For 2014-2015 Academic Year Campus Visits Distribution: February 7, 2014
The Office of the Provost is pleased to accept applications for the Distinguished Visiting International Scholars Program for the 2014-‐2015 academic year. This initiative is designed to support the scholarly mission and global perspective of the University of Rhode Island, especially in areas of strategic focus that bridge disciplinary areas (e.g., health and wellness; environment and the green economy; science and technology and their application in society; and liberal learning and scholarship for the 21st century). The goals of this program are to demonstrate our commitment to research and scholarship, engage the campus community, strengthen emphasis on global learning and discovery, build international collaborations, and enhance the visibility of URI around the country and world.
Description of the Program
The program provides funds to support hosting up to four international scholars or scholar-‐ practitioners to URI each academic year for three-‐to five-‐day visits. Each Visiting Scholar would be expected to deliver two lectures on his/her research area: a public lecture of high appeal to the URI campus community and general public; and a more specialized lecture to faculty and students in the Scholar’s disciplinary area. In addition, the Visiting Scholar would be asked to meet formally (e.g., guest lecture) or informally with groups of undergraduate and graduate students. These latter activities should be coordinated with the Honors Program and Graduate School, respectively. A reception to engage the Visiting Scholar with URI faculty would also be an important component of the visit. In some cases, it might also be appropriate for the Scholar to meet with outside constituencies (e.g., government, business, and non-‐profit organizations).
Award
A total of $30,000 has been allocated to this program to support up to four Visiting Scholars for the 2014-‐2015 academic year. Our goal is to support up to two Scholars each semester. A maximum of $7500 will be awarded for each Visiting Scholar to support travel, meals, lodging, honorarium, etc. Unused funds will be returned to the Provost Office to fund future Visiting Scholars.
Application Process
At this time, we are requesting proposals for both Fall 2014 and Spring 2015. Successful proposals would be submitted and endorsed by groups of faculty across departments and/or colleges with shared interest in the Visiting Scholar’s work and expertise. The Honors Visiting Scholars Committee, with the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs co-‐chairing this initiative with the Honors Program Director, will review proposals and rank them based on the selection criteria.
Criteria for Successful Proposals
- The Visiting Scholar must be an accomplished scholar (including creative and artistic individuals), or eminent practitioner who is internationally recognized and whose work has had significant impact on the field’s scholarship and/or practice.
- The Scholar must be fluent in English.
- The Visiting Scholar must be living and working outside of the United States.
- The Scholar must commit to spending three to five days on campus with various constituencies, including students. The activities planned for the Scholar must be articulated in the proposal. A plan and commitment to promote the visit and lectures, in conjunction with the Division of Advancement, must be included.
- Preference will be given to support for Visiting Scholars whose work is interdisciplinary,1 uniquely innovative, and relevant to areas of expertise and interest in the URI community. Work that appeals to broad interests across the campus community is preferred.
- Preference will be given to proposals that show potential for the development of a future on-‐going relationship between URI and the Visiting Scholar’s home institution (e.g., faculty and student exchanges, collaboration on educational and/or research programs, etc.).
- Requests that reflect multiple department/college sponsorship and some financial contribution from academic units will be given preference.
Please note that sponsoring faculty hosts, not the Provost Office, will be responsible for planning and organizing the visit and interacting with relevant campus constituencies to ensure a successful visit.
Application Process
Complete the following application form and submit a current CV of the proposed Scholar to the Office of the Provost (officeofprovost@etal.uri.edu) by Monday, April 21, 2014 by 5:00 PM. Decisions will be made in May. Please contact Laura Beauvais for further information (Beauvais@uri.edu or 874-‐4341).
Distinguished Visiting International Scholars Program Application Form for 2014-2015