Welcome to graduate studies at Stanford! You are joining a vibrant and diverse graduate community of over 9,400 students across seven schools. We are glad that you’ve chosen Stanford to pursue your graduate or professional degree, and we are eager to support you on this part of your educational journey.

Stanford offers extensive opportunities for your intellectual and personal development as well as many opportunities to collaborate with fellow students and faculty. We encourage you to share your interests and experiences within our community as you deepen your expertise, nurture your creativity, and prepare for your future. 

In close collaboration with your school and degree program, our offices are dedicated to your success and well-being during your studies. 

• The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) encompasses graduate policy, academic advising, fellowships and funding, teaching support, professional development, and initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary learning. 
• The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs (VPSA) includes medical and mental health services, seven campus community centers, career education, student organizations, immigration and visa services, disability accommodations, the registrar, and the Graduate Life Office.

The health, well-being, and safety of our campus community are our highest priority. Stanford’s public health leaders, including the dedicated staff at Vaden Health Services (our student health center) are preparing for the safe arrival of students from around the world. Please read recent university communications about campus COVID-19 protocols and review campus arrival, travel, and vaccination information.

Here are some actions to take before you arrive on campus:

• Review the university’s entrance health requirements including COVID-19 vaccination requirements. The August 1 deadline has passed, so please upload your documentation immediately to avoid a hold on your registration for fall quarter classes. Submit questions specific to your circumstances directly with a ServiceNow ticket.
• Review move-in information from Residential & Dining Enterprises (if you are living in R&DE housing) and submit housing questions directly with a ServiceNow ticket.
• Check out and participate in New Graduate Student Orientation events, which run Sept. 18 - 25 and are open to all new students.
• Take the Title IX training, which addresses harassment and discrimination prevention as well as provides tools for responding to and reporting such behavior.
• Learn about the university’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in a Learning Community (IDEAL) initiative and read the Provost's Statement on Diversity and Inclusion.
• Learn how to support an inclusive and respective community by indicating which pronouns should be used in campus interactions to address you in the campus data system, Axess. The pronoun information students provide will appear on class rosters and in Canvas (the university’s learning management system).
• Reach out to the Bechtel International Center for guidance if you have any immigration questions.
• Check out Grad Connect, a virtual, self-guided orientation on Canvas, for extensive information and actions to take to help you get settled (most master’s and PhD students have been enrolled; you can self-enroll using your Stanford University Net ID if you did not receive an invitation). The Gateway for New Graduate Students also has a wealth of information and resources for you.
• Bookmark the Center for Teaching and Learning’s website for resources on teaching support.
• Read the messages that you receive from your degree program, which provide details about program-specific orientations, class start dates, expectations about orientation and advising, as well as additional information specific to your degree.
• Familiarize yourself with the many mental health and well-being resources available to you at Stanford including peer counselors, well-being coaches, and the university's confidential support team.
• Finally, first-year PhD students may apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) by October 12 to join the 2023 cohort. Learn more on the KHS admission website and at upcoming KHS admission events.

During your time at Stanford, you will find many people who are eager to offer guidance and support. Our university community, including the dedicated staff in our offices, is committed to supporting your well-being and success.

We are thrilled to welcome you to graduate and professional studies at Stanford and look forward to meeting you soon!

With best wishes,

Stacey F. Bent
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs
Jagdeep and Roshni Singh Professor in the School of Engineering

Susie Brubaker-Cole
Vice Provost for Student Affairs