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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have my same phone number when I move? (Yes!)
How do I find out my new mail code? (See info below)
If I bought a parking pass through August and I’m moving in June, can I get a refund? (Yes!)
For answers to these questions and more, please read our FAQs below.
At our recent Town Hall meetings, we heard great questions from all of you – below are a list of FAQs based on your great input. THANK YOU for your continued interest in the details of Stanford@Porter Drive. Please continue to email us with any questions – porterdrive@stanford.edu
Parking and Transportation
See also: Getting There: Location, Transportation & Parking.
On-Campus Parking Questions
Will there be a reasonable amount of C parking left on campus while the GSB campus is under construction or will I need to upgrade to an A permit?
A reasonable amount of ‘C’ parking will remain available in the region at the:
- Parking Structure 6 (PS-6) under Wilbur Field
- Adjacent Wilbur lots (L-62 and L-63)
- Track House and Varsity (L-95 and L-97) lots by the stadium
When the GSB campus is under construction where will I park?
You can park in the various ‘C’ parking locations listed above. Aside from some existing parking demand moving to Porter Drive with the relocation, both ‘A’ and ‘C’ permit holders are likely to find themselves parking further away and/or using the Marguerite shuttle, depending on when they arrive on campus.
‘A’ permit holders will find ample parking at the new Wilbur underground parking structure (PS-6) and street parking on Galvez, Serra, Lasuen, Roth Way, and Museum Way. Additional ‘C’ parking will be converted to ‘A’ parking on Museum Way to accommodate the Serra Complex displacement.
The Marguerite Shuttle “B-line” stops in each direction near PS-6, as well as Parking Structure 5 (PS-5) on Oak Rd., departing every 15 minutes on weekdays, between 6am - 8:30pm.
In addition, some visitor parking will replace existing ‘A’ parking in front of the Harold and Maude modules and Eating Clubs lot (L-81).
While the moves out of Serra are happening in July, will parking be impacted in the area?
Parking displacement by moving trucks staged for loading close to the Serra Complex should be minimal, and not impact building access. However, ongoing tree relocations around the Serra Complex will continue to impact parking throughout the summer.
When will the Serra parking lot be closed down?
Based on the latest info provided us by the project, P&TS is planning for an early August closure of the Serra lots.
How long will the shuttle ride between the new Munger garage to the Serra site area take?
The B-Line takes approximately 3-4 minutes from Marguerite stops at Alvarado or Vaden Health Center (Cowell Lane) to Serra St. P&TS will consider increasing shuttle frequency between PS-6 and Serra St. during peak commute times, based on passenger levels.
How many C parking spaces are there at the Parking Structure near Godzilla and Bambi?
Currently, there are 449 ‘C’ spaces (including 11 ‘C-carpool’) at Parking Structure 2 (PS-2). Adjacent to Bambi, the Panama lot (L-25) has another 197 ‘C’ spaces, including carpools.
Is there a shuttle from Godzilla or the Medical School to Stanford@Menlo Park?
The shuttle to Stanford@Menlo Park leaves from the Medical school on Pasteur Drive near CCSR. The shuttle does not include Godzilla in its route.
Can we get wireless on the shuttles?
This is not possible right now, due to the cost, but we are hoping this will be doable in the future.
Will the Ardenwood buses continue to operate?
The two Ardenwood buses will continue to supplement the U Line until AC transit provides additional buses to replace them.
Porter Drive Parking Questions
How are the connections between buses like the U Line and the Marguerite shuttles?
We have researched this question and the connections between the U Line and the Hillview Shuttle are very good. Moreover, P&TS plans to adjust the first trip of the Medical Center to VA/Hillview Shuttle 5 minutes earlier to better connect with the U Line. Please check out the schedules on the Porter Drive web site to confirm which connections are best for your particular commute.
What is the ratio of parking at Porter Drive based on the number of people there?
Campus-wide, about 50% of our employees use alternative means of transportation, taking advantage of the Commute Club and Clean Air Cash programs. There are adequate parking spaces at Porter Drive to accommodate those who drive.
What are the Marguerite Shuttle routes to Porter Drive?
