VISITING SCHOLAR PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Hosting international scholars whose goals are consistent with the University's contributes to the richness of the experience for the visiting scholar as well as providing valuable contributions to the intellectual life of faculty, staff and students. 

Who is a Visiting Scholar at NMU?

A visiting scholar may be a visiting professor, researcher, scientist, or other academic personnel who is temporarily in residence at NMU and who has defined access to identified University facilities with prior approval by the respective department head and college dean. A visiting scholar is typically in residence at NMU for a minimum of two weeks up to a maximum of one year.  Visiting Scholars usually come to NMU in a number of ways, including through:

  1. collaborative research projects with an NMU faculty member, or as a research or teaching associate for an academic department. 
  2. prior knowledge of individual faculty members and/or the reputation of the Department of the University
  3. referral from national or international funding agencies, foundations, Fulbright commissions, IREX, foreign universities, foreign embassies or other reputable national and international organizations. 
  4. NMU partner institutions or other international initiatives. 

Northern Michigan University accepts only visiting scholars with a completed masters, doctoral, or other equivalent degree. Exceptions may be made for scholars who have special attainments, skills, or experiences that uniquely qualify them for the proposed scholarship. All exceptions require approval by the respective departmental faculty, Department Head, Dean and the Provost. 

All visiting scholar applicants need to complete the Application for Visiting International Scholar form and a Research Associate Appointment Application with required signatures.  

Completed applications should be submitted to the IPO at least four months prior to the intended date of arrival.

When the completed application materials have been received, reviewed, approved and a faculty mentor has been identified, a letter of invitation will be sent to the visiting scholar from the department head. This process may take 3-4 weeks or longer. In the event multiple applications are submitted for a limited number of appointments, selections will be made based on an applicant’s scholarly record, appropriate match with a faculty mentor, and alignment with the University’s needs. Visiting scholar appointments will be granted on the basis of departmental approval (faculty and Department Head support) and faculty mentor availability.

Sample Letter of Invitation 

Visiting scholars may be in residence at the University for up to one year however, some exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Most NMU faculty are not available to work with and mentor visiting scholars during the summer months; thus, it is important that a clear timeline and understanding of expected scholarship be established regarding the proposed length of stay.

  • Short Term Scholar - An individual who is engaged in a research project or teaching activities not to exceed a 6 month period. The 24 month participating bar does not apply
  • Research Scholar - An individual who is primarily participating in a research project, and may also be involved in teaching. Not to exceed 5 years. The 24 month participation bar does apply. 
  • Professor - An individual whose primary purpose is teaching, may also conduct research. Not to exceed 5 years. The 24 month participation bar does apply. 

Although there is no minimum English language requirement, international visiting scholars must have sufficient understanding of English to be successful in the exchange project or program and for day-to-day living in the U.S. English language proficiency may be verified by interview, academic documentation or English language test score.

 

 MINIMUM FUNDING REQUIREMENTS FOR J-1 SCHOLARS
  **Amounts listed subject to change        LIVING EXPENSES (per month)    LIVING EXPENSES (per year)   

J-1 Scholar (short-term, research, or professor)

Spouse 

Each dependent under 21

 $1,500

 $350

 $210

 $18,000

 $4,200

 $2,500

The J Exchange Visitor program was established to implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hayes Act) of 1961. This program was created "to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges." Exchange Visitors enter the US holding J-1 visas in designated categories. J-1 Exchange Visitors are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of their program at Northern Michigan University (NMU). The International Education Services Office prepares the Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for the Exchange Visitor. This form is used to both apply for a J-1 Visa from the local US Embassy or Consulate and to enter the US to begin a program here at NMU.

For more information regarding the cost of living in Marquette, MI, click HERE.

Expectations of the Visiting Scholar

In addition to submitting an application, a visiting international scholar needs to:

  • Obtain leave from their home institution.
  • Select a department faculty mentor from NMU who agrees to provide guidance on a designated project.
  • Secure financial resources independent of Northern Michigan University for the full duration of your visit (currently a minimum of $1,500/month) and assume financial responsibility for visa processing fees. 
    Note: Proof of financial resources is required for the scholar to obtain the DS2019 which is used to apply for a J-1 visa. If a background check is required, the visiting scholar assumes responsibility for those related costs. Financial support can come from home country sources, grants, or personal funds.
  • Obtain health insurance coverage by the university for the duration of their stay. If accompanied by dependents scholars are responsible for purchasing and providing proof of health coverage for them. Contact ipo@nmu.edu for more information. 
  • Secure housing which may or may not be on NMU’s campus. Visitors will be provided with access to Northern Michigan University housing information. Visiting scholars are responsible for securing housing arrangements for themselves and any accompanying family members. This includes education placement needs for school age family members. The faculty mentor may be available to assist the scholar in finding housing. 

