As a Stanford graduate student, you do not need to face a problem or crisis alone. Help is available when you need it — in some cases, 24 hours a day.
The Stanford community recognizes that students’ academic success is closely tied to their physical and mental health. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to take advantage of the many campus resources that are dedicated to students’ well-being. Many issues can be best resolved locally, with your department or program student services staff or faculty, in particular the Director of Graduate Studies or Department Chair. Staff in the units listed below, as well as VPGE staff, are also available to help.
Graduate Life Office (GLO)
GLO serves graduate students and their families and is available to consult about any problem or crisis - from academic issues to relationship, housing, and financial issues. GLO deans provide confidential consultations to graduate students or to faculty and staff who are concerned about students. To set up an appointment, call (650) 736-7078. In a crisis, see Crisis Phone Numbers in the box to the right.
Academic Issues
School Deans’ Offices
Your department or program is the best place to try to resolve academic issues, since those staff and faculty are most familiar with your degree requirements. Staff and faculty in your School dean’s office may be the next place to turn.
Office of Accessible Education
OAE provides a wide array of support services, accommodations, and programs to remove barriers to full participation in the life of the University. The OAE's Stanford Converter into Braille & E-Text (SCRIBE) allows students to convert a variety of text and image documents into accessible formats. Students should be proactive in seeking accommodations for course and degree requirements. (650) 723-1066 or (650) 723-1067 TTY.
Schwab Learning Center
SLC offers learning strategies for graduate students with learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD or other learning disabilities) or suspected learner variability. Working with a Learning Specialist, the student obtains a comprehensive Personal Learning Profile, which includes recommended services, such as executive function training, one on one subject tutoring, assistive technology training, and/or other learning strategies. There is no cost to use services and students may self-refer to the SLC
Ombuds
Stanford’s main campus Ombuds Office and School of Medicine Ombuds can assist with resolution of disputes and redress of wrongs. The ombuds is available to discuss issues and maintains confidentiality and impartiality.
Health Issues
Well-Being at Stanford
Well-Being at Stanford helps students to cultivate the knowledge and life skills to live a healthy, vibrant lifestyle, manage stress, build resilience, and ensure positive interactions. In addition, Vaden Health Center is piloting the Stanford Red Folder, a new resource designed to help faculty & staff navigate conversations with students about well-being.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS offers evaluation and short-term counseling for students experiencing personal, academic, and/or relationship challenges. Call (650) 723-3785 to schedule an appointment. For immediate assistance in a crisis, see Crisis Phone Numbers in box at right. Find more resources to assist students in distress.
Sexual Assault Support & Resources
Stanford is committed to providing a campus environment that is free of sexual violence and assault. The University has a range of programs that educate community members on issues of sexual violence, provide support in the wake of an incident, encourage reporting, and investigate allegations of misconduct.
Financial Issues
Financial Aid Office Emergency Funding
The Financial Aid Office administers several Stanford Support Programs available to help graduate students dealing with difficult financial situations: Graduate Family Grant Program; Emergency Grant-In-Aid Funds; Graduate Student Aid Fund; and the Graduate Housing Loan.
Student Families Working Advisory Group
The Student Families Working Advisory Group (SFWAG) released a report offering recommendations to address many of the challenges experienced by graduate student parents who manage demanding academic, research and family responsibilities. View the report here (Stanford WebLogin required).
