Graduate students are required by the University to register for Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer quarters either for 10 units, or TGR until the degree is received. Students receiving stipend checks must register for 10 units or TGR in order to receive a check. Leaves of absence require department approval before departure.
Registration Procedures
Access to Stanford student privileges (housing, financial aid, access to courses and facilities, etc.) is contingent upon timely and accurate completion of the following primary activities each term:
- Confirm, through Axess, that the University has your correct address and phone number.
- Ensure that your University bill is paid. If it is not or if you believe there is an error please see the student affairs coordinator (Joella Ackerman) immediately.
- Clear all holds that may block your ability to enroll in classes.
- File your study list (the list of courses in which you wish to enroll) and maintain that study list throughout the term, via Axess.
- If all of your holds have been cleared and Axess does not allow you to enroll go to the Student Services Center in Tresidder Union for assistance.
Deadlines are set for each of these activities. For example, there are dates set each quarter for submission of the study list, for dropping of adding courses or units, for electing CR/NC (credit/not credit) grading for a course, for withdrawing from a course, etc. These dates are listed in the university's Academic Calendar.
Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR)
Students who have been admitted to candidacy and who have completed all required course work and have satisfied the residency requirement of 135 units are required to register for TGR status. Under TGR, tuition fees are substantially reduced. Students registered in TGR status must enroll each quarter in a TGR course (course #802) for doctoral programs) in the biochemistry department, with their advisor as the instructor, and for 0 units. Work on the thesis dissertation must be evaluated each quarter for academic progress and graded as follows: "N" indicating satisfactory progress, "P" for a final grade when all requirements have been completed.
Preliminary student lists are due on the first day of each quarter. Final Study Lists are due approximately three weeks after the start of the quarter. Students should complete this carefully and submit it by the listed deadlines (otherwise late fees may be assessed and the course grades possibly delayed). Students submit their study lists through AXESS.
Student Record in the AXESS System
Each student is responsible for ensuring that the University has his or her correct mailing address and telephone number. Addresses and phone numbers should be updated through AXESS, the online system for student information. Students can also examine records of their courses and the grades they have received; making it easier to change incorrect information or spot incomplete grades. Incoming students should receive information about AXESS from the Registrar's Office.
Current course offerings may be found at the Stanford Bulletin Explore Courses page.
Admission to candidacy acknowledges the successful completion of departmental and university requirements for the doctoral degree. An "Application for Candidacy" must be filed by the end of the Summer quarter of the second year in the Program in order to be admitted to candidacy. This form is forwarded to the Registrar's Office and indicates that the student is formally qualified for the Ph.D. degree and is in good academic standing. The form requires listing completed Stanford course work totaling at least 72 units.
Once a student is admitted to candidacy, the status is valid for five years; subject to termination by the department if progress is unsatisfactory. In special circumstances, it may be renewed by the submission and approval of a new application, or extended upon the chairman's recommendation.
The University's minimum unit requirement for the Ph.D. degree is satisfactory completion of 135 units of coursework, reading, and/or research at Stanford. At least three units must be taken with each of four Stanford faculty members.
After receiving the Ph.D., many graduates become postdoctoral fellows and research associates in other laboratories before entering research or tenure-track academic positions. At least one and a half years before the expected Ph.D. date, the student should consult the advisor concerning career plans and the strategies and conventions of obtaining fellowships, postdoctoral sponsors or employment in industry. Although applications for postdoctoral fellowships are normally made in the last year of graduate study, decisions regarding sponsors must be completed before the application process begins.
The Vaden Student Health Center provides medical care, including a range of counseling and mental health services, to regularly enrolled Stanford students. The main facility at 866 Campus Drive has a full-time staff of physicians, mental health professionals and nurses. It provides, for free or for modest fees, a program of medical and psychological services to students holding current student I.D. cards.
The Health Center is open 8AM - 8PM, Monday through Thursday and 8AM - 5PM Friday. with the exceptions for holidays and Summer hours. A physician and other health professionals are on call for urgent care at all other times. The phone number for information and appointments is 650-498-2336.
