Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any financial assistance available?
We do not offer any scholarships or financial assistance to SIPP attendees.
Do I have to stay on campus, or can I make my own living arrangements off campus?
Because a big part of the SIPP experience is the extensive informal interaction with fellow participants during the three weeks, we do require that all participants live on the Stanford campus. It makes the experience more fulfilling for everyone.
Can I check in to my dorm after 10 PM on the opening night of SIPP?
The Conference Front Desk will be open until 10 PM. After 10, they will leave a number to call (there is a free public phone located near the entrance), and a student will come to check the late arrival in.
Can I check in early?
If you need to arrive early, please notify us no later than one week before the start of the program. You will need to pay for the extra night at the Conference Front Desk upon arrival. Meals will not be included outside the scheduled stay.
Can I stay an extra day?
You may extend your stay at Stanford by notifying us ahead of time, but we cannot guarantee that you can stay in the same room in which you stayed during SIPP.
You will have to pay for any extra nights at the Conference Front Desk.
May I bring a guest with me for the entire 3-week period?
Since one goal of SIPP is to get to know fellow scholars and senior researchers in an effort to propagate lasting collaborations and friendships and therefore, a lot of quality time is spent socializing with the other participants and SIPP staff, we discourage participants from bringing guests.
May I bring my pet along?
Keeping pets of any kind (including fish, hamsters, etc.) in or about Stanford University residences is prohibited.
Will I have Internet access?
Nearly all of the Stanford buildings have wireless Internet access. A guest account will be created for each participant giving access to the Internet in the classroom and in other academic buildings on campus. SIPPers will be provided with a user name and password upon arrival on campus. Unfortunately, the guest account will not work in the living areas, however, it can be purchased through the Stanford's Residential Computing office for either $30.00 per week or $75.00 for the whole summer (either wireless or via a network cable - please bring your own).
The Stanford libraries have a few public use computers that do not require a Stanford username or password. They can be used short-term for checking email, etc.
Will I have access to Stanford University Libraries?
The yellow conference ID card handed out at check-in gives access to campus libraries, but no borrowing privileges. Within the library, you will have access to books, periodicals, government documents, etc. You can also use the public computer terminals in the library for research. These computers do not require a Stanford login or ID. The public terminals are located near the Information Desk and next to the periodicals. From the public terminals, you can access the Internet, Stanford library catalog, databases, and articles (e.g., LexisNexis, jsotr, etc). If you would like to print from these computers, you can purchase a print card for $1 and then add money to the card for printing (10 cents/page).
Will I have the opportunity to exercise?
The Stanford Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation sells daily athletic facility passes at $5 each ($25 for seven daily passes) to summer program participants for accessing gym facilities, a swimming pools, and tennis courts. The Campus Bike Shop, located on Tresidder's lower level, sells and rents bicycles on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. For hikers and joggers, there are many trails on and around the Stanford University campus.
I am a vegetarian. Are my dietary needs going to be met?
Please inform us of any special dietary needs in your application, so we can plan our events accordingly. The dining hall, where the daily meals are served, will always offer vegetarian choices.
I would like to skip breakfast / lunch / dinner. Can I order a different meal plan?
Unfortunately, the only meal plan SIPP is offering provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No exceptions.
Can I get money back for meals that I did not eat at the dining hall?
Unfortunately, any unused meals are forfeited.
Do I have to attend any of the special events?
We encourage SIPPers to attend all three special events for the social experience, but participation is not mandatory. Since we will be serving a BBQ lunch during our beach trip, there will be no lunch served at the dining hall on that Sunday.
How is the weather during SIPP?
In July, the weather on the Stanford campus is warm and sunny during the day (shorts and t-shirts are adequate) and cooler in the evenings (pants and long-sleeve shifts work well). It is often colder, especially in the evenings, in San Francisco and near the coast, meriting a sweater or jacket. For our beach picnic on the third Sunday of our program, you may need some warm clothing that can be layered over your beach attire. Unlike beaches in Southern California, the air temperature can be quite chilly, and the water temperature is about 58 degrees in July.
What should I pack?
A few suggestions: In addition to informal clothes for daytime on campus, bring a sweater or jacket; a swim suit, semi formal attire for final banquet, a travel alarm clock, and an ethernet cable (if you plan to order internet service in your dorm room).