These are listed on the web site under transportation. In summary, there will be a shuttle meeting Cal Train at University Avenue, with express service to Porter Drive. There also are two shuttles to campus, with off-set schedules ---- the Hillview and Arastradero shuttles. Please refer to the web site for schedules and stops.
Will there be parking stickers at Porter?
Parking will be free at Porter Drive, but employees who drive will need to display a parking permit so that parking can be monitored. There will be more information on this closer to the move date.
How long is the distance between Porter Drive and the California (and University Avenue) Cal Train station(s)?
Porter Drive is 1.2 miles from California Ave., and 1.8 miles from University Ave. train stations.
How much guest/visitor parking will there be at Porter Drive?
We are working on the details, but we anticipate that there will be about 20 visitor parking places.
If I am going back and forth to campus with equipment, how will I be sure that I can find a space on campus and a space when I return back to Porter?
Each group can purchase “Off-site Service Vehicle” permits that can be signed out by staff. These will not require an ‘A’ or ‘C’ parking pass to be used on campus and probably work best for traveling with equipment. Vehicles displaying the university seal/logo are allowed identical parking access to service, metered, commuter, and resident parking spaces. There are designated service/university vehicle spaces on campus and there will be such spaces at Porter Drive.
There also will be Zip cars available at Porter, and we are purchasing two hybrid cars and one mini-van for employee business uses as well.
What will happen if I can’t find a place to park at Porter?
We believe that parking will be adequate; we will assess the situation and develop solutions as needed.
Where will auditors who come to campus for weeks park at Porter?
Groups with such needs should contact Parking and Transportation Services directly. As space is available, longer-term visitors can be provided parking passes depending upon the group’s needs.
If I bought a parking sticker through August and I’m moving to Porter in June, can I get a refund?
Yes, just go to the Parking and Transportation Services office to return the permit, and get credit for the unused month(s). Note that if you signed up for payroll deduction, you must return your permit by the 2nd, to allow for cancellation of that month’s parking fee. For cash and credit card purchases, the daily scratcher rate is deducted from the refund amount beginning on the 1st day of the month. If more than 4 calendar days have elapsed, there is no residual value available for refund.
Will there be shuttles from Porter Drive to special events on campus?
Yes, we will definitely consider that. Development has successfully used shuttles to bring their staff from Hillview to main campus, and we plan to learn from their good example.
What is the shortest driving distance between campus and Porter Drive?
Please check the Porter Drive web site for routes: porterdrive.stanford.edu
Will there be covered shelters for bus stops at Porter?
We don’t have these on campus and won’t be providing them at Porter Drive.
Will there be a courier service to and from Porter Drive to campus?
Yes, we are planning a courier service. Stay tuned for the details.
Will Porter Drive have parking places for bikes and overnight bike parking?
Yes, bike parking in racks and lockers will be available at Porter Drive.
Food
See also: Life@ Porter Drive - Food.
What kind of food options will there be at Porter Drive?
The Good Earth, which has cafes in the Stanford Research Park, will be providing lunch for sale every day at Porter. There will be a selection of sandwiches made to order, salads, snacks, drinks, a daily special, and entrees that can be eaten cold or microwavable, in addition to a variety of vegetarian options. Please check the Porter website for a sample menu to get a sense of Good Earth’s choices.
We also will have vending machines and coffee service. On special days (dates to be announced), we will offer catered lunches free of charge and guest speakers from campus. On move-in day, lunch will be provided for the new Porter occupants.
Will the Stanford card plan be available at Porter?
We are examining this now, and we plan to have the card plan in place at Porter Drive.
Will there be a coffee bar?
Yes, there will be self-service coffee all day long in the main dining area, as well as in each building in convenient locations for the groups.
Furniture/Space
See also: Space @ Porter
I have a special ergonomic chair – will I be able to take it with me to Porter? I don’t want a new chair.
Yes, if you would like to keep your chair you may do so. Chair selection has been completed, so if you have any questions about this, please ask your manager.
How will our shared offices and cubicles be set up? When will I find out where I’ll be sitting?
Office and cubicle configurations vary group by group. Your manager has your office configuration. If you have specific questions, please contact your manager directly.
For the on-campus moves, will we have all new furniture?
On Campus Moves will have new office, cubicle and task chairs (except for Bambi and Polya, where we will be using the existing furniture). All other furniture needs will be accommodated with existing furniture (conference rooms, filing rooms, etc).
How small will the cubicles be at Porter Drive?
The cubicles at Porter Drive are the size of the space guidelines – 8 x 8 feet and
6 x 10 feet. The sizing depends upon the part of the building in which the cubicle is located, as we were fitting cubicles into existing building dimensions.
What will happen to all of the stuff in the Serra buildings?
We are working with Surplus Property to sell and/or recycle as much of the furniture and other items in the Serra buildings as possible. Watch for notice of the “Serra Yard Sale” that will happen once most of the offices have moved from the buildings.
Will all future cubes be the same size at Stanford? How did the decision about Porter Drive cube sizes get made? Are the Porter Drive cubes smaller than the rest of campus?
The Stanford space guidelines outline the ideal staff cubicle size of 64 feet (8 feet by 8 feet.) This is the cubicle size we are building on campus in our new projects. Some cubicles (for students, for touchdown, for temporary workers) may be smaller. The Porter Drive cubicles follow the space guidelines. They are smaller than some of the cubicles on campus, and larger than others. As we move forward and as on-campus spaces are renovated, all cubicles will be “rightsized” to the space guidelines. This will take some time as we renovate spaces in various locations.
Are the space guidelines permanent?
As far as we know!
Is there a long term plan for Bambi and Godzilla?
Bambi and Godzilla are slated for reuse or demolition once we move to Redwood City. The specifics of timing, etc. are not yet completely clear.
What is the square footage per person in Bambi and Godzilla?
In Bambi, the square footage per person varies by the space they will occupy. Cubes average 72 square feet and offices range from 90 to 113 square feet. In Godzilla, there is similar variation. Single offices average 148 square feet and multiple occupant offices average 75 square feet per person.
Voice and Data Connections
Will our phone numbers remain the same?
Yes, you will have your same phone number wherever you move (to Porter Drive or on campus). This is the same telephone service that you are familiar with, using a different set. The features and functions do not change. However, all Speed-Call and Auto-Dial features will need to be re-programmed on the new set. You will still be able to reach all of main campus, Porter Drive, SMP or any other location served by the Stanford telephone system with 5-digit extension dialing. The operation of the set is very similar to that of the existing business multi-line sets. The set can be seen at: http://www.stanford.edu/services/voip/userguide/set/ip_phone_1140E.html. Voice mail remains the same. All messages and greetings defined in voice mail will remain.
What is Voice over IP (VoIP)?
Voice over IP is the technology that allows phone calls to use an IP network infrastructure. This does not necessarily mean that the call travels over the internet. Stanford's VoIP service uses only Stanford provided networking for on-Stanford connections and does not use the internet to go off-campus. Traditional, non-VoIP circuits are used to connect the Stanford PBX to the Public Switched Telephone Network.
How can we figure out the VoIP problems of phone calls dropping in volume?
Please open a standard ITS HelpSU ticket just as you would for your existing telephone service. This can be done at: https://remedyweb.stanford.edu/helpsu/helpsu or by dialing 5-HELP (5-4357, or 725-4357 from off campus). Please provide a description of the trouble, your phone number as well as the number you dialed if you initiated the telephone call. The time of day that the call was made would also be helpful.
Will VoIP hinder the ability of the network to print documents and do other
tasks?
No, it should not interfere with any other network function. The speed of the network connections can handle both voice and data without conflict.
Has VoIP been selected for the on-campus moves?
Yes, new buildings and newly remodeled buildings will have VoIP.
What are the tools that are standard in all of the conference rooms at Porter Drive?
Each of the conference rooms will have a phone, white board and moveable furniture.
Two of the conference rooms, Diamond and Pearl in the San Francisquito Creek building, will have our highest end of communication tools - a Webex video conferencing system with a dedicated wall mounted computer, ceiling speakers, a projection screen, an overhead projector, and a wall mounted control panel.