Stanford University requires all new students to have completed an Entrance Medical Record. Forms can be found at New Student Health Requirements.
The completed forms must be returned to Vaden Student Health Center by July 31 to avoid a hold on future registration.
Stanford students are required to enroll in the Stanford health insurance plan (Cardinal Care), paid along with registration or tuition fees, or provide evidence of satisfactory coverage with an external carrier. In addition, insurance coverage for students' dependents is also available. Their health care costs are not covered by Vaden or the University student policy. Information on the Cardinal Care Plan can be found at: Cardianl Care Overview
If a waiver is not requested by September 15, enrollment in the Stanford plan is automatic. Stanford health insurance charges appear on quarterly University bills.
Dental assistance plans are available on a voluntary basis through the Vaden Students Health Center (Dental and Vision Insurance Options). The Biochemistry Department will reimburse up to $100 for Dental Insurance per Academic year. See the Student Services Administrator for reimbursement requests.
Entering students are offered a stipend and tuition. Students are required to apply for predoctoral fellowships from the National Science Foundation during their first year in residence. Applications are available on the Web and are due in November. Students are also encouraged to apply for other outside fellowships. Department funds are used to supplement support from all sources to an annual Biosciences stipend rate. ASSU fees, late fees, etc. are the responsibility of each student. Additionally a one-time document fee of $200 must be paid by the student. Health insurance will be paid by the department if not covered by fellowship institutional allowances. Students may receive stipends quarterly or semi-monthly. A U.S. Social Security number is required to receive any funds disbursed by Stanford.
For those students on fellowships who are paid quarterly, the stipend checks are issued the day before classes begin and are mailed by the Student Financial Services Office to the student's address in Axess, unless enrolled in direct deposit. Fellowship stipends are taxable but not subject to withholding or reporting by Stanford. Students receiving stipends are responsible for making any necessary estimated tax payment. Federal Form 1040-ES and California Form 540-ES are available at Student Financial Services - Tax Information. These forms are also available on the IRS website.
Students who are paid semi-monthly will be paid on the 7th and the 22nd of the month (or on the preceding work day if these dates fall on a weekend of holiday). Salary assistantships are taxable and subject to withholding, and are reported by Stanford on a W-2 form. International students may qualify for federal "tax treaty exemption" - if one exists between the US and theory country. Direct-deposit is also available; see the Student Services Administrator for assistance.
Students in the Department of Biochemistry including MSTP students who declare biochemistry as their home program will be provided $250 per year for the first four years of their thesis program for books and other incidentals relevant to their training. (In the case of the MSTP students, if they declare biochemistry in their 2nd year then they can use funding in years 2 through 5.) Students in their first year can choose to take advance payment of their future years' allotments to apply to a more expensive item such as a computer. If a student does not take advantage of the full $250 supplement within that year, the student is not eligible to "roll over" the money to use in the future. Requests to use department funding should be submitted in writing to the Student Services Administrator.
Tuition (10 units or TGR) is fully covered by research assistantships or traineeships. Tuition paid by the department is paid directly to the University. Students will receive tuition credit on their University bill.
Stipends are subject to income tax, but not withholding, so the student must pay estimated taxes (form 1040ES). Please view information found at Student Financial Services - Tax Information, should you have a question regarding tax status of payments.
Any individual receiving salaried compensation must have on file a correctly completed I-9 form (Employment Eligibility) prior to commencement of work. International students who are not U.S. permanent residents must have a valid passport and visa with either an I-94 card or an I-20 ID card carrying an employment authorization stamp in order to file an I-9.
Graduate student quarter breaks are not like that of undergraduates because of the continuous nature of research progress. Students have a finite time in graduate school to complete their thesis work. Their success/failure will depend on the choices they make and their dedication to their research.
Graduate students are allowed to be away 15 days per year (not including Christmas Day and New Years Day). Generally only a portion is used at winter break. All vacation time is to be scheduled as to minimize disruption to their research.
Stanford's patent and copyright policies apply to any student working on a research project, regardless of the source of aid. You must agree to this policy by completing the form "SU Patent Agreement (SU-18)" located in the Axess system. The policies allow inventors/creators to retain all rights to inventions and copyrightable materials unless certain exceptions apply. The most important exception is that Stanford claims title to inventions and copyrightable materials (including computer software) made under sponsored research in order to grant sponsors the licensing or other rights required under the agreement. Stanford also claims title to copyrighted material under the following circumstances:
- The work is created for University purposes in the course of employment;
- The work is commissioned by the University;
- The work is supported by a direct allocation of funds through the University pursuit of a specific project;
- Other arrangements are required as agreed in writing
On Campus
Single graduate students are housed in furnished dormitory rooms, co-ops and apartments. Married or domestically partnered students with children live in furnished apartments in Escondido Village, a residential neighborhood on the eastern edge of campus. Information on housing options and rental rates can be found at Stanford University Housing Options.
All housing assignments are made through a lottery system. The university is able to meet the housing demands of most matriculated graduate students who are willing to live in any graduate residence or in an off campus University subsidized apartment. Single graduate students and married couples without children are assigned to campus housing for one academic year at a time and must reapply for housing on a yearly basis. Students with children are assigned campus housing for up to four years.
Off Campus
Many students live off-campus. The Community Housing Office maintains a helpful website including listings of rentals available in the local area. Point your browser to http://stanford.edu/dept/rde/chs/.
Listings are also posted on bulletin boards located outside of room M-105 in the Medical Center. The following web sites are good sources for off-campus housing:
Local newspapers are also a good source of off-campus housing. The Peninsula has several newspapers including the Palo Alto Weekly, published on Tuesdays and Fridays, and The San Jose Mercury News and The San Francisco Chronicle, published daily.
Cars
Permits are required for parking on campus. Three types are available: "Resident" permits allow you to park at your campus dorm or apartment. "A" stickers entitle you to park in any lot. "C" stickers enable you to park only in the "C" lots which are further away. Both A & C permits are available to commuters (students not living on campus). Carpool and vanpool permits are also available to eligible persons. For more information and permit costs call the Parking and Transportation Office at 723-9362 or visit their website, http://transportation.stanford.edu/.
Additional automobile resources include:
- The Department of Motor Vehicles in Mountain View: 595 Showers Drive, 968-0610 and in Redwood City: 300 Brewster, 368-2837. It is recommended that you call in advance to set up an appointment.
- California State Automobile Association: 430 Forest Ave., Palo Alto, 321-0470
Bicycles
The California Vehicle Code requires registration of bicycles to aid in identification and recover if stolen. The Campus Bike Shop at Tresidder Union registers bicycles. Call 723-9300 or visit their website at http://campusbikeshop.com for information. You can also register your bicycle at the Parking and Transportation Office at 340 Bonair Siding. Engravers are available at the Police Station to engrave a license number or Stanford student identification number on bicycle frames. Stolen bicycles should be reported to the Police Station (723-9633).
Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as automobile drivers, not pedestrians. Palo Alto and other nearby cities have established a network of bike lanes and paths marked with signs and painted lines to make biking safer. Helmets are recommended but not required. Please note that bicycles are not permitted within the Beckman Center.
Marguerite Shuttle
The Marguerite is the main campus public transport and is free. It operates Monday through Friday all year except on University holidays. Maps and schedules are available at: http://transportation.stanford.edu/ or by calling 723-9362.
Airport Transportation
The Super Shuttle (415-558-8500, www.supershuttle.com) and Bayporter Express (www.bayporter.com) are van services that will bring you and your luggage directly from campus to either SFO or SJC. The cost ranges from $25-$95 for one person. Both shuttles operate on a regular basis during the day and early evening. Call for more information and reservations. You may also dial 7-0901 on a white airport courtesy phone for pick-up locations. The trip from San Francisco to Stanford takes approximately 40 minutes and from San Jose to Stanford about 30 minutes.
