The College of Social Sciences (CSS) invites members of the global community to engage with Hawaiʻi’s unique research environment through the Visiting Colleagues Program. This program allows scholars to collaborate with faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) across various disciplines. Participation requires sponsorship from a faculty host and acceptance into the program through an application process.
Give to the Visiting Colleagues Program
Your support covers essential operational expenses and funds various enriching activities.
CSS proudly hosts visiting program participants from a variety of sources, including:
- Scholars: Esteemed professors from other prominent academic institutions.
- Researchers: Students and postdoctoral researchers affiliated with institutions beyond UH Mānoa.
- Practitioners: Individuals affiliated with international government entities, non-profit organizations/NGOs, or the private-sector, who bring valuable real-world expertise to the academic environment.
The Visiting Colleagues Program provides numerous benefits for participants, the College, the community and beyond:
- Enhanced Academic Excellence: Visiting scholars and professionals are a source of rich knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives. They significantly contribute to academic programs, offer unique perspectives and elevate the overall quality of education within the College.
- Global Impacts: The research endeavors of visiting scholars and professionals tackle critical regional and global issues. Past topics include global climate change, indigenous reconciliation, food security, public taxation reform, economic development, public administration and environmental conservation, and provide valuable insights and solutions. These collaborative efforts with UH Mānoa faculty drive meaningful change.
- International Collaborations: Hosting visiting professionals from around the world fosters international collaboration and partnership opportunities. This enhances research, student and faculty exchange, and global outreach initiatives.
- Cultural Enrichment: The diversity of backgrounds among Visiting Colleagues contribute to a more culturally inclusive and vibrant College environment, introducing students and scholars to different worldviews, languages and traditions.
- Research Advancement: Collaborating with experts from diverse fields amplifies research productivity, enhances the practical applications and real-world impact of research projects, addresses pressing societal challenges.
- Career Development: Students gain insights into industry and government trends, job opportunities and practical skills from visiting professionals. This exposure enhances their professional networks, employability and workforce readiness.
- Public Engagement: Visiting Colleagues participate in public lectures, workshops and community outreach opportunities, elevating the College’s visibility and impact beyond the campus.
Note: Visiting Colleagues do not hold employee status, and thus have no teaching or staff responsibilities. They are not entitled to salary, housing or employee benefits.
The College of Social Sciences at UH Mānoa, the flagship of the University of Hawai‘i System, is home to one of the largest and most vibrant student communities on campus. Renowned internationally, CSS offers students the unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures and worldviews, preparing them to solve the most pressing issues facing the planet. Bold, independent and highly motivated students thrive here, uncovering new academic opportunities and igniting their research passions through dynamic coursework and transformational learning experiences. The College’s mission is to shape the next generation of global game-changers who address fundamental questions about human behavior and improve the human condition by translating science into social action. Research areas/units include:
- Anthropology
- School of Communication and Information
- Communication
- Communicology
- Journalism
- Library and Information Science
- Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Economics
- Ethnic Studies
- Geography and Environment
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Social Science Research Institute
- Sociology
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO)
- National Disaster Preparedness Training Center
- Center for Oral History
- Health Policy Initiative
Contributors to the Visiting Colleagues Program have a unique opportunity to make meaningful impact on globalization of the scholarly community. Support enables the College to welcome and host visiting scholars who enrich the academic environment and foster global connections. Funds will be used for education, research and the development of future leaders in Asia, the Pacific, and around the world.
Areas of Support: Contributions directly support the program’s operational expenses, including visa processing, program development and essential logistics. Additionally, support enables CSS to enhance the Visiting Colleagues Program through various enriching activities.
- Cultural Enrichment: Funding cultural events, special gatherings and venues that promote cross-cultural understanding and engagement among Visiting Colleagues and the College community.
- Faculty Enrichment: Supporting faculty members’ engagement with Visiting Colleagues through collaborative projects, research support and stipends.
- Global Engagement: Enabling travel opportunities for faculty, students, and scholars, facilitating international collaborations and knowledge exchange.
- Community Learning: Providing unique opportunities for Visiting Colleagues to engage with indigenous Hawaiian values and learn about the historical and multicultural fabric of Hawai‘i communities.
- Administrative and Visa Processing: Providing resources to support administrative services and direct visa processing fees for Visiting Scholars.
Administrative Support: Including, but not limited to, events, travel, operational expenses, research, stipends, program maintenance and other expenses as determined by program administrator/officer.
Give a Gift to the CSS Visiting Colleagues Program.
Attaining the status of a Visiting Colleague is a prestigious distinction. The selection process, based on merit and research alignment, ensures that each year’s cohort exemplifies excellence. Factors considered include applicant backgrounds, areas of expertise, accomplishments, research proposals, English language proficiency and the availability of CSS faculty members for program consultation and mentoring. Applicants should focus on research topics or materials with a strong connection to Hawaiʻi or in areas of expertise at the University, which should be highlighted in the program application/research proposal.
For full details and to be considered for the program, complete a Visiting Colleague Program application.
For questions regarding this opportunity, contact the:
Visiting Colleagues Program
Canadian Scholars! Learn about the Fulbright Canada Visiting Research Chairs opportunity.