophomore or

junior year.

Fulfilling Science Prerequisites Students interested

in a major in the sciences or engineering find it best to

take prerequisites in the first year. This is particularly

true for majors that require math, chemistry, or physics.

See “Information on Specific Subject Areas” for more

information.

Exploring a New Field Take something for the sheer

pleasure of it.

ENROLLING IN AUTUMN QUARTER CLASSES

Be proactive about connecting with advisors and gathering

multiple perspectives on how best to explore your interests

within the Stanford curriculum. While your Academic

Director and your Pre-Major Advisor will be the two key

resources when you choose and enroll in your first-year

courses, you may also wish to consult with staff and faculty

in specific academic departments and with professional

advisors in UAR.

All entering students are required to enroll in Autumn

Quarter, but you will not be able to enroll in Autumn

Quarter classes until the advising component of Orientation

concludes on Friday afternoon. This enrollment timeline

puts you at no disadvantage and will not affect your ability

to get into the classes you would like to take. The purpose is

to ensure that you have the benefit of guidance from advi-

sors while making your course selections.

Over the summer, use resources such as the Stanford

Bulletin, the Stanford Introductory Seminars Course

Catalogue, the Undergraduate Academic Life website and

departmental websites to identify the types of classes and

the specific courses in which you are interested. Every first-

year student has full access to the undergraduate offerings

in the School of Engineering, School of Earth Sciences, and

the School of Humanities and Sciences. The curriculum

is not strictly divided into upper and lower divisions, so

you may enroll in any course for which you are prepared.

In most cases, course prerequisites are intended to serve as

a guide rather than a deterrent. If you are in doubt about

an appropriate match between your background and a

particular class, talk to the instructor. Before you arrive on

campus, you will log on to the PWR and IHUM websites to

learn your quarter and course assignments, respectively, and

you will have an opportunity to learn about Introductory

Seminar offerings. Then, armed with all of this information,

you will meet with your Pre-Major Advisor and Academic

Director during Orientation, and you will then decide which

courses you will take. You will learn details about the time

and location of your advising appointment after you arrive

on campus. After these advising conversations take place,

you will register your preliminary Study List/Class Schedule

online, using Axess.

All students are expected to register “at status” by 5:00

p.m. on the first day of the quarter. However, you do not

have to finalize your Study List/Class Schedule until the

Final Study List deadline at the end of the third week of

classes, as you may want to research 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. The quarter system moves quickly,

and faculty begin assigning work on the first day of class.

If you do not keep up with everything you are considering,

you may have a hard time catching up in those classes you

finally choose. You should always verify course scheduling

information and the final exam schedule online in Axess

before finalizing your course of study for any quarter.

In Mechanical Engineering 204, each student designs and builds acustom bicycle frame.

21

ACADEM

ICS


Transfer Students

Transfer students may go online to enroll in classes when

ready to do so. If you are on financial aid and expect to

have some financial aid funds to help with expenses not

on your student account (e.g., books) and want to have

those funds by the first day of classes, you must pre-enroll

in Axess by September 11. The alternative is to enroll as

soon as you arrive on campus; typically, your check will be

cut within a week of your registering online. If you have

questions about this, please contact the Financial Aid Office

at (650) 723-3058 or [email protected].

Information on Specific Subject Areas

BIOLOGY

http://stanford.edu/dept/biology/programs_bs.html

(650) 723-1826

The Biology introductory sequence is known as the Bio

Core. It is the fundamental sequence for students who plan

to major in Biology and consists of a three-quarter lecture

sequence (BIO 41, 42 and 43) and a two-quarter laboratory

sequence (BIO 44X and 44Y). Because CHEM 31X (or 31A

and 31B), CHEM 33, and calculus are prerequisites for

the Bio Core (and CHEM 35 is recommended), students

generally begin the Core no earlier than Autumn Quarter

of their sophomore year. In addition to freshman seminars,

BIO 1, 3, and 20 are all open to freshmen.

CHEMISTRY

http://stanford.edu/dept/chemistry/classes/index.html

(650) 723-1525

The Chemistry Department offers the following intro-

ductory lecture courses: CHEM 31A and 31B, 31X, and 33.

Students begin their study of chemistry in CHEM 31A, 31X,

or 33, depending on their prior knowledge of chemistry.

CHEM 31X Offered Autumn Quarter only, CHEM

31X is an accelerated course for students with a strong

high school chemistry background. A score of 5 on the

Chemistry AP Exam or a passing score on the Chemistry

Placement Test is required to enroll in this course in Axess.

CHEM 31X covers the more advanced portions of the same

topics covered in CHEM 31A/B and moves at a faster pace.

CHEM 31A and 31B The CHEM 31A and 31B

sequence is for students with moderate or no background

in high school chemistry. CHEM 31A and 31B cover all

the essential topics in general chemistry that are required

to prepare students for the subsequent courses in the

curriculum, and emphasize problem solving. Only the

more advanced portions of these same topics are covered

in CHEM 31X. Both tracks will arrive at the same end-

point. CHEM 31A is a prerequisite for taking CHEM 31B.

Students must decide Autumn Quarter whether or not they

will take the two-quarter track because it is only offered as a

sequence in Autumn and Winter Quarters.

CHEM 33 CHEM 33 is the next course in the chemistry

sequence after CHEM 31A/B or CHEM 31X. It 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.

Students with advanced placement and strong calcu-

lus skills can consider enrolling in CHEM 135, Physical

Chemistry for Biosciences, in Autumn Quarter. This course

is the second half of the introductory chemistry sequence,

but taught at a calculus level. This course is a prerequisite

for enrolling in the biochemistry sequence.

Students who are planning to apply to medical school

should be aware that not all medical schools accept AP

credit. Therefore, it is recommended that students with

pre-med interests who earned a 5 on the AP exam and who

do not wish to take more advanced chemistry courses than

the minimum required by some medical schools consider

enrolling in CHEM 31X.

Chemistry Placement Test As noted above, the

Department of Chemistry requires students to place into

CHEM 31X based on the results of the Chemistry AP Exam

or the Chemistry Placement Test. The Chemistry Placement

Test has no impact on your grades; it is simply a tool to

help identify which chemistry course is best for you. It will

be given during New Student Orientation and at the start

of Autumn Quarter. For dates, locations, and additional

information, please see http://www.stanford.edu/dept/

chemistry/classes/index.html.

Students gain practical experience in a biology lab.

22


ENGINEERING

http://engineering.stanford.edu/current_students/

under_apply.html

(650) 723-5984

Freshmen who are thinking about an engineering

major should plan carefully from the start. Prospective

engineering majors should refer to the current Handbook

for Undergraduate Engineering Programs, which is available

at http://ughb.stanford.edu, for academic information

and major-specific requirements. First-year students can

gain the most flexibility by enrolling in basic science and

mathematics courses. Freshman engineering seminars and

Engineering Fundamentals (see the Handbook for course

listings) also offer an introduction to specific aspects of

engineering.

MATHEMATICS

http://math.stanford.edu /undergrad/undergrad.html

(650) 725-6284

The Mathematics Department offers three calculus

sequences: MATH 19-20-21, MATH 41-42, and MATH

51-52-53. Calculus is the first step in the mathematics

major and is a fundamental component of study in engi-

neering, the sciences, and the social sciences; however, all

students who have an interest in learning calculus or who

enjoy mathematics are welcome.

MATH 19-20-21, Calculus The MATH 19-20-21

sequence forms the basic single-variable calculus course.

After completing MATH 21, you will be prepared to take

the multivariable calculus course, MATH 51.

MATH 41-42, Calculus The MATH 41-42 sequence is

an accelerated version of the MATH 19-20-21 sequence:

both sequences cover the same material, but MATH 41

and 42 cover it in two quarters rather than three. After

completing MATH 42, you will be prepared to take the

multivariable calculus course, MATH 51. If you have

limited background in mathematics, you should probably

take MATH 19 rather than MATH 41. In deciding whether

to take MATH 19 or 41, you should consider how comfort-

able you are with your high school algebra, geometry, and

precalculus. Feel free to consult with a faculty member in

the Mathematics Department

for advice.

MATH 51-52-53

The 50s sequence integrates

several topics in multivariable

mathematics: multivariable

calculus, linear algebra, and

differential equations. This sequence is recommended for

students considering majors in engineering, science, or

economics and who scored a 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam

or a 4 or 5 on the BC exam.

MATH 51H-52H-53H The 50H sequence is the honors

version of the 50 series. It covers similar topics, but in more

depth and from a more theoretical point of view. Placement

into the honors sequence requires a 5 on the AP Calculus

BC exam or permission of the instructor.

CME 100-102-104-106 The CME sequence of com-

putational mathematics courses covers important areas

of engineering mathematics and computation, such as

multivariable calculus, linear algebra, ordinary and partial

differential equations, numerical methods, and probability

and statistics, and emphasizes engineering applications and

computation using MATLAB. The sequence consisting of

CME 100 (multivariable calculus with applications), CME

102 (ordinary differential equations), CME 104 (partial

differential equations with linear algebra), and/or CME 106

(probability and statistics) can be used to satisfy the general

engineering mathematics requirement and replaces the

MATH 50 series in an engineering program.

PHYSICS

http://www.stanford.edu/dept/physics/academics/

undergrad.html

(650) 723-4344

The Physics Department offers three entry-level physics

courses: the 20, 40, and 60 series. These series are designed

for various majors that require different levels of physics

study. However, all students who have an interest in learn-

ing physics are encouraged to take the course that best fits

their background.

The PHySICS 20 series is a three-quarter sequence

intended for general, pre-medical, and biology students.

While calculus is not required, knowledge of it is helpful in

the 20 series.

The PHySICS 40 series is a three-quarter sequence of

calculus-based physics intended for students in engineering

and the natural sciences. Prospective engineering, math, and

physics majors usually start this sequence in freshman year.

Chemistry majors normally begin the series in sophomore

year. Pre-med and biology students, particularly those with

AP credit in physics and those who anticipate a need for

physics in their work, often begin the series in junior year.

Previous coursework in physics and calculus at the high

school or college level is recommended but not required.

It is recommended that most students begin the PHYSICS

Go to office hours.

Seriously.

– Amanda ’12

23

ACADEM

ICS


40 sequence in the Winter Quarter with PHYSICS 41

(Mechanics). Only those freshmen who have a strong phys-

ics preparation in high school (e.g., a score of at least 4 on

the AP Physics C exam or 5 on the AP Physics B exam) are

advised to start with PHYSICS 45 in Autumn Quarter.

The PHySICS 60 series is a fast-paced introduc-

tory physics sequence for students who desire a more

mathematical treatment of physics than is given in the 40

series, and who have strong physics and math backgrounds

from high school (e.g., high scores in the equivalent of

AP Physics C and Calculus BC). In three quarters, the 60

series covers the content of the three-quarter 40 series, plus

PHYSICS 70 (Modern Physics).

Additional Advising Opportunities

UAR, in conjunction with campus community and

ethnic centers, provides additional advising opportu-

nities through Expanded Advising Programs (EAP)

for first-year students who share a common interest

or background. These programs include Partners for

Academic Excellence (PAE) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,

Transgender-Community Academic Support and Advising

(LGBT-CASA). The PAE programs are co-sponsored by the

Black Community Services Center (PAE I), the Athletics

Department (PAE II), El Centro Chicano (PAE IV), and the

Native American Cultural Center (PAE V); LGBT-CASA is

co-sponsored by the LGBT Community Resources Center.

EAP offers access to graduate and undergraduate

mentors; community-themed 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 Quarters. On aver-

age, students commit two hours per week to the program.

For a full description of EAP and to sign up for one of its

programs, please visit http://eap.stanford.edu.

Special Advice for Transfer Students

Please read carefully the material you receive during the

summer and consider the following:

• Contact Sally Mentzer over the summer if you have any

questions. Call (650) 723-4379 or email

[email protected] to arrange a telephone or

in-person appointment.

• Begin to investigate potential majors right away.

Refer to the Undergraduate Academic Life website

(http://undergrad.stanford.edu) to learn about courses,

faculty interests, research opportunities, and degree

requirements in a specific department.

• Even if a course from your previous institution will

count towards the total number of units required

for graduation or for a specific General Education

Requirement (GER), it does not guarantee it will fulfill

specific requirements for your major. Consult with the

Student Services Administrator in those departments

immediately to determine which courses they will and

will not accept toward major requirements.

• Pay particular attention to your GERs 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. 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. Your

questions regarding transfer credit can be answered by

one of the three methods below:

• Visit the Student Services Center in person on the

second floor of Tresidder Union

• Call the Student Services Center at (650) 723-7772 or

(866) 993-7772

• Submit a HelpSU ticket at https://helpsu.stanford.edu

Request Category: Student Services

Request Type: Student Services Center

Request Description: include inquiry

A student works on a helium-neon laser as part of her PHYSICS 107class.

24


• Save your syllabi from courses taken at your previous

school. You should have them available in case the

transfer credit office 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

major degree requirements.

• Attend New Student Orientation events, as they will

acquaint you with Stanford, with other students, and

with your academic options.

• Once you are on campus, make the most of your time

with your Transfer Pre-Major Advisor. Come prepared

by reading the credit evaluation material, General

Education Requirements, and your prospective major

requirements. Write down your questions. Sketch your

possible courses for Autumn Quarter for review with

your first meeting with your Transfer Pre-Major Advisor.

• Take advantage of drop-in advising, especially during

the first week of the quarter. Advising is available every

weekday in the UAR office in Sweet Hall.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

http://undergrad.stanford.edu/AP/planning_research/

ResearchPlanning.html

Engaging in research is a chance to pursue your

intellectual passion within a close community of faculty

and students mutually committed to exploration and the

discovery of new knowledge, whether it is in the humani-

ties, social sciences, arts, natural sciences, or engineering.

Research partnerships between faculty and students can

be among the most satisfying and intellectually exciting

experiences of your undergraduate education. Research

with faculty can also foster lasting mentorships built upon

shared interests and close collaborative work.

UAR sponsors programs and services that help you to

engage in this kind of research, scholarship, and creativity.

Think of UAR as your central resource to discover and

tap into the rich and dynamic research life of the Stanford

campus. For example, working with an Academic Director

or professional UAR advisor can help you:

• Identify a faculty member who shares your intellectual

interests and might serve as your research mentor.

• Understand the course sequences and seminars that will

best prepare you for the advanced scholarship you are

pursuing. They can also help you identify the right ways

to structure a substantive foundation in the discipline

you have chosen, using advanced coursework, directed

readings, and methodology classes.

• Turn your research ideas into a working project by learn-

ing about the approximately 35 campus-wide, depart-

mental research programs that match undergraduates

with faculty projects or by finding the financial resources

to support your research and travel expenses.

UAR also provides grants directly to students who wish

to design their own research and creative projects under

the guidance of a faculty sponsor. These grants (http://

studentgrants.stanford.edu) can cover project-related

expenses such as travel, books, material expenses, and

minor equipment, as well as summer living expenses.

Sponsored by UAR, the Symposium of Undergraduate

Research and Public Service (SURPS) is a campus-wide

forum where more than 100 undergraduates give poster

presentations of their current research, service, and

creative projects. SURPS takes place twice each academic

year. Attend the symposium to talk with undergraduates

already engaged in research about how they developed their

intellectual interests, formulated their research projects,

and made faculty connections. Like many students in the

past, you may find inspiration for a project of your own.

Academic Directors and professional UAR advisors

serve as sources of information and support for your

post-research activities as well. Whether you are interested

in writing an honors thesis based on your research experi-

ence, or you want to leverage your research experiences

into strong applications for scholarships, fellowships, and

UAR provides a program during New Student Orientation todiscuss ways to fulfill the pre-medical requirements at Stanford.

25

graduate programs, these advisors are able to help you

identify the best opportunities. UAR works with students

on a wide variety of research and non-research related

fellowship competitions and can help you prepare for the

intellectual explorations that await you after Stanford.

Tutoring Resources

http://tutoring.stanford.edu

(650) 736-7996

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) offers

free peer tutoring by appointment for biology, chemistry,

computer science, economics, engineering, human biol-

ogy, math, physics, statistics, and several foreign language

courses. In addition, many dorms have resident tutors in

chemistry, economics, math, and physics. Peer and resident

tutors are trained Stanford undergraduates who offer

assistance with understanding and applying the material in

courses they have recently completed. Tutoring for writing

is available through the Hume Writing Center (see page 29

for more information). Oral communication tutors are also

available through the Oral Communication Program, as

described on page 30.

Academic Skills Resources

http://undergrad.stanford.edu

(650) 723-8676

Through courses, workshops, and individual coaching,

CTL can help you enhance your academic skills for the

fast-paced and intense Stanford learning environment.

Topics covered by CTL include time management, exam

preparation, test-taking skills, reading for meaning,

and avoiding procrastination. To make an appointment

with CTL’s Academic Coach, contact Adina Glickman at

[email protected].

Post-Graduate Advising

Students interested in pursuing degrees beyond their

undergraduate degree should consult early and often

with their Pre-Major Advisor, Academic Director, and

the professional advisors in UAR. Most pre-professional

programs—including law, business, veterinary, medical,

nursing, and dental schools—do not require students to

major in a particular field. Indeed, they will reward your

pursuit of a major that will enable you to develop your

intellectual talents and interests fully while also sharpening

relevant skills. Most other graduate programs—such as

Ph.D. programs—will expect students to major in a field

related to their graduate work. In all instances, advisors and

Academic Directors are available to assist you in selecting

a major, finding relevant opportunities such as field work

and research, and preparing application materials.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Students interested in the health professions must complete

requirements that are set by the schools of medicine,

veterinary medicine, nursing, dentistry, etc. Although

coursework in the natural sciences is required, students do

not need to major in the sciences. During Orientation, UAR

will offer a program providing information on the many

paths you can follow to meet these requirements.


ACADEM

ICS

26

ACADEMICS | Academic Opportunities and Programs

Academic Opportunities and ProgramsBING OVERSEAS STUDIES PROGRAM

http://bosp.stanford.edu

(650) 723-3558

Every Stanford undergraduate should give serious

consideration to studying overseas. Regardless of the

academic path you choose, you will be enriched by time

spent in another country. Achieving cultural literacy and

gaining substantive understanding of other perspectives

in the world will deepen your awareness of yourself, your

own society, and your educational goals. Nearly one-half

of each graduating class has studied abroad through one of

Stanford’s overseas programs.

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, Kyoto, Madrid, Moscow,

Oxford, Paris, and Santiago. BOSP also participates in two

consortium programs located in Barcelona and Kyoto.

BOSP quarter-length programs provide challenging aca-

demic programs designed as entry points to the intellectual

resources of the host nations. In addition, BOSP’s Asia

Internships provide students the opportunity for deeper

engagement with local language and culture, as well as the

chance to gain practical, international work experience in a

given field in various countries throughout Asia.

Program Overview

All courses taught overseas in the BOSP programs offer

direct Stanford credit that frequently counts toward one

or more majors. In addition, many BOSP courses fulfill

General Education Requirements. Prominent members

of the local academic community and Stanford faculty

teach classes. One of the most enticing aspects of studying

overseas is the opportunity to interact with these faculty

members, often in an intimate seminar setting.

At certain BOSP programs, you may take classes at an

affiliated local university or complete an internship or pub-

lic service with an arts, governmental, business, technology,

or nonprofit organization. Students are encouraged to

initiate mentored research projects, using resources often

available only at the program locations, in order to prepare

a foundation for an honors thesis or other extended

academic projects. The academic program overseas is

further complemented by group cultural excursions, class

field trips, and personal explorations into the local culture.

At many of the programs, you will have the opportunity

to live in a home stay, an experience that deepens cultural

understanding and engages your language skills.

Length of Stay

You may plan a course of study for one or more quarters at

a single center or choose to study at more than one center

during different quarters. Additional academic, internship,

and cultural opportunities are available to those students

who participate for at least two quarters. Depending on

your major, however, it may be challenging to plan around

the timing of your major requirements. Therefore, the

BOSP staff recommends you do some advance planning

and early consultation with both BOSP staff and academic

advisors in Undergraduate Advising and Research. With

such preparation, it is possible for nearly every undergrad-

uate to fit one or preferably more quarters of study abroad

into his or her Stanford career.

Language Requirements

While some programs require completion of specified

language courses prior to arrival, others are conducted

in English or a combination of English and the local

language. The Berlin and Moscow programs, for instance,

offer intensive beginning language courses to enable

students with no previous language background to enroll

in these programs. BOSP does not recognize Advanced Students in BOSP’s Madrid program visit the Roman ruins of Méridain Extremadura, Spain.

27

ACADEM

ICS


Placement or SAT II credit received prior to matriculation

as satisfying its language prerequisites. Therefore, if you

are interested in BOSP programs that have a language

prerequisite, you should plan on completing additional

language study at Stanford.

Passport Requirement

A valid passport is required to participate in all BOSP

programs. BOSP strongly encourages you to ensure that

you are in possession of a passport that will be valid until

your anticipated graduation date.

Costs and Financial Aid

Because the Bing Overseas Studies Program is considered

an integral part of a Stanford undergraduate education,

the basic cost of a quarter overseas is about the same as the

cost of a quarter on campus. Tuition remains the same,

and instead of on-campus room and board, students are

charged an Overseas Fee, equivalent to mid-level housing

and a 19-meal plan, which covers lodging, meals, and

program activities. Costs associated with airfare and

personal expenses will vary for each student and are the

student’s responsibility. However, since participants of

BOSP remain registered at Stanford, financial aid continues

uninterrupted. The Financial Aid Office automatically

adjusts aid packages in accordance with differences in

travel and personal expenses while abroad, and with

consideration for a student’s inability to work while out of

the country.

