Depending upon availability, timing, and relationship to ongoing Chicago-Kent research initiatives, the school may offer visiting scholars some or all of the following benefits:
- Designated carrel in the library
- Use of the library, including interlibrary loan, print resources, computer labs, wireless access, free printing account of 400 pages per semester, Lexis and Westlaw passwords, and training
- Introductory research workshops
- Chicago-Kent network account
- Invitation to faculty talks and colloquia
- Limited opportunity to audit select classes with approval of the dean of students
- Assistance with the visa process and documentation
- Guidance on finding housing resources
Scholars interested in applying for admission to Illinois Tech Chicago-Kent's Visiting Scholars program should complete the following checklist:
- Complete the online application (Note: you also can use the fillable pdf form, please be sure to download the form before filling it out so the information can be saved. Once completed, email the application to Wirdani Peters at wmohdyusoff@kentlaw.iit.edu)
- Include a current resume or C.V.
- Include a brief statement about the proposed research project
- Include proof of English language proficiency
Applicants are expected to be affiliated with a university or a research institute in their home country. The Visiting Scholars program aims for geographical diversity.
In general, applications that are supported by a Chicago-Kent faculty member tend to be more successful. An email to Wirdani Peters, the Program Coordinator for the Office of International Law & Policy, from a faculty member indicating his or her willingness to supervise the proposed research project is sufficient. If the applicant does not have an established connection, we will distribute the application materials to Chicago-Kent faculty members in the same academic field as the applicant to seek faculty sponsorship. Faculty sponsorship includes providing guidance on the research project and facilitating introductions to other faculty members who may share a common interest with the visiting scholar.
Once an application is complete, it will be submitted to the Visiting Scholars Committee for evaluation. Chicago-Kent accepts applications year-round to accommodate scholars' schedules. We strongly recommend applying well ahead of the planned trip to leave sufficient time for travel preparations and the visa process. Decisions will be made and applicants notified within six to eight weeks of the completion of the application. If accepted as a Visiting Scholar, the candidate will receive a formal notification letter. Chicago-Kent will work with the accepted Visiting Scholars to secure the necessary visa documents.
Illinois Tech Chicago-Kent does not provide housing or medical insurance. Scholars must purchase university medical insurance or provide proof of acceptable alternative insurance upon acceptance into the program. The staff of the Office of International Law and Policy will provide assistance to scholars to help them settle in Chicago.
The program fee is $2,500 per semester. If the length of stay will be less than a full semester, the fee may be prorated. A scholar may request to audit one class per semester; all audit requests must be approved by the assistant dean of students and by the course instructor. Regular tuition fees will apply. In addition, each Visiting Scholar must demonstrate funds in the amount of at least $1,500 per month for room and board, and must be prepared to prove the availability of these funds in the Financial Affidavit that is part of the visa application. Additional funds must be proven if the visiting scholar brings a spouse or child.
Contact: Should you have any questions, please contact Wirdani Peters at wmohdyusoff@kentlaw.iit.edu.