Fulbright Programs Abroad

(Educational and Professional Leave of Absence)

What is the Fulbright Program?

KSU strongly supports the U.S. government’s Fulbright Programs in international education. The Fulbright Program is the primary international educational and cultural exchange initiative of the United States government, it provides enthusiastic and accomplished students and scholars from over 160 nations with the chance to engage in study, teaching, research, exchange ideas, and fostering mutual understanding. Fulbright participants, representing diverse backgrounds, serve as sources of inspiration, innovation, and contribute to addressing the challenges confronting our societies and the global community.

The Fulbright Scholar Program for academics and professionals grants over 1,700 fellowships annually, facilitating the travel of 800 U.S. scholars abroad and hosting 900 visiting scholars in the United States.

Outgoing KSU Fulbright Scholars

  • If you are thinking about applying for a Fulbright scholarship, it is essential to start discussions with your department's Dean/Chair early. This way, the department can stay updated on your plans and provide you with the necessary support and guidance. Please be aware that if a faculty member or administrator is granted a Fulbright award, several arrangements and resource allocations may need to be made in advance to cover their absence. Therefore, it is imperative to inform your department or college about your application plans well in advance.

  • If a faculty member is offered an opportunity abroad on a Fulbright teaching or research grant during the contract term of KSU’s academic year, the faculty must seek approval from the department chair and dean to request an educational and professional leave of absence. If the request is approved by the dean, the faculty member should complete the Educational and Professional Leave of Absence form found on the Faculty Affairs Website: Faculty Affairs (kennesaw.edu)

Educational and professional leave follows the BoR policy (See BoR Policy Manual, Section 8.2.7.4 and Academic & Student Affairs Handbook, Section 4.10.2) and is ordinarily without pay. However, so long as the leave is approved by the President, University contributions to fringe benefits such as health insurance and life insurance can continue. While on educational and professional leave with or without pay, the individual should not be engaged in any work-related activities for KSU. Please see the KSU Faculty Handbook, Section 4.2.5, for additional details related to educational and professional leave.

  • Once proper approval for the leave of absence is obtained, the faculty member must contact Human Resources to arrange for continuing and/or discontinuing benefits elections. In addition, the Office of Academic Affairs is open to discussion of leave with partial pay in conjunction with the Fulbright compensation to make acceptance of this prestigious award financially feasible for KSU faculty.

  • ISSSO is unable to assist with the Fulbright Program application processes, leave of absence/benefits inquiries, or travel visa issuance. All outgoing Fulbright scholars should be reported to ISSSO for tracking of university international exchange experiences.
  • What steps should I take to participate in the Fulbright Program?
  1. A faculty member is considering applying for a Fulbright scholarship.
  2. Inform the department chair and dean about your application plans so they stay updated and can provide necessary support and guidance.
  3. Faculty member applies for Fulbright scholarship.
  4. If the faculty member is granted a Fulbright award, they must complete the Educational and Professional Leave form and obtain approval from the Dean.
  5. Contact Human Resources to make arrangements for continuing and/or discontinuing benefits.
  6. Contact Academic Affairs to discuss options for leave with partial pay in conjunction with the Fulbright compensation.
  7. Inform ISSSO for tracking of university exchange experiences.

Hosting a Fulbright Scholar at KSU

  • The initial step for a prospective Fulbright scholar is to establish contact with a KSU faculty member. If you are thinking about hosting a Fulbright Scholar, it is essential to start discussions with your department's Dean/Chair early.

  • The faculty member from KSU must agree to act as the host for the Fulbright Scholar. Once the KSU faculty member confirms their commitment to serve as the host, they will assist the faculty member with the Fulbright paperwork, though the hosting faculty member is the signatory.

  • Faculty hosts can also direct Fulbright Scholars to the International Faculty and Scholar Resources page created by ISSSO, or refer them to this information, to aid in their transition to life in ÈâÈ⴫ý and their work at KSU.

  • Please be aware: Fulbright scholars do not engage in these programs at KSU using immigration documents provided by ISSSO. The Fulbright agency issues the J-1 immigration document (DS-2019) for these scholars and conducts an orientation before their arrival at KSU, enabling them to participate in the program under a KSU faculty host. Medical insurance is also provided by Fulbright for the visiting scholar. ISSSO only provides advisory assistance to Fulbright Scholars regarding the processes mentioned above.

  • All incoming Fulbright scholars should be reported to ISSSO for tracking of university international exchange experiences.

The button below provides answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding hosting a Fulbright Scholar: