The mission of Stanford Continuing Studies is to share the rich educational resources of Stanford University with neighboring adult students, to nurture a vibrant learning community, to nourish the life of the mind, and to promote the pleasures of intellectual exploration and exchange.

Continuing Studies offers approximately 350 courses annually, attracting more than 11,000 students. Our core strength is in the liberal arts and sciences, but we also sponsor robust programs in professional development, business, and creative writing. Courses meet on campus in the evening or on a Saturday, and are open to all interested adults, though we also offer a growing number of online creative writing courses.

More than 1,000 Stanford faculty and academic staff have taught in Continuing Studies since the program's inception in 1988, with 80% of our teaching staff drawn from within Stanford, complemented by carefully recruited artists, journalists, business people, and academics from neighboring institutions. Our students come from all over the Bay Area and from every walk of life; 65% of them hold graduate degrees and their median age is 46.

Continuing Studies is also pleased to offer approximately forty public programs and special events each year, ranging from small informal readings and lectures, to fully staged performances, symposia, and conferences.

With the warm support of the University, its President, and its Provost; the enthusiastic participation of Stanford's faculty and academic staff; the dedicated commitment of our own administrative staff; and—most important—the loyalty of smart and engaged students, we are proud to say that Stanford Continuing Studies offers "common ground for uncommon minds." Please join us.