Meet the Team
About Approaching Stanford
& New Student Orientation
The Approaching Stanford/New Student Orientation team is made up of both student and professional staff, all within the office of Academic Advising. Approaching Stanford is required for all new undergraduate students and is the process that guides new students in their preparation for Stanford (academic advising, housing assignments, health requirements, etc.). The Approaching Stanford process culminates in New Student Orientation (NSO), which begins with New Student Move-In and takes place in the days leading up to the start of Autumn Quarter. NSO introduces frosh and new transfers to Stanford's diverse educational opportunities and resources, acquaints them with other students and University faculty and staff, helps them feel at home in the campus community, and creates in them a sense of belonging as contributing members of the Stanford community.
2026 Orientation Coordinators
Orientation Coordinators (OCs) are the student staff in the Office of Academic Advising that support Approaching Stanford and New Student Orientation. Check out their OC Blog this summer and follow @approachingstanford on Instagram!
Garrett Khatchaturian '28 (he/him)
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Frosh Dorm: Burbank
Major/Academic interests: Economics Major, History Minor
Student groups and activities: Fleet Street Singers, The Stanford Daily, Wind Symphony
Favorite class: History 51N (Suing for Freedom)
Favorite spot on campus: I love to study in Terman Fountain when it gets hot!
I decided to become an OC this summer because: I was excited to meet the incoming class and make their first week at Stanford special.
One piece of advice for incoming students: Leave your door open and meet as many new people as you can, because your people are out there!
Noumou Diallo '29 (she/her)
Hometown: Bronx, New York
Frosh Dorm: East Florence Moore Hall (aka East Flo)
Major/Academic interests: Economics
Student groups and activities: Black Student Union (BSU), Muslim Student Union (MSU), Stanford African Student Association (SASA), Stanford Ethiopian and Eritrean Students' Association (SEESA), Stanford Archery Club
Favorite class: Structured Liberal Education
Favorite spot on campus: CoDa because it’s aesthetically beautiful, comfy, and a great place to study.
I decided to become an OC this summer because: I remember how amazing my orientation was and I wanted to recreate that same welcoming and meaningful experience.
One piece of advice for incoming students: Enjoy being a frosh, while it lasts.
Wesley Marshall '27 (he/him)
Hometown: Torrance, California
Transfer Dorm: Kimball Hall
Major/Academic interests: Engineering Design and Business Administration
Student groups and activities: ASSU Leadership, ENGR 103 Course Assistant, Stanford Professional Network, PIT Lab, VPUE STEM Fellow
Favorite class: Mechanical Engineering 103 (Product Realization, Design and Making)
Favorite spot on campus: The Product Realization Lab because you can make literally anything!
I decided to become an OC this summer because: I LOVED NSO and I want to help guide and lead the next generation of transfers and frosh.
One piece of advice for incoming students: You are all the G.O.A.T. at something, don’t forget that!
Professional Staff
Cetiana Abebaw
Assistant Director, New Student and Co-Curricular Programs
Cetiana (she/her) works on the production of New Student Orientation as well as class-based programming throughout the school year. Cetiana earned her master's degree from the University of Southern California in Public Relations and Advertising and her bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley in Public Health. Prior to her role on the team, Cetiana served as the Program Manager for the Academic Residential Co-Curriculum (ARC) program in VPUE.
Ingrid Anderson
Director, Transfer Academic Programs
Ingrid (she/her) serves as the dedicated academic advisor for all transfer students. With almost 20 years of academic advising experience, Ingrid has devoted herself to helping transfers navigate their transition to Stanford since 2024. In recognition of the unique challenges transfers face, she offers tailored information sessions, workshops, and personalized one-on-one meetings during the summer to prepare them for their first quarter. Holding a doctorate in political science from Washington University in St. Louis, along with degrees in public policy and psychology from the University of Michigan, Ingrid is committed to ensuring that every transfer student feels supported and empowered for a successful and fulfilling journey at Stanford.
Areeba Kaukab
Program Associate, New Student and Co-Curricular Programs
Areeba (she/her) assists with the production and logistics of New Student Orientation and class-based programming throughout the year. Areeba earned her master's degree from San Francisco State University in Social Justice Education and Equity and her bachelor's degree from Cal State University Fullerton in Human Communication. Prior to her role on the team, Areeba served as the Program Coordinator for the Markaz Resource Center program in VPSA.
Diana Suedbeck
Director, New Student Programs
Diana (she/her) is responsible for implementing the Approaching Stanford program, which provides support to first-year and transfer students as they transition to life at Stanford. Being one of the first points of contact for these incoming students, Diana is focused on making sure they feel well-equipped to begin their academic experience at the university. Receiving her bachelor's degree in Sociology from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, Diana's passion for higher education grew as she coached women's lacrosse for her alma mater.
Niles Wilson '17
Systems Manager, New Student and Co-Curricular Programs
Niles (he/him) manages the data and reporting for incoming students in their transition to Stanford. Niles earned his master's degree in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California and his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stanford. Prior to this role, he served as the Assistant Director of Frosh 101 and Transfer 101.
Edith Wu-Nguyen '99
Associate Dean, New Student and Co-Curricular Programs
Edith (she/her) oversees the New Student and Co-Curricular Programs team in preparing, welcoming, and transitioning new first-year students and transfers to Stanford through the Approaching Stanford process, New Student Orientation, and Frosh 101 and Transfer 101. She is also the Resident Fellow (RF) for Okada House in Wilbur Hall. Edith earned her master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health and her bachelor’s degree from Stanford where she studied Human Biology and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. Prior to returning to Stanford in 2006, she worked in community-based programs in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, including Head Start/Early Head Start, the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, and Public Allies-Silicon Valley.