UT Health San Antonio recognizes the value of scientific collaboration and welcomes Visiting Scholars from across the United States and around the world. Visiting Scholars foster collaboration, diversity and professional relationships while fulfilling UT Health San Antonio’s mission of excellence in education, research, health care and community engagement.
Visiting scholars are individuals who have an interest in biomedical or health care research and want to participate in certain research related activities. These individuals will be granted access to university property, facilities, or information systems for a specified time. Visiting Scholar appointments do not apply to those individuals who are compensated by UT Health San Antonio, enrolled in a UT Health San Antonio education program, or in an academic program at another institution. UT Health San Antonio faculty and staff that would like to invite qualified individuals to visit temporarily to observe or participate in research should follow the guidelines defined under HOP 7.10.4.
Types of Visiting Scholars
Observer: Individuals who hold an undergraduate or higher degree with interest in a biomedical or health care related field and seeking to observe (i.e., only to watch, listen, and learn; no hands-on activities allowed) UT Health San Antonio research faculty, including UT Physicians conducting research.
Professional Trainee: Individuals who hold an undergraduate or higher degree with an interest in a biomedical or health care related field and are seeking additional non-clinical hands-on training in research for educational purposes or professional development.
Visiting Scientist: Individuals who are established and accomplished scholars and can contribute to and enrich the university's research, intellectual, and academic endeavors. Visiting Scientists should currently hold an appointment comparable to UT Health San Antonio faculty.
Application Review Process
To initiate the Visiting Scholar approval process, please submit a Visiting Scholar Application via RedCap. Once the application is received, the Office of Research Administration & Quality will reach out to the host to set up an intake meeting and coordinate with stakeholders throughout UT Health San Antonio. Such stakeholders may include the Office of Human Resources, host department administration, Office of Sponsored Programs, or the Office of International Services.
The following supporting documents will be required upon application submission:
- Visiting Scholar CV
- Summary of intent that includes the following information:
- Scope of Work and how the Visiting Scholar will contribute to your work
- Overview of the experience or expertise the visitor hopes to gain during their stay
- For international visitors:
- Copy of Passport
- Current Visa, if available
Onboarding
Prior to the Visiting Scholar’s appointment, the following onboarding requirements must be met:
- POI Appointment
- Badge
- UTHSCSA Domain Email
- Required Training
- New Employee Orientation
- Title IX
- HIPAA
- FERPA
- Information Security Office Annual Security Awareness Training
- Institutional Compliance Program
- Equal Employment Opportunity Laws
- Conflict of Interest
- CITI Training (depending on scope of work)
- Visiting Scholar Agreement
- Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B Immunization Records (Depending on Scope of Work)
FAQ
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What is the difference between a domestic visiting scholar and a foreign national?
“Domestic” refers to individuals who are U.S. citizens or a U.S. Permanent resident.
“Foreign nationals” in this document refers to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. Permanent residents.
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What requirements are necessary for foreign nationals?
It is the responsibility of non-U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents to have the appropriate visa for the Visiting Scholars category for which they are applying, including mandatory insurance as defined by the Department of State for J-1 exchange. U.S. sanctions or restricted party screenings are conducted on all foreign national applicants.
Foreign national applicants must provide all original immigration documents to the sponsoring department’s visa liaison who will consult with the UT Health San Antonio Office of International Services prior to the Visiting Scholar’s appointment start date.
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Who manages the Visiting Scholar program?
The Visiting Scholars Program is administered by the Office of Research Administration & Quality, within the Vice President for Research.
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When is the visiting scholar appointment active?
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What training does a Visiting Scholar need to complete?
All Visiting Scholars must complete the UT Health SA Mandatory Compliance Training modules prior to or within the first week of their appointment. See onboarding requirements.
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Are there additional requirements if the Visiting Scholar participates in research?
Visiting Scholars who will interact with research subjects or who may be exposed to human bodily fluids are subject to immunization requirements based on current regulations, guidelines, and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the US Department of Health and Human Services.
If the Visiting Scholar is to participate in human or animal subjects research, there may be additional requirements from the IRB or IACUC offices.
If the Visiting Scholar participates in any NIH sponsored research, they must be included on your Other Support.
All Visiting Scholars participating in human subject or animal research must complete the applicable required training per UT Health San Antonio HOP policies.
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Can Visiting Scholars be reimbursed for travel?
Visiting Scholars may not be compensated or reimbursed for travel of any kind. Any business travel that occurs during the Visiting Scholars appointment must be at their personal expense and without the use of UT Health SA resources.
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Can Visiting Scholars be compensated?
No, Visiting Scholars cannot be compensated because they are not employed by UT Health San Antonio.
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Can I provide a laptop to the Visiting Scholar?
No, Visiting Scholars cannot be provided with UT Health San Antonio owned property such as laptops or cell phones.