Mini-Courses Frequently Asked Questions
Mini Courses take place the last 3 weeks of Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarter. Do normal Add/Drop deadlines apply?
Although mini courses take place in the last 3 weeks of the quarter and flexible registration deadlines apply, it is highly encouraged and recommended to apply by normal registration deadlines. Courses fill up fast. If you don't have units available (3 units max for TGR students, 10 units max for non-TGR students), see your Student Services Administrator (SSA) for help registering and/or tuition questions.
Courses can be dropped without a penalty though it is advised that you drop the course in a timely manner. We currently allow students to drop up until the last day of instruction in that mini course. Students have the opportunity to add a mini-course within the first 3 days of a mini-course starting.
To add or drop after normal registration deadlines without penalty you must contact us at stanford.biosciences@gmail.com or the SOM registrars' directly to assist. Please provide your name, id number, and course number when making this request. It will be forwarded to SOM registrars' office. Again, please check with your SSA regarding units.
When does registration open for post docs?
Due to high demand a limited enrollment post docs will be offered to apply on a first come first serve basis depending on approximated classroom capacity. Current graduate students get priority. Class opens for post doc registration the Monday, following the day Axess opens for current students at 8:00am Pacific Standard Time.
Spring Quarter 2015 – February 9
Summer Quarter 2015 – April 13
Please note that space in course is not guaranteed following registration and applications are capped. There is no waiting list. You will receive an email confirming from the instructor or OGE of your acceptance.
How do post docs enroll in course?
Post docs must apply to take a course and is on a first come first serve basis. Links to course registration can be found under Current Students > Curriculum and Requirements > Coursework.
Applying does not guarantee a spot in the course.
When does registration open for current students?
Registration opens on Axess the same day all classes open for that quarter. Please check the academic calendar.
Course registration links that take you to the course bulletin can be found on the biosciences website under Current Students > Curriculum and Requirements > Coursework.
Is there a fee to take mini courses?
There is no fee to take mini courses offered by Biosciences.
I am neither a student nor a post doc; can I take a mini course?
Unfortunately, due to limited capacity and space mini courses are only available to matriculated students and post docs.
I am a post doc and a course is full or I didn't get a spot in the class, is there a waitlist?
Unfortunately, due to limited capacity and an overwhelming interest in some courses there is no wait list in place. Please check if the course is offered again at a later quarter.
Can I enroll in more than one mini course?
Students: If time in your academic schedule permits you are allowed to take more than one mini course. Please note that these courses are highly intensive and you must be present all days.
Postdocs: Because is space is competitive for postdocs already it is advised for you to apply for one per quarter to allow other post docs to take a course and open space.
I am student/post doc and want to propose and teach a mini course. What is the process?
Every year during the spring quarter the Office of Graduate Education makes a call for proposals that is open to students, post docs, and faculty. The application closes at the end of April. Please note, that students and post docs must have a faculty co-instructor to teach a mini course.
The call for proposals will be posted on the Announcements in the Current Student Section and Under the Faculty Section.
