Chapter 8: Visiting Scholars

8.1      Definition

From time to time, members of the Professoriate may invite faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or other experts in their field, who are employed at or studying at another institution or organization, to visit Stanford, usually in order to forward a collaborative research mission. Sometimes these individuals may also give Stanford the benefit of their expertise or experience in research, teaching, or clinical care, or may pursue some other collaborative effort which may provide benefit to the School of Medicine. These individuals may be recommended by a Department Chair or Institute Director for a fixed-term appointment as Visiting Scholar.

Visiting Scholars are expected to have completed a  doctoral degree and have some expertise from which Stanford will benefit during their visit. In rare cases, individuals without doctoral degrees may be appointed as Visiting Scholar, for example, if the individual is in a field or specialty in which a master's degree is the terminal degree. These exceptions must be approved in advance by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Visiting Scholars are appointed into academic departments or institutes.

8.2      Duration of Appointments

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.  Shorter appointments may be possible; discuss with staff in the Office of Academic Affairs before submitting the request.

8.3      Criteria

Visiting Scholars must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Visiting from an outside institution or organization
• Has a doctoral degree or has expertise in a field in which a doctorate is not the terminal degree
• Has an external (non-Stanford) source of funding equal to or greater than the amount of the current first-year postdoctoral stipend (See the Visiting Scholars web page or Salary Guidelines on the Postdoctoral Scholars website for the current amount).
• Sponsored by a member of the School of Medicine Professoriate and approved by the Department Chair or Institute Director.

Foreign Visiting Scholars are required to carry health insurance at predetermined levels prior to boarding US-bound transportation.

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.

8.4      Privileges and Policies

A Visiting Scholar Identification Card will be issued to Visiting Scholars who are in residence for a minimum of one quarter. Cards may be obtained by visiting the Stanford Card Office presenting the appropriate signed invitation for appointment as a Visiting Scholar for a fixed period of at least one academic quarter, and showing a valid government-issued picture ID. More details about the issuance and use of the Visiting Scholar Card may be found in Administrative Guide Memo 28.4 (Stanford Identification Cards) and at the Stanford Card Office web site. Visiting Scholars are eligible to use the following Stanford facilities and services:

• Libraries: Holders of Visiting Scholar Cards will have access to certain Stanford University libraries in accordance with regulations and policies governing the use of its libraries. The possession of a Visiting Scholar Card does not assure access to any particular library. Visiting Scholars without ID cards may apply for library privileges at the Privileges Desk in Green Library. Privileges will be granted in accordance with library policy.
• Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) facilities and events: Holders of Visiting Scholar Cards have access to certain facilities and events specified by DAPER, subject to payments of established amounts, if any, for tickets and use fees.
• Auditing University lecture courses without fee, subject to permission of the instructor (Classes that require individual instruction and participation, such as laboratory and language courses, studio and performance courses, or creative writing courses are not authorized for auditing.)
• Campus parking privileges for a fee (arranged through Parking & Transportation Services)
• access to off-campus housing information.

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.

Information regarding Visiting Scholars and their privileges may also be found in Chapter 8.6 of the Research Policy Handbook, and in the Administrative Guide memos, 23.1 (General Personnel Policies: Definitions) and 28.4 (Stanford Identification Cards).

8.5      Appointments and Reappointments

For step by step instructions for appointing and reappointing Visiting Scholars and answers to frequently asked questions, see the Visiting Scholars web page on the Office of Academic Affairs website.