Visiting Scholars Program Information
The Program
Chicago-Kent College of Law has a long-standing tradition of hosting academic visitors at its downtown campus. The growing network of international professors and doctoral and post-doctoral academics adds to the diversity and quality of the academic discourse for which our faculty is renowned. Being part of this prolific group of academics is an important step in the career of young scholars, while established scholars enjoy the opportunity to partake in Chicago-Kent's ambitious speakers' series and vibrant academic community. All draw on the resources of Chicago-Kent's outstanding library and the professional services of the expert library staff. The law school building, conveniently located near the downtown center of law firms, courts, and businesses, is a state-of-the-art high-rise building with excellent amenities.
Visitors may join the Chicago-Kent community for short or long-term research periods of up to one year. Depending upon availability, timing, and relationship to ongoing Chicago-Kent research initiatives, the law school may offer visiting scholars some or all of the following benefits:
- Designated carrel in the library, individual office, or shared office space
- Use of the library including inter-library loan, print resources, computer labs, wireless access, free printing account of 400 pages per semester, Lexis and Westlaw passwords, and training
- Introductory research workshops
- Chicago-Kent network account
- Invitation to faculty talks and colloquia
- Limited opportunity to audit select classes with approval of the Dean of Students
- Assistance with the visa process and documentation
- Guidance to housing resources
The Application
Scholars interested in applying for admission to Chicago-Kent's Visiting Scholars Program should fill out and submit the visiting scholars application. A complete application includes a current resume, a brief statement about the proposed research project, and an explanation how a research stay at Chicago-Kent will promote the research project. Proof of English language proficiency is not required, but will be taken into consideration if submitted. Applicants are expected to be affiliated with an university or a research institute in their home country. The Visiting Scholars Program aims for geographical diversity.
In general, applications that are supported by a Chicago-Kent faculty member tend to be more successful. An email to Insa Blanke (iblanke@kentlaw.edu) from a faculty member indicating his or her willingness to supervise the proposed research project is sufficient. If the applicant does not have an established connection, we will distribute the application materials to Chicago-Kent faculty members in the same academic field as the applicant to seek sponsorship. Faculty sponsorship includes providing guidance on the research project and facilitating introductions to other faculty members who may share a common interest with the visiting scholar.
Once an application is complete, it will be submitted to the Visiting Scholars Committee for evaluation. Chicago-Kent accepts applications year-round to accommodate scholars' schedules. We strongly recommend applying well ahead of the planned trip to leave sufficient time for travel preparations and the visa process. Decisions will be made and applicants notified within six to eight weeks of the completion of the application. If accepted as a Visiting Scholar, the candidate will receive a formal notification letter. Chicago-Kent will work with the accepted Visiting Scholars to secure the necessary visa documents.
Program Fees and Expenses
Chicago-Kent does not provide housing or medical insurance. Scholars must purchase university medical insurance or provide proof of acceptable alternative insurance upon acceptance into the program. The staff of the Office of International Law and Policy will provide assistance to scholars to help them settle in Chicago.
The program fee is $2,500 per semester. If the length of stay will be less than a full semester, the fee may be pro-rated. A scholar may request to audit up to two classes per semester; all audit requests must be approved by the Dean of Students. Regular tuition fees will apply. In addition, each Visiting Scholar must demonstrate funds in the amount of at least $1,500 per month for room and board, and must be prepared to prove the availability of these funds in the Financial Affidavit that is part of the visa application. Additional funds must be proven if the visiting scholar brings a spouse or child.
Contact
Should you have any questions, please contact Lydia Lazar, Assistant Dean for International Law and Policy Development, at llazar@kentlaw.edu or Insa Blanke, Director of Institutional Projects, at iblanke@kentlaw.edu.
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