Process for Hosting Visiting Scholars

New Jersey City University (NJCU) is authorized by the US State Department to host Exchange Visitors, including professors and researchers.  Visiting Scholars are honorary appointments and should be reserved for those who will bring scholarly or professional prestige to the University and make concrete and meaningful contributions to the University during their stay. The following guidelines should govern the appointment of visiting scholars at NJCU.

1. The Office of Global Initiatives oversees procedures associated with on-boarding Visiting Scholars. Departments or individual faculty wishing to invite a visitor should first communicate with the Office of Global Initiatives regarding the details of the proposed visit. Sponsoring departments or faculty should identify the visitor’s anticipated contributions to NJCU. The Office of Global Initiatives will guide the sponsoring department and the Visiting Scholar during the process.
2. Please initiate the process at least six months prior to the anticipated start of the visitor’s program at NJCU.
3. Have the visitor complete the  Visiting Scholar Data Form , which includes:
   1. the visitor’s academic vita listing all scholarly/professional accomplishments
   2. a clearly articulated research or teaching project
   3. evidence of the visitor’s terminal degree
   4. details of the visitor’s funding source.   
4. Obtain Department Chair and Dean of College’s approval. An email indicating support is sufficient. In all cases, the Dean must recommend the individual for such status. After notice of support is received, the Office of Global Initiatives will submit the request to the Provost’s Office for approval
5. The Office of Global Initiatives will issue a form DS2019, provide a letter specifying the details of their appointment, and offer guidance in applying for a J1 visa.
6. Office space or any other support is contingent on available funding. Visiting Scholars are normally unpaid positions unless specific and approved funding has been set aside for such purpose. Let the Office of Global Initiatives know what privileges and resources the visitor will need (copier access, library, etc).
7. New Jersey City University is unable to host Visiting Scholars with spouses or children, and, in most cases, cannot provide housing for exchange scholars. Sponsoring faculty will be responsible for assisting Exchange Visitors with housing and other routine domestic matters.
8. During their program at NJCU, Exchange Visitors and their faculty sponsors are expected to meet periodically with the Office of Global Initiatives to update them on their current and future activities and plans, as well as to discuss any concern.

English Proficiency Requirement for Exchange Visitors 

Per US Department of State requirements, all Visiting Scholars must demonstrate a level of English Proficiency appropriate to satisfy the objectives of their visit to the US. Candidates for J visas can satisfy this requirement by submitting to NJCU test results from TOEFL, IELTS, etc, or NJCU can ask candidates to participate in a virtual interview.

Insurance Requirement ​

Exchange Visitors with J-1 visas are required to have health insurance that meets standards set out by the US State Department for the duration of their visit to the United States. An exchange visitor's program will be terminated if they do not maintain insurance. Insurance may be purchased in the home country or in the US. Proof of insurance is required within 30 days of the start of the exchange visitor's program. Insurance coverage must contain: 

• A local network of health care providers;
• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
• Medical evacuation coverage in the amount of $50,000; and
• Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.​
• 100% coinsurance coverage

Please note the following:

• Visiting Scholars shall be permitted to teach as adjuncts only if criteria for adjunct appointments are fully met (see Decision-Making Criteria developed by the PC/Chairs, September 2016);

• A Visiting Scholar shall not have any rights as a permanent University employee, nor shall such time count toward tenure or any other benefits. Visiting Scholars shall otherwise conform to all institutional policies and procedures;

• A Visiting Scholar may be asked to terminate association with NJCU at any time if any conflicts of interest or violation of any University policies or procedures occur;

• Exceptions to the above may be made by the President or Provost when unusual or exceptional circumstances are presented. In such cases, all parties shall be informed and reasons provided why an exception was made.

Visiting Delegations

NJCU welcomes delegations for the purpose of developing partnerships or for professional training. Criteria for hosting visiting groups can be found here: Criteria for hosting international groups (pdf)