Supporting Scholars at Risk
October 14, 2022 8:31 AM

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Over the past few years, the world has faced a sustained period of global challenges, political turmoil and natural disasters that have dramatically impacted the ability of our international colleagues to engage in scholarly pursuits within their own countries. To help address these challenges, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is now a sustaining member of Scholars at Risk (SAR), a global network of higher education institutions and associations dedicated to protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom around the world. Through our partnership with SAR, Illinois has committed to supporting scholars who are facing severe threats to their freedoms and well-being.

A committee of faculty and students has been formally charged to guide and support the university’s efforts to host scholars affiliated with SAR for visits up to one year in duration. Colleen Murphy, Roger and Stephany Joslin Professor of Law and director of the Women & Gender in Global Perspectives Program, has agreed to chair the Illinois Scholars at Risk Committee (ISAR).

Hosting scholars enriches departmental and broader campus communities and contributes to public education and engagement. The university has committed funds to support departmental efforts in hosting visiting scholars at risk. Interested units and departments should work with college leadership and visit the Illinois Global Institute (IGI) website to learn more about hosting requirements, including the application.

Thank you for your support in this new partnership as we work to further our educational, scholarly and global missions and host scholars in need.

Sincerely,

William Bernhard
Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost