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Stanford Introductory Studies opens in a new tab (SIS) introduces first- and second-year undergraduates to the depth, diversity, and vibrancy of Stanford’s intellectual community. By replacing large lecture halls with small, faculty-led seminars and immersive residential environments, SIS encourages students to build close relationships with faculty over shared intellectual interests, develop the practice of self-reflection, and cultivate the skills necessary for lifelong learning and engaged citizenship. Stanford Introductory Studies is one of the seven units within the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE), which oversees academic programs, opportunities, and resources for all undergraduates.
SIS serves as the umbrella organization for several distinctive academic programs that introduce undergraduates to two of the key aspects of a Stanford education: liberal education and the research environment.
COLLEGE (Civic, Liberal, and Global Education): Stanford’s foundational first-year seminar requirement, which explores what makes life meaningful and prepares students to engage responsibly in a diverse, global society. Browse COLLEGE courses.
Education as Self-Fashioning opens in a new tab (ESF): First-year seminars that challenge students to examine the history, purpose, and value of a liberal education while developing their own intellectual identities and voices. Browse ESF courses.
Structured Liberal Education opens in a new tab (SLE): A year-long, residence-based program focusing on great works of literature, philosophy, and art, offering an intimate liberal arts college experience within East Florence Moore Hall. Browse SLE courses.
ITALIC opens in a new tab : A year-long, residence-based program in Burbank House (Stern Hall) for arts-minded first-year students that integrates creative practice, critical analysis, and community-building. Browse ITALIC courses.
Introductory Seminars opens in a new tab (IntroSems): Small, discussion-driven classes designed and taught by faculty and lecturers for frosh, sophomores, and first-year transfer students and offered through almost all seven schools at Stanford, including the professional schools. IntroSems can foster mentorship, hands-on learning, discovery of a major or minor, and meaningful peer communities. Browse IntroSems courses.
Summer Bridge opens in a new tab: A summer program for incoming first-year students to strengthen their transition to college-level math, chemistry, and writing courses, with online and residential components that build a community for new students.
Summer Fellows opens in a new tab (SSFP): An eight-week summer program to enable rising sophomores to explore research, strengthen their academic confidence, and build a scholarly cohort.
Sophomore College opens in a new tab (SoCo): An intensive, three-week residential program in September where rising sophomores dive deep into a single academic subject through immersive coursework, field trips, and close-knit peer collaboration.
Arts Intensive opens in a new tab: A three-week, pre-autumn residential program that allows students of all years and all majors to immerse themselves in hands-on creative practices, studio arts, and performance under the mentorship of arts faculty.
