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Introductory Seminars

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  • About
    • About
    • How IntroSems Fit into Your Stanford Education
    • How to Choose an IntroSem
    • Course Catalog
    • Sign Up in VCAIS
    • Who Can Take an IntroSem
    • IntroSems in the News
  • Courses
  • Sign Up & Enroll
    • Sign Up & Enroll
    • Sign Up for Priority Enrollment
    • Writing Tips
    • Review Your Status
    • Enrolling Without Advance Sign-Up
    • Seminar Updates
    • Annual Seminar Plan Tool (PDF)
  • Teach
    • Teach
    • Why Teach an IntroSem
    • Submit a New Seminar
    • Teaching Resources
    • IntroSem Excellence Award
    • Student Advisory Board
    • For Department Course Administrators
    • Using the VCAIS
    • IntroSems Plus
    • IntroSems and COVID-19
    • Supplemental Funding
  • Contact Us

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Russell A. Berman Award

Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Russell A. Berman Award for Excellence in an Introductory Seminar!

What are IntroSems?

IntroSems are small, hands-on courses offered across all seven schools, specifically designed for Frosh and Sophomores. Work with top faculty and engage in research early in your Stanford career while exploring your interests.
 

Find Your IntroSem

 

Admit Weekend

FAQs for Admit Week Students

+  Are IntroSems required? Do I have to take one in my first year?

No. But more than 60% of first–year students do take at least one IntroSem. Studies have found that these students experience higher degrees of satisfaction with their Stanford education than those who do not enroll in a frosh seminar during their first year.

+  Do IntroSems satisfy any requirements?

Yes. A majority of IntroSems fulfill one of the Ways requirements. Some IntroSems even count toward major requirements.

+  What’s the purpose of an IntroSem? Why should I take one?

  • Work with faculty who have volunteered to teach in the program because they want to share their research and passion for their field with frosh
  • Jump start into the learning opportunities usually open to upper class students in the major. 
  • Build friendships with other students who share your interests, especially when classes take advantage of field trips and mentoring meals outside of class for informal conversation and community.

 

 

 

Signing Up for IntroSems

Really excited about a particular IntroSem? Tell the faculty why you want to take their class with a brief statement of interest. You can rank up to three IntroSems per quarter. 

Learn about priority enrollment.

Late start, or just flexible? After faculty have selected their classes, any open IntroSem spots will be available for self-registration. So you’ve got a few chances to get into a fantastic class! 

Learn how to enroll without advance sign-up.

Rowan Dorin's History 14N class
 

IntroSems Class Project by Khuyen Nha Le: "Utopia Box"

All in all, I felt similar sensations looking at and interacting with this box as how I would feel in front of a piece of contemporary art.
Chenshu Zhou, instructor of “Utopia/Dystopia in Chinese Literature and Culture” IntroSem
Photo of Khuyen Nha Le's folding "Utopia Box" project.

IntroSem Program Highlights

Map by Arman Kassam

Course Spotlight: See student-created campus maps

An Atlas of Stanford Counter-Maps, created by students in History 95N: Maps in the Modern World, shows a different side of first-year life on campus.
Faculty and student at Excellence Awards

Learn about the IntroSem Excellence Awards

Celebrating the best student work IntroSems have to offer! See past winners or nominate your students.
Faculty and student IntroSems Plus

Learn about IntroSems Plus mentoring

A new pilot program extends the Frosh research experience of IntroSems into mentorship opportunities.
Apr 9

IntroSems' VCA opens for Summer sign-ups

IntroSems' VCA opens for Summer Quarter sign-ups through Friday, May 7 at 8AM (PT).
May 7 - May 7

Sign-up deadline for priority enrollment in Summer IntroSems

8AM (PT) deadline to sign up for priority enrollment in Summer Quarter IntroSems in the IntroSems' VCA.
May 21

Summer IntroSems Status Released

Priority enrollment decisions for Summer Quarter released in the IntroSems' VCA by May 21.

See more undergrad events and deadlines

Introductory Seminars, a program of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Address

Sweet Hall, Second Floor
590 Escondido Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-3068
Mail Code: 3068

Phone

(650) 724-2405

Email (General Inquiries & Enrollment) 

introsems@stanford.edu

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Submit a New IntroSem

See this page on our site to submit a new Introductory Seminar.

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