Visiting Scholars

Policy

VISITING SCHOLAR
POLICY
PREAMBLE
The University of California, San Diego (“University”) is host to a large number of national and international visiting scholars and scientists who do not require official University employment but require an affiliation to use its facilities and participate in its research activities and educational programs.  To accommodate the needs of these individuals and recognize their contributions to the intellectual life, the University provides the courtesy designation, Visiting Scholar. 

DEFINITION
A Visiting Scholar is a scholar from another university, research institution or company, normally on leave from his/her home institution, or a student enrolled in an institution or academic research program outside of the University of California, who visits the University for the purposes of participating in a University-sponsored educational program, cooperative agreement, or collaborative research under faculty supervision, for a short period of time. 

CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT
Visiting Scholars normally possess a doctorate degree or foreign equivalent, but may be appointed with a baccalaureate degree or be an undergraduate student visiting for the purposes of research or educational project.  Professional practitioners (eg. government official, national organization administrator, journalist, or artist) whom the Vice Chancellor for Research determines will contribute to the research and educational mission of the University may be sponsored. 

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Visiting Scholars are appointed for a short period of time, normally 3 -12 months.  Extension beyond one year may be permissible if the program warrants a longer affiliation. 
Appointment must be made in advance of arrival and the appointment is self-terminating.

SALARY/COMPENSATION

1. Visiting Scholars are self-supported or have adequate support funds from external sources.
2. Visiting Scholars are ineligible for compensation from the University, including benefits.
3. Visiting Scholars may not receive payments (eg stipends or subsistence) in lieu of salary. If they are engaged in service that warrants compensation, they should be appointed into an appropriate paid title.
4. Visiting Scholars may be eligible for reimbursement of travel expenses if the expenses are for University business.
5. Visiting Scholars do not have a payroll title code.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT

1. Visiting Scholars are not permitted to engage in patient care or medical services. Appointments in a Health Science department require certification that no element of patient care or clinical service is involved in their activity.
2. Visiting Scholars may not be a registered UC student, contractor or have another appointment/employment with the University.
3. University reserves the right to withdraw the privileges and terminate the appointment without prior notice.

AUTHORITY TO APPOINT
The Vice Chancellor for Research has the authority to approve appointments. 
The administrative unit responsible for the administration of this title is the Office of Postdoctoral and Visiting Scholar Affairs in the Office of Research Affairs. 

Visiting Scholar Appointment Form ( PDF)