Rackham Graduate School

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Visiting Graduate Students

The Visiting Scholars Program has moved to Academic Human Resources at (734) 763-8938.

Visiting Graduate Student Program

Departments, programs and other academic units of the University of Michigan may invite graduate student researchers from outside the University as Visiting Graduate Students. This status is reserved for graduate students who are invited to pursue a program of research during a limited term of residence. Visiting Graduate Students may have access to certain limited services and resources. Currently enrolled U-M students, employed staff, and faculty of the University of Michigan are not eligible for this status.

Visiting Graduate Students must:

• Be conducting research related to the graduate degree requirements of another university as their primary purpose;
• Be invited by a department, program or other University academic unit; and
• Be in residence for not less than one month and renewable for not more than two calendar years.

Students visiting under student exchange agreements are not eligible for Visiting Graduate Student status.

Application Process

Visiting Graduate Students must be sponsored by an academic unit of the University, which initiates the application to the Rackham Graduate School for credentialing.

The hosting academic unit should write a commitment letter to the Visiting Graduate Student which specifies the visitor’s activities and responsibilities, the start and end dates of the term of residence, as well as the resources which will be made available to the visitor while at Michigan. The letter should provide details about: funding from the department/unit or other external source; access to lab or office space, computing accounts, or other facilities; availability of staff support; and assistance with living arrangements.

For Visiting Graduate Students who will be paid through the University of Michigan, the sponsoring unit makes arrangements with their unit Human Resources. Visitors who are compensated with University funds for services to the University of Michigan of any sort must be appointed as employees through University Human Resource Systems, or reimbursed as independent contractors and may not be credentialed as Visiting Graduate Students.

The Registrar’s Office handles credentialing of non-paid visitors. The sponsoring department, center or program is the primary contact for the Visiting Graduate Student during the term of residence.

Visiting Graduate Student Application (for administrators only)

Services

University ID Card

Visiting Graduate Students are issued a University of Michigan identification card (Mcard). This photo identification card is required of all members of the University community, and must be presented for access to the services listed below. Visitors may pick up their Mcard at one of several ID Issuing Stations on campus.

Library

Visiting Graduate Students have full access to the University Library, including borrowing services. Fees are charged for copying and printing services. For more information, see University Library Services.

Computing Account

The University’s Information and Technology Services (ITS) maintains computing accounts, including e-mail and other access to the University’s online resources. A uniqname and password must be assigned for access. The uniqname is assigned when a Visiting Graduate Student is credentialed. Visitors should talk to a staff member in their sponsoring unit about arrangements for computing services. In some cases, access to these services will be handled within the department; otherwise, individuals will be directed to the ITS Service Center.

Laboratory and Other Research Facilities

Access to laboratory or other research facilities requires the advance permission of the sponsoring University academic unit.

Office Space

Use of an office or access to any support services is wholly at the discretion of the sponsoring University unit.

Classes

With permission of the instructor, Visiting Graduate Students may informally attend classes or seminars. No grades, credits, or transcripts will be issued. To take classes for credit, a Visiting Graduate Student must apply to the Rackham Graduate School and be admitted as a Non-Candidate for Degree. Tuition is charged for classes taken for credit. For more information, see Rackham Admissions.

Housing

Visitors are responsible for providing for their own housing arrangements. The sponsoring unit may provide information or other assistance. University Housing may have space available in its facilities, and maintains listings of rental housing.

Recreation Facilities

For access to exercise and recreation facilities, see Recreational Sports.

Parking and Transportation

Campus and city buses are free with the University photo ID card (Mcard). On-campus parking is limited, but depending on availability, Visiting Graduate Students may purchase a parking permit at the discretion of the University’s Parking and Transportation Services.

Health Services

All visitors are expected to have health insurance. University Health Service (UHS) provides a comprehensive outpatient facility that provides a full range of medical services. A fee is charged for each service; some or all services may be covered by health insurance.

Contact information

Rackham Graduate School

• Website: rackham.umich.edu
• E-mail: visitinggradstudent@umich.edu
• Phone: (734) 764-4400

International Center

• Website: internationalcenter.umich.edu
• Central Campus Phone: (734) 764-9310
• North Campus Phone: (734) 936-4180

English Language Institute

• Website: lsa.umich.edu/eli
• Phone: (734) 764-2413

Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library

• Website: lib.umich.edu/grad
• Phone: (734) 764-0400

Housing Information Office

• Website: housing.umich.edu
• Phone: (734) 764-8320

Information Technology Central Services (ITCS) Accounts Office

• Website: its.umich.edu/help/
• Phone: (734) 764-8000

Mcard Center

• Website: finance.umich.edu/treasury/mcard
• Phone: (734) 936-2273

Parking and Transportation Services

• Website: pts.umich.edu
• Phone: (734) 764-8291

Recreational Sports

• Website: recsports.umich.edu
• Central Campus Phone: (734) 763-3084
• North Campus Phone: (734) 763-4560

University Health Service

• Website: uhs.umich.edu
• Phone: (734) 764-8320

Note

The conditions of this status are subject to change without notice, and may be canceled at the discretion of the University, consistent with University policy and practice.