Visiting scholar (sometimes called a visiting scientist) and faculty appointments are covered by AR 5:1 and the Provost Policy Statement- Protocol for Appointing Visiting Scholars (2019).

If an exchange visitor is enrolled in any university, (even as an ABD Ph.D. candidate), follow the instructions for appointing visiting graduate students. 

It is important to note the difference between visiting scholars and visiting faculty members. Visiting scholars do research while at UK and do not teach, while visiting faculty are primarily assigned teaching responsibilities. 

Visiting scholars have temporary appointments with the University, not to exceed one year. Renewals are only accepted for approval by the Provost in rare instances and must be well justified. Visiting scholars do not typically receive a salary from the University and are eligible for some UK benefits. For a complete list of benefits visiting scholars are eligible for, see AR 5:1.  

The domestic visiting scholar appointment process is covered by section A below. The international visiting scholar appointment is a two-step process (A and B below). 

A. Complete the following steps to appoint a visiting scholar in M-G CAFE: 

1. A faculty member may identify a scholar they would like to invite to participate in research at the University of Kentucky as a visiting scholar.
2. Request a complete CV from the candidate.
3. In writing, the sponsoring faculty member should request permission from their academic unit leader to extend an offer to the visiting scholar. This correspondence between the sponsoring faculty member and the academic unit leader should outline dates and expectations set on the proposed visiting scholar. This may be done via email.
4. The sponsoring faculty member should send an offer letter to the visiting scholar outlining dates and expectations of the appointment. This may be done by email.
5. The academic unit leader should complete the M-G CAFE Visiting Scholar Form. 
6. Attach the scholar’s CV, a copy of the offer letter, a copy of the correspondence between the sponsoring faculty member, and the M-G CAFE Visiting Scholar Form to an email and send to the Office of Faculty Resources, Planning and Assessment at cafe-frpa@uky.edu.  
7. Once the Dean has approved the appointment, the packet will be forwarded to the Provost’s Office for final approval. 
8. The Academic Unit HR Administrator inputs the Visiting Scholar action in SAP, so they are able to receive UK benefits available to them and for other automated routines to run successfully. The M-G CAFE Visiting Scholar Form, signed by the Provost, must be attached to SAP workflow. 

B. International Visiting Scholars

As soon as an academic unit knows that they want to recruit an international visiting scholar, they should begin working with UK International Scholar and Student Services, and review the steps for inviting J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-1 visas. At a minimum, the start date of a visiting scholar should be 60 days AFTER the university approves the visit; however, it can take several months to process a visa application and consideration should be given for preparation time, delays, and extenuating circumstances. Qualifying health coverage is required as well as minimum financial record demonstration depending on the scholar/family involved. The health coverage and financial record demonstration needs to be included in the invitation/offer letter.

Dr. Carol Hanley is the M-G CAFE Director for International Programs and the i-CAT coordinator for all M-G CAFE academic units, providing assistance with international visitors and may advise on matters related to their recruitment, visa processing, on-boarding, and other aspects of their visit to UK.