By providing affordable housing in proximity to academic resources, the University creates an environment conducive to research and intellectual dialogue among students, their peers, and faculty members. Through its residence program, Stanford seeks to provide graduate students with a supportive, friendly environment where they are encouraged to develop a strong sense of community. All residences offer social, educational, and cultural events. Film series, faculty talks, workshops, parties, and trips are among the variety of activities available. Some residences offer special classes in such diverse subjects as aerobics, English as a Second Language, and LaMaze childbirth.
Residences also form intramural athletic teams.
Programs in the residences are supported by a team of professional and student staff members designated for each residence or cluster of residences. The Director and Assistant Director of Graduate Residences provide overall leadership and supervision of the residence program. They also serve as Residence Deans, providing counseling and crisis intervention and acting as resources to facilitate problem solving. Students called Community Associates live in the residences and help plan programs and build community. They also assist other students to enjoy and learn from their residential experiences.