Photo of 2023 Commencement Ceremony Stage (Photo credit: Andrew Brodhead, Stanford News Service)

Dear Class of 2027 and Transfers,

We just celebrated the Class of 2023 over the weekend! It is always especially meaningful for the members of the Approaching Stanford Team to welcome each class to Stanford and then to bid them farewell from the stadium field at Commencement.

Before you move on to Commencement Weekend highlights, here's a quick reminder on upcoming deadlines for programs just for incoming students:

SOAR Math and/or Writing courses - Free online summer bridge courses to prepare for math and/or writing at Stanford. Email SOARmath or SOARwriting to inquire about a late application.
Stanford Pre-Orientation Programs - Registration deadlines are coming up!
- Thrive Transition for FLI students - deadline extended to June 23.
- Ignite Cardinal Service - due today, June 21.
- Stanford Native Immersion Program - due June 30.

Scroll down to read about:

2023 Commencement Weekend Highlights
Academic Advising Introduction
Just for Transfers: Approaching Stanford Forms & Housing App - Due June 30
Quick Links with Important Dates & Deadlines

Have a great week and reach out if you have questions!

Approaching Stanford Team
approaching@stanford.edu
(650) 723-7674

Left: Photo of Stanford senior holding NSO nametag in front of '23 plaque for time capsule (Photo: SAA); Right: Photo of Wacky Walk during 2023 Commencement - the Tree running under a rainbow parachute held by graduating seniors (Photo: Andrew Brodhead, Stanford News Service)

Stanford Traditions: Commencement & Class Plaques

One of our favorite Commencement traditions is the Class Plaque, where seniors add mementos to a time capsule under their class plaque. Every Stanford graduating class, dating back to the Class of 1892, has a class plaque placed in line along the arcades of the Main Quad. When you arrive to the Farm, you can visit your class plaque hanging at the Arrillaga Alumni Center where it will be on display for the next few years until it takes its place in the Main Quad. See what this year's seniors tucked under their class plaque!

Check out Stanford Commencement Weekend highlights, including videos from the Wacky Walk (another unique Stanford tradition) and a keynote speech given by Commencement speaker John McEnroe, tennis legend and former Stanford student-athlete. In closing to the graduates, McEnroe noted, “Know that the real victory in life is the long game – measure your success by how much you evolve, not necessarily how much you win. [...] In a truly full life, you’ll be lucky to have your share of both victories and defeats. In either case, keep finding the courage within you to move forward!"

We can't wait to see what you'll explore and how you'll evolve as you find your own path here at Stanford.

Welcome from your Academic Advisors

Hello Class of 2027 and Transfers, and welcome! We, your Academic Advisors, are so looking forward to helping you start your Stanford journey. Beginning next week, you'll get a special monthly Advising edition of this Newsletter from us that will go into greater depth about important academic topics. Amazing, right?

Additionally, because we know some of you are excited to start exploring, we'll provide links each week to introduce you to academics at Stanford. To get started, bookmark the Office of Academic Advising’s website: advising.stanford.edu. This site has information and guidance that will be useful to you across all your years at Stanford. Start to familiarize yourself with it now and stay tuned for much more from us next week!

Academic Advising Website

Screenshot of the Approaching Stanford Form's photo submission box

Just for Transfers:
Approaching Stanford Forms

Due Friday, June 30 at 5:00 PM PDT

All incoming transfers are required to complete the Approaching Stanford Forms & Housing Application.

Give yourself a few hours, work on them in any order, just save as you go! Once the deadline passes, we will begin accessing your information.

Office Hours with Approaching Stanford Staff

Wednesday, June 21 | Zoom Link

4PM PDT: General Drop-In Hour with Approaching Stanford Staff

We're here to help! Stop by our Drop-In Office Hours with your questions and chat with staff. Or feel free to email, call, and post in Slack or in the Canvas Q&A Boards.

Preferred Name & Photo on SUID Card

Your preferred name and the photo you upload will be printed on your Stanford University ID (SUID) card. Be sure to update your preferred name by June 30. Log in to Axess and look for "Names" under the "My Information" tab. Please also review all of your Personal Information under this tab in Axess and make any additional updates, as needed.

Transfers: Approaching Stanford Forms