Overview of the Visiting Scholar Program
As a Carnegie Tier One research university, the University of North Texas takes great
pride in the partnerships and research collaborations we have built with universities
and organizations worldwide. UNT is a place where people from every culture and background
come together to advance global knowledge.
Every year, UNT welcomes Visiting Scholars to work with faculty hosts on research or scholarly activities to strengthen the mission of the University in
pursuit of advancing their discipline. We are committed to fostering collaborative partnerships while promoting full transparency
about our relationships.
A Visiting Scholar is eligible to use office space, have access to resources (e.g.
libraries), and have a University email address and identification card. To grant
access and remain in compliance with University policy, UNT System regulations, Regents
Rules, export control and U.S. immigration laws, the approval process may take up
to 4 months. Please plan accordingly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Host departments cannot accept or allow any potential Visiting Scholar to conduct any such engagement
with the University until all approvals have been completed. Host departments should not provide any letters of invitation to a prospective Visiting
Scholar; all letters will be issued from the Office of Academic Resources upon successful
completion of the review process.
What is a Visiting Scholar?
A Visiting Scholar is not an employee of UNT or the UNT System. Visiting Scholars
come to the University of North Texas on a temporary basis to collaborate on research
and scholarly topics of mutual interests or to work on specific research to be conducted
within University facilities.
Hosting a Visiting Scholar is encouraged when the collaboration is consistent with
the mission and desired outcomes of UNT and when the College and/or Departmental unit
provides a faculty host to facilitate resource access and adequate space is available
for the visitor.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Individuals eligible to be a UNT Visiting Scholar:
- Must be employed by another institution of higher education or possess faculty-equivalent
credentials.
- Must NOT be a current UNT employee or UNT employee separated within the last 12-months.
- Must demonstrate a capacity to contribute to the research and/or creative mission
of the University.
- Must pass a criminal history background check.
- Must pass all required export control reviews conducted by the University.
- Must comply with mandatory University training requirements.
- Must receive an official letter of invitation from the Office of the Provost, Academic
Resources.
Prior approval must be obtained before extending an invitation to a Visiting Scholar. The decision to host Visiting Scholar is not a unilateral faculty decision. This
decision requires the input from many UNT stakeholders. The hosting faculty member
is responsible for obtaining key information from the potential Visiting Scholar and
being actively engaged in the approval process. The information gathering, review, and approval must precede a formal invitation for
the scholar to visit UNT.
If a Visiting Scholar has created intellectual property prior to visiting UNT, they
should alert the Research Commercial Agreements team through researchcontracts@unt.edu to ensure proper documentation is in place before the collaboration begins.
Host Department Responsibilities
A UNT faculty host's primary responsibility is facilitating Visiting Scholars. The
faculty host serves as the administrative liaison between UNT stakeholders and Visiting
Scholars during their visit.
Hosting departments are required to ensure that Visiting Scholars are engaged and
supported throughout their stay, including opportunities for cultural exchange and
regular interactions. The hosting department must inform the Office of Academic Resources
if at any time the Visiting Scholar will be working on a sponsored project that was
not documented on the original request (regardless of the amount of time) or if any changes to the collaboration occur.
Office of Academic Resources Responsibilities and Support
The Office of Academic Resources oversees the administrative processing of Visiting
Scholars and will route the request through all necessary approval channels. Once
approved, Academic Resources issues the official Invitation Letter to prospective
Visiting Scholars.
After the completion of all required approvals, a clear criminal history background
check, and compliance with mandatory University training, the Office of Academic Resources
issues UNT credentials to the Visiting Scholar.
The Office of Academic Resources will also oversee the Visiting Scholar annual renewal
process, ensuring that all necessary documentation and approvals are in place for
scholars to continue their work at UNT.
Required Documentation
In order to request approval for a Visiting Scholar, the following forms/documents
must be submitted to the Office of Academic Resources. These agreements ensure a clear
understanding of intellectual property ownership and protect confidential information
shared during the visit.
Fulbright Visiting Scholars should complete the following documents:
Visa Information
For international Visiting Scholars requiring a J-1 visa, UNT International Affairs
manages the process, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws after the Visiting
Scholar has been approved to participate at UNT by the Office of Academic Resources.
Please review the UNT International Affairs website which contains information about hosting a J-1 Exchange Visitor and contact jinfo@unt.edu for more information.
Prior approval must be obtained before extending an invitation to a visiting scholar. The decision to host an international visiting scholar is not a unilateral faculty
decision. This decision requires the input from many UNT stakeholders. The hosting
faculty member is responsible for obtaining key information from the potential visiting
scholar and for being engaged in the approval process. The information gathering, review, and approval must precede a formal invitation for
the scholar to visit UNT.