SamTrans bus number KX leaves SFO every half hour to hour, between 6:00 AM and 12:30 AM. exact change is required. Only one piece of small carry-on luggage is allowed on the bus. The ride takes about one hour and the closest bus stop is the Stanford Shopping Center. From the shopping center you may take a taxi a short distance to campus, the Marguerite during operating hours, or take the Santa Clara Country bus number 35 to campus. Cal 1-800-660-4287 for Santa Clara County bus times and route lines. International students may call the International Center at 723-1831 or 326-5252 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM to request a ride from the shopping center.
CalTrain may be taken as far north as Milbrae, where you may transfer to BART, which takes you directly to SFO. Details on CalTrain, BART, and SamTrans can be found at http://transit.511.org/schedules/index.asp.
There are also other taxi, limousine and van services to and from the airports but they are more expensive.
Stanford University's health and safety mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment for faculty, students and staff, protect the University resources against losses arising from various types of occurrences like fires and explosions and to assure compliance with federal, state and local health, safety and environmental regulations. The University Environmental Health and Safety Office manages health and safety programs for the Medical School such as:
- Health Physics (Radiation Safety)
- Biosafety
- Industrial Hygiene & Fire Safety
- Chemical Safety
Each person working in a lab is required to be trained in the specific hazards of his or her job. Laboratory safety is a component of the orientation to a new lab. It is the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate/Assistance and the department Lab Manager's responsibility to provide information and training about lab equipment, procedures and chemicals. To assist, Environmental Health and Safety conducts a course in health physics. New students need to complete the following before they can hand radioactivity:
- Statement of Training Experience
- Take a class and a test (or just a test depending on experience)
- Film badge request
The Medical School has its own Health and Safety Program Office. The School's program provides the Lab Manager with safety information and regulatory compliance strategies. The office assists individuals and groups in resolving safety programs. Safety resources include:
- Environmental Health & Safety Office (24 hrs), 3-0448
- Health Physics, 3-3201
- Biochemistry Lab Manager, 3-6303
- Biochemistry Lab Services Coordinator, 3-6301
The School's Health and Safety Program and University EH&S also have many references and video tapes you can borrow. Each lab should have a copy of the Radiation Safety Manual, Stanford Biohazardous Materials Guidelines, the Beckman Laboratory Safety Manual, Stanford Safety Manual, and the Department of Biochemistry Guidebook.
The Department of Biochemistry, housed on the fourth floor of the Beckman Center, is part of the Medical Center complex. Most laboratory space and equipment is shared and members of different laboratories groups are intermingled. This is a popular and efficient way to promote collaboration and intellectual interaction.
Facilities include numerous state-of-the-art microscope imaging units, darkrooms, computer stations, glassware and media preparation rooms, a conference room and a library. The Beckman Center houses a Protein and Nucleic Acid (PAN) core facility equipped for the synthesis and characterization of macromolecules.
The Florescence Activated Cell Sorter Facility is located on the ground floor along with Munzer Auditorium, PAN Facility, Cell Sciences Imagining Facility and the cafeteria.
Stockroom
A stockroom with common lab supplies is available in Room B432. All ordering of supplies and small equipment is handled through the stockroom.
Media and Glassware Facilities
The glassware and media facilities are located in rooms B431 and B421. The staff in this facility are responsible for picking up, washing, wrapping and sterilizing the department's glassware. They make bacteria molds, broths, plates, and tissue culture media.
Computer Resources
Stanford University enjoys one of the most extensive and varied computing environments of any campus in the country. The Stanford University Network, SUNet, connects over 20,000 mainframes, microcomputers and advanced workstations with the Internet.
The BioInformatics Resource in the Beckman Center provides both SUN SparcServers for analysis of biological data and sequences and Silicon Graphics Servers for molecular modeling. The resource also provides connection to the Internet and World Wide Web, e-mail, file and printing services.
