Stanford Organization and Policies

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Stanford has over 300 departments that report to either the President or the Provost in the University's organizational structure.

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You've joined an educational institution with a world class reputation. At the same time you've taken a job with a new employer. Gaining familiarity with Stanford the employer and its organizational structure and policies will help you understand how your role fits in the work environment. As "citizens" of the Stanford community, make sure you're aware of the expectations that govern employee behavior.

Learn More about Stanford's Organization

View the organizational structure of the University for the school or VP area you’ve joined in the University’s Administrative Guide, then clarify the structure of your department or work group with your supervisor or manager to help you understand the people and groups you'll be working with and how your role connects to others in your school or department.

The Stanford Facts publication (printable pdf, 56 pages) includes an excellent summary of Stanford's history, student programs, schools and departments, faculty, research highlights, libraries, athletics, campus life, university governance, and more.

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University Policies and compliance

Policies that govern behaviors and local practices and are all “housed” in the Administrative Guide. There are general policies associated with being employed at Stanford, and there are policies very specific to the role or set of responsibilities you have in your new position.

In discussions with your supervisor or manager, identify the policies specific to your role and how you will gain familiarity with those policies.

  • In general, the University’s Code of Conduct, Administrative Guide Memo 1 (pdf) spells out how individuals in our community are expected to behave in our workplace. Working in a University means being open to interacting with people on campus and around the world of all cultures, races, and schools of thought; respect and collegiality are the hallmark of our institution. Our policies and practices align with this spirit of openness, and support the exchange of ideas and thoughts to arrive at consensus driven decisions.
  • Additionally, review the Staff Policy on Conflict of Commitment and Interest, Administrative Guide Memo 15.2 (pdf) to make sure you understand and avoid the actions or circumstances that may create a conflict of interest or a perception of a conflict of interest with your position or with Stanford.
  • If you are supporting, managing, or otherwise involved with conducting research at Stanford, use the Research Policy Handbook published by the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research.
  • Stanford employees who have concerns of any kind stemming from possible noncompliance with government or external agency regulations, related University policies, errors or irregularities in Stanford's financial accounting practices or policies can report them using the Compliance Helpline.
  • If you work closely with faculty members, review portions of the Faculty Handbook.

Compliance is a responsibility of every employee to ensure legal and ethical obligations are fulfilled in all interactions with each other and those with whom we interact on a professional basis. Please review the Institutional Compliance site, which includes information about the university's compliance charter, the offices responsible to oversee compliance, and how to request compliance help (anonymity optional).

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Community Values

We believe that the richness of our backgrounds, cultures, talents and interests has made Stanford University one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions, and our commitment to diversity is stronger than ever before.

We build sustainability practices and innovation into every aspect of campus life, from operations and construction of new buildings to student life, teaching and research. Our vision is to create a healthier environment now and richer possibilities for generations to come. Faculty and staff play a key role in Sustainable Stanford, a campus-wide initiative to steer, connect, support and streamline sustainability efforts to fulfill President Hennessy's belief that "Sustainability must become a core value in everything we do."

For specific tips, please visit the Sustainable Stanford website, Faculty and Staff section and review issues put forth in our quarterly newsletter, Cardinal Green. To learn more about what you can do within your building and office, familiarize yourself with the Building Level Sustainability Program. To learn about greening events large and small, please review the Green Event Guidelines.

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Learn More About the University

Feeling more connected to Stanford usually includes getting a better handle on our rich history, our "place" in the world, our achievements and current initiatives.

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Gateway for Faculty & Staff

The main Stanford website has an excellent section called Gateway for Faculty & Staff that you can review prior to starting, or in your first weeks and months on the job. Information and links are included to key references useful to University employees.

  • Stay updated about University initiatives and activities by reviewing Stanford News. New employees begin receiving a daily email with the Stanford Report (staff and faculty online newspaper) within 2-3 weeks of being hired.
  • You may also wish to ask your supervisor or a co-worker about departmental or school/VP area publications that would be useful for you to review. There may also be school/VP or department-specific email distribution lists to which you should subscribe. Review University email distribution lists on the Mailman lists site.

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