Visiting Scholar-Practitioner Program

The CPS Visiting Scholars & Practitioners Program (VSPP) is designed for faculty members at universities, analysts at research institutions, mid-career government officials, and other scholars and practitioners whose research or professional practice is aligned with one of our college’s areas of study and are looking to conduct independent research and writing at The George Washington University. This program is intended for scholar-practitioners to pursue original research and build professional collaborations to further the advancement of their fields and practice.

 

What to Expect

Each scholar-practitioner applies with a plan for conducting research and engaging in intellectual collaboration with the hosting unit including details on proposed activities, possible contacts and research sites at GW and in the Washington area. Each admitted scholar-practitioner is matched with a faculty mentor who meets periodically with the scholar-practitioner to provide input and guidance.

Additionally, scholars have access to the Gelman Library and a shared office space on the Foggy Bottom Campus. During their time at GW, scholars are also invited to participate in periodic seminars and events, to collaborate and share their expertise with CPS faculty, students, and staff, and to contribute to college events and initiatives.

See the Application Process section to learn more about how to apply.

Areas of Study

Applicants to our CPS Visiting Scholars & Practitioners Program (VSPP) need to have their research or professional practice aligned with one of our college’s areas of study. More information about each of these areas  is provided on the relevant pages.

• Applied Politics
• Cybersecurity
• Executive Education and Leadership
• Homeland Security
• Information Technology
• Paralegal Studies
• Publishing
• Sustainable Urban Planning

Services Offered to Visiting Scholar-Practitioners

CPS’s VSPP offers the opportunity to interact with GW faculty and students, introduction to experts at national and international organizations and institutions in the Washington, D.C., area, and a unique opportunity to create a network of colleagues from all over the world through engagement in research utilizing the multitude of resources in the Nation’s Capital. Additionally, Visiting Scholar-Practitioners will have access to the following resources during their time at GWCPS:

• A U.S. visa (if needed)
• A GWorld Card (GW identification card)
• A university email account
• Access to The George Washington University facilities (including the Gelman Library, located on the Foggy Bottom Campus and online)
• Assigned faculty mentor to support the scholar’s research (during the academic year)
• A shared office space located on the Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, D.C.

Not Provided by CPS

CPS does not provide the following:

• Flights to/from Washington, D.C.
• Housing and meals
• Transportation
• Health Insurance
• A private office, computer, or telephone
• Academic credit toward a degree

CPS does not provide funding or coverage for the following expenses:

• Parking or commuter fees
• Textbook expenses
• Conference fees
• Special fees related to individual research projects such as laboratory equipment
• Fees for non-academic courses not related to your research interest
• Fees associated with English language courses

Application Process

Scholar-practitioners in CPS’ VSPP program must be sponsored by a faculty member within an academic unit in CPS who is willing to act as an advisor to the proposed research project. Applicants who wish to become a Visiting Scholar & Practitioner at GWCPS are required to submit a detailed plan of work.

How to Apply

In order to be considered, the applicant must submit the following application package (all in English):

1. A completed Application Form
2. A completed teaching or research proposal
   • Overview of research plan, including context, objective(s), timeline, and necessary resources
   • Relationship or benefit to CPS program(s)
   • Identify a potential CPS faculty member sponsor whose research interests or projects align with your own
3. Curriculum Vitae

Program Fee

The program fee is $1,000 per semester, Fall and Spring. Scholars may extend their Spring semester stays through summer, but with reduced faculty and administrative support.

A certificate is awarded to those who satisfactorily complete the plan of study and make a public presentation of their work, in either December or May, depending on the term of study.

 All fees are paid online and in USD.

• Monthly Visiting Scholar Fee is $300
• Semester Visiting Scholar Fee is $1,000
• Academic Year Visiting Scholar Fee (Fall & Spring Semesters) is $2,000
• Calendar Year Visiting Scholar Fee (Fall, Spring, & Summer Semesters) is $2,500

Payment will be collected after the application is approved and the faculty sponsor appointment form has been processed

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

• Proof of personal health insurance coverage (please review the insurance coverage guidelines)
• Proof of funding: Each candidate must demonstrate that he or she has the funds to obtain the J-1 visa, if needed, and to cover medical insurance and any administrative fee to be imposed. Please note that the J-1 visa requires that the documentation, written in English, show funding in the amount of US $1,200 per month for the principal visitor, US $600 per month for the spouse, and US $300 per month for each child plus medical insurance coverage. [Subject to change by the U.S. Department of State]

Application Review

 All applications are reviewed by the academic departments where the hosting faculty member is located, in consultation with the CPS Dean's Office.