The four remaining conference rooms in San Francisquito Creek and one in Los Trancos Creek will have the infrastructure for a potential future Webex video conferencing system and a dedicated wall mounted computer. These conference rooms also include ceiling speakers, an overhead projector, projection screen and a wall mounted control panel.
Three other conference rooms at Porter Drive will have all of the same wall mounted elements listed above; although, they will not have the future infrastructure for Webex video.
Other various conference rooms will have either wall mounted screens or portable projectors, depending upon the room size and/or use.
What are the new tools being made available for Work Anywhere?
The Work Anywhere Toolkit team is bringing together a variety of tools and techniques to enable the ability to "work anywhere". Many on campus use such tools already, although for some faculty and staff they might be new. Some examples include laptops computers instead of desktop computers, or a cellular phone or similar device (like the iPhone) which is web- and email-enabled to facilitate wireless connections when away either from campus or your usual work location. Another new tool is WebEx, which allows users with a web browser to hold "virtual meetings" (where the "meeting" is online and attendees remain at whatever work location they are) and where one can participate via an audio conference call, share files, share your desktop with other attendees, and even view meeting attendees when your laptop or computer has a simple web cam. The team is working to improve the audio-conference offerings on campus so that they are simpler to use, and less expensive, as it sees the need for audio-conferencing on the rise. The team is also making recommendations for the configuration of "touchdown spaces" so that departments will have some guidelines and suggestions for what works well, and for campus conference rooms so that audio-conferences and web teleconferences can be easily conducted.
Other
Where will touchdown spaces be on campus?
We have a touchdown space already at Building 60. We are sharing a touchdown space with the School of Medicine, which is located in the Alway building. In addition, this summer we are constructing touchdown spaces in Forsythe and Polya Halls. Service Vehicle spaces exist near some of these locations, but they are also close to Marguerite Shuttle stops.
Will we have signage to find our way around at Porter Drive?
Yes, there is a signage plan underway.
Will we have a key card system at Porter? When will be buildings be locked and open? Will security be managed by Stanford?
Yes, we will have a card key system at Porter Drive. Your Stanford ID card will allow you access through assigned doors and times if you have a current ID card with a microchip. You will be hearing more about getting your ID card updated, if necessary, for the system.
The buildings will be open during working hours and a receptionist will welcome guests to the building. There will be card keys on all exterior doors. The lobby entrance will be open during business hours. A few interior doors will be card key accessible including the IT File Server room and the Payroll Suite. Keys will be provided for office doors and storage. After hours, the buildings will be locked. The Porter Drive building manager will handle the arrangements.
Will the Porter Drive buildings have air conditioning? Do they have operable windows?
Yes, the buildings have air conditioning. Like many of our office buildings on campus, they do not have operable windows.
Will there be HIP courses and/or exercise options at Porter Drive? What kind of recreational activities will be available?
Yes, we are planning HIP courses. A survey of your interests has been distributed and will be used in determining the courses provided. Porter Drive has a small gym, which contains a racquetball court and a circuit weight room. In addition, great outdoor walking and cycling areas are available both in the Research Park and on nearby trails (including the Dish trail).
Will our campus mail code remain the same?
We will have three new mail codes for Porter Drive as follows:
8440 – Controllers Office
8441 – Administrative Systems
8442 – Land, Buildings and Real Estate
For the on-campus moves, your mail code may or may not remain the same, depending on where you are moving. Stay tuned for more information.
The Porter Drive mailing address is:
3145 Porter Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Is there a long term University plan to use the open space in San Mateo County near 280?
Not at this time.
What efforts are being made to help the rest of campus adjust to the Porter Drive move – such as knowing how to do conference calls, etc.?
We are offering training about conference calls and Web Ex – check out our training links on our web site. We also plan to do a Town Hall meeting for our campus clients, customers and partners, so that we can all begin thinking about future changes as the Porter Drive move and On Campus moves approach. Each of the groups moving is speaking with their customers and partners. We also will be talking with the University Management Group about these issues.
Where will the Rabbit copier go?
