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WELCOME HOME!

 

Dear Stanford Undergraduate and Graduate Students,

Welcome to the Farm and welcome home!

The start of a new academic year is one of the most exciting moments at Stanford. Whether you are arriving on campus for the very first time as part of the extraordinary Class of 2029, joining as a transfer or new graduate student, or returning as an upperclass or continuing graduate student, we are thrilled that you are here. On behalf of the entire Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) team, allow us to extend a hearty, enthusiastic welcome to Stanford University!

This is always a special season—filled with fresh beginnings, new friendships, and reconnections—and the entire R&DE team is energized to share this journey with you.

At R&DE, our commitment to excellence supports our mantra “Students First!” and our belief that “Students are never an interruption in our day; they are the reason we are here.” We want to ensure each of you knows that you are welcome and valued. Whether it’s creating a welcoming home in student housing, providing delicious and nourishing meals, or offering support through our many services, our purpose is to help you thrive in every way!

R&DE is dedicated to providing comfort, security, well-maintained residences, and award-winning dining options in a sustainable environment to meet the ever-evolving needs of our students.

R&DE Student Housing

When you move in, R&DE Student Housing will provide you with keys and information detailing our programs and services and how to contact us. R&DE Housing Service Centers provide first-rate support, facilitating housing assignments, assisting with lockouts, and answering questions about numerous topics including meal options, community resources, campus events, and more. For after-hours needs, our CARE (Community Access Response Enterprise) team is always ready to assist.

For regular maintenance needs, simply submit a request through our convenient Fix-It system. For after-hours emergencies, the CARE team can be reached at (650) 725-1602. We also work closely with the Graduate Life Office and Student Affairs to ensure our entire community is prepared for any emergency.

We strongly encourage you to review your Residence Agreement. You agreed to the terms of the agreement when you applied for housing. Make sure you are familiar with the important guidelines for living in university housing as well as key housing dates throughout the year.

R&DE Stanford Dining, Hospitality & Auxiliaries

R&DE SDHA is an award-winning residential dining program (sdha.stanford.edu). You’ll find vibrant dining halls, cafés, and markets across campus—perfect spots to share meals, grab groceries, or connect with friends. We are proud to offer a wide variety of delicious, healthy, and sustainable foods, along with convenient meal service hours, including late night dining options.

All-you-care-to-eat dining is available at all dining halls across the campus and accommodates students with food allergies and a variety of dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, and gluten-free. For assistance with food allergy concerns or dietary needs, please reach out to nutritionist@stanford.edu. Our nutritionist is here to support students with food allergies, religious or other dietary requirements and other special diets. Visit our Eat Well @ Stanford page for assistance with healthy eating.

You can use your meal plan dollars and Cardinal Dollars at many locations and save time by preordering online or using our mobile app. Please check our website for dining hall locations and hours and cafe and market locations and hours.

Students can also save time by preordering a meal using our Cardinal Eats mobile app. Visit rde.stanford.edu/dining-hospitality/cardinal-eats to download the app.

EVGR Pub & Brewery

Looking for a community hub? Visit the EVGR Pub & Brewery, open Thursday–Saturday, 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. The Pub is a lively gathering place for students to connect with friends. Students over 21 can enjoy beer and wine, while students under 21 are welcome to relax and enjoy mocktails, great food, and fun conversations.

Food Pantry Pop-up Program for Graduate Students

R&DE partners with the Graduate Student Council (GSC) and Second Harvest Food Bank to host the Food Pantry Pop-up Program on the second Monday of each month. This program supports graduate students experiencing food insecurity. Learn more, register, or volunteer at rde.stanford.edu/food-pantry-pop-up.

Emergency Preparedness

We take emergency preparedness seriously, and in recent years, R&DE has provided timely support for students during power outages, storms, flooding, high-heat events, and smoke from nearby wildfires. Please take a moment to review the emergency preparedness information on our website for additional tips for managing emergencies. In addition, be sure to update your personal contact information on stanfordyou.stanford.edu to receive timely information concerning campus safety through the AlertSU system.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a core value for R&DE. We are continually implementing programs that reduce our energy and water consumption, reduce our waste production, and increase our sustainable purchasing commitments. We partner with students and staff to embrace sustainability in our daily lives. Find out more about R&DE sustainability efforts by visiting rde.stanford.edu/sustainability-residential-dining-enterprises.

Your Voice Matters

Our housing and dining staff are eager to meet you and welcome your questions and suggestions. Share feedback through your Housing Service Center, with dining hall staff, or via our online Feedback form. Your ideas are well received and guide us in enhancing our services to better meet your needs and expectations. Please also take a moment to get to know your Housing Building Manager, as they are valuable members of our support team. Our chefs and dining managers are always happy to hear from you and appreciate your questions and suggestions.

Stay connected and informed through social media!

You’ll also find regular updates and announcements on our Student Living social media platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.

Each academic year brings fresh opportunities for growth, exploration, and success—and this one is no exception. As you set out on this exciting journey, remember that the R&DE team is here to cheer you on and support your success every step of the way.

We cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish this year. Here’s to a vibrant, fulfilling, and successful 2025–2026 academic year at Stanford!

Warm regards,

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Shirley J. Everett, Ed.D., MBA

Senior Associate Vice Provost
Residential & Dining Enterprises

Special Advisor to the Provost

Dr. Shirley J Everett