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An update on undergraduate student life at Stanford

Senior Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students Mona Hicks and Associate Vice Provost of Inclusion, Community, and Integrative Learning Samuel Santos Jr. describe enhancements supporting social life.

Dear students,

With summer rapidly approaching, we wanted to thank you for partnering with us to bring back a remarkably vibrant campus social scene. We’ve made lots of progress together this year, and there’s more to do. Here’s a quick update, with more details in a related Stanford Report story, following up on our November and February messages to you.

Events. We’re pleased to announce that two successful pilot programs will continue this fall: Tresidder Oak will remain available at no cost to student organizations on Friday and Saturday nights, and we’ll continue providing funds to help offset professional bartending and security expenses for major events. Additionally, we’ll continue streamlining the event planning process, based on your feedback.

Neighborhoods. The neighborhoods came alive this quarter! It’s been great to see so many of you at Crochella, Heatwave, Dragfest, and more. Nearly 800 house and council-funded events and programs were held this year. Next year is shaping up to be even better. Expect more event space; more outdoor seating and lighting; a refined event funding process; and more RA positions on the Row supporting community building and house events.

Accountability. We heard you when you said changes were needed when students and student groups are reported to have violated university policies. Here’s a quick summary. For the Student Group Accountability Process, you’ll find support resources at the top of the policy, time limits for concluding an investigation, and a 30-day time period for the Dean of Students to provide final outcome letters. The Student Judicial Charter now differentiates between minor and major violations, with minor violations generally being resolved quickly.

Your suggestions are shaping student life, and leaving an excellent legacy. Thanks for a great year, good luck on your exams, stay safe this summer, and congratulations to the Class of 2023!

Sincerely,

Mona Hicks
Senior Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students

Samuel Santos Jr.
Associate Vice Provost of Inclusion, Community, and Integrative Learning