Student Advisors

Student Advisors who have recently returned from at least

one quarter abroad represent each overseas program. If you

want more information about a particular location, contact

one of the student advisors. Their profiles and email

addresses are available on the BOSP website.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

http://cdc.stanford.edu

(650) 723-3963

Aside from its obvious purpose, which is to help you

find satisfying and meaningful employment at the end

of your Stanford student days, the Career Development

Center (CDC) is also a great place to go long before you

graduate. The CDC can help you find campus jobs during

the academic year, as well as summer jobs and internships,

locally and elsewhere. Go to the website and register with

Cardinal Careers to receive online newsletters about jobs,

internships, relevant programs, resources, and the latest

trends. If you are unsure about which career is right for

you, the CDC has career-related assessments you can take

to see where your interests, values, and skills might point.

Workshops on resume writing and interviewing are held

regularly, as are CDC-sponsored career/internship fairs,

alumni panels, and information sessions with potential

employers. You can also schedule an appointment with a

CDC counselor to discuss your plans for the future. Keep

your eyes open for information on the CDC’s annual Frosh

Open House held in early January.

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

http://undergrad.stanford.edu/OO/off_campus_opps/

UniversityExchange.html

The Stanford Diversity Exchange allows Stanford

students to trade places with students from another college

or university for a quarter, a semester, or an academic year.

The Diversity Exchange now enjoys the participation of

three historically black colleges and universities: Howard,

Morehouse, and Spelman.

Exchange students pay tuition to and receive

appropriate financial aid from their home institution. They

pay room, board, and fees to their host schools. Academic

work completed during an exchange is reviewed for

transfer credit by the Office of the University Registrar.

Participants in an exchange are not eligible to transfer

permanently to the host school. If you permanently

withdraw from Stanford to attend one of the participating

schools, you are no longer eligible for Stanford services.

HAAS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

http://haas.stanford.edu

(650) 723-0992

We encourage you to visit the Haas Center for

Public Service, where numerous staff-led programs

and community service student organizations offer

opportunities for a wide variety of service activity:

hands-on action in communities, government service,

policy research, and community development. When you

participate in service, you learn with, from, and about

people whose lives may be very different from your own.

An initial volunteer activity may lead

to deeper understanding of underlying

social issues and a desire to learn

more. By fostering student initiative,

leadership, and a spirit of giving and

sharing, the center can help you gain

knowledge and skills necessary to be

There’s no better place

in the world to find out

who you are and who

you want to be, with so

many awesome people

around you.

– Kelsie ‘12

28


a leader in a democratic, multicultural society, and make

decisions about possible public service careers.

Through outreach by Frosh Service Ambassadors, you

can learn about campus-wide service initiatives available

through the residences, ethnic community centers, religious

organizations, fraternities, and sororities, as well as at the

Haas Center. The center works with faculty to build service-

learning courses and community research opportunities

across a range of disciplines. Courses may take the form of

seminars, lecture courses, directed readings, internships,

practica, and senior honors seminars. You may explore and

gain experience in areas such as urban youth development,

social entrepreneurship, community organizing, affordable

housing, environmental issues and climate change, ethical

challenges in public and community service, education

policy, philanthropy, and research as a form of public

service. In your junior year, you may want to consider

applying for the Public Service Scholars Program, a vibrant,

supportive, learning community where seniors doing

honors research write theses that meet both academic and

community standards of excellence and usefulness. Lists of

service-learning courses, updated quarterly, are posted on

the Haas Center website.

Haas programs include the Public Service Leadership

Fellows Program, a range of youth and education

programs, Alternative Spring Break, (http://asb.stanford.

edu), and Stanford in Government (http://sig.stanford.

edu). If you qualify for financial aid, you can participate

in a service experience while earning a portion of your

award through the federally-funded Community Service

Work-Study program. Haas staff can help you design or

find campus or local placements during the academic

year or anywhere in the U.S. during the summer. Staff

members also will help you apply for the wide range of

local, national, and international summer fellowships, some

of which are direct placements and others self-designed

service projects. Finally, the center offers postgraduate

fellowships for seniors seeking leadership experience in

government, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic

foundations for a year following graduation.

When you get to campus, come into the Bing

Information and Resource Center (the BIRC) at Haas.

Talk to the staff and use the wealth of resources housed

there. Visit the Haas website for current information on all

service-related events, courses, jobs, fellowships, and more.

HOPKINS MARINE STATION

http://hopkins.stanford.edu

(831) 655-6200

Hopkins Marine Station is located on the shoreline

of the Monterey Peninsula, 90 miles south of the main

Stanford campus. The intertidal and offshore waters

surrounding the station are a protected California State

Marine Reserve and provide excellent resources for research

and teaching in marine biology. The lab is fully equipped

for molecular, physiological, neuro, and ecological research,

and is home to nine faculty and scores of postdocs and

graduate students. University housing is available within

walking distance of the station.

Winter Quarter emphasizes upper level biology classes

with hands-on lab experiences such as molecular ecology,

physiology, oceanography, and invertebrate biology. In

Spring, a section of the Bio Core course BIO 43 and

associated lab is taught as well as an intensive course in

undergraduate research methods. In odd years, Stanford@

SEA (http://stanford.sea.edu) spends half of the Spring at

Hopkins and the remainder doing shipboard research in

the South Pacific. Holistic Biology (http://holisticbiology.

stanford.edu) is offered in even years combining

instruction at the station with an extended field expedition

to the Gulf of California.

Applications for courses at Hopkins Marine Station are

due the quarter before, except for a longer lead time for

Stanford@SEA. Applications and more information are at

the Hopkins website and the Biology Department’s Student

Services Office in Gilbert 108.

The learning environment at Stanford extends well beyond The Farm.

29


ACADEM

ICS

HUME WRITING CENTER


(650) 723-0045

Founded in 2001, the George and Leslie Hume Writing

Center has quickly become an important hub of Stanford’s

lively culture of writing. At the core of the Hume Writing

Center’s services are individual consultations available to

students working on any kind of writing. In addition, the

Center provides workshops for students enrolled in PWR,

IHUM, and WIM classes. The Center hosts “How I Write,”

a series of engaging conversations with faculty about their

own writing in a range of fields, as well as a broad range of

readings, performances, and open mic nights. The Center

offers the Innovative Research Award (IRA), which recog-

nizes the creative application of research methodology and

outstanding use of sources in PWR 1 essays. It also awards

excellence in multimedia presentations performed in PWR

2 classes with the Oral Presentation of Research Award

(OPRA). Beyond support for academic work, the Center

provides a meeting and performance space for students

working in a variety of forms, including poetry, spoken

word, and drama. It also participates in outreach to public

schools in our area. Whatever your writing challenges and

interests may be, the Center provides academic support and

a place to share your words and ideas.

INTRODUCTORY SEMINARS

http://introsems.stanford.edu

Introductory Seminars give freshmen and sophomores

the opportunity to connect with Stanford faculty in an

intimate and focused setting. They are specially designed to

create a sense of intellectual excitement, to encourage active

critical inquiry, and to explore areas of academic interest.

Faculty from the Schools of Humanities and Sciences,

Medicine, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Education, Law, and

Business participate in this program, offering seminars on

a wide range of fascinating topics. You will have access to

these courses in both your first and second years, and you

should make a point of applying each quarter in each of

those years. An Introductory Seminar catalogue describing

the 2010-11 seminars and application dates will be mailed

to your home address in August.

OFFICE OF ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION

http://stanford.edu/group/OAE

(650) 723-1066, TTY: (650) 723-1067

The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) provides

services and resources to students with disabilities.

Students who may be eligible for services have a variety

of disabilities, including mobility impairments, chronic

illnesses, sensory disabilities, learning disabilities, and

psychological disabilities. The office’s goal is to enable

students with disabilities to participate fully in the

educational experience at Stanford while meeting the

academic 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,

notetaking, Brailing, oral or sign language interpretation,

CART, books on tape or electronic text, examination

accommodations, and special housing arrangements.

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 software such as screen magnification,

speech recognition, text-to-speech screen readers, and

graphic outliners are available from any of the computing

clusters in Meyer, Tresidder, and the residences, as well as

the Lane and SSRC Reading Rooms in Green Library.

During the academic year, the OAE runs a golf cart

service, DisGo Cart, for use by students or any other mem-

ber of the Stanford community who have temporary and

permanent mobility impairments or who use a wheelchair.

To arrange for an on-campus ride, call (650) 725-2484

(725-CHUG). To learn about the office’s services, contact

the OAE directly at (650) 723-1066.

Schwab Learning Center

The Schwab Learning Center (SLC) offers enhanced

services (beyond those required by state and federal laws)

specifically for gifted students with learning disabilities

and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Established in

2001 by a generous endowment from Charles and Helen

Schwab, the center is designed to be a supportive learning

environment offering comprehensive, innovative programs

and services to provide students who are LD and/or ADHD

an optimal experience at Stanford. Among the services

offered are screening assessments for learning differences,

individual learning strategy sessions, tutoring in various

academic disciplines, and community outreach programs.

There is no cost to use Schwab Learning Center services;

students may self-refer to the SLC.

30


ORAL COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

http://undergrad.stanford.edu/ARS/help_oral/oct.html

(650) 723-1326

Would you like to be able to grab an audience’s atten-

tion and hold it? Would you like to feel more confident

speaking in front of a group? The Oral Communication

Program at the Center for Teaching and Learning can help

you develop your skills in spoken expression and presenta-

tion. It provides personalized assistance to meet your oral

communication needs, including reducing speech anxiety,

practicing class presentations, and integrating multimedia

tools. Introductory and advanced services are available

to accommodate all students. The Oral Communication

Program also offers such resources as a Speaking Center (a

rehearsal studio for practicing oral presentations), a peer

tutoring and consulting program, and quarterly credit-

bearing courses such as CTL 117: The Art of Effective

Speaking. For more course information, look in the

Stanford Bulletin listings under Center for Teaching and

Learning or drop by the Oral Communication Program’s

office on the fourth floor of Sweet Hall.

OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER

Bechtel International Center

http://www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/orc/index.html

(650) 725-0881

Housed in Bechtel International Center, the Overseas

Resource Center (ORC) is Stanford’s advising center for

students and alums pursuing international scholarships

for study and research abroad. The ORC administers

major postgraduate awards such as the Rhodes, Marshall,

and Fulbright, and advises on many smaller awards that

provide funding for undergraduates to participate in study

abroad or language programs throughout the year. The

ORC also offers information and advising on postdocs.

The ORC offers one-on-one advising sessions and provides

support in all aspects of the application process. The ORC

maintains a library of scholarship literature and binders of

previous successful application essays. In addition to the

advising service, the ORC also sells passport photos and

issues International Student ID Cards.

RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION

http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/resed

(650) 725-2800

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.

The Residential Education program 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 support are

important components of a Stanford education. Residential

Education complements the academic curriculum with pro-

grams and activities essential to your preparation for a life of

leadership, intellectual engagement, citizenship, and service.

Priorities of Residential Education

1. Intellectual development – through interaction with

faculty, residence-based classes, informal learning

experiences, exposure to arts and cultures, discussions

of issues, and introduction to an array of stimulat-

ing people, ideas, and multicultural experiences; and

through residence-based advising, personal counseling,

assistance in the use of technology, and programs

and services aimed at enhancing your well-being and

your ability to use Stanford’s educational and other

resources.

2. Interpersonal development – providing support for

students’ personal growth and maturation, recognizing

there are developmental stages and stressors com-

mon to college students, but not a common timeline;

through discussions of social norms, parental and peer

pressure, and health education; and through programs

designed to enhance students’ well-being and ability to

use the campus resources available to them. In addition, Students prepare for a presentation on World War II at the BingOverseas Studies Program in Berlin.

31


ACADEM

ICS

students will explore membership in a pluralistic

community, where each student feels fully included

and where the environment is characterized by mutual

concern, empathy, the active exchange of views, and the

freedom to differ intellectually, culturally, and politically.

3. Leadership development – where opportunities exist to

build skills and exercise responsibility for personal and

group decisions.

STANFORD IN WASHINGTON PROGRAM

http://stanford.edu/dept/siw

(650) 736-2319

The Stanford in Washington (SIW) program is an

opportunity to spend a quarter studying in the nation’s

capital. During the quarter, students work at full-time

internships in the world of Washington politics and policy,

take courses from visiting Stanford faculty and Washington

experts, and meet with Supreme Court justices, members

of Congress, government officials, journalists, and public

interest group leaders. Learning both inside the classroom

and beyond it in the Washington community, where day-

to-day policy decisions are made, provides students with

an exceptional opportunity to focus their studies and their

future career goals.

For most students, the internship is the highlight of

the program. The Washington community offers a wealth

of internships in all areas of study. Students may work

with such organizations as the Department of Justice,

the National Institutes of Health, the World Bank, and

the National Endowment for Democracy. Internship

supervisors, who frequently are policymakers, allow

students an insider’s view to the decision-making process.

In addition to the internship and coursework, students will

explore Washington’s cultural resources and rich history,

including tours of the Smithsonian museums, perfor-

mances at the Kennedy Center, and trips to Monticello,

Gettysburg, and other places of national interest.

The program is designed for students in any major

in their junior year or in the first and/or second quarters

of their senior year. Note that Winter Quarter at SIW

is focused entirely on health and environmental policy.

Stanford in Washington is not incompatible with a quarter

overseas, but doing both requires careful academic planning.

Students apply to the program two quarters in advance of

the quarter they wish to attend. However, if they are overseas

or otherwise not on campus during that time, they will need

to apply and be interviewed three quarters in advance.

THE STANFORD LIBRARIES

http://library.stanford.edu

(650) 725-1064

The Stanford Libraries are an integral part of the

academic life of Stanford providing an extraordinary array

of resources and services to the community. Stanford

community members 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. The libraries also provide a variety of

individual and group study spaces, basic and specialized

computer clusters, and wireless internet access.

Green Library and the Information Center

http://infocenter.stanford.edu

(650) 725-1064

The Cecil H. Green Library, which houses the humani-

ties and social science research collection, is the largest

library at Stanford. Green Library houses the Department

of Special Collections and the University Archives, plus the

Media and Microtext collections (DVDs, CDs, microfiche,

etc.). The library has a “reserves” collection for those

materials reserved by faculty for use by students taking par-

ticular courses. These reserve services

are also available in many of the branch

libraries (e.g., Education, Sciences,

Art, Music). Green Library also has

large and small study rooms, computer

clusters, printers and scanners.

The Information Center at the

library serves the basic reference and

Residential programs offer freshmen a way to interact academicallyand connect with peers outside of the classroom.

There’s no reason to

learn everything by

yourself when you’re

immersed in a pool of

talent this vast.

– Adam ‘11

32


instructional needs of students in the humanities and social

sciences. Specialized subject reference assistance is also

available in Green and in the other research libraries.

Each of the research libraries has professional staff with

expertise in the field who can help you with your research

needs. You are welcome to use these libraries at any point

in your undergraduate career. Explore these resources once

you are on campus:

• Archive of Recorded Sound

• Art and Architecture

• Biology

• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

• Earth Sciences and Map Collection

• East Asia (in the Meyer Library)

• Education

• Engineering

• Marine Biology

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Music

Meyer Library

http://library.stanford.edu/depts/meyer

(650) 723-5600

The J. Henry Meyer Memorial Library houses the

following services and collections:

Academic Computing Services provides a variety of

instructional support services within Meyer Library. The

first floor hosts technology-enhanced classrooms and

flexible, informal 24-hour study areas equipped with laser

printers, wireless access points, and computers running

Mac OS X and Windows XP. The lobby area is also open

24 hours and offers a mix of group study, laptop areas, and

computer stations.

Facilities located on the second floor of Meyer include

the Tech Desk, the Multimedia Studio, the Academic

Technology Lab for faculty, clusters with computers

running Mac OS X and Windows XP, and laptop areas. The

Digital Language Lab and the multipurpose FlexClass are

also on the second floor. The student staff of the Tech Desk

provides general consulting and help for Meyer services

and study spaces, multimedia production, poster printing,

and AV equipment checkout.

The Multimedia Studio is an all-Mac drop-in facility

that includes equipment and software for digital video

editing, image scanning and manipulation, and video

format conversion.

The Digital Language Lab (http://thelab.stanford.edu)

is the hub for multilingual computing and communication

at Stanford. The Lab comprises four learning spaces

configured to support instruction and learning of the

world’s natural languages. Workstations in the Lab are

customized to allow users to do work in foreign character

sets, to record voice, and to communicate using Voice Over

IP. The Lab also hosts large-scale online testing for the

Stanford Language Center.

The Bing Wing of Green Library is among the University’s historiclandmarks and a popular place to study.

33


Vice Provost for Student Affairs 34


Acts of Intolerance Protocol 35

Alcohol and Drinking 36

Judicial Affairs 34

Policy on Smoke-Free Environment 36

Sexual Violations 36

The Fundamental Standard 35

The Honor Code 35


Arts in Student Life 37

Asian American Activities Center 40

Associated Students of Stanford University 40

Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation 40

Bechtel International Center 41

Black Community Services Center 41

El Centro Chicano 42

Greek Community 42

LGBT Community Resources Center 42

Native American Cultural Center/American Indian,

Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Program 42

Old Union 43

Publications and Media 43

Religious Groups at Stanford 43

Stanford Traditions 44

Student Clubs and Organizations 45

Tresidder Memorial Union 46

Women’s Community Center 46

Belonging at Stanford

We are proud of the diversity of the students, faculty,

and staff of the Stanford family. This wide range of life

experiences and backgrounds is critical for building

a vital intellectual community within the University.

At Stanford we affirm our respect for diversity in all

of the characteristics that describe people, including

age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability

difference, economic status, nationality, political beliefs,

and geographical background. We believe encounters

between people with different perspectives and points

of view stimulate creative thinking, foster a deeper

understanding of the world beyond Stanford, and promote

the development of a strong community on our campus in

which all members are truly valued.

Your Stanford Community

YOUR STANFO

RD COM

MUNITY

34

YOUR STANFORD COMMUNITY | Values and Standards

VICE PROVOST FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu

(650) 725-1808

The office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs sup-

ports the academic mission of the University and strives

to enhance the overall quality of life at Stanford for all

students. The Student Affairs division is committed to the

social, psychological, ethical, and cognitive development,

and well-being of students. Offices and programs include:

Student Life, Educational Resources, Student Activities

and Leadership, Ethnic and Community Centers, Career

Development Center, Office of Accessible Education,

Vaden Health Center, Residential Education, Graduate Life

Office, Bechtel International

Center, Office of the University

Registrar, Judicial Affairs, and

the Haas Center for Public

Service.

Values and StandardsAs a member of the campus community, you are expected

to live by a code of ethical behavior, and you are account-

able 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.

JUDICIAL AFFAIRS

http://judicialaffairs.stanford.edu

(650) 725-2485

The Office of Judicial Affairs is responsible for respond-

ing to all concerns that a violation of a student conduct

policy may have occurred. Members of the Office of

Judicial Affairs staff assist students in understanding the

Fundamental Standard and Honor Code, handle concerns

filed with the office, and work directly with students

regarding any such concerns. The Office of Judicial Affairs

also ensures student participation in the judicial process

through the Judicial Panel Pool.

The sooner you get

involved, the sooner

Stanford becomes

home.

– Brian ’12

Within a few months you’ll be arriving on campus, carrying all your favorite

belongings and 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. Others will take much longer and some questions will crop up just as you

answer others.

At Stanford you are continually encouraged to try new classes, to explore new activities, and to challenge

yourself in the quest for knowledge and self enlightenment. You have the opportunity to learn from the truly

amazing people who will be your teachers and the equally amazing people who are your peers. The staff in

student affairs stands ready to assist and champion you in your career at Stanford whenever the need arises.

It is our job to support the academic mission of the University and to enhance your college experience and all

of us believe that we are here to serve students.

Our community is built on diversity and a profound but fundamental respect for individual differences.

Bring an open, questioning mind, an observant eye, a desire to learn as much as possible, and I expect that

your Stanford years will be fulfilling in ways you cannot yet imagine.

Greg Boardman, Vice Provost for Student Affairs

35


YOUR STANFO

RD COM

MUNITY

THE FUNDAMENTAL STANDARD

The Fundamental Standard has set the standard of con-

duct for students at Stanford since 1896. It 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. Although there

is no standard penalty that applies to violations of the

Fundamental Standard, all violations are taken very

seriously. Infractions have led to penalties ranging from a

formal warning to expulsion. In each case, sanctions are

determined based upon the seriousness and context of

the violation.

THE HONOR CODE

The Honor Code is the application of the Fundamental

Standard to academic matters. It is based on a

collaborative effort between faculty and students to create

an academic environment based on trust. 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 will be held

accountable for the same.

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.

Violations of the Honor Code are taken very seriously.

The standard penalty 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 Charter—which applies to both

the Fundamental Standard and the Honor Code—as

well as the text of other student conduct policies are

available on the Office of Judicial Affairs website at http://

judicialaffairs.stanford.edu.

ACTS OF INTOLERANCE PROTOCOL

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

we wish to proceed thoughtfully, providing support to

all of those affected, while also affirming that we value

differences, free expression, and debate as sources of

strength for our community.

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.

A student who witnesses or views the evidence of an act

of intolerance is encouraged to report the incident to police

or, if it occurs in a residence hall, to a Resident Fellow (RF),

Resident Assistant (RA), or Residence Dean (RD), who

will in turn notify the Director of Residential Education

and the Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs/Dean of

Educational Resources.

Acts of intolerance (or perceived acts of intolerance)

will be addressed by the University on a case-by-case

basis with immediate attention focused on the well-being

of the targeted individual or group and the community

members impacted by the incident. The Associate Vice

Provost has ultimate responsibility to ensure that the Acts

of Intolerance Protocol is being followed and will ensure

that appropriate educational tools for students, faculty,

and staff are developed.

A copy of the protocol is available online at:

http://www.stanford.edu/dept/vpsa/intolerance/.

The Honor Code comes

to guide how and why

we work, and pushes us

to do even more.

– Thom ’10

36


ALCOHOL AND DRINKING

Stanford University is absolutely committed to student

safety, and we maintain an educational approach to dealing

with campus alcohol issues. We build a community of

individual and collective responsibility where students who

legally drink alcohol live and study with nondrinkers in

a safe and comfortable environment. In fact, a significant

number of Stanford students abstain from alcohol use.

Overall, we want you to care for each other by preventing

yourself and others from engaging in dangerous alcohol-

related behaviors.

The vast majority of you will make respectable choices

about alcohol consumption and behave appropriately.

That is the norm. However, for those who engage in high-

risk and/or excessive drinking, the University takes swift

and serious steps to educate and/or discipline students.

Our foremost commitment is to create and sustain a safe

and healthy campus through education and firm alcohol

policies.

For those who will be coming to Stanford from out-of-

state or from another country, you should be aware that

in the state of California, it is illegal to drink alcohol if you

are under 21 years of age, and it is illegal to buy alcohol for,

or to serve it to, those under 21. Also, it is illegal to possess

a fake ID. The Stanford Police Department enforces the

drinking-age requirement.

Stanford University offers a plethora of programming

about alcohol safety in the residences, especially during

New Student Orientation. The campus works together as

partners in these efforts with students, faculty, staff, and the

police. Specific information about programs, policies, and

initiatives can be obtained from the Vaden Health Center,

Substance Abuse Prevention Program at (650) 723-3429 or

at http://alcohol.stanford.edu.

SEXUAL VIOLATIONS

POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

It is the policy of Stanford University to maintain the

University community as a place of work and study for

students, faculty, and staff free of sexual harassment. It is

further the policy of the University to prevent, correct, and

remedy sexual harassment. All students, faculty, and staff

are subject to this policy.

POLICY ON SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault is unacceptable and will not be tolerated

at Stanford. The University urges an individual who has

experienced a sexual assault to make an official report.

A report of sexual assault will be dealt with promptly.

Confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent

possible. The University is committed to treating those

who have experienced unwanted sexual contact with

sensitivity and respect, and to providing information

regarding on- and off-campus services and resources. A

student, faculty member, or staff member who commits an

act of unwanted sexual contact will be subject to discipline

up to and including termination or other appropriate

institutional sanctions. Prosecution by external authorities

may also result.

Students who have experienced a sexual assault, or are

supporting someone who has, are encouraged to call the

YWCA Sexual Assault Center at Stanford. The 24-hour

hotline number is (650) 725-9955. Stanford’s policies on

sexual assault and sexual harassment are available at

http://adminguide.stanford.edu/23_2.pdf and

http://adminguide.stanford.edu/23_3.pdf.

POLICY ON SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

It is the policy of Stanford University that smoking of

tobacco products 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, and during other University-

sponsored or designated indoor or outdoor events.

37

YOUR STANFORD COMMUNITY | Finding Your Place(s)

YOUR STANFO

RD COM

MUNITY

Finding Your Place(s)ARTS IN STUDENT LIFE

http://studentarts.stanford.edu


To join the ArtsUpdate list, email artsupdate-join@lists.

stanford.edu from your Stanford email account to stay

up-to-date on the arts at Stanford.

At Stanford, the arts make up a large part of student life,

culture, and tradition. Whether it’s dance, drama, creative

writing, visual arts, film, or music, the arts cross boundaries

and sub-communities within the University and provide

common ground for Stanford students. Whether you are

planning to integrate the arts into your studies by becom-

ing an arts major or minor, continue your artistic passion

through an extracurricular student organization, or simply

support your talented classmates by becoming a dedicated

audience member and fan, there are many ways to engage

in the arts at Stanford.

The Stanford Student Arts Website is the online hub

for Stanford’s student arts community. The site features

a comprehensive arts events calendar, a community

blog, an extensive resources section, a bulletin board for

connections and opportunities in the arts, a media gallery

for posting your creations, and much more. The site is a key

resource to engage with the Stanford arts scene. Visit the

URL above to learn more about what’s going on at Stanford

in the arts.

Cantor Arts Center

http://museum.stanford.edu

(650) 723-4177

The Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University’s own

museum, has 24 galleries presenting art from around the

world and spanning 4000 years. The Center brings a full

range of changing exhibitions to campus and offers free

admission to everyone. It features the largest collection of

Auguste Rodin bronzes outside of Paris, an organic café,

a bookshop, and a variety of free programs throughout

the year. Faculty and students use the Center’s collections,

exhibitions, and facilities to support teaching and research.

There are many ways for students to engage with the

Center. Sign up for a free Student Membership to hear

about student-curated exhibitions, gallery openings, free

studio art classes, invitations to student-only events, and a

10% discount at the Center Bookshop, among other great

opportunities. To sign up, come to the Cantor Arts Center

and fill out an application located at an entrance desk.

This year’s “Party on the Edge,” an annual event just for

Stanford students, is Thursday, October 14, from 9:00 p.m.

to midnight. It features a variety of live performances by

students, free food, open mic, student-produced films, stu-

dent artwork, and more. “Party on the Edge” is also a good

time to sign up for your free Stanford student membership.

Each Autumn Quarter, Stanford students can train

to become Student Guides in sessions with curators and

museum staff through the one-unit ARTHIST 99A class. For

more information about the Student Guide class, contact

Kristen Olson at (650) 723-4435 or [email protected].

The Center awards the Geballe Prize for Writing every

Spring Quarter for written work relating to the Cantor

Arts Center’s collection. For more information about these

programs, student employment, and exhibitions curated

by students through coursework, visit http://museum.

stanford.edu, and click on the “Students and Faculty” link

at the top.

Drama and Dance

http://drama.stanford.edu

(650) 723-2576

The Drama Department offers a dual approach to the

study of performance—scholarly and creative. In addition

to a spectrum of academic courses devoted to the history

and theory of performance and theatre, Drama also offers

creative courses devoted to acting, directing, and designing.

The department also supports and creates a variety

of major productions, original works, one-act plays, and

staged readings. Open auditions are held at the beginning

of each quarter for upcoming shows. Students interested

in lighting, make up, costume, stage management, carpen-

try, and design are also given opportunities to work on

productions. In addition, through a partnership with the A fun way to get to know the Cantor Arts Center is to go to its “Partyon the Edge” in October.

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Public Theater in New York, there are opportunities for

students to work with professional playwrights, actors,

directors, and others each year. The department offers

both a major and a minor.

Student-run theatrical organizations include Ram’s

Head, the oldest and largest group, which produces three

shows each year: Gaieties, a student-written, pre-Big Game

performance; the Original Winter One Acts, three student-

written and performed plays; and a spring Broadway-style

musical. Other student theater organizations include the

Stanford Improvisors, the Committee on Black Performing

Arts, the Asian American Theater Project, the Stanford

Shakespeare Society, the Stanford Savoyards, and the

Institute for Diversity in the Arts, which often features a

drama or dance professional. The Stanford Theater Activist

Mobilization Project (STAMP) was started in 2006 and uses

the power of performance as a means to cultivate social

change. In addition to student groups, many residences also

present a show each year.

The Drama Department’s Dance Division offers a range

of technique, composition, repertory, and dance history

classes. Studio classes in modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, Afro

styles, and social dance are offered at all levels. Open format

low tech performances are offered every other month

showcasing individual and student group choreography. In

addition to working with professional guest artists, students

interested in choreographing and performing can partici-

pate in student-run clubs including Alliance Streetdance,

Arabesque Middle Eastern Dance, Ballet Folklórico de

Stanford, Bent Spoon Contemporary Dance Company,

Cardinal Ballet, Cardinal Whirlwinds Square Dance

Exhibition Team, Chocolate Heads, Decadance, dv8, Grupo

Folklórico Latino Dance, Israeli Folk Dance, jam pac’d Jazz,

Hip Hop, Stanford Ballroom Dance Club, Stanford Tango

Club, Swing Kids, Swingtime, and Urban Styles LA-style

Jazz Dancing.

Music

http://music.stanford.edu

(650) 723-3811

The Department of Music offers a broad spectrum

of academic classes and performance opportunities.

Beginning instruction is available in piano, guitar, and

voice. Private lessons at intermediate and advanced levels

can be taken for credit in the instruments found in the

orchestra, as well as some early instruments and unusual

instruments (extra fees are involved, but scholarships are

available). Check the department’s bulletin boards in Braun

Music Center or the departmental website for minimum

proficiency requirements for private lessons. Auditions

are held at the beginning of each quarter. In addition, the

Department of Music offers many ensembles open by

audition to the general student body. In fact, most of the

students in these ensembles are not music majors.

The Department of Music has five choral ensembles

that perform a wide range of literature from early music

and chant to works by emerging composers. Auditions

for all ensembles are during Orientation; check at the

Department of Music for audition information during

Orientation activities.

The Stanford Chamber Chorale (http://chorale.

stanford.edu) is the most selective of the choral ensembles,

choosing 24 students from a two-tiered audition process to

build the best blend of voices possible.

The Early Music Singers specializes in the performance

of choral literature from the Medieval, Renaissance, and

Baroque eras.

University Singers (http://usingers.stanford.edu) is

a select ensemble of about 50 members from the student

body and the Stanford community.

Symphonic Chorus (http://www.stanford.edu/group/

SymCh) is made up of approximately 150 students, staff,

faculty, and members of the Stanford community.Students spin around the dance floor at a ball held in the Roble Dance Studio.

39


Memorial Church Choir provides music for the Sunday

morning services in Memorial Church and performs

combined-ensemble programs for events, such as the

Festival of Lessons and Carols, throughout the year.

The Department of Music also has a number of

instrumental ensembles. The groups perform diverse

programs of baroque, classical, romantic, jazz, and

contemporary works.

Auditions for these ensembles are held during

Orientation as well; check the music office in Braun Music

Center for more information.

The Stanford Symphony Orchestra (http://sso.

stanford.edu), founded just two months after the University

in 1891, has now expanded to nearly 90 members from

across the student body and the surrounding community.

The Stanford Philharmonia (http://sso.stanford.

edu/philharmonia) is a select chamber orchestra of 35

performers. The group offers accomplished musicians an

opportunity to perform works for a small orchestra.

The Stanford Laptop Orchestra or SLOrk

(http://slork.stanford.edu) is a large-scale, computer-

mediated ensemble that explores cutting-edge technology

in combination with conventional musical contexts, while

radically transforming both.

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The Department of Music sponsors a variety of student vocal andinstrumental ensembles for both music and non-music majors.

Over the next few years, you’ll hear a lot about community and you’ll soon discover

that the concept of community is integral to life here at Stanford. As a member of our

community, you will be afforded many privileges—participating in student organizations, engaging in opportuni-

ties to develop your leadership abilities, and exploring your academic and extracurricular interests. You will be

able to draw upon many campus resources to promote your personal and intellectual growth.

Inherent in the privilege of being a member of our community is the responsibility to uphold community

standards. We trust that you will treat others with respect and that you will ensure that all members of our

community feel valued and included. We also trust that you will help us maintain the highest academic stan-

dards. The Fundamental Standard and the Honor Code exist to protect these important community values.

During New Student Orientation (NSO) you’ll be introduced to many people who can support and advise

you and who will be cheering you on throughout your Stanford career. Whether you’re trying to decide

what activities to join, or you’re struggling with a difficult personal decision, remember that we want you to

achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself. Our role in the community is to help you thrive on that journey.

Welcome to the Stanford community.

Chris Griffith, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life

40


The Stanford Jazz Orchestra (http://stanford.edu/

group/jazz) is a group of about 20 students, faculty, and

staff who focus on and keep alive the tradition of big band

jazz.

The Stanford Wind Ensemble (http://stanford.edu/

group/windensemble) features about 40 undergraduates,

graduate students, and community members.

Stanford Taiko (http://taiko.stanford.edu) is an entirely

student-run group that performs the traditional art of

Japanese drumming.

Many extracurricular musical opportunities abound

on campus outside of the department. Stanford is home

to talented and recognized a cappella groups that compete

and tour nationally and internationally. To find out more

about specific groups, do an internet search for “Stanford

a cappella.”

The Savoyards are a Gilbert and Sullivan troupe that

performs two operettas by the comic duo every year.

Stanford also features many rock and jazz bands organized

and run by students. These bands play at parties, special

dinners, and other locales.

Last, but never least, is Stanford’s infamous and quirky

Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band (http://

lsjumb.stanford.edu). Neither experience nor musical back-

ground is required to join the band. They will teach you

everything that’s important (like when to jump during “All

Right Now” and what combinations of clothing/uniforms

look horridly funny).

ASIAN AMERICAN ACTIVITIES CENTER

http://a3c.stanford.edu

(650) 723-3681

The Asian American Activities Center (A3C) is the hub

of the Asian American community at Stanford and home

of 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 provides

opportunities for students to interact with faculty and

staff in small, informal sessions. The center also provides

organizational advising, a computer cluster, and meeting

and rehearsal space.

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF STANFORD UNIVERSITY

http://assu.stanford.edu

(650) 725-2778

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

Stanford’s 15,000 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 important speak-

ers to campus, holds concerts, sponsors community service

projects and student advocacy campaigns, and offers free

legal help. The ASSU 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. Look for more information at ASSU’s website

or attend one of its information sessions held during

Orientation.

ATHLETICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND RECREATION

http://stanford.edu/dept/pe

http://www.gostanford.com

(650) 723-4591, Intercollegiate Athletics

(650) 723-7686, Physical Education

(650) 724-9872, Recreation

Stanford promotes excellence in academics, athletics,

and recreation. Stanford has won the Division I Directors’

Cup, which honors the most successful program in NCAA

sports, the last 15 years. Approximately 850 students

participate in Stanford Athletics’ 35 intercollegiate varsity

sports. Stanford maintains 1,000,000 gross feet of indoor

facilities and more than 100 acres of outdoor fields.

The Band shows its school spirit by participating in campus-wideevents, such as this traditional Admit Weekend performance

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Among Stanford’s facilities are the 6,786-yard Stanford

Golf Course; the 7,613-seat Maples Pavilion; the 4,000-

seat Sunken Diamond; the 17-court Taube Family Tennis

Center; the Avery Aquatic Center; and the 50,000-seat

Stanford Stadium.

The Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation opened

in Autumn 2005, and houses a variety of recreational

sports, including basketball, squash, fitness, climbing,

fencing, and weight training, all of which are available to all

students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the center provides

an academic support center, and a sports medicine clinic

for varsity athletes.

Students may join a club sport, which competes at the

intercollegiate level and accommodates a wide spectrum

of talent. Most teams accept novices, yet still challenge

top-quality athletes. Available sports include archery,

badminton, cheer, cricket, cycling, equestrian, horse

polo, ice hockey, judo, lacrosse, rugby, running, skiing,

squash, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon and ultimate

frisbee. In 2008-2009, Cycling won 2nd in the Nationals

Women’s Team Time Trial; Equestrian finished 3rd at

Nationals; in their fifth straight final championship game

appearance, Women’s Rugby finished 2nd at Division I

Collegiate Nationals hosted at Stanford, one player was

selected by the US for the 7’s Rugby World Cup in Dubai

and another player selected for the U-20 US Team; Squash

finished the season ranked 26th in the nation among club

and varsity teams and 2nd among club teams in the US;

Taekwondo finished 2nd at Collegiate Nationals including

two individual gold medals and its head coach was named

NCTA Coach of the Year; and Men’s and Women’s Ultimate

Frisbee both finished 3rd at Collegiate Nationals.

In addition, almost 6,000 students, faculty, and staff

participate annually in a variety of team and individual

intramural sports, including softball, flag football,

basketball, soccer, volleyball, table tennis, and dodge ball.

Residence halls, departments, and friend groups compete

for bragging rights and Intramural Champion T-shirts that

are awarded to Stanford Intramural Sports Champions.

BECHTEL INTERNATIONAL CENTER

http://icenter.stanford.edu

(650) 723-1831

The Bechtel International Center (I-Center) is the

office at Stanford that handles visa issues and concerns of

international students. It also helps international students

adjust to the Stanford culture, offers special orientation

programs to incoming students, and serves as a place for

cultural exchange. Social activities at the I-Center highlight

the diversity of cultures at Stanford and include language

exchanges, film series, discussions, and lectures about

current events, dance and art classes, as well as support for

more than 30 international student organizations.

Incoming international students should visit the

I-Center website for answers to the questions that tend to

be unique to international students, including informa-

tion on the pre-orientation program for new international

undergraduates.

BLACK COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER

http://stanford.edu/dept/BCSC

(650) 723-1587

The Black Community Services Center (BCSC) is a

thriving clearinghouse of resources and opportunities

for all students of African descent. The staff at the BCSC

are committed to ensuring that Stanford’s African and

Black American students, staff, and alumni enjoy the full

intellectual, cultural, and social benefits of University

life. The center implements intellectual programs, offers

individual counseling and

coaching, provides programming

assistance and event advising,

and coordinates leadership

development for more than

30 black volunteer student

organizations. In addition,

the BCSC provides computer The Activities Fair, an annual event at which hundreds of student groups showcase their activities.

If you’re interested

in trying something

new, there’s plenty to

choose from in terms of

extracurriculars.

– Mattias ’10

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workspace, meeting space, academic recognition programs,

and a variety of workshops and activities.

EL CENTRO CHICANO

http://stanford.edu/dept/elcentro

(650) 723-2089

El Centro Chicano is a focal point for the Chicano/

Latino community at Stanford. The center provides

a variety of academic, cultural, social, and leadership

development programs, and serves as an important link

to faculty, campus resources, and alumni. It houses more

than 20 volunteer student organizations, giving students

many opportunities to explore career options while serving

the Stanford and outside community. Through advising

and referrals, El Centro’s professional staff helps students

succeed academically and personally.

GREEK COMMUNITY

http://greek.stanford.edu

(650) 723-0778

Fraternities and sororities have been part of the

Stanford student experience since 1891. The Greek

community is made up of a total of 28 organizations with

ten having housed facilities. All Greek organizations have

affiliations with a national organization. Stanford has a

deferred recruitment period that does not take place until

early Spring Quarter. Freshmen cannot join a fraternity

or sorority before this time, nor does Stanford accept

recommendations as part of its recruitment process.

LGBT COMMUNITY RESOURCES CENTER

http://lgbt.stanford.edu

(650) 725-4222

Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT)?

Questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity,

or the significance of personal and cultural differences?

Concerned about being assigned an LGBT-friendly

roommate? Or wondering if, when, and how to come out

at Stanford?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the

LGBT Community Resources Center (LGBT-CRC) is your

oasis on campus. The LGBT-CRC is located on the second

floor of the Fire Truck House, next to Tresidder Memorial

Union. Whether you are out and proud, questioning, or

allied, the center is a great place to meet other queer and

allied students, join one of a wide range of LGBT student

organizations, hang out, study, check email, browse books and

magazines, watch DVDs, or learn about campus resources.

We offer a range of programs including Community

Academic Support and Advising (LGBT-CASA), which is

a small-group mentoring program for queer, questioning,

and allied freshmen and Safe and Open Spaces at Stanford,

a student-run dorm outreach and diversity awareness

program. In addition, the LGBT-CRC provides and

coordinates lecture series, colloquia, seminars, mini-

courses, residence programs, support groups, health

education workshops, diversity trainings, social and

cultural events, leadership development retreats, as well

as support for LGBT volunteer student organizations and

student-driven initiatives through our Queer Awareness

Days program. More information is available on the LGBT-

CRC website. Featuring a comprehensive campus LGBT

events calendar, searchable database of LGBT-friendly

faculty and staff, and listings of classes with LGBT content,

the website is a great way to learn about Stanford’s vibrant,

diverse, and thriving LGBT community even before you

arrive on campus.

The LGBT-CRC professional staff is available to answer

your questions, address your concerns, and help you to have

a fabulous first year at Stanford. Contact Ben Davidson or

Haleema Jazmin Quill at [email protected],

(650) 723-5851, or (650) 724-2306.

NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER/AMERICAN INDIAN, ALASKA NATIVE AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN PROGRAM

http://nacc.stanford.edu

(650) 723-4078, (650) 725-6944

The Native American Cultural Center and American

Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Program The Annual Stanford Powwow brings together people from manytribes for a three-day celebration of diverse Native American cultures.

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(NACC/AIANNHP) are the nucleus of the Native American

community at Stanford. The center is headquarters for

nearly 20 Native organizations on campus, including the

Stanford American Indian Organization (SAIO). The

NACC/AIANNHP provides resources and a nurturing

environment in which community members and friends can

gather. The center is also the site of frequent Native leader-

ship activities, cultural awareness education workshops,

academic tutoring, and research assistance.

Each May since 1970 the SAIO plans and manages the

Annual Stanford Powwow, a diverse intertribal gathering

of artists, dancers, and singers. The largest student-run

powwow in the United States, approximately 30,000 visitors

come to campus for this event.

OLD UNION

Constructed in 1922, Old

Union was one of the first

buildings on campus to house

student services. Over the

years, the building evolved into

an administrative center and

became less and less a student center. In 2006, Old Union

was temporarily closed for renovation in order to restore it

and return it to its original purpose.

