Freshman-Sophomore Residential College

Freshman-Sophomore College at Sterling Quad

In its tenth year in 2008-09, the Freshman-Sophomore College at Sterling Quad is a residence for approximately 180 freshmen and sophomores interested in broad intellectual exploration of the liberal arts and sciences. Entering freshmen have the option of living for two years in the College. The College integrates intellectual, academic, and social activities with residential life. The Web site for Freshman-Sophomore College is http://frosoco.stanford.edu.

Freshman-Sophomore College Programs

Freshman-Sophomore College offers extensive academic and social programs for all residents. Participation in all programs is optional. Students can elect to participate in opportunities that appeal to them; there are no mandatory requirements. College programs are designed to integrate classroom and residential learning and increase student knowledge of academic resources and opportunities on campus. Other academically-oriented activities include oral communication workshops and tutorials to improve public speaking skills; advising programs; sophomore-led seminars open exclusively to FroSoCo residents; workshops on summer employment and internships; sessions on time management and study skills; and faculty talks followed by dinner at the Dean's home. The Dean regularly meets with students informally. As in all residences where freshmen and sophomores live, the College staff and student government organize a wide range of social and cultural activities such as ski trips, barbecues, and excursions to San Francisco for performances, concerts, museum visits and scavenger hunts. Sophomores act as peer mentors for freshmen.

Freshman-Sophomore College Location

The Freshman-Sophomore College is located at Governor's Corner on the west side of campus in Sterling Quad's Adams and Schiff Houses. Upperclass students live in the two adjacent houses of Sterling Quad, Potter and Robinson. Taken as a whole, 400 students from all four classes reside in the four Sterling Quad houses. Two College Directors live in cottages attached to Schiff and Adams Houses. The College Dean resides in a home across from the College. Rooms for freshmen and sophomores are interspersed on all floors in both houses, so students have the opportunity to mix across classes. All floors are also co-ed. For entering students, the Freshman-Sophomore College offers guaranteed housing in the same residence for two years, an arrangement that may be attractive to entering students who prefer more long-term stability in their living arrangements. All other freshmen residence options on campus are limited to one year.

Freshman-Sophomore College Dean

Professor John C. Bravman earned his bachelor's ('79), master's ('81) and Ph.D. ('84) degrees from Stanford in materials science and engineering. Professor Bravman serves as Freeman-Thornton Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Bing Centennial Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. In recognition of teaching excellence, Professor Bravman has received several awards, including the Gores Award, Stanford University's highest honor for teaching. He has also been a freshman advisor or resident fellow every year for over 20 years.

Freshman-Sophomore College Application Process

There are three levels of priority at Freshman-Sophomore College. Level 1 is for current residents, Level 2 is for current residents who want to bring in a friend who currently lives in a different residence, and Level 3 is for freshmen not currently living in FroSoCo who would like to live there during their sophomore year.

Current freshmen residents of Freshman-Sophomore College who wish to continue living in the College for their sophomore year should fill out the Returning Resident Assignment Agreement form on-line(returning resident assignment agreement). Returning residents of Freshman-Sophomore College are given first preference, as they are guaranteed spaces at the College.

Second preference will go to current freshmen residents of Freshman-Sophomore College who apply to sponsor a non-College freshman on the returning resident assignment agreement. For example, you are a current FroSoCo resident and you want your friend to come to the College as a sophomore next year. Your group (not to exceed two people) will receive second priority to be assigned to the College. If demand exceeds available space, pairs will be assigned to the available spaces (spaces left after Returning Residents are housed) via an in-house lottery. The two-student groups will choose a random number and they will be assigned according to their number. Both members of the group need to fill out the on-line application.

For freshmen not currently living in Freshman-Sophomore College, assignments will be made through the University Draw (spaces permitting). If you wish to increase your chances of being assigned to the College, you may apply for a special priority. Applications are available on-line at: http://frosoco.stanford.edu

Return to Residence Options

Return to Undergraduate Residences