Welcome from President Hennessy

Dear Parents:

This is a tremendously exciting time for your son or daughter-as it is for you. Our newest students already have accomplished a great deal, but as they embark on their Stanford careers, they will discover new challenges.

President John Hennessy participates in a question-and-answer session during the annual Parents' Weekend.

A research university can offer unique advantages to its students, and at Stanford we are committed to providing our undergraduates with an education that is unparalleled. A number of innovative undergraduate programs have been introduced in recent years. For example, smallgroup seminars allow students to explore a potential major in depth, examine an intellectual interest and develop close working relationships with professors from their first days on campus. We also believe that collaboration across disciplines will be key in the future, and many undergraduate courses offer an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to issues. Numerous research opportunities give them the wonderfully rewarding experience of participating in the creation of new knowledge.

I encourage every student to take advantage of these opportunities and attempt something previously untried. I am confident that through such exploration they will discover interests that will continue to inspire and shape them for the rest of their lives.

You play a key role in this process. The undergraduate years are a time of great discovery, and we hope that you will support your sons and daughters as they begin their intellectual journeys. This Guide for Parents will assist you in providing that support.

I look forward to welcoming your children-our students-to Stanford, just as I look forward to meeting each of you at the opening of New Student Orientation on Sept. 16 and again during Parents' Weekend on Feb. 27 and 28.

Welcome to the Stanford family.

Sincerely,

John L. Hennessy
President