In Autumn 2007, Old Union was rededicated by Provost

John Etchemendy and reopened as a central site for student

groups and services. Located inside the Old Union are

offices for ASSU, Student Activities and Leadership, Student

Life, Educational Resources, the Wellness Room, and the

Office for Religious Life with its centerpiece known as the

CIRCLE (Center for Inter-Religious Learning, Community,

and Experiences), a stunning multi-faith sanctuary. The

building also offers plenty of comfortable study space and

a variety of meeting rooms. No student union would be

complete without food service, and Old Union features the

Axe and Palm, a modern version of a neighborhood diner.

The southern wing of Old Union is dubbed the

Clubhouse and there you can find the Asian American

Activities Center and the Native American Cultural Center.

Opposite the Clubhouse on the northern edge of the

courtyard is the Nitery that houses El Centro Chicano, a

small theater, and meeting rooms.

When you get to campus, be sure to check out Old

Union. You’ll discover it’s a good spot for hanging out with

friends and studying.

PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA

Freshmen may contribute their writing, editing, and

business skills to Stanford publications; often, no experience

is necessary. Currently there are 24 student publications

and media groups. Three of the most widely distributed

publications on campus are The Stanford Daily, The

Stanford Review, and The Stanford Chaparral. Designed

as a traditional campus newspaper, The Daily publishes

five days a week and covers news, sports, features, arts,

entertainment, business, and science. The Review is known

as the conservative voice on campus and typically publishes

every week. The Chaparral, which prides itself as the second

oldest campus humor publication, typically publishes twice

per quarter.

Beyond these broad-based publications, there are many

thematic ones actively involving students including the

Stanford Scientific Review and The Stanford Progressive.

Other forms of media include a student-run TV station,

SCBN, and Stanford’s radio station, KZSU 90.1 FM, which

has an active sports department covering many Stanford

sports. Some publications change from year to year and

there is always room for student creativity. For example,

there are a number of online academic journals, a campus-

based student blog, and a weekly humor sheet, The Flipside,

modeled on The Onion.

RELIGIOUS GROUPS AT STANFORD

http://religiouslife.stanford.edu

(650) 723-1762

Stanford’s support of a multi-faith university chaplaincy

presumes that faith and spiritual quest, both in the individual

Memorial Church is one of many historic buildings on Stanford’s campus.

There’s so much to

do here, it’s almost

impossible not to get

involved.

– RJ ’11

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and in the community, are consonant with the academy’s

most vital pursuits of meaning and purpose. The Dean,

Senior Associate Dean, and Associate Dean for Religious Life

lead worship, teach courses, convene study groups, promote

interfaith dialogue, sponsor lectures and discussions, and

offer spiritual counsel to individuals and groups.

The deans direct activities and services at Memorial

Church and the Center for Inter-Religious Community,

Learning, and Experiences (CIRCLE) on the third floor

of the Old Union. They provide support and supervi-

sion for Stanford Associated Religions (SAR). Members

represent more than 35 religious groups and worshipping

communities, including Baha’is, Buddhists, Hindus,

Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Unitarian Universalists, Roman

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians, and many

Protestant Christian communities, both denominational

and nondenominational. AHA! (Atheists, Humanists,

and Agnostics) is also a member group in SAR. University

Public Worship, Compline, and Roman Catholic Mass

are held each Sunday at Memorial Church, located in the

center of campus. Islamic worship as well as Jewish Shabbat

services (Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform) are offered

elsewhere on campus on Friday and Saturday. Many other

worshipping and faith-study groups regularly meet in the

church and in other departments, centers, and student

residences. Check the Office for Religious Life’s website

for details on all services, and note that some are held only

during the academic year.

Stanford Associated Religions (SAR) Member Groups

Abundant Life Christian Fellowship’s Growth Group

(ALCF-GG)

Acts Graduate Christian Fellowship (AGCF)

Acts 2 Christian Fellowship

Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics (AHA!)

Baha’i Association at Stanford

Buddhist Community at Stanford

Cardinal Life

The Catholic Community at Stanford

Chabad at Stanford

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship (XA)

Chinese Campus Evangelistic Fellowship

Christian Students

Cornerstone

ekklesia

Episcopal Lutheran Campus Ministry

Hillel

Hindu Student Council (HSC)

International Students Christian Outreach

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Undergraduate and

Graduate Groups)

ISKCON Student Association at Stanford

Islamic Society at Stanford University (ISSU)

Ismaili Student Association at Stanford (ISAS)

Latter-Day Saints Student Association

Lutheran Student Fellowship at Stanford

Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Stanford (OCF)

Parakaleo Christian Ministries

Quakers at Stanford

Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)

ReJOYce in Jesus Campus Fellowship

Satrang Sikh Student Association

Sports Challenge

Unitarian Universalists at Stanford

United Campus Christian Ministry

World Peace Buddhists

STANFORD TRADITIONS

Your participation in unique traditions links you to the

many alumni who have come before you. Carrying on these

traditions ensures that the classes that come after yours will

also share in these same special experiences.

Big Game

Big Game is the biggest football game of the season,

where the Cardinal takes on its rival across the bay, the

University of California-Berkeley Golden Bears. This is the

most highly anticipated and raucous of campus sporting

events. The symbol of the rivalry between Stanford and

Berkeley is the Stanford Axe, awarded each year to the

winner of Big Game.

A huge show of Cardinal spirit hangs from Meyer Library during BigGame Week 2007.

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Dance Marathon

The biggest and most exhausting party of the year is

Dance Marathon, a 24-hour fundraiser supporting HIV/

AIDS-related causes. Stanford joins hundreds of campuses

around the country in embracing the Dance Marathon

concept.

FLiCKS

Head over to Memorial Auditorium to engage in the

world’s largest paper fight and catch a great movie at the

Sunday night FLiCKS. Check out http://flicks.stanford.edu

to see what’s playing each week.

Fountain Hopping

Fountain hopping consists of running from fountain to

fountain, submerging oneself into the refreshing water, and

splashing around.

Full Moon on the Quad

At the first full moon of Autumn Quarter, freshmen

can be found heading toward the Quad, getting ready for

the clock to strike midnight. You are not truly a Stanford

student until you have been kissed at midnight by a senior

under the first full moon of the quarter.

Gaieties

The most well-known and loved theatrical production

on campus, Gaieties is the student-written, student-

produced musical performed the week of Big Game. Filled

with inside humor, Gaieties guarantees to pack Memorial

Auditorium (MemAud) with crowds of rowdy, spirited stu-

dents eager to “Beat the Weenies.” Your Resident Assistants

will buy a block of tickets for your dorm in advance.

Mausoleum Party

At Stanford’s traditional Halloween party, students

gather on the grounds of the Stanford Mausoleum, in

which Leland, Jane, and Leland, Jr. are interred, for a

slightly irreverent dance party.

Midnight Breakfast

Midnight Breakfast kicks off Winter Quarter Dead

Week with Stanford administrators and faculty “hashing”

this late night meal in dining halls across campus.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

http://sal.stanford.edu

More than 600 student organizations reflect the diverse

interests of Stanford students. Every Autumn, Stanford

holds an activities fair where many Stanford campus groups

promote their activities and recruit new members. This is

the best way to check out clubs you might be interested in

joining. Students organize around a wide array of interests

and talents, some of which follow:

• Academic (e.g., BioMASS, Undergraduate Psychology

Association, Stanford Solar Car Project, Stanford

University Mathematical Organization)

• Athletic/Recreational (e.g., cycling, golf, juggling, kayak-

ing, rugby, tae kwon do, tennis, windsurfing)

• Career/Pre-professional (e.g., Stanford Black Pre-Med

Organization, Stanford Consulting, Business Association

of Stanford Engineering Students, Engineers for a

Sustainable World, Women Leaders of Tomorrow)

• Community Service (e.g., Green Team, Habitat for

Humanity, Stanford Global AIDS Campaign, Kids with

Dreams)

• Creative Arts (e.g., Cardinal Ballet, Talisman A Cappella,

Stanford Chamber Chorale, Shakespeare Society)

• Ethnic/Cultural (e.g., Armenian Students Association,

Hong Kong Student Association, Indonesian Club,

Stanford India Association)

• Political/Social Awareness (e.g., Labor and Immigration

Project, Stanford Conservative Union, Stanford Political

Union)

• Religious/Philosophical (e.g., Chinese Christian Society,

Undergrad Philosophy Association, Islamic Society)Spring warmth leads to an impromptu game of volleyball in WhiteMemorial Fountain, also known as “The Claw.”

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TRESIDDER MEMORIAL UNION

Tresidder Memorial Union is centrally located and

offers a variety of administrative and retail services

especially designed as a community gathering place at the

center of campus. Tresidder offers indoor and outdoor

dining with a variety of dining options which include

Jamba Juice, The Coffee House, Subway, Fraiche Yogurt,

Express Lunch, The Treehouse, and Union Square.

Tresidder also houses Tresidder Express convenience

store, The Student Store, Stanford Federal Credit Union,

Wells Fargo Bank, Tresidder Fitness Center, The Bike

Shop, Stanford Hair, FedEx, and The Lively Arts Ticket/

Information office for on-campus events and the campus

Lost-and-Found. Tresidder is home to the Vice Provost for

Student Affairs, Residential Education, the Student Services

Center, Student ID Badge Office, Judicial Affairs, Tresidder

Meeting Services, Stanford Catering Office, and the LAIR

Computer Center.

WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER

http://wcc.stanford.edu

(650) 723-0545

The Women’s Community Center (WCC) promotes

the success of women students at Stanford by providing

meaningful opportunities for scholarship, leadership, and

activism. WCC staff works with both graduate and under-

graduate students in a variety of capacities, including pro-

gramming, student organization advising, and networking.

In addition, the WCC serves as a hub for the various

Women’s Volunteer Student Organizations that provide

opportunities for students to get involved in academic,

political, and social organizations focused on needs and

issues regarding women and gender. The WCC also offers

its own programming, examples of which include the

Women at Work Series, the Stanford Women’s Leadership

Conference, and a Feminist Theory Reading Group. Many

of these programs are coordinated by student staff that are

always eager to work with volunteers. All are welcome to

drop by the center in the Fire Truck House or contact us if

you are interested in getting involved.

In just a short time you will be joining the Stanford community. And as you are

preparing for this next step, I want to join the many who are welcoming you.

Not only are you joining the larger Stanford community, but you will be a member of a residential

community, as well. Your new home can be a dynamic and essential part of your Stanford experience. Living

in the residences at Stanford is like no other experience. We believe that the dorms are not merely for sleep

and study—but are places of discovery and engagement.

This is a time to question and explore—who you are and who you want to be. But perhaps even more

incredible is the chance to engage in that exploration with fellow members of the Stanford community. Where

the diversity of thought and life experience they bring enriches your understanding of yourself and of others.

This is an opportunity that is not to be missed. Seek to learn, about yourself, about others. Challenge your

thinking. Seek out those who are different than you. Find opportunities to be tested and questioned. It is the

richness of these exchanges that can shape friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.

At its core that is what living on campus offers and what the residential experience is about. Making

connections. Whether they be interpersonal or intellectual, collective or individual—the connections you make

can and will be life changing.

Welcome to this new community. Welcome to the Farm. And welcome home.

Deborah Golder, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Residential Education

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The Practical Stuff

Housing 47

Residential & Dining Enterprises 47

Student Housing 47

Freshman Housing 48

Residence Staff 50

Roommates 50

Special Circumstances 51

Dining 52

Meal Plans 52

Administrative Details 53


Six Must-Do Requirements Before Entering Stanford 54

Health Insurance 56

Personal Health Services 56

Student Health Checklist 58

Finances 58

The University Billing Process 58

Financial Aid Office 61

Student Services Center 62

Banking Options 62

The StanfordCardPlan 62

Part-Time Employment 62


Getting Online Access 63

Axess 64

Residential Computing 65

Security Considerations 67

Stanford Bookstore Computer Department 68

Computer Clusters 68

Computer and Network Usage Policy 69

Getting Here 71

Directions to Campus 71

Hotels and Motels 71

Guidelines for Packing 71

Shipping Your Belongings 74

Mail 74

Telephone Services 74

Cable Television Service 74

Textbooks and Supplies 75

Getting Around—Bicycles, Buses, Cars, and More 75


HousingResidential & Dining Enterprises

Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) is one of

Stanford’s largest auxiliary departments, comprised of

Student Housing, Stanford Dining, Stanford Hospitality &

Auxiliaries, and Stanford Conferences. R&DE implements

a wealth of programs intended to promote the well-being

of the entire campus community and offers a robust

living and learning environment which includes several

wellness programs, such as EatWell, the Love Food Hate

Waste campaign, and Living Green, the Student Housing

Sustainability program.

STUDENT HOUSING

http://studenthousing.stanford.edu

(650) 725-2810

Stanford is a residential university where 96% of

undergraduates (6,300) live in on-campus housing.

Residences are focal points of intellectual and social

life at the University. Stanford considers the residential

experience such an integral part of your education that you

are required to live on campus as a freshman or first-year

transfer student. Under the Guaranteed Housing Plan,

entering freshmen are guaranteed four years of University

housing, sophomore transfer students are guaranteed three

years, and junior transfers are guaranteed two years.

All housing locations are managed by full-time staff

dedicated to keeping the residences safe, clean, and

comfortable. Student Housing is responsible for managing

and maintaining the physical aspects of student residences,

assigning students to housing, and operating the Housing

Front Desks (HFDs). The HFDs are the place to go

with any housing and dining-related matters including

assignments, meal plans, keys, maintenance, or other

building-related issues.

Housing Options

University residences differ in their physical character-

istics, 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 and others are connected houses

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THE PRACTICAL STUFF | Housing

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 resi-

dences, four students share between one and three rooms.

All residences (with the exception of fraternities, sorori-

ties, and one upperclass all-women’s house) are coed, some

within floors, some floor-by-floor. In several residences,

both options are available. All rooms for freshmen are

single-gender. Women living on coed floors will share a

room with other women, but will have men as neighbors,

and vice versa. More information on single-gender and

coed floors is provided on page 50.

In accordance with California law, smoking is pro-

hibited in all University residences, including all interior

common areas, individual rooms and apartments, covered

walkways, outdoor areas where smoke may drift into build-

ings, and during organized indoor and outdoor events.

FRESHMAN HOUSING

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. Housing assignments are made

on the basis of your answers to the Housing Preference

Form (Form 8) and Roommate Information Form (Form

11) submitted online. Assignments are made in random

order, once the deadline has passed for the return of the

forms. This is an important reason to make sure your forms

are submitted on time. When making freshman housing

assignments, the housing staff tries to make each residence

a microcosm of the freshman class, balancing factors such

as home state, academic interest, gender, and ethnicity.

If you are a freshman, you will rank your preferences

among these housing options:

1. Structured Liberal Education (SLE)

2. Freshman-Sophomore College

3. Cross-cultural theme houses

4. All-freshman residence halls

5. Four-class residence halls

Read the descriptions of each housing option carefully, and

then fill out Form 8 online.

1. Structured Liberal Education

http://sle.stanford.edu

Students are drawn to Structured Liberal Education

(SLE) for the intensive year-long academic program and

its integration with life in the residences. Because of this

integration, if you choose SLE as your first preference for

your Introduction to Humanities course, you must also list

SLE as your top housing preference.

SLE freshmen live and learn together in the three houses

of East Florence Moore Hall: two four-class houses and

one all-freshman house made up of both SLE and IHUM

students. The residence provides an informal setting for

lectures, small-group discussions, films, and plays. The SLE

community promotes the vigorous exchange of ideas, not

only in the classroom setting, but also in the dining room

at mealtime and in the dorm late at night. SLE instructors

participate actively in the intellectual life of the dorm,

regularly dining with students and holding individual

writing tutorials. For more information about the academic

requirements and the SLE program, please see page 8 and

visit the URL above.

2. Freshman-Sophomore College

http://frosoco.stanford.edu

For entering freshmen, Freshman-Sophomore College

(FroSoCo) combines the energy and excitement of an all-

frosh house with the perspectives of a four-class residence.

Approximately 180 freshmen and sophomores participate

in all the usual dorm social activities and also have a variety

of optional academically-oriented activities to choose

among according to their interests. Students may opt to

return to this assignment for their sophomore year without

applying to the yearly housing draw. The strong sense of

community that results provides freshmen with a tightly-

knit support network and a house full of potential friends

and mentors.

FroSoCo is particularly designed for students interested

in broad intellectual exploration of the liberal arts and

sciences, enhanced opportunities to interact with faculty,

and exposure to academic resources and opportunities on

Roble staff welcome freshmen as they arrive on move-in day.

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campus. There is no required academic component. Some

key FroSoCo traditions include courses, workshops, and

tutorials to improve public speaking and writing skills,

and mini-seminars on a wide array of subjects designed

and led by sophomores and open exclusively to FroSoCo

residents. Dean’s Dinners are another signature event, in

which the dean of the college hosts faculty talks in the

lounge followed by dinner at his home.

FroSoCo offers an augmented staff for its residents,

including resident tutors in writing, public speaking,

multimedia, and other common freshman academic

subjects. Two professional staff couples live in-residence

as college directors, and the college dean lives in a home

across from the college. FroSoCo occupies two adjoining

houses in Governor’s Corner, and rooms for freshmen and

sophomores are interspersed on all floors in both houses.

FroSoCo is coed by hall.

3. Cross-Cultural Theme Houses

These four class houses provide cross-cultural living at

its best. Students of different racial, ethnic, religious, and

social backgrounds participate in activities that celebrate,

inform, and teach all of the residents about the focus.

Exploration of traditions, history, and politics fosters

cross-cultural dialogue and relationships. Symbolizing

the diversity of Stanford, approximately one-half of the

residents in a theme house are of a different ethnic or

cultural background from 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 frosh. 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, including 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. The following four

theme houses are available:

Casa Zapata focuses on the Chicano and Latino

experience through educational and cultural programs.

Zapata residents are engaged in a wide range of activities—

staging plays for Zoot Suit week, planning film series, and

sharing poetry and music at regular house gatherings.

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 also a hub for community

events such as Floricanto, Posadas, and Chicano/Latino

Reunion Homecoming, as well as host to performing

groups such as El Mariachi Cardenal, Ballet Folklorico, a

cappella groups, and service organizations.

Muwekma-Tah-Ruk is the American Indian, Alaska

Native, and Native Hawaiian Theme House located on the

lower row. It is named after the Muwekma Ohlone, the

indigenous people of the Bay Area. Programs and seminars

presented in the house are representative of the legal, land,

water, language, and leadership issues that are pertinent to

the over 500 diverse native and tribal entities who still exist

on the islands and mainland of the United States. Native

cultures, histories, and current issues are explored in a

supportive environment for all freshmen and upperclass

students, Native and non-Native. The public is always

welcome to come and learn.

Okada, established in 1971 as an Asian American theme

house, was renamed in 1979 after Japanese American

author John Okada. Okada celebrates cultural diversity

while serving as a focal point for residents to explore

the Asian American experience and Asian American

issues through activities and events such as theater,

film screenings, dance, guest speakers, campus service

organizations, and excursions to local cultural centers.

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,

debating the social relevance of The Cosby Show in a

Black Sitcoms class, 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.

4. All-Freshman Residence Halls

In all-freshman houses, students enjoy the camaraderie

and support 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.

All-freshman houses usually are characterized by high

spirit and an almost constant buzz of activity. These

residences house between 65 and 100 students.

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5. Four-Class Residence Halls

Freshmen in four-class houses benefit from the best of all

worlds—bonding with fellow freshmen who are undergo-

ing 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 IHUM papers, introduce stress-reducing

social events during exam times, and lend guidance to

house activities and intramural teams. These residences

house between 50 and 300 students, and approximately

50% of the residents in a four-class house will be freshmen.

In some instances, freshmen comprise up to 70% of the

residence’s population.

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 coed floors, men

and women are assigned to separate rooms.

On single-gender floors, there is one bathroom. Some

coed floors have separate men’s and women’s bathrooms;

while others have private shower and toilet facilities with

a coed sink area. The Housing Preference Form allows you

to express your preference for coed or single-gender floor

arrangements.

RESIDENCE STAFF

The central support of your residence life will be 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 Director (AD)

• Residence Student Affairs Specialist (RSAS)

Your RF or CD will be a faculty member or a senior

administrative staff member. In addition to guiding the

life of the house, the RF or CD will bring 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.

As one former Resident Fellow said, “I spent about half my

time with Soto students discussing ideas and about half

playing ping-pong. The ping-pong didn’t influence anyone

much, but I had high hopes for the ideas.” RAs are upper-

class students who will work closely with you and your RF

to plan activities and programs. RAs are available when-

ever you have a problem and can provide valuable insights

from their own Stanford experiences; they are students

who want to listen and help. The RCCs will support your

network connections, your personal computing, and your

residence computer cluster. They also conduct workshops

and provide general technical education and consulting.

The PHE provides resources and advice on health and

wellness topics.

In addition, each residence is assigned a Residence Dean

(RD), an Academic Director (AD), and a Residence Student

Affairs Specialist (RSAS). 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, and other administrative matters.

Residence Deans work closely with the AD, RFs, and RAs in

each house.

The AD, a member of the Undergraduate Advising and

Research professional advising staff, will help you build

your academic path through Stanford. See page 18 for

more information about ADs. RSASs are frequently the

first point of contact for students and provide support for

residence staff, Resident Fellows, and College Directors.

RSASs have a broad range of knowledge about campus

procedures and resources, enabling them to answer many

of the questions that students might have about life in the

residences.

ROOMMATES

Unlike many other colleges and universities, Stanford

does not give you the option of requesting a particular

roommate nor does it reveal the name of your roommate

in advance of 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

interactions, rather than being shaped by any preconceived

notions stemming from limited information or online

communications. We realize there are practical conse-

quences to this policy that may create temporary inconve-

niences for you, but year after year, experience tells us this is

a winning way to handle roommate assignments.

