Visiting Scholars Program
In order to provide a service and to maintain the intellectual vitality of the African Studies Center, we invite African and Africanist scholars to become Visiting Scholars in African Studies for a period of two weeks to one year. Normally, the stay at MSU is used to conduct library or archival research, complete a writing project, and present papers in faculty seminars. Occasionally, scholars also offer special short courses or substitute for MSU faculty member on sabbatical leave.
Most scholars come with funding from their home institutions, a foundation, or a government (e.g., the Fulbright-Hayes program). Although the Center normally has no funds for direct salary payments, Visiting Scholars are given full access to university facilities, including subsidized housing, use of the libraries, and participation in the Center program.
Like the University Exchange programs, this program seeks to build collegial cooperation of the Center and its faculty with African faculty and their institutions.
Scholars with an interest in Africa are invited to apply to become a Visiting Scholar in African Studies for periods as short as two weeks or as long as one year. In special circumstances, a position may be extended beyond one year.
The program is designed primarily for faculty members of African universities wishing to spend a sabbatical leave at MSU; however, scholars from North America and other nations are also welcome to apply.
Opportunities at MSU for scholars in African Studies include the following:
- utilization of the MSU Library African collection, one of the three largest in the U.S., with support from two full-time Africanist librarians
- consultation and collaboration with members of the over l00 MSU African Studies faculty
- completion of empirical studies on African data using the MSU computing systems
- participation in the many Africana lectures, symposia, conferences, and seminars which are offered throughout the year. A wide range of Africanists and African visitors are scheduled to visit MSU every year. It also presents a chance for the Visiting Scholar to offer lectures or deliver a research paper.
- consideration of MSU as a base to schedule visits or lecture tours in the Middle West or throughout the U.S. and Canada
- occasionally, substitution for MSU faculty on sabbatical or an offer to conduct a short, two- to four-week course for MSU students
Benefits for the visiting Scholar
A Visiting Scholar at MSU will be provided with the following benefits:
- full faculty status within the Center, with rights to attend all faculty and other meetings
- full faculty access to all university facilities, such as libraries and resource centers across campus
- access to university housing, which provides apartments (efficiency, one- and two-bedroom-furnished or unfurnished) at subsidized rates substantially below local market rates [upon acceptance, the Visiting Scholar is sent a University Apartments brochure with further details concerning housing]
- office space, when available, in the Center or in the academic department of the scholar's field with some secretarial services when possible
- free tuition in local schools (grades K-12) for children (limited to two children per university apartment, or three if accompanied by only one parent)
Visa Status
Most Visiting Scholars from outside the country are admitted to the United States on a J- 1 Exchange Visitor Visa. Arrangements have to be made by the scholar through the local U.S. embassy, consulate or other representative in her/her country. The Center, working through the Office of International Students and Scholars, can provide the IAP-66 form assuring that the university is sponsoring the visit; however, the visitor may need to prove to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she possesses funds adequate for the duration of his/her stay in the U.S. Coming on other than J-1 exchange visitor visa status will preclude the scholar from participating in remunerated academic services.
Finances
Usually, the Center or the university have no funds for direct salary of Visiting Scholars other than the aforementioned facilitation of access to the subsidized housing and services. Most scholars come with funding from their home university, under a foundation award, or on one of the foreign visitor programs of the U.S. government. However, a Visiting Scholar at MSU will benefit from the relatively low cost of living in Michigan.
Application
Scholars wishing to receive an invitation as Visiting Scholar at MSU should submit a curriculum vitae to the Center Director and a letter indicating the following:
- proposed period of the visit to MSU
- scholar's academic department
- research topic or other purpose of the visit
- type and size of housing needed
- sources (if possible, amounts) of funding available for the visit
- scholar's position and institution
Normally, the Center can make a determination and respond to the scholar within 14 days of receiving the inquiry.