Every desk in the Beckman Center is wired for high-speed ethernet connection to SUNet. The network allows each computer to access University and Medical School card catalogues, Medline, bookstore and a wide variety of other information resources.
Daily Department Refreshments
In order to encourage and facilitate interaction among the various labs the department provides cookies or other snacks at 4 PM in the 4th floor lobby. Everyone is encouraged to attend. A coffee machine is located in the lobby as well.
Supply Room
There is a supply room on the fourth floor available for everyone's use. It includes a microwave oven, a refrigerator, water cooler and photocopier. The room is regular stocked with tea, condiments, and supplies.
Department Mailboxes
Department mailboxes are arranged in the hall across from the business office (room B400). They are arranged in alphabetical order. Please check your mailbox regularly.
Mail moves between departments and offices at Stanford by interdepartmental (ID) mail. All ID mail should include the four digit Stanford mail code. There is a complete list of mail codes in the Stanford Directory. Stanford mail codes are the same as ZIP+4 codes used by the U.S. Postal Service.
Beckman Bistro
The bistro is located on the ground level of the Beckman Building and is open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. Breakfast and lunch selections are served as well as a large variety of snack items. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors in very pleasant surroundings. The adjacent CCSR building also has a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch from 7:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
Card Key Security System
A card key security system has been installed in the Beckman Center and other external buildings within the Medical Center. The Beckman Center has six ground floor doors plus the RAF tunnel door keyed. These doors are also equipped with close circuit cameras. There is a telephone outside the main front doors to accommodate visitors without card keys. No access card is needed between 7 AM - 7 PM, Monday through Friday (not including holidays). See the Lab Services Coordinator in room B432 to obtain a card key as well as keys to the lab and shared rooms.
Department Library
The department library is located in B402 and is used for study, seminars, and group meetings. Audiovisual equipment is available for use in the library. The calendar of scheduled events may be found here. To reserve a room, contact your advisor's AA.
Conference Room
The department's conference room is located in B475. It is used for group meetings and study. Audiovisual equipment is available for use in the room. The calendar of scheduled events may be found here. To reserve a room, contact your advisor's AA.
Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards located throughout the department display departmental and University information and announcements as well as job opportunities. Upcoming seminars are also displayed on a weekly basis outside B400 and can also be checked via the computer network.
Post Office
The post office at Stanford is a branch of the Palo Alto U.S. Postal Service and is located at White Plaza. The hours are 9-5, Monday through Friday. Post Office boxes are available for annual or semi-annual rental, in a variety of sizes. The zip code for post office boxes at Stanford University branch is 94309. The ZIP code for all other addresses on campus is 94305. The ZIP code for the Biochemistry Department is 94305-5307.
Banking
The Wells Fargo Bank in Tresidder Memorial Union and the Stanford Federal Credit Union at Tresidder and on Pampas Lane are conveniently located on campus. You can use your student identification card in tandem with Wells Fargo Bank for ATM services. Automatic Teller Machines for Bank of America, Stanford Federal Credit Union, and Wells Fargo Bank are on the second floor of Tresidder and near the Hospital Emergency entrance.
The Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge (LKSC)
The LKSC is located next door to Beckman. The fourth floor houses student-only facilities, including a fitness center, entertainment area, kitchenette, lounge, variety of study areas including open and banquette seating, computer cluster, soft seating, small group study rooms, project rehearsal area, and traditional quiet reading room. Key card access is required and is limited to students in School of Medicine programs.
Tresidder Memorial Union
Tresidder Memorial Union is a center of community activity on the Stanford campus. It is located at White Plaza and houses food services; meeting rooms; two pleasant patios; a campus information center; the American Express Travel service; a ticket office for campus and Bay Area events (including BASS); banking services including automatic tellers for Stanford Federal Credit Union and Bank of America, a Wells Fargo branch office with express stops and walk-up windows, an office for account handling and loan applications; Pulse, the University Copy Center; a recreation center offering Stairmasters, stationary bikes, nautilus equipment, free weights; and a hairstyling shop. Tresidder Express carries groceries, magazines and sundries. TMU is also the home of the Associated Students of Stanford University, and Student Organization Services.