As roommate assignments are based on the information

you provide on the forms submitted online, you are urged

to think carefully about your responses. New Undergraduate

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Housing, the division of Housing Assignments that handles

the roommate matching process, applies a great deal of time

and care towards devising good roommate pairings. They

work to match you with someone who shares important

habits (e.g., you both note 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 assign-

ment, please make sure you let us know about them in your

response to Question 13 on the Roommate Information

Form (Form 11).

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Transfer Students

New transfer students are typically housed in either a four-

class or all-upperclass residence.

After the first year at Stanford, students can choose from

among 70 different houses on campus. Residences vary in

size and are located within a 10 minute walk to classrooms.

Like other undergraduates, you will be guaranteed housing

after your first year if you apply on time and are willing to

accept an assignment to any residence for which you are

eligible. If you refuse your assignment, you forfeit a year of

your guaranteed housing.

International Students

International students who register for International

New Student Orientation (INSO), Saturday, September

11 – Monday, September 13, arrive on campus three days

earlier than other incoming freshmen. In order for your

housing to be ready for move-in on Saturday, September

11, participating international students must register

for INSO with the Bechtel International Center by the

deadline. Information and details about INSO will be sent

to international students during the summer. You can

also check Bechtel’s website for this information at http://

icenter.stanford.edu. During winter break, undergraduate

residences will be closed.

Winter break housing options

are available on campus for a

fee for international students

who will not be traveling

during that time. You should

budget about $300-$400 for

this continuous housing option.

Non-Traditional Students

Non-traditional students generally are those who are older

than the average 18 to 23 year-old Stanford student. Single

non-traditional students can choose to live in the residence

halls, but they also have the choice of living in graduate

housing. Non-traditional students have been comfortable

with both types of housing. If you are a non-traditional

student and wish to live in a graduate student residence,

please indicate this on the Housing Preferences form to

receive the appropriate application.

Couples/Students with Children

Freshmen and transfer students who are married, in a

long-term same-gender or opposite-gender domestic

partnership, or who have children should indicate this

on the Housing Preferences form in order to receive the

appropriate application from the Housing Assignments

office. Couples and students with children are assigned to

apartments in Escondido Village, an on-campus residential

neighborhood.

Students with Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Concerns

Incoming first-year and transfer students who have

concerns about their roommate match and/or hous-

ing 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 11) or contact the Student

Housing Assignments office. All inquiries will remain

confidential. Student Housing has gender-neutral housing

options for interested students beyond their first year. You

can read more about the gender-neutral housing program

on the Student Housing website (http://studenthousing.

stanford.edu).

Freshman roommates are paired by New Undergraduate Housing Coordinators, using the information you provide on your Approaching Stanford forms.

Meet everyone in your

dorm.

– Stephanie ’12

52

THE PRACTICAL STUFF | Dining

Dininghttp://dining.stanford.edu

(650) 723-4751 or (650)725-1508

Many of your most memorable conversations will

take place around the dinner table with your housemates.

Eating in the dining halls is an essential part of Stanford’s

Residential Education program. Many academic programs

such as Faculty Speaker Education Series and dinner

lectures, as well as social activities like Midnight Breakfast

and themed dinners, will take place at your dining hall.

Award-winning Stanford Dining features the highest-

quality, locally-grown, sustainable foods in every dining

hall. Fresh soup and salad bars are always available along

with a daily variety of delicious, nutritious entree options,

including meat, vegetarian, vegan, and halal. Stanford

Dining is Green Business Certified and welcomes your

suggestions and new ideas.

MEAL PLANS

Stanford Dining’s goal is to provide a meal plan for every

appetite—light, medium, or constantly hungry—as well as

to provide maximum flexibility in eating locations across

campus. Stanford Dining serves 19 meals each week.

Three All-You-Care-to-Eat meal plans (19, 14, 10 meals/

week) allow you to choose from all menu selections in the

dining hall. At the end of the day on Saturday, the following

week’s meal allotment (19, 14, or 10 + any rollover meals)

is added to your card. Any additional unused meals expire

at the end of the week. Your Stanford ID card is your dining

card and you will need it with you to eat in the dining halls.

Meal Plan Description Cost per year

19 All-You-Care-To-Eat Meals/Week $5,176

14 All-You-Care-To-Eat Meals/Week

+420 Cardinal Dollars/Year $5,176

10 All You-Care-To-Eat Meals/Week

+750 Cardinal Dollars/Year $5,176

Guest Meals

A feature of your meal plan, guest meals allow you to

take a friend, relative, or professor to dine with you at

no additional cost. The 19, 14 and 10 meals/week plans

provide five guest meals every quarter.

Cardinal Dollars

Cardinal Dollars (available in any amount) function just

like cash or a debit card and are accepted at every Stanford

dining hall, as well as at campus eateries and cafes operated

by Stanford Hospitality & Auxiliaries. One Cardinal Dollar

is equivalent to U.S. $1. When part of a meal plan, a maxi-

mum of $50 unused Cardinal Dollars will carry over to the

next quarter, provided you are enrolled in a meal plan.

You can also add Cardinal Dollars to your card at any

time. These additional, non-meal plan dollars do not

expire. For added savings, with every Cardinal Dollar

purchased, you will receive a 10% bonus in Cardinal

Dollars. For more information, including current

promotions, or to purchase Cardinal Dollars online via

your student bill, go to My Account at http://dining.

stanford.edu.

Stanford Hospitality & Auxiliaries Retail Cafes

In addition to the residence dining halls, students can also

enjoy the regional menu selections and inviting ambiences

offered through the following Stanford Hospitality &

Auxiliaries retail cafes. Updated information can be found

at http://hospitality.stanford.edu:

• The Axe and Palm, Old Union

• Union Square, Tresidder Memorial Union

• Subway, Tresidder Memorial Union

• Express Lunch, Tresidder Memorial Union

• The Cafe at Arrillaga Alumni Center

• Olives@Bldg. 160

• Russo Café at Munger

Religious Food Practices

Stanford Dining values the cultural and religious diversity

that is intrinsic to the Stanford community. We take pride

in our efforts to honor most requirements and constraints

in each of our dining halls. You may request an exemption

to the meal plan requirement if you have concerns about

meeting religious dietary requirements. Each exemption

request must be accompanied by acceptable written

documentation from an independent (non-relative) clergy.

Religious exemption applications are processed by the

Office for Religious Life. Visit http://religiouslife.stanford.

edu for more information.

Peanut Allergies

If you have a peanut allergy that requires special dining

accommodations, please contact the Student Disability

Resource Center to file a request for a special housing

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THE PRACTICAL STUFF | Dining

accommodation and check the appropriate box at the top

of the Housing Preference Form (see page 29 and Form

8 online). For more information on our Peanut Sensitive

program, located only at Ricker Dining Hall, please call

Stanford Dining’s central office at (650) 725-1508 or email

[email protected].

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Meal Cards

Your Stanford ID Card also serves as your dining card.

Please remember to carry the

card with you at all times,

especially when entering the

dining hall; otherwise, you will

need to pay cash. Exceptions

will not be made.

Choosing and Changing Your Meal Plan

Every new freshman is assigned to the 19 meals/week plan.

When you submit your Residence Agreement (after you

receive your housing assignment later this summer), you

will have the opportunity to either confirm the 19 meals/

week plan or switch to one of the other two plans.

You may make a meal plan change at any time during

the quarter with the exception of the last two weeks. Any

changes made during the last two weeks of a quarter will be

reflected in the upcoming quarter.

Dining Questions

If you wish to change your meal plan after you arrive or

you need answers to your questions about dining, you can

go to your Housing Front Desk, to the Dining Manager in

your dining hall, or to the meal plan office on the second

floor of Tresidder Memorial Union.

The Residential & Dining Enterprises team (R&DE) is passionate about providing

you with an exceptional housing and dining experience at Stanford. Our mantra

“Students First!” communicates our belief that students are never an interruption in our day, for you are the

reason we are here.

Student Housing’s motto of “Welcome Home” reflects our commitment to making your Stanford home

a comfortable, clean, safe, and sustainable environment that supports your educational endeavors and

personal growth. Stanford Dining’s commitment to excellence defines our dedication to providing you with

delicious, organic, and healthy dining options, while also addressing special dietary needs. Our EatWell pro-

gram assists you with identifying healthy eating habits for taking on rigorous academics—the very reason

you are here!

Once you are settled in your new home on campus, I invite you to join me at a student dinner series

discussion to engage with me and other senior administrators about how to evaluate and further enhance our

programs and services. We want your feedback and will solicit it often.

R&DE is excited to welcome and support the Class of 2014!

Shirley Everett, Senior Associate Vice Provost, Residential & Dining Enterprises

When I’m eating in the

dining hall and catching

up with friends, I realize

how strong a community

my dorm is.

– Anne ’11

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THE PRACTICAL STUFF | Health Services – Vaden Health Center

Health Services – Vaden Health Center

http://vaden.stanford.edu

(650) 498-2336

SIX MUST-DO REQUIREMENTS BEFORE ENTERING STANFORD

Before you can become a student

at Stanford, you must complete six

health-related requirements online:

1. Personal information

2. Immunizations

3. Health history

4. Tuberculosis screening

5. Agreement to treatment

6. Notice of privacy practices

Stanford University requires all new students to

provide proof of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity

and to be screened for tuberculosis risk before they begin

their studies. These are required regardless of your health

insurance plan.

What to do:

• Gather all your health history, medication, and immuni-

zation records.

• Review them, and your family history, with family

members.

• Log on to the Vaden website, new student section:

http://vaden.stanford.edu/new_students/entrance_req.

html. Using your SUNet ID and password, complete

the following sections. If you do not have Internet

access and need a paper copy of the Entrance Medical

Requirements, fax a request using our toll-free fax

number (866) 336-0164 (U.S. only) or (650) 723-1600

(international). Be sure to include your name and return

fax number.

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

This establishes your confidential personal medical file at

Vaden.

2. IMMUNIZATIONS

Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious communicable

diseases that can spread in close living or classroom

environments. All students must be vaccinated to prevent

these outbreaks.

If you were born after 1956, you must provide the

following information even if it differs from the practices in

your state or country of origin:

For Measles AND Mumps: Provide ONE of the following:

• Dates of vaccination with one measles/mumps/rubella

PLUS a second vaccine that contains measles and

mumps or

• For measles: date and physician’s signature of physician-

diagnosed measles OR

• Dates and titer results of blood tests (serology)

confirming immunity to measles and mumps

For Rubella: Provide ONE of the following

• Date of vaccination (one rubella OR one measles/

mumps/rubella) OR

• Date and titer results of blood test (serology) confirming

immunity

If you have not previously completed these require-

ments you will need to be immunized now. A combined

measles/mumps/rubella immunization is available at

Vaden’s Allergy, Immunization, and Injection Clinic for a

fee. Cardinal Care, Stanford’s student health insurance plan,

does not cover this expense.

A student may request a religious or philosophical

exemption from the immunization requirement by

completing the form (http://vaden.stanford.edu/pdf/

ReligiousorPhilosophicalExemptionfromRequired

Immunizations.pdf) prior to June 30 for freshmen and

The state-of-the-art Vaden Health Center.

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July 31 for transfer students. Attitudes, beliefs, or

preferences that are purely personal are not grounds for an

exemption.

It is important for you to enter your complete

immunization history in your personal medical file.

Recommended Immunizations

New students and their families often request

recommendations for appropriate immunizations before

entering Stanford. Here are the immunizations that the

staff at Vaden suggests:

Meningococcal Meningitis is an inflammation of the

lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by a bacterium.

The vaccine is about 85% effective against the strains

of bacteria it addresses. We recommend this vaccine for

first-year students and other students who wish to reduce

their risk. Others at higher risk include people traveling to

high-incidence areas and those with weakened immune

systems.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that can lead

to liver failure, liver cancer, or death. We recommend this

immunization, especially for those at high risk: people who

are sexually active, have multiple sex partners, are men

who have sex with men, have had a sexually transmitted

disease (including HIV), and people who are health-care

workers, use injectable drugs, or live in a household with

a hepatitis B carrier. The hepatitis B vaccine consists of a

series of three shots.

Chicken Pox (Varicella) immunization is

recommended for adults who have not had chicken pox.

The chicken pox vaccine consists of a series of two shots.

Hepatitis A immunization is recommended for

travelers, food handlers, men who have sex with men,

and people with certain chronic diseases. The hepatitis A

vaccine consists of a series of two shots.

Tetanus diphtheria immunization is recommended

every 10 years, or sooner for a substantial wound. For

adults 19 to 64 years, substitute one dose of tetanus,

diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine for tetanus diphtheria.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is

recommended for female college students up to 26 years of

age. The HPV vaccine consists of a series of three shots.

3. HEALTH HISTORY

This information gives Vaden staff your medical history,

enabling them to treat you effectively. The information

in your file is electronically secure and completely

confidential. It cannot be released without your consent,

except as required by law.

4. TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that can be spread in

close living or classroom environments. All students must

answer the questions in this section. Recommendations for

tuberculosis screening are continuously updated. Please

check our website for the most current requirements at

http://vaden.stanford.edu/new_students/entrance_req.

html#tb.

5. AGREEMENT TO TREATMENT

This section presents the Vaden Health Service Agreement

to Treatment form, which you must read and sign before

we can provide medical services to you.

6. NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

This section presents the Vaden Health Center Notice of

Privacy Practices, which you must read and acknowledge

before we can provide health services to you.

Deadlines for your six entrance medical requirements

The six requirements must be submitted by June 30

for freshmen and by July 31 for transfer students.

International students have until September 20 to

complete and submit tuberculosis screening only; the

other requirements must be completed by the above dates.

CAMPUS HEALTH SERVICE FEE

A mandatory quarterly fee of $167 is charged to the

University bills of all students enrolled on the main

campus. The Campus Health Service Fee covers most

services at Vaden Health Center. For more details, go to

http://vaden.stanford.edu/fees/index.html.

When in doubt, check

Vaden out! Seriously,

it’s great to have a

place that’s well-staffed

and eager to take care

of you.

– Sophie ’11

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HEALTH INSURANCE

http://vaden.stanford.edu/insurance/index.html


(650) 723-2135

The Insurance Office provides health insurance and

dental information for students. It is the primary resource

for the University’s student health insurance plan,

Cardinal Care.

All students are required to have health insurance

that covers the costs of specialty care, mental health care,

prescriptions, emergency and inpatient care, and other off-

campus health services. This requirement can be met either

by purchasing Cardinal Care, the University-sponsored

student health insurance plan, or an alternative insurance

plan that has comparable benefits. Information about

Cardinal Care can be found on the web at http://vaden.

stanford.edu/insurance/index.html.

Cardinal Care Features

• Access to specialists at the Stanford University Medical

Center and Menlo Medical Clinic with a $20 co-payment

• Year-round coverage anywhere in the world

How to Enroll or Waive Coverage in Cardinal CareAt the start of each academic year, you will automatically

be enrolled in Cardinal Care for the entire policy year

(through August 31) unless you waive the plan. If you

have an alternative insurance plan, you can waive Cardinal

Care via Axess at http://axess.stanford.edu by the deadline.

If you do not waive Cardinal Care by the deadline, you

will be charged for the plan on your university bill. More

information about Cardinal Care and the deadlines to

waive can be found on the web at http://vaden.stanford.

edu/insurance/index.html.

International StudentsTo ensure that international students have sufficient

health insurance coverage during their academic career

at Stanford, the university requires that all international

students enroll in Cardinal Care, the University-sponsored

student health insurance plan. International students

may request an exception on an annual basis to the

mandatory Cardinal Care insurance by having their

insurance company complete an Insurance Coverage

Certification Form. The insurance policy must cover the

entire academic period of September 1 – August 31 with

benefits that meet or exceed minimum standards. More

details and the form can be found on the Vaden website at

http://vaden.stanford.edu/insurance/2010_cardinalcare.

html#internationalenrollment.

Students Covered by an HMO

If you have a primary care physician through your health

maintenance organization (HMO) at home, you can use

Vaden’s medical services for all 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

personal physician to ensure the continuity of your care.

Specialty providers outside Vaden Health Center must

be pre-approved by your primary care physician (PCP) or

primary care medical group (PMG) in order to be covered

by your HMO. Generally, HMO coverage outside your

primary care area (home) is for emergency services only.

Dental Care

Cardinal Care covers injury to natural and sound teeth

only. Vaden provides information about voluntary dental plans and local dentists who offer discounts to students. To request information about these dental options, including premiums and how to enroll, visit the Vaden Insurance office or send your name and address to healthinsurance@

stanford.edu.

PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Medical Services

Medical Services offers comprehensive health care to

Stanford students. Services include diagnosis, treatment, and

prevention of acute illness, injury, and chronic conditions.

You can make an appointment to see the staff for any

reason Monday through Thursday until 8:00 p.m., Friday

until 5:00 p.m. On weekends, appointments for acute

illness or injury requiring same-day treatment are available

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. See the Vaden website for the most

up-to-date hours of service. A nurse is available during

weekdays to answer medical questions. When the clinic is

closed, phone advice for urgent medical conditions is avail-

able 24 hours a day from one of the physicians.

The Vaden medical staff has expertise in general medicine

and sports medicine. If you need to see a specialist, the staff

will refer you to the appropriate clinic at Stanford Hospital

and Clinics or Menlo Medical Clinic. They also provide

immunizations to meet the entrance medical requirements,

physical exams for scholarships and employment, allergy and

other optional immunizations, physical therapy, laboratory

and X-ray services, a travel clinic, and a pharmacy. There

is a fee for some services. The cost of primary care visits is

covered by the Campus Health Service Fee.

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Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers evalua-

tion and brief counseling, including individual, couples, and

group therapy. CAPS staff includes psychiatrists, psycholo-

gists, and clinical social workers. The cost of an initial evalu-

ation and short-term counseling is covered by the Campus

Health Service Fee. Students requesting or requiring longer,

ongoing therapy incur fees. Other services include:

• Crisis counseling for urgent situations, 24 hours a day

• Evaluation of the need for medication

• Workshops and groups that focus on students’ social,

personal, and academic effectiveness

• Consultation and outreach to faculty, staff, and student

organizations

CAPS strictly maintains confidentiality.

Health Promotion Services

Health Promotion Services (HPS) empowers and educates

students to pursue optimal health so they can thrive

academically and achieve personal fulfillment. HPS is a

partnership between Vaden’s professional health education

staff, Stanford Peer Health Educators, and peer counselors.

HPS professional staff offers educational workshops

and seminars, individual health advising and academic

internships, and customizes presentations for the needs

and interests of residences, community centers, and student

groups in these areas:

• Alcohol and other drug education and prevention

(PEDS 216)

• Mental Health and Well-Being (PEDS 205/215)

• Nutrition

• Body image, disordered eating prevention

• Relationships

• Sexuality and sexual health (EDUC 193S)

• Relationship abuse prevention and awareness

(FEMST 138)

• Self care including stress management, meditation, and

breast and testicular self exams

HPS also actively supports peer health programs.

Enthusiastic, dedicated, and compassionate students make

a difference in the health and well being of fellow Stanford

students. See http://vaden.stanford.edu/wellness/index.

html for more information on programs and volunteer

opportunities.

Medical Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a physical examination before I start at

Stanford?

While it is a good idea to finish any ongoing treatments

before you leave for school, Stanford does not require you

to have a physical exam. With the exception of certifying

physician-diagnosed measles and tuberculosis testing, there

is no need to have a physician complete any portion of the

entrance medical forms.

What happens if I don’t meet the medical requirements

on time?

A hold is placed on your Winter Quarter enrollment. If

Vaden Health Center does not remove the hold, you may

incur additional registration fees, lose pre-selected classes,

and loan and/or stipend checks may be interrupted.

My doctor has retired and I can’t get my medical records.

What should I do?

Ask your parents if you have a separate immunization

record at home. Your medical records may also be on file at

the school you last attended. If you cannot determine the

dates of the required immunizations or test, you have to

repeat them.

What is a PPD skin test?

PPD is the standard method of screening for tuberculosis

in the United States. PPD, the purified antigen from the TB

bacterium, is injected under the skin and causes a raised

reaction in those who have been previously exposed to it.

What is a Quantiferon (QFT) test?

The Quantiferon test is a blood test for tuberculosis

screening. Previous BCG vaccine will not alter the QFT test

results (unlike some skin test readings).The California sun makes the outdoors a tempting place to study.

58

THE PRACTICAL STUFF | Finances

STUDENT HEALTH CHECKLIST

• Complete your entrance requirements, listed on page 54

• Complete your required immunizations and bring your

optional immunizations up to date (tetanus, diphtheria,

and pertussis , hepatitis A , hepatitis B, human papil-

lomavirus vaccine (HPV), meningococcal, polio, and

varicella)

• Bring a copy of your important medical records to

Stanford

• See your doctor to complete any treatments currently in

progress

• See your dentist

• Buy basic over-the-counter medications (see below)

• Refill your prescriptions

• Keep your health insurance card in your wallet

• Put together a first-aid kit. Here’s what to include:

Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

Adhesive tape (1" wide)

Antacid

Antibacterial hand gel

Antibiotic ointment

Antihistamine (diphenhydramine)

Antiseptic wipes

Cotton roll and balls

Cotton-tipped swabs

Cough drops

Decongestant (pseudoephedrine)

Elastic bandage (3" wide)

Gauze pads

Hot/Cold pack (reusable)

Hydrocortisone cream

Pain-relief medicine (aspirin, acetaminophen,

ibuprofen)

Scissors

Thermometer

Tissues

• Bring your bike helmet

• Get an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, and keep

a copy of your prescription on hand

Special Needs

If you have questions about a special health care need, call

Vaden’s administrative office at (650) 725-1364.

