Advising

The primary purpose of the master’s advisor in the Sustainability Science and Practice (SUST) program is to serve as a mentor, helping to guide students in their academic development and supporting them as they prepare for their careers. As an interdisciplinary program, SUST relies upon faculty from a wide range of relevant departments to advise students as they pursue their degree. The program greatly appreciates the essential advising provided by faculty, and our staff are readily available to answer questions and assist as needed. Faculty advisors are not expected to know the details of program policies or degree requirements; SUST program staff take the lead on communicating and advising students on these matters and are also available to support students with course selection, practicum guidance, and more.

Confirming an Advisor

Before applying to the Sustainability Science and Practice coterminal master’s program, all candidates must identify a faculty member who will serve as their master’s advisor. The master’s advisor must be an Academic Council member. Faculty on Academic Council typically hold a title of Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor, whereas instructors with the title of Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, or Professor of the Practice are generally not on Academic Council. The SUST Program Director is also eligible to advise a limited number of SUST students. If unsure whether a faculty member is on Academic Council, students may contact the SUST Student Services Officer to verify.

In seeking out potential advisors, students are encouraged to research faculty backgrounds to identify those with shared interests and academic focus areas they would like to emphasize in their studies. Candidates are welcome to seek out an advisor from any part of the university. As a starting point, students may consult the SUST program website, opens in a new tab which includes a list of faculty members affiliated with the SUST program (note that not all listed are on the Academic Council). Once a candidate has developed a short list of carefully considered ideas, the student should contact the faculty member to discuss whether an advising relationship could be a good fit for both parties.

Advising Expectations

A prospective faculty advisor meets with a student before application submission to:

• Discuss the student’s interests and motivation for applying to the program

• Discuss what the advisor/advisee relationship will look like

• Review, discuss, and sign the student’s SUST Master's Program Proposal

The advisor’s signature on the completed Program Proposal is required at the time of application. It serves as a confirmation of the faculty member’s willingness to serve in the advising role. The student must also review their Program Proposal with a SUST Student Services Officer to ensure alignment with program requirements.

Once admitted, the student is responsible for scheduling quarterly advising meetings to discuss the following:

• Proposed courses for the upcoming quarter

• Career goals and practicum ideas

• Opportunities to connect with sustainability networks outside of Stanford in support of the practicum and/or career

• The student’s practicum proposal  (Students are required to seek their advisor’s feedback and signature of approval on their Practicum proposal before proceeding with their Practicum project. Students additionally meet with the SUST Practicum Manager throughout the year to receive support and guidance on each stage of their practicum work.)

• The advisor’s availability to attend the student’s practicum presentation in their final quarter in the program

• Engagement in relevant research opportunities and projects

• The student's well-being and any support they may need.

Addressing Mental Health

Pursuing a master’s degree at Stanford University is among the many exciting but challenging endeavors students may undertake. The pressures of academic work, external projects, and family affairs can sometimes cause students mental, physical, and emotional stress. The program encourages academic advisors to provide resources to students who may show signs of struggling with mental health, including extreme levels of anxiety and depression, or battling issues such as grief.

Resources:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers crisis counseling. Walk-in appointments are available, and clinicians are always on call at (650) 723-3785.

• The Graduate Life Office is available during office hours at (650) 736-7078 or 24/7 at (650) 723-8222, pager ID number 25085.

• The Bridge Peer Counseling Center offers counseling by trained students 24/7 at (650) 723-3392

• The Office for Religious Life offers spiritual guidance for students. Call (650) 723-1762 or visit the Round Room at Memorial Church.

• The Faculty and Staff Help Center in Kingscote Gardens offers confidential help for Stanford faculty and staff.

• If you know someone in distress, contact CAPS, the Department of Public Safety, or the Office of the Dean of Students.

See  Graduate Advising opens in a new tab for a statement of university policy on graduate advising.