Introductory Seminars: Current Quarter Info

See what students are saying about introductory seminars on the NExT video Series. See posts on  FACEBOOK  - "Stanford IntroSems"

 APPLY  for IntroSems offerings in Spring at our course management website.

For assistance with composing the application -- 

• Get applications reviewed by the Hume Writing Center. 
• Review Tips on writing an application essay by Dr. Joyce Moser, SIS Associate Director.

View the 2011-12 Catalog (PDF)    

The course offerings contained in this catalog may change; please check the table of updates and changes on this page. To verify GER's, find the class schedule, grade type or special notes, go to Explore Courses as it is the university's official reference and time schedule.

Application Period, Deadline, and Results

Students may apply online at http://vcais.stanford.edu  for up to three seminars per quarter during the various Application Periods. Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on the quarterly Application Deadline. Application Results  will be posted at http://vcais.stanford.edu; and enrollment of students accepted into an IntroSem, by this date.  

Autumn Quarter

Winter Quarter

Spring Quarter

• Application Period:  December 9, 2011-March 5, 2012
• Application Deadline: Monday, March 5, 2012, 5:00PM (PST)
• Application Results and enrollment: March 16, 2012
• *Courses open for self-enrollment: March 26, 2012

           *Write 2 or IHUM3 certified Introductory Seminars are managed by SIS and not open for enrollment.

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Changes and Updates

PLEASE NOTE: For the most current and official information about schedules, GER's and course notes, see Stanford Bulletin's Explore Courses which supersedes course information contained in the Introductory Seminars Course Management website. 

Seminars With Spaces Available: Winter Quarter

 SIS Introductory Seminars that are undersubscribed (or by request of the instructor) are listed here as "Space Available" thus modifying the enrollment process. Unless required by the instructor, applications are not necessary. While attending Freshmen, Sophomores and first year transfers still have preference for the open seats, an instructor may also grant permission to upperclassmen as well.

The list for Spring quarter will be posted March 16. 

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 Nuts and Bolts: Application Status, Enrollment Process

• ACCEPTED is not the same as enrolling for the course in Axess. Soon after faculty review, the program will add any acceptance(s) to study lists--provided that doing so will not exceed the maximum allowable units. Students may decide which ones to drop--as a courtesy please inform the instructor. Write 2 or IHUM3  certified courses are handled differently, please see below.
• One week before the first day of instruction in a quarter, SIS Introductory Seminars that are not Write 2 or IHUM-linked, will be opened for general enrollment. Instructor permission is required for self-enrollment (ae. Accepted or by instructor notification).
• Write 2  and IHUM-linked courses :  students accepted into these courses are handled differently. The program offices will add/drop the course to their Axess study lists. Accepted students will be notified prior to this action. If  plans change and the student cannot take the course, notification to the program and the  instructor is required.
• More on WRITE-2 and IHUM-linked introsems:
  • Completion of a WRITE-2 introsem will satisfy the University's Second level Writing and Rhetoric requirement, Write-2.
  • These courses are primarily limited to students who have completed the first level Writing and Rhetoric requirement (WR 1) and have not yet fulfilled Write-2. 
  • Please contact IHUMprogram@stanford.edu about the process for an IHUM-linked introsem.  Applications will be accepted at the introductory seminars applications website for students wishing to take the course NOT TO FULLFILL the IHUM requirement.
  • Students outside of the preferences may be accepted to a Write 2 or IHUM-linked introsem on a space available basis and by permission of the instructor.
  • The class rosters (ADD/DROP) for these courses are managed by Stanford Introductory Studies.
• WAIT LISTED: If your status is “Waitlist,” attend the first day of class to enhance or find out your chances.
• NOT ADMITTED: check for space available courses, usually posted on the same day as statuses are released. At the online catalog, check the box for "Space Available" in the specified quarter.
• UNREVIEWED: The instructor may decide at the first class meeting, so be sure to attend.

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Tips on Applying to Seminars

• FAQs for students about using the online course selection and application system.
• Hume Writing Center offers consultation and tutoring (make an  appointment) as well as workshops at the dorms on "Writing an Application" - look for the schedule and for drop-in hours on the Writing Center's calendar.
• TELL A STORY about yourself and your interest in the subject. Faculty look for students with diverse backgrounds and attitudes. The better the instructor can understand your motivations and approach, the more likely he or she will be to keep you in mind in constructing the final class list.
• Write a well-crafted paragraph or two for the application questions. Essays have a limit of 3,000 characters.
• PROOFREAD and share your essays with an advisor, family member, or friend.
• Keep an open mind about what might interest you. Remember that while some seminars are over-subscribed, others will have spaces available after the application deadline.
• Save your applications as you write, and be aware of deadlines. Your application will not be accepted after the 5:00pm deadline.

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Further Resources

• Have a question? Check-out answers to the most frequently asked student questions here at the Introductory Seminar FAQs .
• Download the  Course Selection Worksheet (PDF)
• ExploreCourses is the primary source for course schedules and GER certifications.
• Contact us at introsems@stanford.edu or (650) 724-2405.

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