International Visiting Scholars
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:
- Contact the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services at least six months before the program start date to review the process and learn about available resources for hosting a Fulbright scholar.
- Expect to receive communication from the IIE office in DC, including the Institutional Reply Form (IRF).
- Prepare the letter of invitation for the Fulbright Scholar (NOTE: A Fulbright is not paid by Baylor).
- Complete the IRF, have it signed by the Department Chair or Faculty Mentor and the Provost, and then return to the IIE office within three weeks of receiving it.
- Request Contingent Worker Status for the Fulbright through HR once the Scholar accepts the invitation.
- Designate a person in your department to assist the Fulbright with finding housing and accessing other services at least three months before arrival.
- 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.
- Introduce the scholar to the CGE office and to HR within ten days of arrival. CGE office will assist the Scholar with cultural adjustments. HR will provide relevant Onboarding procedure for the Fulbright.
The Center for Global Engagement is happy to serve as a resource for hosting of Fulbright scholars.