VISITING SCHOLARS AT PENN STATE
At Penn State, we welcome the depth and breadth of knowledge and diversity that visiting scholars contribute to our learning and research community. This website outlines the process for bringing visiting scholars to our campus.
What is a “Visiting Scholar”
The “visiting scholar” designation is a privilege accorded to individuals temporarily in residence at Penn State to conduct research or provide supervised instruction in a university facility; collaborate with university faculty on specific projects; and observe faculty instruction, administration, or research. Visiting scholars are not university employees.
Visiting Scholars Policy
Penn State policy AC01 includes comprehensive guidelines relating to the designation, approval, roles, requirements, responsibilities, and privileges of visiting scholars at the university. It also elucidates the responsibilities of university personnel and departments hosting visiting scholars. Anyone interested in hosting a visiting scholar should read the policy thoroughly.
Visiting Scholar Process and Requesting a Visiting Scholar
IMPORTANT: Please follow the steps below.
- Seek and receive approval from your appropriate academic leader (e.g. Department Head, Dean, etc.) before submitting a request for a visiting scholar.
- Visiting scholars who hold international status may require a J-1 visa. Acquisition of a visa may take some time. Contact the Office of Global Programs immediately to begin the iStart process, should the visiting scholar require a J-1 visa. Please return to this site to complete the Visiting Scholar process once you have started the J-1 visa process.
- Contact and consult with your administrative host(s). They will guide you through the Visiting Scholar paperwork process. Contact your college or campus human resources office for a list of administrative host(s) support.
Please follow the university processes below to request to host a visiting scholar for 14 consecutive days or more OR for less than 14 consecutive days. As part of the process, Penn State may require visiting scholars to undergo appropriate background checks and execute specific agreements.
College of Medicine
Visit is for less than 14 consecutive days:
Step 1: Seek approval from your academic unit leader.
Step 2: Consult with your campus/college administrative host support.
Step 3: If the visiting scholar is a non-U.S. citizen not requiring J-1 visa, submit the Pre-arrival Export Review form.
Step 4: If the visiting scholar is responsible for research, complete and sign the Significant Financial Interest Disclosure form.
Step 5: Initiate/submit the Visiting Scholar Request form.
Visit is for 14 consecutive days or more:
Step 1: Seek approval from your academic unit leader.
Step 2: Consult with the Office of Research Affairs.
Step 3: Initiate/submit the Visiting Scholar Request form. All required forms and the visiting scholar’s abbreviated curriculum vitae (MAX 2 pages) should be uploaded with the request.
Step 4: The following forms are required upon submission of the visiting scholar request.
College of Medicine Letter of Invitation
College of Medicine Visiting Scholar Agreement
If the visiting scholar is responsible for research, the Significant Financial Interest Disclosure
Step 5: Initiate/submit the Visiting Scholar Request form.
All other colleges and campuses
Visit is for less than 14 consecutive days:
Step1: Seek approval from your academic unit leader.
Step 2: Consult with your campus/college administrative host support.
Step 3: If the proposed Visiting Scholar will require J-1 visa sponsorship, consult with Penn State Global.
Step 4: Submit forms as described below:
- If the visiting scholar is a non-U.S. citizen not requiring J-1 visa, submit the Pre-arrival Export Review form
- If the visiting scholar is responsible for research, submit the Significant Financial Interest Disclosure form
- If the proposed Visiting Scholar will be creating intellectual property in University facilities, submit a fully-executed Intellectual Property Agreement
- Initiate/submit the Visiting Scholar Request form
Visit is for 14 consecutive days or more:
Step 1: Seek approval from your academic unit leader.
Step 2: Consult with your campus/college administrative host support.
Step 3: If the proposed Visiting Scholar will require J-1 visa sponsorship, consult with Penn State Global.
Step 4: Initiate/submit the Visiting Scholar Request form along with the following forms:
- Letter of Invitation
- Visiting Scholar Agreement
- If the visiting scholar is responsible for research, submit the Significant Financial Interest Disclosure form
- If the visiting scholar is a non-U.S. citizen not requiring J-1 visa, submit the Pre-arrival Export Review form
- Visiting Scholar’s abbreviated curriculum vitae (MAX 2 pages)
Questions and Assistance
iStart or Visa Questions: International J-1 Scholar Advising – (814) 863-2631 – jscholaradv@psu.edu
Policy and Process Questions: Office of Faculty Affairs – 814-863-7494 – facultyaffairs@psu.edu
Significant Financial Interest Disclosure Form Questions: Conflict of Interest – (814) 865-1775 – coinsadmin@psu.edu
Technical or IT Questions: Document Management Helpdesk – Submit an inquiry through Service Now
For further assistance, individuals affiliated with the College of Medicine/Penn State Hershey should contact the Office of Research Affairs. All others should contact the Office of Faculty Affairs at facultyaffairs@psu.edu.