Persons who wish to use the facilities of the University to pursue independent, non-collaborative research may be named visiting scholar. This status is conferred by the Vice Provost on the recommendation of the dean in whose academic discipline the proposed visiting scholar has an interest. Individuals may be named visiting scholars for up to one year. Visiting scholars are given reading privileges in the Libraries, and may obtain four-week borrowing privileges on payment of a monthly fee. They may audit limited lecture courses with the permission of the instructor during the regular academic terms. Visiting scholars are not eligible to take courses for credit.
“Visiting scholar” is a courtesy title which does not signify a formal association with the University. Individuals named to these titles may not claim University affiliation for the purpose of applying for grants and contracts and should not represent themselves in their publication and correspondence as having a University affiliation. Persons with this designation are not given office space, and are not entitled to secretarial assistance from members of the University staff.
Visiting scholars are responsible for arranging for their own financial support, health insurance, medical needs, and housing during their stay. Please note that Columbia University cannot provide housing for visiting scholars.
Visiting Scholar applicants must be affiliated with an accredited academic institution. Applicants must demonstrate a solid academic reason as to why they must be in person at Columbia to conduct their research. They must also specify which on-campus resources and archives will be accessed as part of their research. Academic research that can happen remotely will not be approved. Additionally, priority will be given to applicants with an already established relationship with current GSAPP faculty. The application process is extremely competitive, and GSAPP only accepts a limited number of visiting scholars. GSAPP cannot extend an invitation letter until visiting scholars are approved and vetted by multiple Columbia Offices, including the admissions committee, the Provost’s Office, and the International Students & Scholars Office. Please note the review process may take upwards of four months to complete.