Graduate Student Life

Graduate students in the Department of Economics form a vital intellectual community. Cooperation and camaraderie define the atmosphere among students. Many students form study groups to work on problem sets and to prepare for examinations. Students also tend to spend large amounts of time with each other outside of class in informal discussions of economic theories and policy issues.

The department schedules several events each year in order to promote esprit de corps. Most popular is the annual skit party in March, which features faculty and student skits.

 

In November, the economics departments of Stanford and UC Berkeley compete against each other at the Little Big Game in football, soccer, and other sports activities. Numerous less formal TGIFs and gatherings take place throughout the year. Little Big Game Trophy held by Stanford Economics Professor (Emeritus) Kenneth J. Arrow.

The Economics Graduate Student Association (EGSA) sponsors additional social activities, as well as informal talks. There is an active, but informal intramural program. Student-faculty communication is also encouraged through TGIFs, semi-annual meetings, lunches wiht first year faculty advisors, and the department newsletter.