Finances

When you accepted Stanford’s 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 University’s financial agreement is with you personally,

not with your parents. For this reason, your careful study

of this section is important in order for you to understand

your financial responsibilities as a Stanford student.

You are urged to set up your accounts on Direct

Deposit and Stanford ePay prior to the start of school.

Direct Deposit and Stanford ePay are Stanford University’s

standard funding and payment methods because they are

fast, secure, and unaffected by student address changes. For

more information, see:

• http://fingate.stanford.edu/students/universbill/quick_

steps/enroll_direct_deposit.shtml

• http://fingate.stanford.edu/students/universbill/

resources/stanford_epay.html#how_to_instructions

THE UNIVERSITY BILLING PROCESS

Stanford University’s policy is to furnish timely and accu-

rate billing information as well as effective payment options

to its students. Billing and payment services are delivered

electronically on a monthly basis through Stanford’s online

billing and payment service, Stanford ePay. Bill notifica-

tion is sent to a student’s @stanford.edu email address as

recorded in Axess. More information about Stanford ePay

may be found at http://epay.stanford.edu.

Students enjoying a late afternoon chat.

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Bill Structure and Components

Charges and credits from University departments are

aggregated in a student’s 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 (Associated

Students of Stanford University) fees, the Campus Health

Service Fee, and, if not waived, Cardinal Care Health

Insurance. Information about waiving Cardinal Care

Health Insurance and applicable deadlines can be found

at http://vaden.stanford.edu/insurance/using_your_own.

html#waive. Charges such as cable and other IT service

charges are billed monthly as incurred. For the August bill

only, the annual Post Office Box fee, a one-time docu-

ment fee, and a one-time Orientation fee will be reflected.

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 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. Students must maintain a

current email address in Axess to ensure they continue to

receive billing notices.

In addition to the charges on your University bill,

students are expected to need about $600 per quarter

for books and about $900 per quarter for personal and

miscellaneous expenses such as phone service, toiletries,

bicycle repairs, and snacks. These charges are paid as

incurred and are not included on the University bill unless

paid for with the StanfordCardPlan.

Projected Costs for Autumn Quarter 2010

Tuition $12,600

Room and board 5,086

House dues 100

ASSU fee 120

Telecom 70

Post Office Box fee 70

Campus Health Service Fee 167

Health Insurance* 1,024

Documentation fee** 200

Orientation fee 438

Total $ 19,875

* Stanford Cardinal Care Health Insurance may be waived annually in Axess by the first payment due date if you have outside coverage.

** Documentation fee is usually paid by your admission deposit.

For more information, please see the University bill section

of the Gateway to Financial Activities website for students

at http://financialgateway.stanford.edu/students/universbill.

Due Dates

For undergraduate students, all term charges (tuition,

health insurance, ASSU fees, and a onetime document fee)

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

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 is due by September 15.

Payment Methods

Stanford offers the following payment methods:

• eCheck via Stanford ePay We highly recommend this

method of payment. Stanford ePay is the online method

for making payments to your University account.

eChecks are accepted from United States bank accounts.

No service charges apply to payments made by eCheck.

• Check via mail Check payments may be sent to the

University Cashier’s Office, 459 Lagunita Drive, Suite

7, Stanford, CA 94305-6036. Checks must be drawn

in U.S. funds payable through U.S. banks and must

not be post-dated. Checks must be made payable to

Stanford University and include the student’s Stanford

ID number.

• Drop Box For your convenience, a check payment drop

box is located outside of the Student Services Center

(SSC) between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

• Walk-in Customers may make a payment in person at

the Student Services Center (SSC) between 9:00 a.m. –

5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Personal checks, travelers’ checks,

cashier’s checks, and money orders (U.S. funds payable

through U.S. banks) are accepted. Stanford does not

accept post-dated checks.

• Wire Transfer The University

accepts payment to student

accounts via direct wire

service. Students living

overseas find this option

particularly convenient as they

may wire funds directly from

Everyone at Stanford,

ranging from your RA

to Dean Julie, is open

and friendly, eager to

help you in any way

they can.

– Siddhartha ’11

60


overseas banks to the University for credit to the student

account. Please direct wired funds to:

Wells Fargo Bank

Corporate Banking Division

Attention: Banking Services Officer for

Stanford University

San Francisco, Main Office, 420 Montgomery Street

Our bank account number is: 4944-863596

Our bank ABA number is: 121-000-248

Our BIC or SWIFT code is: WFBIUS6S

All wires must reference the student’s name as well as

the student’s Stanford ID number. Please note that your

bank will typically charge a service fee to initiate the wire

transfer.

For future reference, wire instructions are always

available on Fingate at: http://fingate.stanford.edu/

students/universbill/payment_methods.html#wire_transfer.

If the wire transfer is not posted to the student account

in five business days, please contact the University Cashier’s

Office at (650) 723-1676 and provide the details of the wire

instructions for follow-up.

Payments Received Containing Financial Aid

All financial aid funds, such as scholarships and employee

tuition benefit plans, must be reviewed by the Financial Aid

Office. Therefore, when a financial aid check is submitted to

the Cashier’s Office, the funds are not immediately applied

to the student’s account. Financial aid funds are applied

to the student’s account after review by the Financial Aid

Office. All payments made with financial aid are exempt

from late fees.

Refunds

Refunds to students are the result of several processes. First,

department administrators may complete a “stipend to

student” transaction, which will result in a refund from the

account paid directly to the student. Second, an overpay-

ment of charges will result in a credit balance on the bill.

Credit balances that are refundable are processed on a daily

basis and either mailed as a check to the student mailing

address on record or deposited electronically into the

student’s checking or savings account.

Direct Deposit is the fastest and most convenient

method of processing refunds. By using Direct Deposit,

you will receive any refund or stipends within 24 hours

of processing and refunds will reach your bank account

regardless of address changes. Students without Direct

Deposit must wait to receive a printed check in the mail

and then they must make a trip to the bank to deposit or

cash the check. Students who opt for the Direct Deposit

feature are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of routing

and banking account numbers to avoid delays in receiving

their funds. For more information and instructions about

setting up Direct Deposit, please visit http://fingate.

stanford.edu/students/universbill/quick_steps/enroll_

direct_deposit.shtml.

Please be aware that receipt of a refund via paper check

or Direct Deposit 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.

To ensure charges are paid prior to receiving a refund, please

see the section below regarding “Student Permissions.”

Student Permissions

Student Permissions is a new feature in Axess by which a

student can authorize Student Financial Services to apply

their financial aid funds to all charges 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 when the student account has a remaining

balance due. The Student Permissions feature is entirely

optional. Your decision whether to sign up for Student

Permissions will not affect the amount of your charges

or your financial aid award. For instructions on granting

permissions, see http://fingate.stanford.edu/students/loan-

scholarship/resources/faq_permit_fund2_all_charges.html.

Past Due Accounts

The University must receive the full amount due on or

before the due date indicated on the bill. Unpaid balances

after the due date will be subject to a late payment penalty

of one percent of the amount past due. Anticipated aid

(aid that has been accepted but not disbursed and is shown

on the student account) will reduce the total amount due

prior to late fees being applied. Student accounts that

become past due are subject to financial holds that block

enrollment, course changes, transcripts, and diplomas.

Returned Checks

Check or eCheck payments returned due to insufficient

funds have already been submitted twice to the

bank. Checks returned for any reason are assessed a

nonrefundable $25 administrative fee. In addition to

this fee, student accounts are subject to holds and late

payment penalties.

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Account Collection and Credit Reporting

Delinquent accounts may be reported to one or more of

the national credit reporting agencies. Severely delinquent

accounts or unpaid returned checks may be referred to

a third party collection agency and/or pursued through

litigation in accordance with state and federal laws.

Students with delinquent accounts may be held responsible

for all collection costs, attorney fees, court costs, and

interest rates up to the maximum allowed by California law.

Privacy

Federal regulations prohibit Stanford University from

releasing student information (records) to third parties

(including parents, spouses, or relatives) without written

consent from the student. Full details concerning the

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

(FERPA) can be found at http://ferpa.stanford.edu.

UNIVERSITY CASHIER’S OFFICE

http://fingate.stanford.edu/students/index.html

(650) 723-1676

The University Cashier’s Office is a part of the Student

Services Center and is responsible for processing University

Bill payments. The SSC is located at on the second floor of

Tresidder Memorial Union (above the CoHo) with office

hours between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

FINANCIAL AID OFFICE

http://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. The FAO also

coordinates processing of student aid funds from outside

sources. FAO staff members determine eligibility for aid

and provide information and advising.

Outside scholarship checks should be made payable to

Stanford University when possible. The student’s full name

and Stanford ID number should be included in the memo

section of the check. Funds received will be automatically

credited to the student’s 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 the student account

for the September 15 billing deadline.

For detailed information about accepting and

processing any student loans, please refer to

http://financialaid.stanford.edu/loans. If you want your

loan proceeds to be available in time for the Autumn

Quarter bill, be sure to complete loan processing in August.

Additional information about financial aid programs

and the application process is available on the FAO website.

You may also speak directly with a financial aid counselor

by phone or in person. The FAO is located in Montag Hall

at 355 Galvez Street. The office is open Monday through

Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., except on Tuesdays,

when the office is open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The clock tower contains the clockworks that hung atop Memorial Church before the church’s steeple was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake.

62


STUDENT SERVICES CENTER

http://studentservicescenter.stanford.edu

http://askJane.stanford.edu

(866) 993-7772 or (650) 723-7772

The Student Services Center (SSC) is committed to

providing a single point of friendly, professional service

for answers to questions concerning administrative and

financial issues. The SSC strives to resolve 90% of students’

issues upon first contact. 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. Students may

contact the SSC by submitting a HelpSU ticket, calling

(866) 993-7772 or (650) 723-7772 Monday through Friday

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., or visiting the SSC in person on

the second floor of Tresidder Memorial Union (above the

CoHo) Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Answers to commonly-asked questions of the SSC

are available 24/7 by searching askJane at http://askJane.

stanford.edu.

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 Memorial Union and

a branch near campus. If you already have a checking

account, you should check with your bank or credit union

to determine whether it has a branch near Stanford.

THE STANFORDCARDPLAN

http://fingate.stanford.edu/students/universbill/stanford-

cardplan.html

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 on-campus

locations. The charges are added directly to your University

bill. The SCP accommodates the needs of students who

often must purchase books and other necessities early in

the quarter before their financial aid is available. In order to

participate in the new StanfordCardPlan, you need to sign

up in Axess. Log onto Axess, click on the Student Center

tab, Finances section. Choose StanfordCardPlan from

the drop down menu and follow the prompts. You must

confirm your agreement to the Terms and Conditions of

the StanfordCardPlan in order to participate. Complete

information may be found at the link above.

PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT

http://cdc.stanford.edu

Many Stanford students work up to 10 hours per week

during the academic year.

The Career Development Center (CDC) maintains

a database of available jobs for students, which can be

accessed via the website shown above. Here is a partial list

of departments and organizations that hire students:

• University libraries

• Stanford Bookstore

• Stanford Dining

• Faculty Club

• Academic departments

Personal Documentation for Students Working on Campus

You will need personal documentation if you anticipate

working on campus. If you are a U.S. citizen, you will

need to provide either a U.S. Passport or a driver’s license

and a Social Security card or birth certificate. If you are a

permanent resident or international student, you will need

to provide a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or an

alien registration card.

Students bike and walk alongside the Main Quad as they make theirway to and from their classes.

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THE PRACTICAL STUFF | Computing Resources

Computing Resources

Stanford has one of the most extensive, diverse

computing environments of any university campus

in the country. While you are a student, your SUNet

ID and password will give you access to many online

resources—email, personal web space, and online

information including library resources and student

information systems. Email is used as a primary means of

communication on campus, not only for administrative

matters, but for staying in touch with your advisor

and for communicating with your instructors.

To use Stanford’s online resources before you arrive,

and to submit your online Approaching Stanford forms,

you will need access to a computer with an internet

connection and a web browser. We recommend you

use Internet Explorer for accessing these forms. If

you prefer, you can also use Firefox or Safari. If you

do not have personal access to the internet, ask your

current school or public library about public-access

computers with internet connections. Once you

arrive on campus, you will find substantial access to

online resources through public computer clusters in

both common buildings and student residences.

GETTING ONLINE ACCESS

Your University ID Number

You will need your Stanford ID number to create your

SUNet ID and password. Your Stanford ID number is also

required for any inquiries you make about your record,

including transcript requests, both while you are here as a

student and once you have graduated. You have received

this number as part of your correspondence from the Office

of Undergraduate Admission. It is also printed on the letter

you received in the first Approaching Stanford mailing. If

you cannot find your Stanford ID number, please call the

Approaching Stanford staff at (650) 723-7674.

Stanford University Network Identifier (SUNet ID) and Password

A SUNet ID provides access to the Stanford University

Network and its services. As a member of the Stanford

community, you create a unique SUNet ID and password

that identifies you as authorized to use campus electronic

services. SUNet IDs provide:

• Email service and an email address

(e.g., [email protected])

• Web services, including serving of personal webpages

• Login access to various web-based applications,

including Axess

• Storage space within Stanford’s distributed file system

• Access to campus computing clusters, the wireless

network, and printing and other services

Setting up your SUNet ID, Password, and Email Account

Read the tips below carefully then follow the instructions

for creating your SUNet ID.

• Think carefully about what name you want to use for

your SUNet ID. Once you select it, it cannot be changed

and it will be associated with you for the period that you

are at Stanford. The most common form of a SUNet ID

is a combination of your first and last name.

• The SUNet ID can be as short as three characters or as

long as eight characters. It must contain only lower-case

letters and numbers (no special characters), cannot be

composed of all numbers,

and must begin with a letter,

not a number.

A Resident Computer Consultant helps a student with her computerquestions.

Ask for help when you

need to, because there

is plenty around.

– Ming ’11

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• Your SUNet ID automatically forms part of your email

address and, if you create one, part of your webpage. For

example, Jane Doe may choose the SUNet ID “jdoe”. Her

email address would then be: [email protected]. Picking

a funny name may distinguish you on campus, but it will

not seem quite as funny when you are applying for jobs

and using it on your résumé. You will, however, be able

to set up email aliases based on your name. Once you

have chosen your SUNet password, it is vital that you not

share it with anyone.

• If you need help understanding the steps necessary

to apply for your SUNet ID or using Stanford email,

contact the Approaching Stanford staff at (650) 723-7674

or [email protected].

• If you need help making a connection to the internet

through an internet service provider, we ask that you

contact the provider directly.

Instructions: From your computer, connect to the

Internet and open a web browser. Connect to the SUNet ID

webpage at http://sunetid.stanford.edu. Choose the Request

My Own SUNet ID link and follow the instructions.

After you successfully complete the application process,

your SUNet ID will be created and available to you within

an hour; your Stanford email account should be available

within 24 hours.

Your SUNet ID will also give you access to University

websites, and you can begin downloading software that

may be of interest to you. Most students will want to wait

until speaking with the Resident Computer Consultant

(RCC; see page 50 for more information about RCCs) to

make decisions about what email programs to use, etc.,

but some students may wish to do so ahead of time. The

standard software choices Stanford uses are available for

download at http://ess.stanford.edu (a password-protected

site for which you will need your SUNet ID and password),

and a list of email programs at Stanford can be found at

http://email.stanford.edu. Select the Email Programs at

Stanford link.

Checking Your Stanford Email Account

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 thus should check this email

account regularly. To read your messages, log in with your

SUNet ID and password at http://webmail.stanford.edu.

Other options include going to http://stanfordyou.stanford.

edu and setting your Stanford email account to forward

messages to another email address, or following the

instructions at http://email.stanford.edu to set up an email

program to manage your mail.

AXESS

https://axess.stanford.edu

Axess is Stanford’s web-based student information

system that allows you to take care of many of the adminis-

trative responsibilities associated with your undergraduate

education, such as reviewing your financial aid informa-

tion, checking the balance of your University Bill, enrolling

in classes, updating your personal and emergency contact

information, reviewing your grades, requesting an official

transcript, reviewing the status of your University degree

requirements, adding or dropping courses, evaluating

courses at the end of each quarter, and checking which

information in your record is releasable to the public.

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 pass-

word 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 and you may

lose student privileges or be subject to disciplinary action

if you use another student’s SUNet ID password or if you

deliberately provide false information in Axess.

Connecting to Axess

To connect to Axess, go to https://axess.stanford.edu. You

will be prompted for your SUNet ID and password. If you

have trouble using Axess once you are connected, try the

Axess online help by clicking on the Help link.

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RESIDENTIAL COMPUTING

Each student residence has one or more study spaces

including a cluster of computers, scanners, and laser

printers supported by Residential Computing and available

24 hours a day. Cluster computers, running both Windows

and Mac OS operating systems, are connected to the

Stanford University Network (SUNet) and are equipped

with a rich offering of software applications. You can also

connect your personal computer to SUNet throughout

the residences and adjacent common areas via high-speed

ethernet ports or wireless networking.

One or more Resident Computer Consultants

(RCCs)—upperclass students who provide technical

support and education—live in each dorm as part of your

residence staff. In addition to helping you get hooked up to

the network (see the FAQs at right), RCCs offer two 1 unit

courses in the residences: “Introduction to Computing at

Stanford,” and an advanced multimedia production course,

“Intermediate Computing at Stanford.”

Personal Computing: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own computer and printer?

Although nearly all Stanford students own a computer,

you are not required to have one on campus. In addition to

the residential computer clusters, other public computing

facilities on campus provide Macs, Windows PCs, and Unix

workstations at several convenient locations. Some students

find these resources adequate and get along fine without

having their own computers. Likewise, owning a printer

is not necessary as laser printing is available in computer

clusters for a fee (currently 10¢/page), and your personal

computer can be configured to print to these printers.

Given printer and ink costs, this is a cheaper option, but

may not be as convenient as having your own printer or

sharing one with a roommate.

If I want to bring an older computer, will it be good

enough?

You will probably be fine if the computer meets certain

specifications. The configurations listed below are the

minimum specifications that Residential Computing

recommends for reliable use in 2010. Computers meeting

these specifications should remain serviceable for at least

your first year, and possibly longer. If you have an older

computer, or any other operating system, you should be

proficient in its use. RCCs will do their best to assist you,

but ultimately they are not responsible for your personal

computer and should be considered a supplemental

resource. Also, regardless of the age of your computer,

please bring all software/operating system CDs, DVDs, and

manuals, because you will need them if there are problems.

Minimum Configuration for Used Personal Computers

• Mac: Intel processor

• Mac: Mac OS X

• PC: 1.5 GHz Intel, AMD, or equivalent processor

• PC: Windows XP

• 1 GB RAM

• 40 GB hard drive

• DVD-ROM drive

• Ethernet capability

If I’m going to buy a new computer, should I buy it at

home or wait until I arrive on campus?

There are arguments for both options, but most students

buy before they come. If you do wait, you will have a chance

to experience the campus computing environment firsthand

and to evaluate your particular needs on campus. For

example, the decision whether to buy a laptop or a desktop

computer may depend on the size of your room, the kinds

of classes you take, or whether you like to study in other

campus locations where wireless networking is available.

On the other hand, you may be more comfortable

bringing a computer with which you are already familiar

from home. If you are accustomed to being connected at

all times, having your own computer from day one will be

easier than using the computer cluster. Lastly, you may not

want to spend time buying a computer (and getting used to

it) during the whirlwind that is Orientation.

If you do choose to buy a computer before you come,

wait long enough that you get the most for your money

(computer technology advances rapidly, and thus becomes

dated and less expensive very quickly), but also leave

Either Macs or PCs will

do, since both types

of computer are pretty

much available any-

where around campus.

– Charlton ’11

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enough time to get to know your new computer. Be sure

to bring all software/operating system CDs, DVDs, and

manuals, because you will need them if there are problems.

Whether you wait or buy now, the Stanford Bookstore

offers appealing computing packages and discounts for

students. You may be able to find similar discounts by

comparison shopping. You can also purchase computers

directly from Apple or Dell at discounted prices only

available online through Stanford. For details on special

educational pricing for computers and software, see

“Information for New Students” on the ResComp website

(http://rescomp.stanford.edu). Computer rental or lease

programs are not available on campus.

Should I buy a Mac or a PC?

Both Macs and Windows PCs are used and supported on

campus. About 41% of undergraduates have PCs, about

61% have Macs (some have both), and public computer

clusters include both operating systems. If you are on the

fence, Residential Computing recommends Macs over PCs,

because they have found them easier to support and, more

importantly, far less susceptible to viruses and network

vulnerabilities. The overwhelming majority of security

issues on campus resulting in network disconnection are

on Windows-based machines (see the security section on

page 67 for more details). Furthermore, all new Macs have

the capability to run the Windows operating system. If

you choose an operating system other than these two, you

should be proficient in its use, because trained assistance

for alternative platforms may be unavailable.

Should I buy a laptop or a desktop?

Laptops are overwhelmingly more popular than desktops

because of their mobility and the widespread availability of

wireless networking on campus. If you will be studying in the

libraries, like to work outside, or plan to take your computer

home over breaks, consider a laptop. If you will work mainly

or exclusively at your desk, however, consider that desktop

computers offer more power and better ergonomics for less

money than laptops. Netbooks and handheld devices are con-

venient, but hardly replacements for full-featured computers.

What features should I get on my computer?

Different users have different needs, and the features of

your computer (like screen and hard drive size) will depend

on what you want and how you work. In our experience,

memory is more important than processor speed. These

days, even slower processors are more than fast enough for

most purposes. If you are buying a laptop, you may want to

consider a larger external monitor and keyboard.

Many students have small external hard drives as an

easy and high-capacity way to backup files, an important

task. Additionally, Stanford offers all students 2 GB of

storage on central servers, also useful for backing up or just

moving files. For quick transfers, high-capacity USB flash

drives are useful, and all cluster computers have USB ports

and DVD±RW drives.

