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Visiting scholars are individuals from institutions or organizations outside the United States who come to Central for temporary research, teaching, scholarly collaboration, or other academic activities. This includes J-1 scholars sponsored by Central and those sponsored by external organizations, such as the Fulbright Program.
All visiting scholars must receive formal institutional approval before their visit, regardless of departmental invitations or external sponsorship. All requests are processed through Terra Dotta, Central's immigration management platform, by authorized personnel. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) coordinates the approval process, provides immigration-related guidance and oversight, and issues Form DS-2019 for Central-sponsored J-1 scholars.
Review the J-1 Scholar Categories Chart for J-1 categories sponsored by Central.
Initial Consultation
Faculty or departments interested in hosting an international visiting scholar must contact ISSS for initial guidance by:
- February 1 for Fall semester visits
- July 1 for Spring semester visits
The initial consultation should include the proposed visit dates and duration, the scholar's planned activities and responsibilities, and any required university resources.
Request Preparation and Submission
Visiting scholar requests are coordinated through the host academic Dean's Office, which designates a representative to manage the request process.
Host faculty must obtain the required document checklist from their Dean's Office and work with the prospective scholar to gather all necessary information and supporting documentation. Once complete, materials must be provided to the designated representative, who prepares and submits the request through Terra Dotta for institutional review and approval.
Incomplete requests cannot be processed.
Institutional Review and Approval
All visiting scholar requests must undergo Central's sequential institutional review and approval process in the following order:
Host Faculty → Department Chair → Academic Dean → ISSS → Provost
Following final approval, ISSS issues Form DS-2019 for eligible Central-sponsored J-1 scholars, who can retrieve the document through Terra Dotta. Scholars sponsored by external organizations receive their immigration documentation from their respective sponsors.
Host faculty and departments must review and comply with the Departmental Responsibilities for Hosting International Visiting Scholars throughout the scholar's visit.
Incidents affecting a scholar's health, safety, or well-being must be reported to ISSS within 24 hours using the ISSS Incident Reporting Form. For questions, contact isss@ccsu.edu or 860-832-2054.
The host academic Dean's Office will provide the list of required documents and instructions for preparing a visiting scholar request. Host faculty must work with the prospective scholar to gather all necessary materials, which may include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of Passport
- Evidence of financial support, including personal bank statements
- Proof of English proficiency
Visiting scholars sponsored by Central must demonstrate financial support of at least $3,000 per month, excluding health insurance costs.
Funding may come from Central, the scholar's home institution or government, personal funds, or a combination of sources. Supporting documentation must identify the funding source and available amount in U.S. dollars.
J-1 scholars and their dependents are required to maintain health insurance that meets the required levels of health coverage, medical evacuation, and repatriation.
Failure to obtain the required health insurance coverage will result in loss of legal nonimmigrant status.
Appropriate health insurance may be purchased through Central upon arrival in the United States. Review Mandatory Health Insurance for additional information.
If the request involves a bilateral exchange with a Central partner university, additional requirements apply. Contact ISSS for guidance before proceeding.