Bechtel International Center
Staff at the Bechtel International Center provide support not just to international students but also to their spouses and to American students. Informal English classes, English conversation practice and language exchanges are among the many programs and services offered to students and their spouses. Counseling on immigration concerns, intercultural adjustment and administrative support for visa processing (in liaison with departments and other campus offices) are also part of the I-Center's services to international students. The I-Center is also the campus administrative office for awards enabling American students to study and conduct research overseas.
Stanford Bookstore
The Stanford Bookstore, consisting of three branches, was incorporated as a nonprofit cooperative in 1987. The main branch is located at White Plaza. New and used textbooks are shelved by courses under the school or department. Also sold are general books, paperbacks, clothing, souvenirs, stationary, supplies, art prints, and gifts; and there is a photocopying service. The Track House branch at Campus Drive and Galvez Street sells sports clothing and equipment. The University Shop at Stanford Shopping Center, open during regular Center hours, sells imprinted souvenirs and clothing. MICRODISC in the main branch handles computer hardware and software needs.
Lane Medical Library
Lane Medical Library is in the Medical Center and online at http://www.med.stanford.edu/lane/. Services include general reference, in-depth consulting in all aspects of literature research, journal article file management, or any other information access/management needs (e.g., database design); training programs in bibliographic database searching (e.g. Medline), microcomputer/telecommunication based information access support, and training in general library skills.
Lane Medical Library's research collections cover clinical medicine and its specialties, basic sciences, public health, nursing and related fields. With over 3,000 journal titles and approximately 300,000 volumes, the collections rank among the best in the West. Access to bibliographic information was greatly improved with the introduction of Lane's Online Information System (LOIS). Since it is an integrated system, patrons can see if a title is on the shelf, if it is checked out, and when it is due back. LOIS can be accessed 24 hours a day from labs, wards, offices and homes. Access to journal article information is available through online databases of ovid, mdconsult, pubmed, lan catalog, shine, e-journals (http://lane.stanford.edu/online/ej.html) as well as at Socrates (http://www.sul.stanford.edu/search/socii/), Stanford's online library database. A list of Stanford libraries can be accessed at http://library.stanford.edu/libraries_collections/librcoll_a_z.html.
Fleischmann Learning Resource Center
The Fleischmann Learning Resource Center, located in M202 in the School of Medicine, offers a collection of media and computer-based programs. It houses approximately 1,000 individual programs in a variety of collections which include general audiovisuals in basic and clinical science, preclinical required course lectures on videotape, educational videodiscs, Macintosh education and general application software, and the DxTER videodisc/computer simulations in Trauma. The FLRC's Macintosh cluster includes Apple Macintosh computers and one LaserWriter.
Departmental Research Conference
The Department holds its annual scientific research conference in October. All laboratory groups present talks or posters on current research, and attendance is mandatory. The 2014 conference is scheduled for October 6-8, 2014 at Chaminade in Santa Cruz, Ca.
- Stanford University Bulletin: Courses and Degrees - http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/bulletin/
- Stanford Directory - http://stanfordwho.stanford.edu/SWApp/lookup
- Graduate Student Handbook - http://stanford.edu/dept/DoR/GSH/
- Campus Report, The Stanford Daily - http://daily.stanford.edu/
- Life on the Farm - Available at Community Housing Services
- A Woman's Guide to Stanford - http://www.stanford.edu/group/womenscntr/womansguide/
- Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures - http://www.stanford.edu/group/gap/index.html
- Oral Communications Program - http://ctl.stanford.edu/oralcomm/
- Listings of student clubs and organizations - http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/sal
- Graduate Student Council - http://gsc.stanford.edu/
- Associated Students of Stanford University - http://assu.stanford.edu/
- Academic Resources - http://www.stanford.edu/home/students
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