For networking purposes, if you are using Windows

7 or Vista, choose the Home Premium or higher (not

Home Basic). If you are planning on using Windows XP,

XP Professional is more secure and has better networking

capabilities than XP Home, which also makes it easier

to do things like share files or printers. If you would like

specific package recommendations, see Information for

New Students on the ResComp website (http://rescomp.

stanford.edu). As for software, basic applications for Macs

and PCs (anti-virus, anti-spyware, online storage, etc.) are

freely available to the campus community.

What do I need to connect to the Internet at Stanford?

All residences on campus have network connections

(100baseT) available in student rooms for direct

access to SUNet and the Internet. The mandatory

telecommunications fee on your University bill covers all

network connections (and basic land-line phone service) in

the residences, so there is no fee for registering a computer

Old Union’s Axe & Palm provides a comfortable place to relax or study with friends.

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(or smartphone, or any other device). To register your

computer, simply take a standard ethernet cable (it looks

like a phone cable but with a wider connector), plug your

computer into the colored jack in your room, and open a

web browser. Using our automatic network registration

system, most students get connected in less than 15

minutes. However, there are sometimes problems and

special cases, so please allow a few days after you arrive for

the residential network connections to be activated. In the

meantime, dorm and public clusters will be available.

When you are in a location where wired networking

is available (e.g., at your desk), it is superior to wireless

networking because of its speed, reliability, and security.

Residential Computing encourages you to bring an

ethernet cable (15 feet or longer will give you more

flexibility with various room layouts).

Will there be someone to help me set up my computer

once I get to campus?

You will be expected to get yourself up and running and to

follow instructions for getting connected to the Stanford

network. Make sure you bring all the discs and manuals

that come with your computer, in case there are problems.

Your RCC will be available for consulting and to help get

you oriented with the Stanford computing environment.

If I have a disability, who can help me with my adaptive

technology needs?

If you own or require adaptive computing equipment,

contact the Student Disability Resource Center, (650) 723-

1066, TTY calls: (650) 723-1067. The staff there can advise

you on system configurations that work best in Stanford’s

environment and describe the computing resources avail-

able to students with disabilities.

Where can I turn if I still have questions?

For many questions, you will want to wait until you arrive

on campus. Once on campus, your RCC is best suited to

answer your questions and help you assess your comput-

ing needs. Keep in mind the best way to understand the

computing environment at Stanford is to experience it

firsthand. If you want to get a jump on things and do some

independent research, start by visiting http://rescomp.

stanford.edu. If you have questions now (e.g., about buying

a computer), feel free to email approaching2010@rescomp.

stanford.edu or call Ethan Rikleen ’91, Senior Network

Administrator, Office of Residential Computing, at

(650) 996-0550.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

When you connect a computer to the Internet, it is

scanned by potential hackers within minutes to see

whether a break-in is possible. Because Stanford’s network

is an open research and educational environment, its

network is accessible to almost anyone, worldwide. Once

you connect your computer to Stanford’s network, you

may be vulnerable to these hackers as well. Each year,

outsiders successfully breach several personal computers

on the Stanford University campus network. Many of these

compromised systems are then used to mount attacks

on other computers. There are reported incidents where

computers had significant content erased or modified. But

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.

Stanford’s Information Technology Services (ITS),

along with the Information Security Office, periodically

scans the network for vulnerable machines and reports

problems to the system owners. However, it is essential

that you take additional security measures to protect your

accounts and computer.

The first time you connect your computer to the

network in your residence, you will be automatically

directed to the Residential Computing In-Room Network

Registration System to register your computer with the

University. During the registration process, you will be

prompted to set your password, your computer will be

scanned for malicious software, and you will be asked to

select your level of firewall protection. Also, your computer

will be checked to validate that it has current anti-virus

software, has an operating system that meets a minimum

(safe) patch level, and is set to automatically maintain

current patches.

After your initial computer registration, cleaning,

patching, and firewall selection experience, the University

provides a number of additional resources to help you

maintain a safe computer security profile. Residential

Computing’s “Practicing Safe Net” webpages at

http://rescomp.stanford.edu/info/security and the

Information Security Office’s “Secure Computing”

webpages at http://securecomputing.stanford.edu (click

on the “Personal Computer User” option) both provide

helpful advice regarding the importance of operating

system patching, virus scanning, using good passwords,

and safe email practices.

The Essential Stanford Software website at http://ess.

stanford.edu also includes a variety of software, provided

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free to students, to keep your password secure, protect

against computer viruses, and patch operating systems. The

software tools are provided for both Mac OS and Windows-

based computers. Your RCC can assist in making your

computer and electronic information secure from hackers.

STANFORD BOOKSTORE COMPUTER DEPARTMENT

http://www.stanfordbookstore.com

http://bookstorecomputers.stanford.edu


(650) 329-1217 x456 or (800) 533-2670

Stanford Bookstore’s computer department carries

personal computers, peripherals, supplies, and software,

all available to Stanford students at educational discount

prices. Educational pricing provides savings that are often

deeper than discounts offered by traditional retail outlets.

Selections can be shipped to your home as soon as your

enrollment has been accepted by the University. You must

have a current Stanford ID or letter of acceptance to be

eligible for the special educational pricing. The Bookstore

carries Apple, IBM/Lenovo, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Acer,

Adobe, Microsoft, Symantec, and more. You can call the

Bookstore or visit the website for current pricing, including

vendor specials.

Any repairs or upgrades you may need can be handled

by the Stanford Bookstore’s service department.

COMPUTER CLUSTERS

In addition to residence-based computer clusters, Stanford

also has public computer clusters. Details of these clusters

are listed below. You can use these clusters 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 (see page 69). Meyer

Library also hosts the Digital Language Lab for foreign

language students.

Terman Engineering Library Cluster

• PCs, scanner, and laser printing available for a fee (10¢/

page)

• First come, first served

Terman Engineering Computer Cluster

• Linux systems

• HP laser printing available for a fee (10¢/page)

• Priority given to students in selected engineering courses

Meyer Library First Floor

• 24-hour quiet study area (Room 160)

• 24-hour lobby area with computers running Mac OS X

and Windows XP

• Group study and laptop areas with wireless networking

• Collaboration areas with large-screen LCDs and

whiteboards

Meyer Library Second Floor

• Computers running Mac OS X and Windows XP

• Laptop and general study areas with wireless networking

• Mac multimedia stations for digital video editing and

image scanning

• Meyer Technology Services desk staffed with multimedia

consultants during all open hours

• Overnight camcorder, laptop, and AV equipment check-

out (with Stanford ID card)

• Fee-based laser printers (black and white, and color) and

full-service poster printer (up to 44 inches)

• Blank media for purchase (CD, DVD, and MiniDV)

• Lost and Found for Meyer and Tresidder Clusters

Tresidder Computer Cluster

• Computers running Mac OS X and Windows XP

• Laptop and general study areas with wireless networking

Dorm lounges provide a great place to work with your study group.

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• Black & white and color laser printers (all printing must

be pre-paid via the StanfordCardPlan)

• Open 24 hours a day

• First come, first served

COMPUTER AND NETWORK USAGE POLICY

Stanford has a Computer and Network Usage Policy that

translates the University’s general business 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. A key piece of the policy is that your campus

identifiers (such as your Stanford ID, SUNet ID, and

password) never be shared with anyone. We urge you to

read and become familiar with the policy, which will also

be covered after your arrival on campus by your RCC. You

can view the policy online at http://adminguide.stanford.

edu/62.pdf.

In addition, you should familiarize yourself with the

related Residential Computing Acceptable Use Policy,

which is available at http://rescomp.stanford.edu/about/

policy/use.html.

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. Under the provisions of the Digital

Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), a copyright owner

or an authorized agent may lawfully scan internet traffic

and send a complaint to Stanford as the internet service

provider (ISP) if it is discovered that a copyrighted work

was shared without permission. If the copyright owner

chooses to follow up with civil litigation, it may file a “John

Doe” lawsuit against the IP address and Stanford would

have to provide the identity of the Stanford network user

in response to a valid subpoena. From 2005 through 2008,

the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

brought claims against more than 50 Stanford network

users. Stanford estimates that collectively Stanford students

paid over $100,000 to record companies to settle their

claims. Although the RIAA announced in 2009 it would

end its litigation campaign, students should be mindful

that litigation continues to be a viable option for copyright

holders to pursue and some rightsholders continue to

actively pursue litigation.

Stanford requires that users of the Stanford network

respect copyright law (http://adminguide.stanford.

edu/62.pdf). Stanford is required by law to follow up and

respond to every copyright complaint, and even a first-

time complaint for a student may result in the disruption

of network services for that student. On a second valid

copyright complaint, the student’s internet connection is

disabled and the student is referred to a Residence Dean.

Upon receipt of a third complaint, Stanford immediately

terminates internet connectivity, may disable the SUNet ID,

and the matter is referred to Judicial Affairs as a possible

violation of the Fundamental Standard (see page 35 for

more information on the Fundamental Standard). In cases

where a student’s network privileges are interrupted, there

is an escalating schedule of network reconnection fees: A student finds a quiet, shady seat in the Main Quad to finish up her work.

70


$100 for the first DMCA complaint; $500 for a second

DMCA violation; and up to $1,000 for a third DMCA

offense, which the university may choose to impose (see

http://stanford.edu/dept/legal/Recent/DMCA_Reconnect_

fee_Final1007.pdf for more information).

There are many excellent resources on copyright and

file-sharing at Stanford. For more information, see the

General Counsel’s Office FAQ on Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

(http://stanford.edu/dept/legal/faqs/p2p.html), Residential

Computing’s file-sharing FAQ (http://rescomp.stanford.

edu/info/dmca), and The Provost’s Copyright Reminder for

2009-10, (http://stanford.edu/dept/legal/Recent/DMCA_

Reconnect_fee_Final1007.pdf). Other questions about file-

sharing may be addressed to Lauren Schoenthaler, Senior

University Counsel, at [email protected]. Please respect

the wishes of copyright owners and the University: do not

file-share copyrighted works unless you have the express

permission of the copyright owner to do so.Each year new students and parents gather in the Main Quad forOpening Convocation, part of New Student Orientation.

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THE PRACTICAL STUFF | Getting Here

Getting HereYou 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 when you begin the process

of packing in preparation for your move to Stanford.

DIRECTIONS TO CAMPUS

The University’s visitors’ website has great travel-related

information as well as a searchable campus map. See

http://stanford.edu/dept/visitorinfo.

By Airplane

If you are flying, you will most likely be choosing one

of three airports to get to Stanford: San Francisco

International (SFO), San Jose International (SJC), or

Oakland International (OAK). The San Jose airport is

approximately 35 minutes from campus, the San Francisco

airport approximately 40 minutes, and the Oakland airport

approximately 75 minutes, though traffic could easily make

this a two-hour ride. Shuttle service is available from all

three airports.

Remember that you will have to get your luggage on and

off the shuttles, 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. See below for

information about shipping belongings to campus.

By Car

From Highway 101 North and South take the

Embarcadero Road exit west toward Stanford. At El

Camino Real, Embarcadero turns into Galvez Street as it

enters the University. Stay in the left lane and continue

toward the center of campus. Galvez will intersect Campus

Drive, which circles campus.

From Highway 280 North and South exit Sand Hill

Road east toward Stanford. Continue east, turning right at

the traffic light on to Santa Cruz Avenue. Make an immedi-

ate left onto Junipero Serra Boulevard. You can turn left

at either the first stoplight, for Campus Drive West, or the

second stoplight, for Campus Drive East (take the one that

will bring you closest to your residence).

From El Camino Real exit El Camino Real at

University Avenue. Turn toward the hills (away from the

center of Palo Alto). As you enter Stanford, University

Avenue becomes Palm Drive. Go through one traffic light.

The next intersection will be with Campus Drive, which

circles campus.

Freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus

during the academic year. If you or your parents plan to

have a car on campus during Orientation, you will need to

display a temporary pass in your parked car on Tuesday,

September 14, to avoid receiving a ticket while moving

into your dorm. This pass will allow you a maximum of 30

minutes to unload; you can then move your car to Galvez

Field where free parking is available for that day. You

received this parking pass in the first Approaching Stanford

mailing; it will also be available online on the Freshman

page of http://undergrad.stanford.edu if you misplace it.

Transfer students who intend to keep a car on campus after

Orientation must be sure to purchase and display a parking

permit. Transfer students can buy a parking permit online

at http://transportation.stanford.edu even before arriving

on campus. Your parking permit will be mailed to you or

held for you, depending on which option you select when

you purchase the permit.

HOTELS AND MOTELS

There are many hotels and motels in the area, some within

a short drive of campus. A list of nearby guest lodging is

available on the University visitors’ website, http://stanford.

edu/dept/visitorinfo.

The Stanford Guest House also offers friends and family

convenient, on-campus lodging while visiting Stanford.

The beautiful, recently constructed facility offers air condi-

tioning, high-speed internet access, cable TV, DVD player,

fitness center, and complimentary Starbucks coffee. There

is free parking as well as free shuttle service throughout the

Stanford campus. Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers Stanford

discounts and free lobby pick-up service. Be sure to make

room reservations as early as possible to ensure availability.

See http://guesthouse.stanford.edu for more information.

GUIDELINES FOR PACKING

What to Bring

Based on the expert advice of the freshmen and transfers

who have come before you, below is a list of what you will

likely need or want in your room. One important thing to

keep in mind is that over the next four years you will be

moving at the beginning and end of every school year (and

sometimes in between, if you go overseas). This means that

you will have to unpack and pack a total of at least eight

times. So, while having all the clothes you own, all of your

photo albums, and tons of sports equipment may sound

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like a good idea now, it is unlikely this will feel like a good

idea at the end of the year. We recommend you start by

bringing only the necessities.

While we list the following as necessities, we are not

recommending that you have every single item in hand on

the day you move in. Also, since you will not know your

roommate(s) until you arrive, we recommend that you

wait until after you meet them before buying or renting

large items such as microwaves and refrigerators. This way

you can discuss and coordinate with your roommate.

In addition, Stanford prides itself in being an energy-

conscious campus. Coordinating with your roommate

to minimize the number of appliances and electronics

in your room is the “green” approach to take. You do not

need to have everything on day one, and you can purchase

many of these things online, at the Stanford Bookstore, or

at local stores.

Shipping versus Shopping

Moving from across the country or across the globe can be

difficult in terms of getting the necessities here. If you are

flying, packing a desk lamp, office supplies, and laundry

detergent may be impractical. Buying items such as these

after you arrive is easier than shipping them. Linens and

towels, on the other hand, lend themselves well to being

shipped, but you will want to make sure that you bring

enough with you for your first couple of nights (see page

74 for information about shipping). For your first week,

be sure that you have bed linens, a pillow, a blanket or

comforter, an alarm clock, and essential toiletries.

It is easy to shop for what you need once you are

here; you are not moving to a remote location. Almost

everything on the list below can be purchased locally,

online, at the Stanford Bookstore, or from ASSU Stanford

Student Enterprises. In addition, there are Bed, Bath, and

Beyond, Wal-Mart, and Target stores located within a few

miles of campus, several specialty shops in downtown

Palo Alto carrying everything on our lists and far more,

and many popular stores in the Stanford Shopping Center

(such as Bloomingdale’s, Crate and Barrel, and Pottery

Barn). Many of these shopping areas can be easily accessed

by foot, bike, the Marguerite campus shuttle service,

Zipcar rental, or Zimride ride-share system.

What is Already Provided

Your room will include the following, so you will not need

to pack these things:

• Extra-long (80") twin bed for each roommate

• Overhead light

• Bookcase, either attached to the wall or freestanding, for

each roommate

• Wall-to-wall carpeting

• 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 for each roommate

• Cubby or shelf for toiletries (in the bathroom)

• Window covering

• Robe hook or towel bar, shared or

individual

• Heating system

• At least one communication outlet

with two ethernet ports, a telephone

line, cable, and a shared landline

telephone

The Necessities

When deciding what to pack or purchase, these are items to

include:

Personal ID and necessary cards (e.g., auto insurance

card, bank/ATM card, driver’s license, health insurance and

prescription cards)

Bedding

• Twin extra-long sheets (all mattresses are 80" extra-long

in length)

• Pillows and pillowcases

• Twin comforter and/or blankets

Clothing

• Rain jacket and/or umbrella

• At least two weeks’ worth of underwear/socks (the more

you have, the less frequently you will need to do laundry)

• Warm coat (the temperature can drop to the 30s and 40s

at night)

• Comfortable clothes that layer easily (e.g., T-shirt,

sweatshirt, fleece vest, jacket)

Toiletries

• Shampoo/conditioner

• Soap

• Toothbrush/toothpaste

• Deodorant/hair products/face products/razors

• Shower caddy with which to transport these items

Don’t try to bring your

entire wardrobe to

college. You’ll get lots

of T-shirts in the first

few weeks!

– Erin ’12

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Towels

• Bathrobe or large bath towel(s)

• Washcloth(s)

• Extra towel(s)

Laundry supplies

• Laundry bag

• Detergent/dryer sheets

Alarm clock

Shower sandals (plastic flip-flops)

Desk lamp (preferably LED design)

Surge protector (get the largest one available; we recom-

mend getting one which also helps prevent cord fires)

Extension cord (UL approved, two- or three-pronged; you

do not need a heavy-duty one)

Hangers

Permanent markers (to label everything)

Desk supplies (stapler, scissors, push pins, tape, reusable

pens, and recycled paper)

First-aid kit (see page 58 for contents recommended by the

Vaden Health Center)

Personal emergency kit (flashlight, water, medications/

prescriptions, snacks)

The “You-Decide” List

The following contains items some of you will view as

necessities and others of you can easily live without:

• Small toolkit

• Portable blanket (for taking with you down to the

lounge)

• Slippers

• Foldable chair (like a camping chair)

• Stationery and stamps (enough to get you through the

first quarter)

• Flashlight and batteries (choose a LED flashlight for

longer life)

• Camera

• Plastic mug and spoon (for liquid or food, heated or

refrigerated)

• Plastic vertical shelves (like a hanging shoe rack)

• Large plastic storage tubs (convenient for in-room

storage)

• Music and movies

• Books (only a few—you will pick up plenty more for

your classes)

• Pictures (from home to show your new friends)

• Room decorations (posters, stuffed animals, etc.)

• Formal wear (you can wait and see if you need it, then

have it shipped if you do)

• Iron (ironing boards are available in each residence

laundry room)

• Sports equipment (baseball glove, Frisbee, etc.)

• Games (deck of cards, board games, etc.)

• Computer, ethernet network cable (as long as possible),

and computer accessories

• Computer speakers (using your computer to listen to

music, watch movies or TV saves space and energy)

• Headphones

• Bike (for more information, see page 75)

• Mini-refrigerator and microwave oven (look for Energy

Star-rated appliances)

Things We Discourage You from Bringing

To support Stanford’s sustainability goals, think twice

before bringing the following items that are less energy

efficient:

• Holiday string lights

• Non-Energy Star-rated appliances

• Disposable products that are not “green”

• Most electronic equipment (try alternatives like playing

music or watching movies through your computer)

Many members of the Stanford community look forward towelcoming you on Move-in Day.

74


What You May Not Bring

The following items are strictly prohibited in residence

halls:

• Candles, torches, incense, and open-flame devices

• Halogen lamps

• Non-University lofted beds

• Dangerous weapons and ammunition (they must be

stored with Stanford Police)

• Appliances with open heating elements such as hot

plates, toasters, and electric heaters (toaster ovens are

okay)

• Mercury thermometers

• Pets of any kind (including aquatic)

SHIPPING YOUR BELONGINGS

Guideline #1 Regardless of how you choose to ship your

belongings to campus, pack everything in boxes that

you can lift and carry. If you have to lug stuff on and off

shuttles, or up and down the stairs in your residence, it

will be much easier if you have packed in such a way that

you can handle the load without needing the help of three

professional weightlifters.

Guideline #2 Stanford is working on a new solution for

package deliveries. If you are planning to ship items as

you move to campus, please continue to check back at the

Approaching Stanford or Student Housing (http://www.

stanford.edu/dept/rde/shs/moving/mail.htm) websites

for updated information. It is not possible to receive

packages until after you arrive. Therefore, do not send

your belongings in advance of your arrival. Packages

that arrive before you do will be returned to sender. If

you or your family/parents are planning to stay at a hotel

before checking in at Stanford, it may be possible to have

belongings that you cannot carry with you shipped there.

Please check with your hotel.

Guideline #3 If you are shipping packages via the U.S.

Postal Service, please read below for more information

about mail and Post Office Boxes. Be prepared to do some

waiting in line once you are here and ready to pick up your

boxes. Remember, you will need to carry whatever you have

had shipped from the Post Office to your residence.

MAIL

Stanford has a U.S. Post Office on campus with a unique

ZIP code. The Post Office does not deliver mail directly to

student residences. Your P.O. Box address will be recorded

in Axess once it is assigned to you in September. Your P.O.

Box address and key will be available when you check-in at

New Student Orientation. The fee for your P.O. Box will be

included on your August bill. You may keep the same P.O.

Box for as long you stay at Stanford.

In order to keep the same box number once assigned,

you will need to renew it on Axess annually, prior to the

deadline, usually July 30. You will receive an email each

year around mid-May, reminding you to renew. If you fail

to follow the instructions in the email, your box will expire

automatically on August 31.

Please note:

• The city associated with your mailing address and the

location of your residence is Stanford, CA, not the city

of Palo Alto. The ZIP code for P.O. Boxes is 94309. The

nine-digit ZIP is simply 94309 + the last four digits of

your P.O. Box number.

