Distinct Communities

Club Sports Teams

Stanford Club Sports, a division of the Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation (DAPER), enables students to compete at the intercollegiate level. Beyond athletic competition, the program emphasizes student initiative, allowing participants to hone leadership and management skills by shaping their own team experiences. The Club Sports Administration leads the program, overseeing membership, risk management, scheduling (practices and home competitions), and—in partnership with the Office of Community Standards (OCS)—disciplinary matters. While teams function as registered student organizations through the Office of Student Engagement (OSE), Club Sports staff retains primary administrative authority. Consequently, teams must adhere to OSE standards for student organizations to maintain their standing within the program.

Stanford Associated Religions (SAR) Student Groups

The Office for Religious & Spiritual Life (ORSL) supports Stanford Associated Religions (SAR), a collective of approximately 30 organizations serving the campus community. Members and advisors of SAR groups commit to fostering the moral and spiritual growth of the university, upholding values of free inquiry, and protecting the dignity and religious freedom of all community members. While these groups are officially registered with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE), ORSL provides specific departmental governance. Continued recognition is contingent upon meeting both ORSL expectations and established OSE compliance standards for student organizations.

Fraternity and Sorority Communities 

The Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) office cultivates the university's historically rich Greek community, a vibrant aspect of the student experience since Stanford's founding. FSL ensures these organizations thrive by providing dedicated support, guidance, and administrative supervision. While FSL directs the community's specific activities, each chapter is also accountable to the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) for maintaining active status.

Stanford Arts

The Office of the Vice President for the Arts (VPA) coordinates central and campus-wide resources to create pathways for arts engagement and impact. More than 100 student arts groups and clubs on the Stanford campus benefit from the VPA's programs, leadership, and guidance. These student organizations simultaneously function within the Stanford Arts communities and and are required to satisfy the requirements set by the Office of Student Engagement (OSE).

Graduate Students

The Graduate Life Office (GLO), situated within the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, serves as a comprehensive support system for graduate students and their families. GLO staff act as a central hub for guidance, problem-solving, and connecting students with essential university resources. Additionally, they manage the Community Associate(CA) program, and residential graduate student leaders. CAs serve in a role that offers peer support and works to build community through intentional programming. Their work is advised by the GLO staff and they are subject to university policy regarding events and programs.

Stanford Law School

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is dedicated to enriching the student experience at Stanford Law School. OSA serves as a vital resource, empowering students to both embrace the numerous opportunities available and successfully navigate any challenges that arise during their legal education journey. We provide support and funding for student organizations, working in partnership with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) to ensure they operate in compliance with established university policies.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is committed to ensuring full integration into the broader Stanford University student community. This access means GSB students are welcome and encouraged to participate in the entire range of extracurricular programs, student organizations, performances, and forums that enrich life as a Stanford student. All GSB club activities, including membership, meetings, and events, are open to every member of the GSB student body. Furthermore, the GSB works in tandem with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) to uphold and maintain compliance with university policies governing student activities.

Stanford Medical Student Association

The Stanford Medical Student Association (SMSA) provides essential support for a wide variety of student organizations within the School of Medicine, offering funding, resources, and promotional assistance. Stanford medical students currently engage in over 40 distinct student groups. These groups offer highly diverse focuses, ranging from community service initiatives to specific medical specialty interests, thereby offering numerous opportunities for students to pursue activities outside of their classroom studies. All groups are eligible to apply for programmatic funding through the annual SMSA student group funding process conducted each fall. Crucially, all SMSA-funded organizations are open to the entire Stanford medical student body. The SMSA works in conjunction with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) to uphold university policies regarding student organizations.