Distinguished International Visitor Policy
Revision Date: October 24, 2013
Responsible Office: Reves Center for International Studies
I. Scope and Purpose
This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and volunteers (collectively, members of the campus community) of the College of William & Mary, including the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (the university). The purpose of this policy is to ensure that visits from distinguished international figures and delegations are appropriately coordinated and publicized.
II. Policy and Procedure
The College of William & Mary has a proud tradition of global engagement, and like all leading universities, welcomes a wide range of distinguished international visitors to campus. In order to coordinate and, when appropriate, publicize high-profile university visits, William & Mary requires any member of the W&M community interested in hosting a distinguished international visitor or delegation on campus or at an official university event or activity to inform the administration by completing the Distinguished International Visitors Form.
Distinguished international visitors are those whose profile or status is such that significant media, public, or political attention will likely be drawn to the event. International visitors of this status often require the attention of senior university officers. Examples of such international visitors include heads of state, ambassadors of foreign countries, senior foreign military officials, presidents or leaders of foreign universities, and cultural figures of significant international renown.
All William & Mary faculty, staff, or students planning to bring a distinguished international visitor or delegation to campus must complete the Distinguished International Visitors Form at least three months prior to a proposed public event, at least six weeks prior to a proposed private event, and at least one week prior to a proposed “meet and greet” with a member of the university’s senior administration.
Faculty, staff, or students interested in inviting international speakers who are unlikely to attract significant media, public, or political attention, such as foreign faculty members or ordinary citizens of foreign countries, to their individual classes or departments do not need to complete the Distinguished International Visitors Form, but may if they would like to request assistance from the Reves Center for International Studies or other university officers.
It may take up to one week for your request to be reviewed and the Reves Center to contact you regarding a proposed event. Requests for “meet and greets” will be reviewed as quickly as possible.
III. Authority, Implementation, and Amendment
This policy is approved by the Provost. Questions regarding the Distinguished International Visitors Policy and/or major international events at the College of William & Mary may be directed to Dianne Alleman at the Reves Center for International Studies.
This policy was revised in October, 2013, to update contact information.
