Indigenous Student Seminar
FAQs
What is the Indigenous Student Seminar, and what is expected of students?
Part of the Hoover Project on Renewing Indigenous Economies, the Indigenous Student Seminar is an intensive residential four-day program consisting of lecture sessions; group dinners; and discussion groups. Daily readings are to be completed before class. Written assignments will require synthesis and analysis on short notice. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, participate in discussions, and maintain professional conduct.
How is the Indigenous Student Seminar different from other programs?
Other programs do not celebrate the rich history of entrepreneurship and trade before European contact. Nor do they address the institutional challenges faced by indigenous leaders who are trying to rebuild local economies. The next generation needs better tools for self-determination. This seminar explores topics immediately relevant to Indian Country.
What will students gain from the program?
Seminar sessions are taught by leading scholars and policy practitioners who focus on federal Indian law, tribal law and governance, and indigenous entrepreneurship. The seminar’s interactive model is designed to facilitate fact-based critical thinking. Through collaboration and discussion, the program will encourage diverse perspectives and understandings of the challenges faced by indigenous leaders and community members.
Who is eligible?
The Indigenous Student Seminar and its content are geared toward juniors and seniors in college, recent college graduates, and early graduate students, including law students.
Why is the program free to accepted attendees?
The seminar is virtually free (including tuition and housing) because of the generosity of Hoover’s supporters and their commitment to engaging young thinkers by providing access to the transformative ideas generated by Hoover fellows.
Since tuition is free, will there be other expenses?
Tuition, room and board are covered by the Hoover Institution for those who are accepted into the program. Travel costs and incidentals are not.
Can I receive course credit for completing the seminar? Are students graded?
No course grades or credits are given for completing the Indigenous Student Seminar. At the conclusion of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion.
What is the dress code at the Indigenous Student Seminar?
Business-casual attire is encouraged for class sessions and evening events. Campus life is casual during non-class hours.
What type of meals will be served?
Stanford dining can accommodate a broad range of dietary preferences and restrictions and is based on fresh, sustainable, and culturally diverse cuisine.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is not provided for program participants. Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements, including ground transportation to and from campus. Additionally, parking is not offered to program participants. Uber and Lyft are popular travel options in the Bay Area, and public transportation from San Francisco and San Jose airports is available via Caltrain (with connections to BART). Participants can travel around campus and to and from the Caltrain station on the free Marguerite shuttle buses.
Am I expected to stay on campus during the program?
The Indigenous Student Seminar is an intensive residential program. As such, students are expected to stay on campus in their assigned residence to facilitate group study and full participation in program activities.
What are the accommodations?
Overnight accommodations will be provided in an apartment-style residence, on campus, starting the night of Monday, August 8, until the morning of Friday, August 12. Sleeping rooms are single occupancy and are furnished with a full-size bed, desk, chair, dresser, private bathroom, and kitchenette. You will also be provided with linens: bedspread, sheets (flat), blanket, pillow, pillowcase, two towels, and one washcloth. Please note that these residences do not have air conditioning.
Are guests allowed to visit or stay in the dorm?
Guests are not allowed to visit or stay in the dorms during the summer program. Dorm buildings are available only for use by those registered to your specific building while attending a Stanford program. There are numerous public areas on campus that are appropriate for visiting with those outside the Indigenous Student Seminar program.
What are the residence check-in and check-out times for the program?
Please arrive on campus to check in by 4:00 pm on Monday, August 8. Flights into San Francisco or San Jose international airports should be scheduled to arrive no later than 3:00 pm to allow for travel time to campus. You will check out of student housing Friday, August 12.
What should I bring for the program?
A laptop computer or tablet for accessing course readings
Clothing for temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees F (15 to 35 degrees C)
Spending money for extra activities and shopping
All personal beauty, health, and toiletry items
If desired, personal academic supplies (Hoover will provide paper, pens, and course materials)
If desired, a USB drive or other device for saving computer files
Whom can I contact with further questions?
If you have further questions that are not answered here, please send an email to IndigenousEcon@stanford.edu.
