Baylor University welcomes scholars from around the world to serve as visiting Fulbright scholars. Academic units considering hosting a Fulbright scholar, should consider the following.
Fulbright scholars who select Baylor university as their host institution are considered international exchange visitors. Their primary support is provided by the United States Congress through the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). CIES, a division of the Institute of International education (IIE) administers the program and processes the immigration documents needed for visa processing and traveling to the U.S.
The academic department hosting the scholar has primary responsibility for completing the IIE Institutional Reply Form (IRF) and any other required documentation. In addition, the host department should designate a specific individual who will serve as the main point of contact with IIE, prior to the scholar’s arrival and for the duration of stay.
The role of the Baylor Center for Global Engagement (CGE) in this process is to provide clarification as needed to the department. CGE will also play a role in welcoming the scholar upon arrival at Baylor and supporting the scholar in maintaining immigration status. This will include sharing information on cultural activities to meet requirements stipulated by the U.S. Department of State. CGE does not have a role in the processing of the DS-2019 for the Fulbright Scholar. This process is managed directly by the Department of State and its affiliated offices.
Below are helpful steps to follow:
- Receive approval from your dean to host a Fulbright scholar.
- Designate a person in your department to assist the Fulbright scholar with finding housing and with other assistance.
- Contact your Human Resource Consultant for your department to let them know that you will be inviting a Fulbright to Baylor. HRC list can be found HERE.
- Complete the Institutional Reply Form (IRF) from IIE. The dean of the school or college must sign the IRF on behalf of Baylor University.
- Prepare a letter of invitation for the Fulbright Scholar with the dean’s signature (NOTE: A Fulbright is not a Baylor hire).
- Request Contingent Worker Status for the Fulbright to give them access to Baylor resources/facilities https://hr.web.baylor.edu/form/contingent-worker-auxiliary-form
- Communicate with the Scholar before arrival to campus and, if possible, arrange to pick up the Scholar from the airport and welcome the Scholar to campus.
- Once the scholar arrives, arrange a meeting for the scholar with the Director of ISSS in the CGE office. Our office will make the Scholar aware of resources, trips, and activities that will be helpful in making cultural adjustments.
Contact the Director of International Student & Scholar Services: Dr. Mark Bryant
The Center for Global Engagement is happy to serve as a resource for hosting of Fulbright scholars.