News & Updates

Preparing for our next climate survey

In April, I wrote with the news that based on the recommendation of an advisory committee of students, faculty and staff, Stanford will be joining the student campus climate survey that will be administered by the Association of American Universities in the spring of 2019. I want to provide an update on our process to prepare for this survey.

Rethinking the conversation

Last fall Marc and I launched Cardinal Conversations as an opportunity to advance the university’s commitment to the free exchange of ideas and to fostering an inclusive campus culture. Advancing both ideals together continues to be an imperative and a challenge for our community, and I want to update you on what we are doing for the coming year.

Envisioning Stanford’s future

At the annual meeting of the Academic Council, we presented a high-level vision for Stanford’s future, building on the input of many hundreds of people from across the university community over the last year. We’re excited to share this vision with our community. We believe it reflects the optimistic, pioneering, energetic spirit of a community eager to strengthen Stanford’s foundations and to expand its contributions.

Workshop on Institutional Change 2018

A workshop was held in January in which there was a presentation on Academic Governance.  The slides from the presentation and accompanying notes are available to view.

Provost's Committee on Lecturers

The Provost's Committee on Lecturers has been asked to review core academic teaching staff appointments at Stanford. Core academic teaching staff include lecturers, senior lecturers and other non-academic council appointments. Given the importance of this group to our teaching mission, we believe it is important to clarify their roles within the university, as well as identify and implement guidelines for career definition, development, and advancement in this line.

A new academic year

President Tessier-Lavigne and I want to take the opportunity of a new fall quarter to extend a warm welcome to you, whether for the first time or once again. Yet as we write we are also reminded of the challenges facing some members of our community, with the announcement just hours ago of an updated travel ban affecting visitors to the United States from several countries.

Summer explorations

Summer is a time to refresh the soul. I spent a small part of my summer doing that by spending some time as a student of the arts.

Provost Drell on Stanford's commitment to battling sexual assault

Provost Drell provided thoughts following a speech by the U.S. Secretary of Education regarding Title IX and efforts by colleges and universities to battle sexual assault.

Stanford University statement on federal administration’s plans for DACA

Stanford University vigorously and admantly opposes the shameful decision announced today to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Letter to the community on undocumented students

In an open letter in the Stanford Daily, President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Provost Persis Drell reaffirm and discuss further the resources and commitments Stanford offers to undocumented students.