Problem Solving and Crisis Intervention

When students are in trouble—personally or academically—we seek to intervene quickly and effectively. The University's philosophy is to resolve conflicts as quickly, and as locally, as possible.

Crisis Intervention

• Emergencies: If you fear that someone is an imminent danger to themselves or others, call 911 (9-911 from a campus phone) first.
• A Graduate Life Office (GLO) dean is available via pager on a 24-hour basis at: (650)723-8222 ext. 25085. Or e-mail GLO director Ken Hsu: [email protected]. The GLO deans are available for individual confidential consultation and advising support directly to students or to help faculty and staff with concerns about a student.
• Medical crisis call 911 (9-911 from a campus phone) first. Or call Vaden Student Health Center (650) 498-2336 Ext. 1
• Psychological crisis call Vaden Student Health Center (650) 723-3785 (24 hours a day)
• Quick reference handout of Resources for Faculty to Help Students in Trouble.

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Campus-wide Graduate Academic Policy

The Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures handbook (the GAP handbook) is a compilation of university policies and other information related to the academic progress of Stanford graduate students -- from their application and admission, to the conferral of degrees and retention of records.

GAP documents include the relevant academic policies, along with implementation guidelines, associated forms, and other information.

Problem Solving

When you are not dealing with a crisis situation, the first recourse in resolving a conflict involving a graduate student should be within the department or program – typically the graduate student affairs administrator, advisor, faculty coordinator of graduate studies, or department chair. Most schools also have staff in the dean’s offices who can help solve problems or resolve conflicts. The offices listed below can help.

Graduate Life Office

(650) 736-7078 (9am-3pm). For urgent situations: (650) 723-8222 ext. 25085 (24-hour pager)

GLO deans work with individual students who need information or who may be experiencing personal difficulties. GLO deans work with faculty and staff to assist students who are in trouble.

School Dean's Offices

Contacts in each school with expertise on problem solving for graduate students.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Offers evaluation and brief counseling for registered students experiencing a wide variety of personal, academic and relationship concerns. There is no fee for an initial evaluation or short-term counseling. CAPS maintains a 24-hours-a-day hotline at (650) 723-3785 for crisis counseling.

Bechtel International Center

Provides services and programs for Stanford’s international students, including interpretation of immigration laws and procedures. (650) 723-1831

Ombuds Office

Responsible for assisting with resolution of disputes and redress of wrongs, while maintaining impartiality and confidentiality. Available to talk through problems.

• Main campus
• Medical school

Office of Accessible Education

Coordinates and monitors campus compliance with requirements of the American with Disabilities Act; provides advice to faculty regarding disability accommodations; offers access to assistive learning technology. (650) 723-1066 or (650) 723-1067 TTY

Office of Judicial Affairs

Administers the student judicial process, under which students are held accountable for adhering to established community standards including Stanford's Fundamental Standard and the Honor Code. (650) 723-9929

Office of the University Registrar

Maintains the academic records of all current and former students at Stanford, including grades, majors, minors, degrees, and graduation honors; tracks students' progress towards the completion of their degrees; and offers clarification and interpretation of graduate academic policy. (650) 723-2041

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Faculty-Student Advising Relationships

Every Stanford graduate student is expected to be paired with a faculty advisor. Advisors assist students in planning a program of study to meet degree requirements. Faculty advisors, particularly for doctoral students, play an important role in students' intellectual development. Good communication is crucial for productive working relationships.

See additional advising resources , including:

• Guidelines for Good Practices in the Graduate Student-Faculty Advisor Relationship

  Practices that the great majority of faculty and students, here and elsewhere, routinely follow as a matter of common sense, courtesy, and basic honesty.

• Student-Advisor Expectation Scales

  An assessment tool to assist in establishing clear and realistic expectations in the advising relationship.

• Setting Expectations and Resolving Conflicts with your Advisor

  A workshop for Stanford graduate students, focused on problem-solving through effective negotiation and communication strategies.

 

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