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. The Approaching Stanford program is required for all new undergraduate students. It is the process that will guide you in your preparation for Stanford.
Beginning in May for first-years and June for transfers, new students will receive weekly communications with information that will help transition you to the Farm. In the months leading up to the fall, you will learn more about academics and course enrollment, housing assignments, health requirements, student communities, opportunities, and resources. The information provided will culminate in your attendance at New Student Orientation (NSO), which will run in the days leading up to the start of Autumn Quarter.
Professional Staff
Cetiana Abebaw (she/her), Assistant Director of New Student and Co-Curricular Programs, 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 (she/her) is the Director of Transfer Academic Programs and 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 (she/her) is the Program Associate of New Student and Co-Curricular Programs. She will be assisting the production and logistics of New Student Orientation and class based programming throughout the year. Areeba earned her master's degree from the 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 (she/her), Director for New Student Programs, 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 (he/him), Systems Manager for New Student and Co-Curricular Programs, 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 (she/her), Associate Dean for First Year Experience in Academic Advising, oversees the First Year Experience team that prepares, welcomes, and transitions 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.