Whether students are here for a master’s, PhD, or professional degree, understanding how and when University, school, and department policies apply to their academic career helps them navigate graduate school. The VPGE office interprets and disseminates University-level policies, which are set by the Academic Senate and the Committee on Graduate Studies.
Planning Resources
Your Best Resource: Your Department or Program
Your department, program, or school’s policies and procedures, including their current student handbooks, are your primary resource. Your department or program’s student services staff can explain requirements and procedures, and your dean’s office staff can explain school-level academic policies.
Stanford Bulletin: Explore Degrees
Stanford's schools, departments, and interdisciplinary programs list their academic policies and degree requirements in the Bulletin.
Stanford Bulletin: Explore Courses
Stanford's course database can be searched by department, keywords, or quarter, day, or time offered. Take advantage of Stanford’s open course enrollment policies to explore beyond your department or school.
Funding Resources
There are many funding opportunities at Stanford and beyond that can help you finance your graduate education, research, travel, internships, and more.
- Check out the Financial Aid Offices Grad Resources
- Browse VPGE Fellowships & Funding Opportunities
- Learn more about Funding Graduate Study
Graduate Policies
Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook
The GAP describes University-wide academic policies that apply to all graduate students. The GAP can be a handy reference throughout your graduate studies.
Childbirth Accommodation Policy
This policy provides an academic accommodation period for registered and matriculated female graduate students (including students in professional schools) anticipating or experiencing a birth.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHILDBIRTH ACCOMMODATION POLICY (GAP 5.9)
Research Policy Handbook
The Research Policy Handbook (RPH) describes policies, guidelines, and resources related to Stanford's research mission. Selected research-related policies directly effect graduate students.
Office of Community Standards
The Office of Community Standards upholds Stanford’s Honor Code, which articulates the University's expectations of students and faculty in establishing and maintaining the highest standards in academic work, and the Fundamental Standard, which sets the standard for conduct of all members of the Stanford community.
