Academic Policy
Academic Advising is responsible for implementing undergraduate academic policy, including reviewing academic progress, facilitating the return to Stanford after time away, and adjudicating requests for exceptions. The following pages offer clarification on these policies, as well as guidance on the procedures and forms related to them.
Not all university policies are addressed here. For a complete and official description of Stanford’s academic policies, please refer to Stanford Bulletin: Academic Policies and Statements.
![Labyrinth at Windhover contemplative center. Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service](/was/20151211033644im_/https://advising.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj20621/files/styles/card_1900x950/public/media/image/labyrinth_0.jpg?h=0a8b6f8b&itok=rEok458t)
Academic Progress
Find information about minimum academic progress requirements for all Stanford students, as well as details about academic probation and similar statuses.
![Prickly pear in the Arizona Garden. Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service](/was/20151211033644im_/https://advising.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj20621/files/styles/card_1900x950/public/media/image/prickly_pear_0.jpg?h=c2c74d28&itok=REpOhu2x)
Requests for Exceptions
Students who believe they have compelling extenuating circumstances may be eligible to request an exception to academic policy in consultation with their Academic Advisor. Find more information on requests for exceptions and necessary forms here.
![Late winter's evening light cast its shadows on the arches on the Main Quad Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service](/was/20151211033644im_/https://advising.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj20621/files/styles/card_1900x950/public/media/image/arcade1_0.jpg?h=844fc2e8&itok=lWUnHWsX)
Leaves of Absence
Students may wish to take time off from Stanford for a variety of reasons. Learn more about the Leave of Absence process here.
![View of the north east corner of the Inner Quad with Hoover Tower in the background on a sunny day with students and bicycles. Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service](/was/20151211033644im_/https://advising.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj20621/files/styles/card_1900x950/public/media/image/quad2_1.jpg?h=c2bee6ab&itok=sHqyVTEo)
Returning to Stanford
Depending on their circumstances, students returning to Stanford after time away may need to take specific steps for reinstatement. Find more details about the return process here.
Further Information
For an accessible, student-friendly explanation of other university academic policies, you may wish to consult the following pages from Choosing Courses and from the Advising Student Handbook:
- What are my graduation requirements and how do I check them?
- Choosing Courses for General Education Requirements
- What happens if I don't meet my minimum requirements?
- Does Stanford have an attendance policy?
- What academic deadlines should I be aware of?
- Help, I have an enrollment hold!
- Can I get credit for AP, IB, or Transfer Courses?
- Can I take more than 20 units in a quarter?
- Can I take this course for Credit/No Credit?
- Should I Withdraw from this course?
- Asking for an Incomplete
- Repeating a Course
Enrollment Deadlines and Final Exams
The Registrar's Office also maintains important information about the academic calendar, enrollment deadlines, and the final exam schedule: