Chapter 9: Visiting Scholars
In This Chapter
9.1 General Criteria & Guidelines
Scholars who are recognized experts in their fields, who have a doctoral degree and who wish to visit Stanford from an outside institution or organization, may be recommended by a department chair for the courtesy designation of Visiting Scholar. Visiting Scholar appointments are usually made for one year and may be renewed for a second year. An extension beyond two years will be granted only for extraordinary and compelling reasons.
Visiting Scholars are not employees of the University and the title may not be used for personnel or payroll purposes. Visiting Scholars may not receive regular compensation from the University. Application for Visiting Scholar status must include proof of funds in an amount equivalent to or greater than the current first-year postdoctoral stipend. For more information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs in the School of Medicine.
Foreign Visiting Scholars are required to carry health insurance at predetermined levels prior to boarding US-bound transportation. See Sample Letter of Invitation.
9.2 Privileges
The title of Visiting Scholar offers only the privileges that can be extended by courtesy. If the recommended appointment is approved, the Visiting Scholar will be issued a Visiting Scholar Card. The following privileges are available on presentation of the Visiting Scholar Card:
- Use of the University libraries
- Visits to lecture classes, subject to the consent of the instructor
- The right to purchase tickets to athletic contests at staff rates and access to gymnasium facilities, except lockers
- Campus parking for a fee, which is arranged through Police Services
- Access to housing information in the Old Union, First Floor, Room 110.
Visiting Scholars are not eligible for student or employee health benefits. They are eligible for the English for Foreign Students Program, but must obtain a Permit to Attend from the Office of the Registrar of the University and pay applicable tuition. For more information on these and other privileges, such as attending courses and seminars for credit, contact the Office of the Registrar.
9.3 Appointing Visiting Scholars
The Department Chair submits for approval the required documentation to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs a minimum of thirty days before the arrival of the Visiting Scholar. The Department Chair is responsible for informing the Visiting Scholar of his/her role and privileges at Stanford. Information regarding Visiting Scholars may also be found in The Research Policy Handbook 9.6, and in The Administrative Guide memos, 23.1, 28.4 and 36.5.
9.4a Visiting Scholar Appointment: Documentation
- Stanford University Application for Visiting Scholar Status form (see below or available online at http://med.stanford.edu/academicaffairs)
- J-1 Visa Application (IAP-66), if applicable
- Available online at http://www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/iap66form/instructions.html
- For assistance in obtaining the IAP-66 for a foreign visitor, submit an Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Request to the Office of Academic Affairs, School of Medicine. When the file has been reviewed, the IAP-66 will be routed to the Foreign Scholar Services Office at the Bechtel Center
- Please wait for notification from Bechtel Center to retrieve form. May then be sent to the Visiting Scholar applicant.
- Curriculum Vitae and Bibliography
- Draft Letter of Invitation (see sample below). Do not formally invite an individual prior to receiving approval
- Documentation that supports the source of funds,
which must be from outside Stanford
- Check with Office of Academic Affairs for current minimum amount
- If personal funds are to be used, include a letter from the individual confirming this
- Patent and Copyright Agreement form (SU-18A), signed.
- Completed Visiting Scholar Appointment: Checklist
9.4b Visiting Scholar Appointment: Process
- Department submits complete Visiting Scholar Appointment Package to Office of Academic Affairs (OAA)
- OAA reviews/edits package
- OAA notifies Department of outcome of review and any required changes to the Letter of Invitation
- OAA forwards to the Department the Visiting Scholar Card to be given to the candidate upon arrival
- OAA forwards appointment to the office of the Provost
9.4c Visiting Scholar Appointment: Checklist
(Sign, date and place on top of package)
___ 1 Stanford University Application for Visiting Scholar Status form
___ 2 J-1 Visa Application (IAP-66)
___ 3 Curriculum Vitae and Bibliography
___ 4 Draft Letter of Invitation
___ 5 Documentation to support the source of funds
___ 6 Patent and Copyright Agreement form (SU-18A)
We cannot review incomplete packages. If an item does not apply to this package, please submit a written explanation.
Signature of Faculty Affairs Contact Phone Date
9.5 Application for Visiting Scholar Status
9.6 Sample Letter of Invitation: Visiting Scholar
