International Visiting Scholar Orientation and Information
Rules and Regulations | Orientation and Information | Immigration Forms and Documents | Past and Present Scholars
Welcome to Western Oregon University! This is a brief overview of the information you will need to know about being a Visiting Scholar at Western Oregon University and about living in Monmouth, Oregon.
The links on this orientation site provides useful information and resources for all exchange visitors. The most important resource for exchange visitors is the International Students and Scholars Affairs office located in Maaske hall at WOU. Staff members, students, mentors, and other faculty on campus can offer answers and referrals to any questions you may have.
Rules and Regulations
Questions about Visiting Scholars and immigration should be directed to Adria Zampich-Gibbs, Alternate Responsible Officer, in the International Students and Scholars Affairs Office.
By accepting to be an International Visiting Scholars to Western Oregon University you agree to the following rules and regulations in order to maintain your immigration status.
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I understand that I must perform research and engage only in activities permitted as a visiting scholar (see regulations).
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I understand that as a J visa holder, I must have and purchase health insurance during the entire duration of the Exchange Visitor program. I must pay for health insurance within 2 weeks of the start of EACH term or I may fall out of status. More information can be found under "Health Insurance Regulations and Requirements".
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I understand that I must update the International Students and Scholars Affairs Office within 10 days of changing addresses in the United States or I will fall out of status.
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I understand that I may not take employment off-campus without first discussing my options or receiving approval in writing from an International Student Advisor.
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I understand that I must update the International Students and Scholars Affairs Office of the location and nature of activities, lectures, and consultations I offer.
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I understand that I must maintain a valid and correct DS-2019, Passport, and I-94 card while in the United States.
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I understand that I must notify the International Students and Scholars Affairs Office if I plan to travel outside the United States, or transfer to a different program or visa status. Your immigration documents will need to be reviewed and updated.
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I understand that I must check my WOU e-mail weekly (through WOU Portal) for important updates and information from the International Students and Scholars Affairs Office, Business office, and other departments on campus.
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I understand that any J-2 dependent’s status is pertinent to my own and they must follow all rules placed by the Department of State.
- I understand that it is my responsibility to comply fully with immigration regulations in order to maintain legal immigration status in the United States. Lack of knowledge or understand in the immigration or university regulations is not a valid excuse for failing to comply.
Below are general information regarding Exchange Visitor regulations:
Orientation and Information
Initial Arrival at WOU and the United States:
International Visiting Scholars are responsible for finding housing and getting set up in their new accommodations. More detailed information can be found on the regular international student Pre-Arrival Guide and Page.
- Inform the ISSA office about your flight to the U.S. at the beginning of the term
- Find Housing
- Get a Cell Phone
- Set up a Bank Account
- Report to the International Students and Scholars Affairs office in Maaske Hall to make copies of your immigration documents such as your passport, DS-2019 and I-94 card within 15 days of your arrival in the U.S. Bring your living address and phone number.
- Get a Visiting Scholar Identification Card: Go to the Human Resources department on the second floor of the Administration building. You will need your welcome letter, passport and address in the U.S.
- Set up your e-mail account: Bring your WOU ID card and DS-2019 to the International Students and Scholars Affairs (ISSA) office in Maaske Hall. You may need to wait a few days while the computer system is updated with your WOU email address.
- Meet with your Responsible Officer in the ISSA office to set up a time for Orientation, a campus tour, and to have any of your questions answered.
- Pay the International Scholar Health Insurance within two weeks of the start of the term.
- Meet with your Department/Faculty Mentor; call, or email your mentor first to arrange an initial meeting to get to know each other and to plan how to follow your research plan. Decide what courses to sit-in on, what presentations you could make, or what data to collect..
- Begin and follow your Research Plan.
- Learn about life and customs in the U.S. and get involved on campus.
- If you would like to visit a local school in Monmouth or Independence, please contact and arrange this with Liz Halligan 503-837-0925.
The Current Student Handbook will have the most up to date information on getting settled at WOU and life and customs in the U.S. Please review this information before coming to and while in the U.S.
Health Insurance Regulation and Requirement
J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents must be covered by sickness and accident insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States. Failure to purchase such insurance may lead to loss of legal immigration status and termination from the Exchange Visitor Program. These Department of State (DOS) regulations are published in the Code of Federal Regulations [22 CFR 62.14].
For more information about the WOU Insurance please visit the International Health Insurance Information page. This page explains the costs of insurance at WOU, how to access the WOU insurance page, and the procedure for requesting a waiver of the WOU insurance if needed.
Transportation:
Activities:
- Visiting Scholars are strongly encouraged to join a WOU International Student Club, and attend events at WOU and in the community. Participation in club events such as the Chinese Spring Festival or International Night are welcome.
- During ISSA office trips or events, fee-paying international students and WOU students get priority for sign-up and attendance. Contact Ermie Buncal to get onto the International-Activities listerv which includes information about events specifically of interest to international students and scholars <intl-activities@wou.edu>.
Other WOU Resources:
DS-2019 Extension:
At this time scholars are not eligible to extend their DS-2019 past the Program End Date originally set at the time of acceptance.
Inviting a Dependent Spouse or Child:
It is highly recommended that the exchange visitor get settled and begin his/her research plan before inviting a dependent husband/wife or child. A visiting scholar's primary purpose of being in the U.S. is to conduct research and follow the original learning plan at Western Oregon University. Scholars who do not follow their research plan may be required to exit the U.S.
WOU Policy: A DS-2019 immigration document will not be issued for a dependent spouse or child at this time since Western Oregon University is limited in how many DS-2019s are produced. Instead, a family invitation letter of recommendation will be issued which states the scholar's status in the United States, financial situation, and address. Please see the Family Invitation Letter Request Form and submit a copy of the dependent's bio page in the passport.
Children Dependents who will attend a U.S. school (kindergarden through 12th grade) will need to submit an Immunization Record/International Certificate of Vaccination translated into English. Dependent children are not authorized for employment during the program, or attend school beyond the 12th grade. Local schools in Monmouth/Independence.
Dependents need to be aware of the rules and regulations about their immigration status and visa. Individuals who violate his/her immigration status may have their immigration record terminated and be required to depart the U.S. immediately.
Meeting your Mentor:
Department/Mentor/Visiting Scholar Responsibilities
Tips for meeting with your faculty mentor and instructors:
- Introduce yourself to your faculty mentor before arriving in the U.S. through email; keep them and the ISSA office updated of your U.S. visa and arrival plans
- Review the department website and see what resources and opportunities they have available
- Plan to meet with your mentor at least once a term to plan how to proceed with your learning plan
- Develop a tentative schedule before meeting with your mentor of courses you wish to sit-in on
- Keep track of progress towards your learning plan goal by keeping a daily journal or by setting deadlines
- Get to know other professors within the department
- Contact the ISSA office with any concerns or questions about life in the U.S.
Benefits of talking with professors and faculty at WOU:
- Personalizes your learning in and out of the classroom
- Personalized letters of recommendation from close mentors and professors
- Creates long lasting relationships with professionals in the U.S.
Immigration Forms for Current Visiting Scholars
Photos and Articles of Past Visiting Scholars and their Research Topics
See what research and projects the current and past Visiting Scholars at WOU have been active in at the Past and Present Visiting Scholar page.