The current Rabbit printer/copier will be located in the Internal Audit suite in Lower Encina. Porter Drive will be getting a new “Rabbit” that will have similar and probably more current functionality that the existing Rabbit. Located in the San Francisquito Creek Building, it will serve all Porter Drive occupants.
How are we implementing Work Anywhere?
We are implementing Work Anywhere as a pilot project at Porter Drive, as well as at Stanford@Menlo Park. Work anywhere efforts continue through the subcommittees including the Toolkit group and the Organizational Practices group. The Toolkit group is helping to systematize and advertise the touch downs and provide suggestions for standard equipment to use depending on your mobility level. The Organizational Practices group is working on clarifying and providing consistent policy guidelines for the various pilots currently underway, including SoM at SMP, SoE, Business Affairs and Land Buildings and Real Estate and the employees at Hillview.
You’ll be hearing more about the details of these pilots as development proceeds.
Can we pilot the Work Anywhere tools and techniques practices before we move?
YES, please contact Chris Lundin at clundin@stanford.edu and the Work Anywhere Toolkit group with any questions you have. Please discuss your ideas with your managers and your departments, too.
Can we have more department-wide clean up days that people at all levels participate in?
Absolutely. We are encouraging the work groups to design clean-up days that work for them. Please talk with your supervisor if you think that a clean-up day is in order for your group.
During the week/month that we move, we need to be sure that the people who have moved have the resources they need without taking resources away from those not moving. What plans are in place about this?
Each of the groups will be planning the move sequences that make sense for them, particularly related to shared resources and how they are deployed. If you have concerns about this, please contact your supervisor.
What will be the emergency procedures with people in multiple locations?
Emergency procedures are currently being developed and will be available to you in your Welcome packets.
Do we have to use vacation on the move days. True?
NO – you may take vacation if you choose to do so, however the move day will be a paid work day…. The move team has asked that you come in, finish any last minute packing in the morning of your move and then leave for the day to work from home or somewhere else. There is local discretion in the departments about the ½ day, and work on move day. However, the day is a paid day.
Paper processes related to hiring will be difficult from far away. What will be the resources for finding electronic ways to do business to solve there problems?
We are looking to individual groups to brainstorm how their processes will need to change to accommodate these needs. The Work Anywhere toolkit group headed by Chris Lundin would be happy to work with any ideas a group has. We are currently looking at recommendations for efax, follow me numbers, video conferencing, scanning and PDF filing of documents.
Have we decided to teach Continuing Studies classes there?
Yes, Continuing Studies has completed a survey and will be sorting through that data and publishing the course offerings soon.
Are you taking volunteers to work from home? Helps reduce parking problems.
You should talk to your respective managers about any opportunities to employ work anywhere scenarios in your area.
We like the campus atmosphere – will miss seeing the students, the lecture postings – without them it doesn’t seem like a university campus – the real vitality to working here – beautiful spaces.
We hope that the Work Anywhere efforts, including the touchdown spaces on the main campus, will help you address this loss by making it possible for you to be on campus some of the time and still be able to work efficiently.
Will the campus papers be available?
Yes, we will be sure that publications are available.
For on-campus moves: conference room availability? When can we start scheduling? How many people allowed?
The IT support staff and the operations teams are working on the conference room scheduling plan and will provide information to each group soon.
What about people who go to the gym at lunch? Shuttles in morning and afternoon only – usually
Stanford@ Porter drive is served currently by two Marguerite Routes – Hillview/VA and Arastradero. These shuttles run Time between Porter and Main Quad is ~ 15 minutes and the Marguerite intervals are ~ 20 minutes. In addition Porter drive will have two hybrid cars and a van that can be used by groups of people to get back and forth to campus for HIP classes, meetings, etc.
Will there be FedEx stations available at our new locations?
Yes, the Controllers Office is helping us work with Fed ex to locate a box at Porter Drive. We will also identify the closest fed ex facilities for the on campus move locations.
Will there be publicity to let the campus know there is a service window in the cashier’s office – will call and payroll - SFS in Maude modular?
We will include this in our Stanford Report Article and also in the Customer Town Halls we are planning to have.