The Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE) at the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education provides a limited number of visiting scholar opportunities for faculty members and administrators from other high educational institutions or related postsecondary agencies. While we do not currently offer a formal visiting scholar program or financial assistance, the center does provide an opportunity for the design of an individualized visiting scholar program (typically postdoctoral) in conjunction with the University of Michigan’s Visiting Scholar Program. We provide a setting for individuals pursuing their own scholarly or professional development projects focused on higher education.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The purpose of the center’s visiting scholar opportunity is twofold. Visiting scholars with a scholarly interest have an opportunity to enhance their academic knowledge and research skills in ways which might make them more effective scholars in the field or to conduct research in a conducive setting. Visiting scholars with an interest in administrative development have the opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge and skills in ways which might make them more effective higher educational administrators.

Visiting scholars are provided with access to the library. Visitors are welcome to attend classes with the permission of the faculty instructor. Additionally, a center faculty member with interests most closely related to those of the applicant is designated as a sponsor. The faculty sponsor is available for consultation and assistance in arranging an appropriate visiting scholar program and set of activities. While each visiting scholar is responsible for designing his/her own program, each is encouraged to participate in center seminars, colloquia, and research activities with our regular doctoral students and faculty. Visiting scholars typically establish their own seminar activities and/or agenda.

Candidates for visiting scholar status are considered on the basis of their statement of purpose, proposed visiting scholar program, recommendations and the availability of a faculty sponsor. Acceptance of visiting scholar applicants depends on the consistency of their program with the purposes of the center, on the appropriateness of faculty sponsors and on the availability of center and University resources. Serious attention will be paid to the relationship of this experience to the applicant’s own career and on the letters of support from the applicant’s institution.

APPLYING

Deadlines for Submission

November 1 – initial deadline for consideration to visit during the following academic year, beginning next September. (You will receive a response on or before December 1.)

February 1 – secondary deadline for consideration to visit during the following academic year, beginning next September. (You will receive a response on or before March 1.)

Materials to include

An application for appointment as visiting scholar form is required of all visiting scholars by the University of Michigan. Learn more about the University’s Visiting Scholar Program.

Please forward the following information for consideration as a visiting scholar:

1. A statement of your scholarly or professional purpose in pursuing this visiting scholar arrangement, your particular area of interest, and an indication of the kinds of activities which you would like to undertake.
2. A copy of your curriculum vita (CV).
3. Two supporting letters, preferably from someone in your institution.

FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITING SCHOLARS

International applicants who are extended a letter of invitation typically come to the United States on J1 visa status. They are required to submit materials for application of a DS-2019 immigration form and to verify both English language proficiency and a minimum level of finances to support their residency in Ann Arbor while a visiting scholar.

International visiting scholars are assessed a $200 fee by the center, due upon arrival, to cover costs associated with the processing and delivery of immigration documents.

Requirements for Documentation of Funds (for international visiting scholars):

1. J1 Exchange Visitor Information Form.
2. Currently photocopies, scanned, faxed documents or electronic attachments ARE acceptable for DS-2019 applications associated with a J1 visa, however, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may require original documents without notice. Visiting scholars can plan to submit documentation via email, but should be prepared to submit originals if necessary.
3. All documents must be in English. Otherwise, an official English translation must accompany the original.
4. All supporting documentation must be dated within one year.
5. Letters of sponsorship must include exact dollar amount of support (in US dollars) and dates of sponsorship.
6. If certifying funds using personal accounts, an official and dated bank statement must be provided.
7. All accounts must be easily accessible and liquid assets. (No stocks, bonds, etc.)

Learn more about becoming a J1 visiting scholar.

CONTACT

Persons interested should address inquiries to:

Melinda Richardson, Managing Director
Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education
2117 School of Education Building
610 E. University Avenue, Ann Arbor MI 48109-1259
Email: mmrichar@umich.edu; Phone: 734-647-1981; Fax: 734-764-2510