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Act Now: Teach an IntroSem in 2026-27

Instructors are invited to submit new seminar proposals for 2026-27 now through March 6th. If you are renewing an IntroSem, simply email introsems@stanford.edu by the same date.

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About IntroSems

Since 1997, the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE) has sponsored small discussion-based courses taught by faculty from all seven schools. Focused on the research interests of the faculty, IntroSems serve as first- and second-year students’ introduction to the concepts and methods of a discipline and also foster faculty/student relationships centered on intellectual growth.

Submit a New Seminar

Whether you have a fully developed syllabus or simply a preliminary topic, the process for creating or renewing an IntroSem is easy. Learn how to submit a new seminar or renew an existing seminar for the upcoming academic year.

Teaching Resources

Whether you’ve taught in IntroSems for 20 years or this quarter will be your first, IntroSems offers a wealth of resources to support your course. Find out more about the resources the IntroSem Program provides, including supplemental funding, pedagogical support, and academic technology support.

Student Support for Your IntroSem

The IntroSems Program is able to hire undergraduate students to support your seminar.

Course Enhancement Funds

IntroSems also offers course enhancement funds for field trips, workshops, guest speakers, mentor and reunion meals, film nights, and course activities.

IntroSems Excellence Awards

After your seminar, consider nominating one of your IntroSem students for a Russell A. Berman Award for Excellence in an Introductory Seminar. This award recognizes a student or group project that demonstrates exceptional engagement, skill, and achievement at an annual celebration in spring. View recent recipients and learn how to nominate an IntroSems project from your seminar for an Excellence Award.