Scholars

Department Responsibilities

The Department is responsible for the following:

  • Supervise the academic activity during the scholar鈥檚 stay at USF. 

  • Arrange for office space and equipment (computer, phone, etc) as deemed appropriate for the academic activity. 

  • Provide OIS with accurate program, funding, and other related information throughout the duration of the scholar鈥檚 program at USF, including: 
    • Cancellation, termination or early completion of the scholar鈥檚 program 
    • Significant changes in position and/or project 
    • Changes in funding sources and amounts 
    • Intent to transfer to another USF department, faculty member, or sponsor 
    • Plans to change immigration status 

  • "Ensure that the activity in which the exchange visitor is engaged is consistent with the category and activity listed on the exchange visitor's Form DS-2019." [22 CFR 62.10(e)(1)]. This means that the scholar should maintain their original program objectives as indicated on the scholar application. 

  • Encourage the scholar to participate in cultural exchange activities offered by USF World and OIS to ensure compliance with Department of State鈥檚 requirements.  

  • Scholars, whether classified as paid or non-paid, have the same benefits and rights as any USF employee. This includes but is not limited to: 

    • Attendance and overtime policies and typical hours of operation within their department and/or lab. 
      • Full-time employment is generally considered working 30 to 40 hours per week.鈥� (It is recommended that hours worked should not exceed 40 hours per week.) 
      • It is recommended that non-paid scholars track hours in a timesheet that is signed off by the supervisor. 
      • Awareness of vacation and other types of leave available such as vacation, sick, family/medical leave, and bereavement leave. 
      • Accrual of leave hours in accordance with HR policies. 
    • Safe and clean working conditions 
    • Receive the necessary training to perform job functions 
    • Be aware of harassment and sexual harassment policies 
    • Involvement in meetings, seminars, and other department activities 
    • OIS should be notified of scholar鈥檚 absenteeism. 
      • If there has been no contact for at least 24 hours, OIS should be notified immediately. 
      • If there has been contact, but they have been absent for five days with no valid reason, OIS should be notified.
    • Retaliation and threat of retaliation policies will not be tolerated 
  • Update USF Export Control if any changes occur to the scholar鈥檚 program that may affect export compliance.