Prospective Scholars — IRLE

To request prospective scholar status at IRLE, please e-mail the application, included here PDF, to Myra Armstrong, Visiting Scholar Coordinator, Email: zulu2@berkeley.edu. A copy of your current CV (Curriculum Vitae) and your research proposal must be attached to the request.   

Once Michael Reich, Director of IRLE, has approved the application, you will receive an invitation letter. Please be aware that In addition to VSPA and J-1 visa fees, the IRLE charges a $350.00 fee per semester, due upon arrival.  

Visiting scholars are individuals who possess a Ph.D. or its equivalent*, and whose primary purpose for residence on the Berkeley campus is to conduct independent research**. The length of stay for a visiting scholar is at least one month and, normally, not more than two years***. Visiting scholar positions are not compensated.

Visiting Scholars are granted a variety of privileges, including access to the University Library, access to certain campus parking facilities, and eligibility for membership in the campus sports recreational facility. For more information please scroll down.

Visiting Scholar status does not guarantee assignment of an office or workspace. These must be negotiated with the sponsoring department or research unit.  Visiting Scholars may, without the payment of tuition, confer with faculty members, audit classes and participate in seminars with the consent of the instructor.  However, this does not apply to courses offered by Summer Sessions or University Extension. Visitors should be aware that they cannot expect other units, especially libraries, to provide them with work space.


Processing Times

In order to allow ample processing time, IRLE needs to notify RES Human Resources of any Visiting Scholar or Student Researcher actions as early as possible. The processing time depends on the scholar’s visa status. Please see below the length of time an appointment process takes:

  • Visiting Scholar/Student Researcher Action (Appointment, Renewal, etc.) without visa: 2 weeks
  • Initial J-1 visa: 4 -5 months, depending on country of origin.


The Following Privileges are Available to Visiting Scholars:

Calnet Id Number; E-Mail; Library: Doe Library; Visiting Scholar Health Insurance;

Housing: Housing Office, 2610 Bowditch Street
Cal Rentals – Visiting scholar appointees are eligible to use faculty/staff housing services for a fee (510-642-3644)
Family Housing – When no students are on the waiting list, Visiting scholars with children can get limited assignments (510-642-4109)
Additional Rental listings (Berkeley/East Bay area): Apartment List (Berkeley)

University Health Services: Tang Center
Visiting Scholars and their spouses can use the Tang Center for health care services on a fee-for-service basis. Payment is due at the time of service.

Parking And Transportation:
You are entitled to obtain a Fee Lot Permit for use in campus parking lots at the faculty/staff rate upon presentation of their VSPA identification card. All visiting scholars are eligible to purchase campus shuttle services and to receive significant discounts with the AC Transit bus system.

Football Ticket Discounts:
Intercollegiate Athletics, 2223 Fulton Street: 510-642-3277
Visiting scholars may purchase up to two season tickets for Cal football games at the faculty/staff rate.

Cal Rec Club Membership, Recreational Sports Facility:
Cal Rec Club, 2301 Bancroft Way: 510-642-7796
Visiting scholars with valid VPSA identification cards will receive discounted Cal Rec Club membership at the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF), Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area (SCRA), Golden Bear Recreation Center (GBRC), and Edwards Track.

» Download Visiting Scholar Application PDF


» View 2012-2013 Visiting Scholars

» View Former Visiting Scholars

 

* Equivalence can be established through degrees earned at foreign universities, or through personal or professional experience that provides a basis for pursuing the type of research and writing expected of someone holding the PhD. degree.
** Individuals who are participants in research projects of members of the Berkeley faculty and/or who are training under the direction and supervision of faculty mentors should obtain appointments as Postdoctoral Scholars. This is done only through IRLE.
*** When a unit wishes to extend the stay of a visiting scholar beyond two years, it should make the request along with the rationale for doing so to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research.