Guest Speakers

The Provost's office has two funds for visiting scholars:

Class of '63 Scholars-in-Residence

The Class of 1963 Scholars-in-Residence Program was established and permanently endowed in 1988 through gifts from members of the Class of 1963 on their 25th-anniversary reunion. The funds from this endowment enable the University to bring two or three outstanding individuals to campus each year for at least three days. The Scholars-in-Residence must be a respected academic, political, business, or spiritual leader. Each Scholar-in-Residence must deliver at least one public lecture, make additional classroom presentations, and participate in selected seminars with faculty and students. Some scholars in residence may also serve as research consultants to appropriate academic departments or individual faculty members during their stays. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance the academic and intellectual life of the University by immersing these distinguished visitors among the faculty and students at Washington and Lee in all relevant aspects of teaching and research.

• Speakers should spend at least three (3) days on campus, give one public university lecture or classroom presentation, and participate in selected seminars with faculty and students.
• If the speaker is not a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National, departments or programs must clear the visit well in advance with International Education to determine if the lecturer has the visa standing that will allow W&L to pay legally. Funds can only be paid with such clearance. Please review "Protocol for Sponsors of International Visitors to Campus." Payment to noncitizens will often be delayed because, in many cases, the speaker must visit the Office of International Education during their stay.
• Please visit the Business Office for guidelines and resources.

Please acknowledge the Class of '63 on all printed material and publicity.

University Lectures

Faculty are invited to bring scholars, researchers, writers, or artists to campus. These guests should give at least one public lecture and interact with our students in class or another forum. The person should be someone who is not a celebrity and does not have an agent since the average honorarium is in the $400-800 range. Historically, typical guests have included colleagues from other institutions or W&L alumni. The fund will also pay for travel, entertainment (usually meals), publicity, and lodging. Typically, the entire cost of a visit will be somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500. Before requesting, please inform your department or program head of your plans. Requests are granted on a "first come, first served basis" with the possible restriction, in fairness to all, of a maximum of $1,500 per department/program per year.

• Speakers should spend some time with students and faculty while on campus. This interaction, in addition to the formal presentation, should be at the departmental or program level.
• The University encourages housing to be arranged through campus guest housing. Use the link or call #8200.
• If the speaker is not a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National, departments or programs must clear the visit well in advance with International Education to determine if the lecturer has the visa standing that will allow W&L to pay legally. Funds can only be paid with such clearance. Please review "Protocol for Sponsors of International Visitors to Campus." Payment to noncitizens will often be delayed because, in many cases, the speaker must visit the Office of International Education during their stay.