Stanford University, located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, is one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Since its opening in 1891, Stanford has been dedicated to finding solutions to big challenges and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world.

The Oval -The large, grassy area at the top of Palm Drive acts as a front lawn to Stanford's Main Quad. Rolling foothills rise just beyond campus.

Celebrating Diversity at Stanford -  Diversity has been a core value at Stanford since the university's founding in 1891. That year, Stanford opened its doors to men and women from diverse religious, national, and racial backgrounds in its quest to train useful citizens. The diversity of Stanford’s first class reflects our commitment to provide opportunities for advancement to any deserving student. We value the rich perspectives, skills, and ideas people from varied backgrounds bring to the Stanford community

Diversity is woven throughout Stanford and is reflected not only in our people, but also in the curricula and research enterprises. The teaching and research of our faculty provide opportunities to engage deeply in concerns related to diversity in every sphere of life.

Today diversity at Stanford, in its myriad forms, is essential to maintaining our educational excellence. Diversity leads to better ideas, more informed decisions, and enriches the learning and research environment.

We encourage you to browse these pages and discover the ways that you can participate in, contribute to, and celebrate Stanford's diversity.

The Diversity and Access Office was created to advance Stanford's commitment to diversity, and equal opportunity and affirmative action goals.

The Diversity and Access Office (D&A Office) ensures University-wide compliance with federal, state and local regulations concerning non-discrimination and disability access. To accomplish this mission, the office works collaboratively with vice presidents, deans, department chairs, administrative managers and human resources staff who have direct responsibility for achieving the University's objectives. The D&A Office provides an array of services and resources designed to ensure equal opportunity and equal access, and to address bias and discrimination prohibited by law or official University policy. The D&A Office also assists individuals with disabilities who have requests for accommodations in the workplace and access to Stanford facilities, programs and activities.