In September 2004, President John Hennessy appointed the Commission on Graduate Education and directed it to consider how the university should evolve its graduate programs to best prepare tomorrow's leaders for the increasingly complex and interconnected world in which they will live and work.

After a comprehensive, yearlong review, the commission issued a report articulating a clear vision for graduate education at Stanford—and the parameters for a bold new approach. The university must build on Stanford's existing excellence to pioneer a model of graduate education that complements disciplinary depth with multidisciplinary breadth to prepare students for leadership in the 21st century.

The university established the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) in 2005 to bring the commission's vision to life. In collaboration with the deans and faculty in Stanford's seven schools, the VPGE provides university-wide coordination and acts as the catalyst for innovation. The office promotes cross–school and interdisciplinary learning opportunities; offers leadership and professional development programs for students; supports continued investment in students, faculty, and academic departments; and advances graduate student diversity. Its work is infused with the spirit of experimentation and exploration.