visiting scholar checklist...

Visiting Faculty and Dissertation Research Scholars stay from a few days to a week or more--usually for a few months--but rarely longer than a year. Advanced notice and planning are essential. Please be aware that our budget prevents us from supporting scholars financially. The following reminders note the expenses and complications a Visiting Scholar should anticipate. Please note that while our CPS staff members want to help make your stay as pleasant and productive as possible, all staff are part-time employees of CPS and most are full-time graduate students, so their time is limited.

Contact Program Director, John Quiring for more information at .

Housing
Please notify our Visiting Scholars Coordinator no less that six months in advance of your arrival if you would like help in locating housing. No guarantees can be made but, with sufficient notice, some help can be given in locating the type of housing you request. Campus housing at Claremont School of Theology is occasionally available Within walking distance of CPS, rooms for rent in private homes are available for $450.00 per month or more. Living beyond walking distance, you will need to consider regular transportation. Mass transit is very limited.

Transportation
The Ontario Airport is 8 miles from CPS; Los Angeles International (LAX) is 55 miles. Shuttles are available. Buses and trains exist, but schedules can be complicated to coordinate. You will discover that Southern California is a car culture. Cars and car insurance constitute a large annual outlay. Nevertheless, the essentials are available within walking distance; a car is not essential for a short-term stay.

Food
The CST cafeteria, The Broken Loaf, is open for lunch, Monday - Friday. The nearest supermarket is half a mile from CPS. A small (more expensive) grocery store is across the street. A wide range of restaurants is available within a one-mile radius of CPS--fast food to moderately expensive.

Jobs
Campus jobs, including those at CPS, go to enrolled students, usually to those with federal work-study backing. International scholars must keep abreast of work restrictions.

Computer
Consider arriving with your own laptop computer and funds for repair (up to $650) as CPS computers and printers undergo heavy staff use.  CST Campus computer lab facilities are available with special permission.

Medical Services and Health Insurance
Consider in advance how you will deal with illness, accidents, lost contact lenses, acquisition of medicines, etc., since the Claremont Colleges Health Center is only for the use of enrolled students.

For International Visitors
Passport / Visa:  If you will need a J-1 visa, you will need to work with the International Student Advisor at the Claremont School of Theology to first complete a D52019 form. Renewal complications occur and should be anticipated. Advice is available at the International Place of the Claremont Colleges.

Banking
For a checking account you will need a passport and California Identification (available from the California Department of Motor Vehicles).