Visiting Scholar Program
Since 1956, the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program has been offering undergraduates the opportunity to spend time with some of America's most distinguished scholars. The purpose of the program is to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus by making possible an exchange of ideas between the Visiting Scholars and the resident faculty and students. History of the Visiting Scholar Program
The Visiting Scholars travel to more than 100 colleges and universities each year, spending two days on each campus and taking full part in the academic life of the institution. They meet informally with students and faculty members, participate in classroom discussions and seminars, and give a public lecture open to the academic community and the general public.
Over the last 60 years, 648 Visiting Scholars have made 5,288 visits to Phi Beta Kappa sheltering institutions.
Read testimonials from the Visiting Scholars and the chapters about their experiences with the program.
The Visiting Scholar panels for 2018-2019 and 2017-2018 are listed below.
Application Process
Participation is limited to the 286 campuses that shelter chapters of Phi Beta Kappa . Priority is given to those institutions not located in major metropolitan centers or that do not have extensive resources on which to draw for similar programs.
Please review the procedural information and best practices for campus scheduling before requesting a Visiting Scholar. If you are interested in bringing one of the scholars to your campus, you will need to get in touch with the secretary or president of the local Phi Beta Kappa chapter so that your preference can be considered by the chapter when applying for a visitor. Invitations should not be sent directly to the Visiting Scholars.
The request form for the 2018-2019 program can be found here.
Questions about the program and the application process should be addressed to the Director of the Visiting Scholar Program, or you may call (202) 745-3231.
To see videos of past Visiting Scholar lectures, please click here.
Visiting Scholar Nora Naranjo Morse in her studio, Espanola, NM