FAQs

Yes, the DCI welcomes the participation of spouses or life partners. Upon acceptance, a DCI Partner shares the same privileges as a DCI Fellow.  

 Weekly Discussion Seminars

The DCI’s weekly seminars include Faculty-Fellow Dialogues, an informal series that brings the DCI Fellows and Partners together with leading Stanford faculty to promote discussion around a broad range of topics drawn from the rich and diversified offerings of Stanford University.

The Transformation Series

Is the second weekly seminar which brings Fellows and Partners together to share reflections on events that transformed their lives and allows Fellows to get to know each other on a deeper level.

Colloquia

DCI convenes leading Stanford faculty and thought leaders to address aspects of key social and intellectual issues of our time through multiple lenses at quarterly colloquium. DCI Fellows and Partners are active contributors during these sessions.  Topics range across major societal issues and challenges.

Purpose Pathways

Fellows and Partners undertakes a purpose pathway in one of the broad interdisciplinary areas listed below.

• Arts and the Humanities
• Business, Leadership and Entrepreneurship
• Education, Teaching and Learning 
• Energy and the Environment
• Engineering Sciences and Design
• Health and Healthcare 
• Human Rights and Social Justice
• International Studies and Programs
• Social Sciences, Policy and Public Service

Intergenerational Engagement

The program fosters numerous opportunities for Fellows and Partners to interact with undergraduate and graduate students in research, academic and service projects of shared and mutual interest. Intergenerational learning, in which both students and Fellow's act as teachers and learners, is a valued feature of the DCI.

Research

DCI conducts longitudinal studies designed to evaluate both the impact of the DCI on their continuing life journey and the impact of DCI on the University.

Mentors

All DCI Fellows and Partners have a Faculty Mentor who provides guidance on facilitating purpose pathways, on navigating Stanford resources, and on connecting to university faculty, programs, and centers during their DCI program year.

Purpose Pathway Liaisons

DCI Fellows and Partners are also supported by Purpose Pathway Liaisons, who consult with DCI on specific courses, programs, and other opportunities that are a good fit for DCI Fellows within their respective departments.

Health and Wellness

DCI Fellows and Partners will work with the DCI Wellness Coordinator and Wellness Specialists on a holistic wellness approach to promote health and well-being.

University Courses

DCI Fellows and Partners are enrolled as non-matriculating graduate students and can participate in courses throughout the university with instructor’s permission and in line with University policy.

Stanford DCI is a 12-month on-campus program which follows the Stanford academic calendar. DCI Fellows and Partners have the opportunity to participate in three academic quarters of Stanford University courses (September - June). Summer quarter is reserved for transitional workshops, independent study and travel.

The Class of 2025 will begin in September 2025 and run through August 2026.

Fellows and Partners benefit the most from their participation if they are on campus most days of the week. During fall, winter, and spring quarters (September - June).

The DCI has a community space in the heart of campus where Fellows and Partners can work, relax, and connect with one another.

The Diversity & Access Office assists the Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute (DCI) with ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you need a disability-related accommodation or have questions about accessing a classroom, please contact 650-725-0326 (voice), 650-723-1216 (TTY), or email: disability.access@stanford.edu.

Please note: the Diversity and Access Office does NOT provide transportation to classes.

Campus Accessibility Maps
The Campus Access Guide is an online system of maps detailing wheelchair accessibility and other disability access information for campus venues. This project is ongoing, and updates continue to occur. If any building is not listed, please contact the Diversity & Access Office for additional information.

Disability Parking
Disability parking spaces, marked in blue, are located throughout the campus. These spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying state-issued (any state) disability placards or license plates; all others will be cited.

Vehicles with disability placards or plates may also park in any other marked spaces on campus, including permit and metered spaces.

Please Note: The closest disabled parking to the Main Quad is located at the Oval. From the Oval, use the ramped path to the right of the steps to reach the arcade level.

Transportation
DisGo, a complimentary golf cart shuttle service, is available to members of the Stanford community who have a disability or medical condition that make it difficult to navigate the campus. Please note that there are some limitations to the services and advanced reservation is required.

Accessible Entrances
If the main entrance to a building is not step-free, directional signage will indicate the route to the nearest accessible entrance.

Sign Language Interpreting Services & Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices, sign language and oral interpreting services for the deaf and the hearing impaired are available upon request. Please contact the Diversity & Access Office to request interpreters or assistive listening devices.

Large Print or Braille Material
Printed materials for Stanford DCI courses can be made available upon request by contacting the Diversity & Access Office.

For more information about academic-related accommodations for Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute and campus accessibility, please contact the Diversity & Access Office.

The DCI Fellow and Partner experience is enhanced significantly by living close to the campus. Spontaneous opportunities arise and engaging in them with your cohort is beneficial to the growth of your community.

Fellows and Partners are responsible for finding their own accommodation.

A select number of applicants whose careers have been in the public sector, including the military, public education, the arts, or related fields, may be eligible for a reduced fee.

DCI Fellows and Partners receive a Certificate of Completion from Stanford University at the conclusion of the program.  DCI Fellows receive benefits as alumni of the DCI program, but are not alumni of Stanford University. This is consistent with Stanford University policy for all non-matriculated students, including fellows, post-docs, residents, and interns.  DCI Fellows may join as Affiliate members of the Stanford Alumni Association, if they so choose.

Fellows will be selected based on how their participation will both contribute to and benefit from the program, in shaping a transition to new areas of purpose and impact. Previous leadership and collaboration experiences will be considered along with the knowledge, skills, and interests of applicants. Consideration will also be given to what future Fellows will contribute to the DCI community and beyond.