IGSR Scholar-in-Residence Program
The Institute for Gender and Sexuality Research (IGSR) is the official host for all visiting scholars in the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies.
Each year the IGSR hosts a group of scholars from the U.S. and abroad to conduct independent research and whose work is centrally on women, gender or sexuality. The program is open to scholars with their Ph.D in-hand at least 5 years prior to the proposed visit**. (This is a requirement by the university for visiting scholar positions). Scholars may stay for any time period between 3-12 months. In addition to conducting independent research, IGSR Scholars-in-Residence will be expected to participate in the IGSR Reading/Writing Group, where scholars present works-in-progress to each other for feedback on a regular basis.
**For fields in which a Ph.D. is not required for senior-level scholarship, please include a short explanation in your application describing your qualifications to conduct doctoral level research.
The IGSR Scholar-in-Residence Program is open to scholars who meet UC Berkeley's visiting scholar definition.
The IGSR provides its Scholars-in-Residence with the following: visiting scholar status at University of California, Berkeley; access to University of California, Berkeley libraries and library privileges; a session with the GWS Librarian customized for the purposes of the each scholar's research; the possibility of University of California, Berkeley student research assistants; shared office space; shared computer and wifi access; a IGSR Scholars Writing/Reading Group which meets monthly; and a forum for IGSR Scholars-in-Residence to present their scholarly or creative work to the Berkeley campus community and the public.
During their residency, scholars are expected to attend the IGSR Scholars Writing/Reading Group meetings and other GWS events. The IGSR is non-stipendiary, and thus Scholars-in-Residence provide their own financial support during the residency. There are fees associated with being a IGSR Scholar-in-Residence. (see below) Late payments are not possible. Please plan accordingly.
IGSR Scholar-in-Residence Program Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Please submit all materials in English. Send all materials by email attachment to IGSR@berkeley.edu.
If you want to work with a specific GWS faculty member, you should first contact them and request a ‘letter of interest’. In that request to the faculty member - include your CV, research project title and description, proposed appointment dates, and your reason for wanting to have them as your faculty sponsor. This step is not required.
- Application Form (google form)
- Letter of Interest from a GWS faculty member (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Abstract of Research or Creative Project (proposed for the IGSR appointment period). 200 words or less.
- Description of Research or Creative Project (proposed for the IGSR appointment period). The maximum length should be 1,500 words.
- Supporting materials. Scholars in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences should submit digital copies of a written work (such as an article, book chapter, or draft thereof) not to exceed 30 pages. Artists should submit photos of artwork; film-makers, copies of films; musicians, a copy of their creative work; and creative writers, a text (fiction, non-fiction, play or part thereof) not to exceed 30 pages. Journalists should submit articles not to exceed 30 pages.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals in your field.
Fees
There are several fees involved in the process of obtaining Visiting Scholar status at UC Berkeley.
- $750 University Services fee (to be paid online prior to processing of appointment)
- $1,000 department administrative fee if you are staying in excess of six months/$500 if you are staying six months or less
- $650 for the DS2019 host document for the J-1 Visa (for international visitors)
NOTE: A department administrative fee reduction may be requested if a scholar is arriving without institutional support or where there is financial hardship. This request should be included with your application. Please note that the J-1 visa fee and University Services fee are both mandatory and cannot be waived.
Information Regarding Visas
J-1 Visas
Internationally-based visiting scholars will need to obtain a J-1 Visa to pursue their research in the IGSR. J-1 Visas are obtained by the issuance of a DS-2019 (which is the “certificate of eligibility”). There are several steps to securing a J-1 Visa and each step takes time. Plan for the visa application process to take 3-4 months, depending upon your home country.
Please note: Documentation of an “objective measurement” of English language proficiency is required for all J-1 Exchange Visitors. Either a recognized English language test (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, etc) or signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school.
Additional Information
While we may be able to provide administrative advice, visiting scholars assume full responsibility for matters relating to visa applications, health insurance, housing and living expenses.
Facilities
Visiting Scholars have access to the University’s libraries and are given normal borrowing privileges, and have access to shared office space. Visiting Scholars do not have access to administrative services, office supplies, and generally do not have the use of express mail services. Scholars often able to consult with faculty members interested in their field of study, and to participate in the intellectual life of the department by attending presentations and colloquia.
Visiting Scholars in the Institute will be given access to the following:
- Use of the department copier
- Use of the department scanner
- An email address @berkeley.edu
Health Insurance
International visiting scholars must have adequate health insurance during the entirety of their appointment at UC Berkeley. For details, visit:
https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/families/j-insurance
Questions?
All questions about the IGSR Visiting Scholar Programs should be sent to:
Gillian Edgelow
Research Program Administrator
510-643-7172
gilliane@berkeley.edu or IGSR@berkeley.edu