    The International Programs Office is not responsible for securing housing for visiting scholars.

Expectations of the NMU Faculty Mentor

Faculty mentor and host department responsibilities prior to and after the Visiting Scholar's arrival on campus include, but are not limited to

  • Creating a campus wide announcement of the visiting scholars' arrival (e.g. Campus Connect). Include information about the scholar's focus and purpose (research) for visiting our campus. 
  • Assisting the scholar in securing housing, enrolling children in school (if applicable) and other daily necessities.
  • Securing transportation from the airport upon the Visiting Scholar's arrival. 
  • Acquainting the visiting scholar with Marquette and NMU. This may include providing a tour around the city and the campus. 
  • Processing paperwork such as building access, ID Cards, parking pass, etc. 
  • Liaising on multidiscipline collaborative research.
  • Updating department head and Dean on status and progress of the program.  

An exit interview with the Department head and hosting department should occur prior to the Visiting Scholars conclusion of their visit. 
 

Expectations of NMU

A visiting scholar at Northern Michigan University will be assigned the service title of Visiting Scholar without pay. It is important to note that a visiting scholar is not paid and does not hold an official academic appointment in a specific Department or at the University in general.

A visiting scholar may be:

  • assigned office space (which may be shared) with access to a computer and printer (if available).
  • given free reading and borrowing privileges in the University library.
  • able to purchase photocopying services at the University library.
  • able to attend courses on a non-credit basis with instructor approval.
  • able to purchase a Parking Permit at cost (if applicable)
  • be able to use University recreational facilities upon payment of fees.
    NOTE: Budget and staffing limitations may prohibit access to the following services: copying on department equipment, long distance telephone calls and support staff or graduate student assistance.

VISITING SCHOLAR DS-2019 APPLICAITON STEPS

  1. Identify and contact faculty mentor within host department.  
     

  2. Gather and submit application material to academic department head, including: 

              * A curriculum vitae (CV) in English 
              * A recommendation letter from an administrator at the scholar's home institution. This letter should outline
                the scholar's current position, current teaching/research/administrative duties, highest degree achieved and
                funding provided (if applicable). 
              * A completed Application for Visiting Scholar 

  3. The application will be reviewed by the host department head and college Dean alongside the faculty mentor. A virtual interview with the applicant may be required. The final decision rests with the department head, however, departmental faculty, the college Dean and the Provost must support the request.
     
  4. If approved, a formal letter of invitation is sent by email to the applicant from the department head. The original letter of invitation along with a copy of the application and all supporting documents must be sent to the International Programs Office for processing of DS-2019. Sample Letter of Invitation 
     
  5. The faculty mentor and visiting research scholar work together to complete the Research Associate Appointment Application.
     

  6. Contacts NMU’s International Programs Office to begin working on issuing the J visa. The J-1 exchange visitor non-immigrant visa category is the status most commonly used by international visiting scholars. For more information: http://j1visa.state.gov/basics/.  The following documents should be submitted to the IPO. 

              * A completed Application for Visiting International Scholar
              * Formal Letter of Invitation from the Department 
              * Proof of English Proficiency, if needed
              * A Certificate of Finances for the scholar and dependents 
              * Passport Copy for J-1 Scholar and and  J-2 dependents 
              * Scholar's resume 
              * Research Associate Appointment Application

  7. Applicant submits the visa application to the proper U.S. authorities once they receive their DS-2019 from NMU's IPO.
     
  8. Once a visa is obtained, the applicant makes travel arrangements and arranges housing. The faculty mentor can be contacted for assistance with identifying a realtor who can assist with housing. 

Visiting Scholar Resources

Current and future J-1 scholars will find resources here relating to establishing and maintaining J-1 visa status at NMU, plus information on visas for family members, community programs, and health care.
 

Cost of Living in Marquette, MI 
12/24 Participation Bar
Insurance Requirement
Exchange Visitor Handbook
Pre-Arrival Information
Maintaining Status
Employment
Travel 
Family and Dependents
Drivers License
Social Security Information
Wilberforce Pamphlet

Immigration rules and regulations are complex and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to keep current and changes by going to the International Programs Office website or by contact an immigration advisor in International Programs at 2001 Cohodas 203 or 906-227-2510.

Revised April 2018 and Approved President Erickson April 16, 2018