Classroom Expectations

In the Classroom

Readings and Preparation Questions

It is important to come prepared to class. We ask that you complete the readings, cases, and preparation questions listed for each week. To prepare for your first two weeks at the Stanford Executive Program, you will receive a Google drive folder with all preparation materials a month prior to the program. Once on campus, all program materials will be provided in the custom SEP App. 

We understand that you have extremely busy lives outside of this program and want to be respectful of your time. In return, we would like to ask that you show up to class on time, having done the pre-program readings and assignments, and be ready to actively participate in classroom discussions. This will significantly enhance your experience in the program and maximize your ability to learn from the faculty as well as other participants. 

Printing Your Program Materials

The reading materials used during this program are available for download in electronic format. Please note that we will not be distributing hard copies of these materials during the program.

Attendance Policy

The Stanford Executive Program is a comprehensive and intense program comprised of faculty-led sessions, academic exercises, and team-based learning. The overall experience closely mirrors that of the Graduate School of Business MBA program. Like our MBA program, attendance and participation in all sessions is expected, both for the benefit of the participant and your fellow students.

Unexcused absences or repeated lateness is considered unacceptable. It is also mandatory to be in attendance in person for the November and February modules. Possible consequences include withholding the Stanford Executive Program certificate of completion and Stanford Graduate School of Business alumni status. Inevitably a participant may need to miss class due to serious illness, family crisis, or other exceptional extenuating circumstances. In these cases, the participant should contact Angela Thomas (sep@gsb.stanford.edu) as soon as possible to notify her of the reason for the absence.  

Personal Devices in the Classroom

We provide you with an Apple iPad to enrich your learning experience. The use of phones is not permitted during class sessions as it is distracting to fellow participants. We ask that while you are in class you are present and engaged. If you must take a phone call, please take it outside.

Video & Audio Recording

Video and audio recording is strictly prohibited in all classrooms due to Stanford University policies.

At Home (Online Classes)

Attendance Policy

Participants are expected to attend all live online classes at the offered hour as it fits their time zone. If unable to attend live, the session recording needs to be watched within three days of the live session. The session recordings will be available in the SEP App for one week. 

Zoom Etiquette & Class Norms

Use of a laptop or computer is preferable to phone or mobile devices for a more engaging classroom experience.

We strongly suggest using earbuds or a headphone set when using Zoom as doing so will reduce echoes and background noise and make it easier for others in the meeting to hear you.

In an online setting, the compelling draw of your computer and other apps can be a challenge for the best of us - to help yourself maintain focus, keep Zoom full screen and avoid checking things like email.

Discussions

During the online portion of SEP Flex, we encourage you to participate as much as possible in real-time dialogue with the faculty and your classmates. It is imperative that you attend or watch every session as any absence will affect the experience of your classmates. Inevitably a participant may need to miss an online session due to serious illness, family crisis, or other exceptional extenuating circumstances. In these cases, the participant should contact the SEP Team (sep@gsb.stanford.edu) as soon as possible to notify the team of the reason for the absence.