Persons who wish to use the facilities of the University to pursue their own 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 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 a 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.
In order to be eligible for visiting scholar status, applicants must be currently affiliated with an accredited academic institution.
We only accept a limited number of visiting scholars and are unable to provide an invitation letter until an applicant has submitted an online application and has been approved by the Provost’s office.
Please note, the approval process may take upwards of 4 months to complete.