• A sample address follows:

John Doe

P.O. Box 12345


• The ZIP code for your residence and your Post Office

Box are not the same. Residence ZIP codes are 94305;

P.O. Box ZIP codes are 94309.

TELEPHONE SERVICE

http://studentphones.stanford.edu

Stanford operates its own telephone system. A shared

phone is available in residence common areas with basic

phone service including call waiting, free local calling, and

free domestic long distance. International long distance

calls as well as 411 (directory assistance) calls must be

placed using a code called a Personal Billing Number

(PBN). The PBN can be ordered through Axess. Charges

for billable calls will appear on the University bill.

CELL PHONE SERVICES

http://mycellphone.stanford.edu

Stanford has negotiated discounted personal wireless

cellular rates with AT&T and Sprint for currently registered

students. See the website above for more information.

Whether ordering online or in person, be sure to include

your Stanford affiliation to obtain your discount.

CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE

http://stv.stanford.edu

Student residences are wired for cable TV service.

Courtesy Room Service (Stanford-derived programming

75

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and some local channels) is provided in student residences

at no charge. Additional cable service including premium,

digital, HD, and pay-per-view programming is available by

subscription. If you do choose to subscribe, you must do so

through the University. The local cable TV companies do

not provide service at Stanford. Charges will appear on the

University bill.

TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES

http://www.stanfordbookstore.com

(650) 329-1217

Stanford Bookstore sells the required textbooks and

supplies selected by the faculty for all coursework at

Stanford. A complete selection of both used and new books

is offered to help students manage educational expenses.

Buying used books can be a good way to save some money

on textbooks, which can cost more than $100 for a single

course. You can use the StanfordCardPlan (see page 62) for

purchases at the Bookstore.

All Stanford students receive a 7% discount on required

and optional course-related materials purchased in-store

or online. Stanfordbookstore.com carries all required and

optional course-related materials. Reserving textbooks

online early will help you save time and avoid lines. At the

End of the Quarter Buyback, the Bookstore will pay cash

for your textbooks, depending on the future need of the

book on the Stanford campus.

The Bookstore also carries school and office supplies,

computers, printers, items to customize your dorm room

(including refrigerators), electronics, Stanford clothing,

greeting cards, class rings, general interest books, and

more. Stanford Bookstore’s Café serves coffees, teas,

bottled beverages, pastries, snacks, and light lunches. The

Bookstore is equipped with wireless internet, which makes

it a great place to study.

GETTING AROUND—BICYCLES, BUSES, CARS, AND MORE

http://transportation.stanford.edu

(650) 723-9362

University policy prohibits freshmen from bringing cars

to campus. To get around, Stanford encourages freshmen to

take advantage of the many alternative forms of transporta-

tion available both on campus and in the region. See the

following programs and resources at Stanford and contact

[email protected] for assistance:

• Thriving at Stanford (without a car):

http://transportation.stanford.edu/thriving

• Bicycle program:

http://transportation.stanford.edu/nso-bike

• Zipcar (car sharing) at Stanford:

http://zipcar.stanford.edu

• Zimride (ridematching) at Stanford:

http://transportation.stanford.edu/ridematch

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car on campus:

http://transportation.stanford.edu/enterprise

• Freshman Emergency Ride Home:

http://transportation.stanford.edu/frosh_erh

• Marguerite Shuttle: http://marguerite.stanford.edu

• Transit: http://transportation.stanford.edu/transit

Biking

Biking and walking are the most popular ways to get

around campus, and Stanford is designated a Gold Level

Bicycle Friendly Community 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. The

Campus Bike Shop has an online ordering program, so

you can have a new bike ready for you when you arrive.

Information on this program can be found at http://

campusbikeshop.com. For bicycling information tailored

to new students, visit http://transportation.stanford.edu/

nso-bike.

SOME BICYCLING TIPS:

• Register your bike: it is required by law, costs $3.50 and is

valid for up to three years, and it is your only chance of

recovery if your bike is stolen. Parking & Transportation

Services gives free bike lights and reflective pant-leg

bands with registration during New Student Orientation.

Stanford Bookstore

76

• Always wear a helmet when riding your bike. The

Campus Bike Shop sells high-quality helmets for $20—

an inexpensive way to protect one of your most valuable

assets: your brain.

• Front headlights are required when riding on campus

after dark, and bicyclists must obey all traffic laws,

including stopping at stop signs, riding on the right side

of the road, and yielding to pedestrians. See Stanford

bicycle tips, such as how to ride your bike in a traffic

circle: http://transportation.stanford.edu/pdf/bicycle-

safety.pdf.

• Despite our best efforts, bike theft continues to be a

problem on campus.

– A “clunker” bike is recommended for campus riding,

rather than an expensive bike.

– The only recommended lock is a U-type lock that can

deter theft. It is worth the investment. Although cables,

padlocks, and chains may be less expensive, they can be

cut in seconds and are nearly useless against theft.

– Always lock your frame and a wheel to an immovable

object, preferably a bike rack.

• Use designated bicycle racks and spaces for bike parking.

To allow sight- and mobility-impaired access, do not

park your bike in front of stairs, ramps, doorways, or

entrances.

• Request free bike-route maps, bike safety classes, and

other bike information at bike-information@stanford.

edu or visit http://transportation.stanford.edu/bike.


Students register their bikes during New Student Orientation.

When you arrive on campus in the fall you’ll begin a new chapter in your life. Any

new venture brings excitement and uneasiness, especially when you’re leaving

family and familiar surroundings, so don’t worry if you have mixed feelings about the future.

Initially you’ll be surrounded by new faces— faculty, staff, your RF, your RA, your roommate, and your

classmates. The excitement of stimulating academic challenges will be matched by the unique opportunity to

meet amazing people—individuals with different religious and political beliefs, ethnic and cultural heritage,

or gender and sexual orientation. While making new acquaintances can be uncomfortable at times, we all

know from past experience that building relationships can be life changing.

Stanford students possess extraordinary talents and abilities and each student’s background and personal

life experience contribute to the dynamic and diverse environment of the campus. You are an important mem-

ber of the class of 2014 and your presence adds to the richness and diversity of our community.

Please know that as staff in the Student Affairs division we are here to support and guide you as you

embark on this incredible adventure and your life as a Stanford student.

Sally Dickson, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean for Educational Resources

77

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Marguerite Shuttle Service

Stanford’s free Marguerite shuttles will take you nearly

everywhere you need to go, whether to a class at the far

end of campus, a store for some shopping, or a restaurant

for a bite to eat. The Marguerite runs five days a week year

round, with late-night and weekend service during the

academic year. Here are places the Marguerite can take you:

• Local shopping and dining at the Stanford Shopping

Center, the San Antonio Shopping Center, Town &

Country Village, and downtown Palo Alto.

• Palo Alto Caltrain stations, where you can catch buses

and trains to San Francisco, San Jose, the East Bay, and

other destinations.

Real-time bus information, routes, schedules, and more

information are available at http://transportation.stanford.

edu/marguerite. All Marguerite buses are equipped with a

bike rack and are wheelchair accessible.

Cars

Since parking is in short supply on campus and in keep-

ing with the University’s efforts to limit vehicle traffic to

and from campus, freshmen are not allowed to bring cars

to campus. However, students can take advantage of the

following programs if they need access to a vehicle:

• Zipcar operates a car-sharing program at Stanford,

with cars at various locations on campus available for

hourly and daily use by Zipcar members. Membership

is open to individuals age 18 and over for a low annual

fee. Stanford members receive $35 in driving credit when

joining and special Stanford rates start at $8 per hour,

including gas and insurance. Visit http://transportation.

stanford.edu/zipcar for more information.

• Zimride is a carpool ridematching application that

enables students to arrange rides with others in the

Stanford network—or choose to share a ride with the

broader Zimride community. Students can connect with

one another for trips to the airport, nearby entertain-

ment, and more at http://transportation.stanford.edu/

ridematch.

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a branch on campus that

rents to Stanford students age 18 and over, offering

hourly, daily, and weekly vehicle rentals. In addi-

tion, campus residents can register for the Enterprise

Residents Rental Program and receive weeknight car

rentals for only $10. Visit http://transportation.stanford.

edu/enterprise for more information.

• The Freshman Emergency Ride Home program

provides freshmen with a taxi ride back to campus if

they are caught without a ride within eight miles of

campus or to the Vaden Health Center or Stanford

Hospital in a non-life-threatening emergency. You are

allowed three free rides per academic year. Visit http://

transportation.stanford.edu/frosh_erh for important

restrictions and to register.

• Transit and bike planning assistance is available as an

alternative to vehicle trips. Send an email to commute-

[email protected].

Freshmen who can demonstrate a compelling need

for a car or who would suffer undue hardship under the

Freshman Parking Policy may apply for a waiver. Waivers

are reviewed by a committee and will be kept to an absolute

minimum. Requests for waivers should be submitted in

early August. Visit the P&TS website for more information.

5-SURE Escort Services

For nighttime travel, call Stanford United for Rape

Elimination (S.U.R.E) to receive Stanford’s free safety escort

service. Using radio-dispatched golf carts, drivers will take

you to any campus destination when you are uncomfort-

able traveling alone. Call (650) 725-SURE (or 5-SURE

from a campus phone) or request the service online. Visit

http://5-sure.stanford.edu for more information.

Shumway Fountain, the red hoop near Green Library, is one of over20 fountains on campus.

79

REPLY FORM

S

Stanford UniversityReply Form Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REPLY FORMS

Forms must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m., PDT, on the following dates:

Tuesday, June 8, 2010, for Freshmen and

Tuesday, July 13, 2010, for Transfer Students

• Your SUNet ID must be set up before you can go into the forms site. See page 63 for instructions on how to set up your

SUNet ID.

• Go to the Freshman page at http://undergrad.stanford.edu, or the Transfers page if you are a transfer student, to submit

Forms 1–14. Read all of the relevant sections of this publication carefully before submitting your online forms.

• Start working on your forms early to allow time for any unexpected problems or issues. Please be advised that you’ll need

to submit a digital photo in Form 14. There are a number of specific requirements that your photo must meet, so please

start looking for a photo that meets the requirements early on (or take a new one that fits the requirements). You cannot

complete your Approaching Stanford forms until a photo is uploaded to Form 14. For help on submitting a digital photo,

follow the link on the Freshman page at http://undergrad.stanford.edu.

• Unless otherwise indicated on the specific form, both freshmen and transfers must fill out all of the forms.

• Contact us at [email protected] or (650) 72-FROSH if you have any questions about what you have read or how to fill

out the forms. If you cannot submit your forms online, please contact us as soon as possible; the deadlines for receipt of

your forms remain the same. We prefer that you use your Stanford email account to contact us via email. If you call

(650) 72-FROSH and have to leave a message, please remember to provide your full name, your SUNet ID, and your

phone number along with your inquiry.

INDEX

Academic Advising 18

Academic Calendar 4

Acts of Intolerance Protocol 35

Advanced Placement (AP) 12

African American Community Center, see Black CommunityServices Center 41

African American Theme House, see Ujamaa 49

Alcohol Policy 36

Arriving at Stanford 71

Asian American Activities Center 40

Asian American Theme House, see Okada 49

Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) 40

Athletics 40

Axess 64

Banking 62

Bechtel International Center 41

Bicycles 75

Big Game 44

Bing Overseas Studies Program 26

Biology 21

Black Community Services Center (BCSC) 41

Bookstore, see Stanford Bookstore 75

Buses, see Marguerite Shuttle Service 77

Cantor Arts Center 37

Cardinal Care Health Insurance 56

Cardinal Dollars 52

Career Development Center (CDC) 27

Cars 71, 77

Casa Zapata 49

Cell Phone Services 74

Chemistry 21

Chicano/Latino Student Center, see El Centro Chicano 42

Chicano/Latino Theme House, see Casa Zapata 49

Church Groups, see Religious Groups at Stanford 43

Community Service, see Haas Center for Public Service 27

Computer Clusters 68

Computer Security, see Security Considerations 67


Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 57

Couples/Students with Children Housing, see Housing 51

Cross-Cultural Theme Houses 49

Dance 37

Degree Options 16

Dental Care 56

Dining 52

Directions to Campus 71

Disabilities, see Office of Accessible Education 29

Disciplinary Breadth 9

Dorm Rooms, see Guidelines for Packing 71

Dorms, see Housing Options 47

Drama 37

Earth Sciences, School of 15

Education for Citizenship 9

El Centro Chicano 42

Email 64

Engineering 22

Engineering, School of 15

Enrolling in Classes 20

Entrance Medical Requirements 54

ePay, see Stanford ePay 59

Exchange Programs 27

Finances 58

Financial Aid Office (FAO) 61

Food Service, see Dining 52

Foreign Language Requirement 10

Forms 79

Fraternities, see Greek Community 42

Freshman Seminars 19, 29

Freshman-Sophomore College 48

Full Moon on the Quad 45

Fundamental Standard 35

Gaieties 45

General Education Requirements (GERs) 8

Geological and Environmental Sciences 15

Getting Around 75

Graduation Requirements 7

Greek Community 42

Green Library 31

Guaranteed Housing Plan 47

Guidelines for Packing 71

Haas Center for Public Service 27

Health Insurance 56

Health Promotion Services 57

Health Services 56

Health-Related Checklist 58

Honor Code 35

Honors Programs 13

Hopkins Marine Station 28

Hotels 71

Housing 47

Humanities and Sciences, School of 14

Hume Writing Center 29

IHUM, see Introduction to the Humanities 8

Immunizations 54

International Center, see Bechtel International Center 41

International Students 41, 51, 56

Introduction to the Humanities (IHUM) 8

Jobs, see Part-Time Employment 62

Judicial Affairs 34

Language Requirement 10

Learning Resources 24

LGBT Community Resources Center 42

Libraries 31

Mail 74

Majors 13

Mathematics 22

Meal Plans 52

Medical Services 56

Meyer Library 32

Music 38

Muwekma-tah-ruk 49

Native American and Alaska Native Theme House, seeMuwekma-tah-ruk 49

Native American Cultural Center 42

Natural Sciences and Mathematics 15


Office of Accessible Education 29

Okada 49

Old Union 43

Oral Communication Program 30

Orientation, see New Student Orientation inside back cover

Overseas Resource Center (ORC) 30

Peanut Allergies 52

Physics 22

Post Office 74

Post-Graduate Advising 25

Program in Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) 9

Public Service, see Haas Center for Public Service 27

Publications and Media 43

Radio, see Publications and Media 43

Recreation 40

Religious Food Practices 52

Religious Life at Stanford 43

Reply Forms 79

Required Courses 7

Research, see Undergraduate Research 24

Residence Staff 50

Residences, see Housing 47

Resident Computer Consultant (RCC) 50, 65

Residential Computing 65

Residential Education 30

Roommates 50

Sexual Assault Policy 36

Sexual Harassment Policy 36

Shipping Your Belongings 72, 74

SLE, see Structured Liberal Education 8, 48

Smoke-Free Environment 36

Social Sciences 14

Sororities, see Greek Community 42

Stanford Bookstore 68, 75

Stanford ePay 59

Stanford in Washington Program 31

Stanford Introductory Seminars 19, 29

Stanford Traditions 44

StanfordCardPlan 62

Structured Liberal Education (SLE) 8, 48

Student Clubs and Organizations 45

Student Union, see Old Union and Tresidder Memorial

Union 43, 46

Student Services Center 62

Study Abroad, see Bing Overseas Studies Program 26

SUNet ID 63

Telephone Service 74

Television Service 74

Television, see Publications and Media 43

Textbooks and Supplies 75

Theme Houses, see Cross-Cultural Theme Houses 49

Transfer Credit 10, 12. 17

Transfer Students 10, 21, 23, 51

Transportation, see Getting Around 75

Tresidder Memorial Union 46

Tuition and Fees 59

Tutoring Resources 25

Ujamaa 49

Undergraduate Academic Life Website inside front cover

Undergraduate Advising and Research 18

University Calendar, see Academic Calendar 4

University Cashier’s Office 61

Vaden Health Center 54


Vice Provost for Student Affairs 34

Washington Program, see Stanford in Washington Program 31

What to Bring 71

Women’s Community Center 46

Writing and Rhetoric Requirement 9

Writing Center, see Hume Writing Center 29

Approaching Stanford is produced by Undergraduate Advising and Research, a department within the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education. This publication is also available online at the Freshman page of the Undergraduate Academic Life website (http://undergrad.stanford.edu).

Editors: Michael Kyono, Amanda Wilson Bergado

Designer: ChaseVP, Morgan Hill CA

Photo credits: Rachel Altmaier, cover (bottom center, bottom right), Kayvon Beykpour, pp. 16, 73; BOSP, Madrid Staff, p. 25. L.A. Cicero,Stanford News Service, cover (bottom center), pp. 1, 3, 6, 7 (top left), 9, 14, 15, 18, 27, 29, 30, 33, 34, 36, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 (left), 48, 51, 53, 54, 61, 62, 70, 75, 76 (bottom); Dean Eyre, cover (full center, bottom left); Adrian Gaitan, pp. 21, 38, 58; Toni Gauthier, cover (bottom left); Mike Keiser, Office of Residential Computing, p. 68; Jason Langer, 8, 10, 13, 24, 31, 37, 39, 47 (right), 57, 69, 76 (right); Katherine Liu, Stanford Daily, p. 41; Masaru Oka, cover (bottom right); Ethan Y. Rikleen, Office of Residential Computing, p. 63; Mae Ryan, Stanford Daily, p. 66; Rod Searcey, p. 20; Shams Shaikh, p. 52; Stanford News Service, p. 7 (top right); Stanford University Archives, p. 5; Ginger Turner, p. 77; Lina Yamaguchi, p. 19; Sevgi Yuksel, Stanford Daily, pp. 7 (top right), 23

CONTACT INFORMATION

Website:http://undergrad.stanford.edu


Phone: (650) 723-7674Monday–Friday, 9:00–5:00, PDT

Fax: (650) 725-1436

For mail, including thatdelivered by courier service:Approaching StanfordSweet Hall, First Floor590 Escondido MallStanford, CA 94305-3094

Approaching Stanfordis available online. Pleasesubmit your reply forms athttp://undergrad.stanford.edu.

CONTENTS

Welcome to Stanford University 1–3

Academic Calendar 2010–11 4

Stanford, Past and Present 5–6

At the Core: Academics 7–32




Your Stanford Community 33–46




The Practical Stuff 47–77

Housing 47

Dining 52


Finances 58


Getting Here 71

Reply Form Instructions 79



http://undergrad.stanford.edu/NBY/Freshman.html

(650) 72-FROSH (723-7674)

[email protected]

Orientation Preview

During New Student Orientation (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 14

through Sunday, September 19. A detailed calendar of

Orientation events will be provided when you arrive on

campus and will be available on the Freshman page of the

Undergraduate Academic Life website after September 1. You

will be expected to participate fully in Orientation activities,

which will take place from early morning to late evening.

Parents may join you on the first day.

Students who register for International New Student

Orientation should plan to arrive on campus by 5:00 p.m.

on Saturday, September 11. Those invited to participate in

the Native American student retreat should plan to arrive on

campus by 12:00 noon on Sunday, September 12. Students

who register for Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT)

should plan to arrive on campus by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday,

September 8. More information about these programs will be

mailed to students in May.

Tuesday, September 14—First Day on the Farm

Go directly to your residence where check-in will begin at

8:00 a.m. Orientation Volunteers and residence staff members

will be waiting to greet you. Plan to arrive and move in before

2:00 p.m. so that you and your family can enjoy the day’s

activities. If you cannot arrive by 2:00 p.m., you will need to

pick up your room key and welcome packet from the Housing

Front Desk 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 120th

Opening Convocation, a ceremony you and your family won’t

want to miss. Parents are invited to attend a special dinner

with the Provost after saying their final goodbyes to you. Over

dinner you will have a chance to meet your dormmates and the

day will end with your first house meeting.

Parent Events

Your parents are invited to join you for the first day of

Orientation. During the summer, information will be made

available regarding Orientation events planned for parents

between 11:00 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14.

From mid-morning until early afternoon, parents can visit the

Parent Lounge and Resource Center. In addition to providing

a place for parents to meet one another, representatives

from campus departments and programs will be on hand to

answer questions. If your parents or other family members

are interested in reserving tickets for the Parent Dinner with

the Provost, they will need to register by mail or online with

payment postmarked no later than Friday, August 20.

For Individuals with Disabilities

Students or parents with disabilities requiring assistance during

Orientation should contact our office at (650) 723-7674 as soon

as possible with information about their needs.

Religious Observances

We respect students’ religious commitments and have ensured

that there are opportunities on campus for holiday observance.

All Orientation and residential 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 of Religious Life at

(650) 723-1762 or visit http://religiouslife.stanford.edu.


Approaching Stanford

Approaching StanfordA Handbook for Entering Students

Sweet Hall, First Floor


Class of 2014

Class of 2014



APPRO

ACHIN

G S

TANFO

RD

A H

andbook for E

nterin

g Studen

ts2010 – 2011

Contains information for submitting time-critical reply forms online.

Freshmen:Due by 5:00 p.m., PDT, June 8, 2010

Transfer Students:

Due by 5:00 p.m., PDT, July 13, 2010

THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PROVOST FOR UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Stanford University saved the following resources by using paper made with 30% post-consumer waste, processed chlorine free, and manufactured with electricity that is offset with Green-e® certified renewable energy certificates.

www.ChaseVP.com

Calculations based on research by Environmental Defense Fund and other members of the Paper Task Force.

trees water energy solidwaste greenhousegases

12 5520 4 335 1146 fullygrown gallons millionBTU pounds pounds

Environmental Benefits Statement

apsu_handbook2010

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