Hosting a Visiting Scholar
Millersville University hosts international visiting scholars from various countries. Scholars typically guest lecture, teach courses, participate in conferences, and collaborate on research, but may also come to the U.S. for purposes of observing, training, or lecturing. It would be impossible to quantify the benefits derived by our faculty, students, and broader community from the exceptional diversity of perspectives brought by international scholars. These individuals enrich our community’s intellectual and research endeavors, international connections, and global perspectives.
Academic departments are encouraged to take advantage of Millersville University’s designation as a U.S. Department of State approved Exchange Visitor Program to invite international scholars to Millersville University for a few weeks to a semester or longer. Departments should designate a faculty host to work with the Office of International Programs & Services (IPS) to assist the visiting scholar to prepare to come to the U.S. and once they arrive to campus.
In order to provide the prospective exchange visitor with adequate time to obtain a J-1 visa as well as to successfully support them through their experience at MU, please review the details below.
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PURPOSE OF EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM
The objective of J-1 exchange visitor program is “to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges.” [Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961]
There are four principal parties interacting in the J Exchange Visitor Program process:
- Department of State (DOS), which issues J visas to Exchange Visitors (EV) and their dependents and creates and administers federal regulations and policies governing the Exchange Visitor Program.
- Exchange Visitor Program Sponsors, which are legal entities that have applied for and received designation from DOS to conduct an Exchange Visitor Program.
- Exchange Visitors, who are aliens that have been selected by an exchange visitor sponsor to participate in a particular exchange visitor program.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), admits an alien to the U.S. in J exchange visitor status, and which adjudicates certain immigration benefits for J exchange visitors and their dependents.
IPS is authorized by DOS as the J-1 program sponsor (exchange visitor program number P-1-27741) for Millersville University. Participants in the exchange visitor program will enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa, which is the nonimmigrant visa classification for “exchange visitors.” In order to obtain a J-1 visa or hold J-1 status, the individual must have a Form DS-2019 issued by IPS. J-1 visa category should not be used as a means of general employment although exchange visitors may be temporarily employed by Millersville as long as their primary activities are teaching, lecturing, observing, or conducting research. At Millersville, “exchange visitor” is often referred to as a “visiting scholar.”
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXCHANGE VISITORS
22 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 41.62(a)]
- Intent to pursue appropriate activity
- Intent to return to home country
- Sufficient funding
- Appropriate background for program activity
- Adequate English
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EXCHANGE VISITOR CATEGORIES & TIME LIMITATION
Category Minimum Duration of Stay Maximum Duration of Stay Professor or Research Scholar 3 weeks 5 years Short-term Scholar N/A 6 months Professors and Research Scholars [22 CFR § 62.4(e) & (f)]
Definitions
Professor and research scholar are two separate J-1 exchange visitor categories, but because they are related, the regulations governing them are contained in the same subsection.
A J-1 “Professor” is defined as an individual primarily teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting. A professor may also conduct research.
A J-1 “Research Scholar” is defined as an individual primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project. A research scholar may also teach or lecture.
Duration of stay
An exchange visitor may participate in the Professor or Research Scholar category for a minimum program of 3 weeks to a maximum program of 5 years. The maximum of 5 years is counted from the program start date in SEVIS (the DS-2019 begin date).
Short-Term Scholars [22 CFR § 62.4(b)]
Definition
A short-term scholar is defined as a professor, research scholar, specialist, or a person with similar education or accomplishments coming to the U.S. on a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited educational institutions, or similar types of institution. Examples include educators, scientists, research fellows, writers, and museum administrators. The short-term scholar may also engage in collaborative research.
Duration of stay
The short-term scholar category is not subject to the three-week minimum length of program requirement. It is therefore an ideal category for programs and visits of short-term duration lasting anywhere from one day to a maximum of six months. A short-term scholar may extend his/her stay up to the six-month maximum or transfer to another J-1 program within that period, but extensions beyond 6 months are not permitted. The maximum of 6 months is counted from the start date on the Form DS-2019.
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HOSTING RESPONSIBILITIES
IPS is here to help you support your J-1 exchange visitor. It is important to ensure they maintain legal immigration status, however there are a number of other important details to coordinate to ensure a successful exchange visitor experience such as:
- Clearances
- MU ID and email address
- Housing
- Orientation
- Cultural integration
- And More!
Review the Department Responsibilities document for more details.
MORE DETAILS:
The responsibility of hosting a scholar is extensive and IPS aims to provide you with the details you need to do so successfully. To read additional details about immigration policies, required documents, and more, please click here.
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Visiting Scholar Process
Visiting Scholar Request
- Faculty Sponsors complete the request forms and gather required documents.
- Deans Office forward request forms to the Office of International Programs and Services.
- IPS forwards necessary documents and draft invitation letter, prepared by IPS, to the Provost's Office for final approval.
- The Provost’s Office forwards the signed original invitation letter toIPS for immigration processing.
Processing the DS-2019
- IPS reviews documents and process the DS-2019 within two weeks of receiving all necessary documentation.
- IPS will mail DS-2019 and invitation letter to the exchange visitor. Additional information regarding the visa application process and arrival information is communicated by email. Faculty Sponsors are copied on all communication between IPS and the exchange visitor.
Upon Receiving a Visa
- Upon notice of visa approval, Faculty Sponsors notify IPS, if applicable.
- IPS works with Human Resources to begin the clearances process, and MU ID issuance.
- Faculty Sponsor works with the Exchange Visitor to coordinate travel, housing and other needs to ensure a successful transition to the United States and Millersville University.
Upon Arrival
- Exchange Visitors completes orientation with IPS and Faculty Sponsor within the first week, as required by immigration.
Extending Stay
- Exchange Visitors may be eligible for an extension of stay. Exchange Visitors must work with Sponsoring Faculty to complete required paperwork for an extension and to obtain Dean approval.
- Deans Office forward request forms to IPS for review.
- IPS forwards necessary documents and draft invitation letter, prepared by IPS, to the Provost's Office for final approval.
- The Provost’s Office forwards the signed original invitation letter to IPS for immigration processing.
- IPS updates Human Resources to extend the exchange visitor’s access and permissions.
- Process Forms
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Short-Term Housing On Campus: Cambria House
Cambria House is the ideal place for academic departments to provide short-term accommodation to international guest speakers, visiting scholars, and international partners, whose activities align with the mission Millersville University and the Office of International Programs & Services.
Cambria House is located at 14 East Ann Street, Millersville, PA, is a cozy, fully-furnished, carpeted, two-story, three-bedroom home, and features a living room, fully-equipped kitchen and laundry, and full bath.
For inquiries regarding Cambria House, please contact the Office of International Programs & Services (IPS) at International@Millersville.edu or 717-871-7506.
CAMBRIA HOUSE GUEST REQUEST FORM
Complete the request form no later than 5 weeks in advance of requested stay. Once this request is processed, you will be notified by IPS if the house is available. You will receive detailed checklists and procedural information once request has been approved.
