Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
The program is open to academic scholars, experienced practitioners, artists, and community leaders in public or private sectors who have shown strong commitment and contributions aligned with the legacy of Rachel Carson.
Visiting Scholars will have demonstrated—through their professional work and service—excellence in:
Exploring deeply the intersections among ecology, human well-being, and social justice.
Bridging areas of difference to broaden understanding and promote societal progress.
Advancing innovative ideas and practices to support a just transition toward a regenerative, climate-positive future.
How early do I need to apply before my intended visit?
The selection committee will consider applications twice per year with associated application deadlines of September 1st and February 1st. For 2024, we have a supplemental consideration period for applications received by April 1st. In other special cases, we may consider submissions outside of this regular cycle. If you have any doubts about whether your timeline matches with ours, please apply and we will reach out to explore a possible fit.
You may apply a year or more prior to your proposed visit and we will do our best to share a decision on a timeline that works for you. However, final confirmation may not be possible until university budgets for the relevant year are completed.
How soon after I apply might I be able to start?
Some scholars, particularly those in higher education, may need to plan with longer lead times. You may apply a year or more prior to your proposed visit. and we will do our best to share a decision on a timeline that works for you. However, final confirmation may not be possible until university budgets for the relevant year are completed.
Other potential scholars, including those coming from community, government, or private sector backgrounds, might plan on a shorter timeline. Applications submitted by our February deadline may request residence as early as the following summer or fall terms. Applications submitted by our September deadline may request residence as early as the following spring term.
What is the typical length of residency? Is there a typical/preferred duration?
Scholars typically spend two to four weeks in residence at Eden Hall. We prefer visits during the following time windows: September – October or mid-January to March, but we can accommodate other times in special circumstances so please apply if you are unsure whether your timeline matches ours.
What can I do as a visiting scholar?
Scholars spend time advancing their own work while sharing their ideas and experience through public lectures, class presentations, and other conversations with Falk School faculty and students. We also work with scholars to identify opportunities and arrange events to engage with members of the broader community within the Pittsburgh region.
Do I need to have a university appointment to qualify?
No! Although we use the term ‘scholars’ for this program, we welcome experienced practitioners, artists, and community leaders in public or private sectors who have shown strong commitment and contributions aligned with the legacy of Rachel Carson, as well as similarly committed academic scholars.
Do I need a sponsor from the Chatham faculty?
You don’t need a faculty sponsor to apply for the program. We do request that you review profiles of Chatham faculty, particularly within the Falk School, and identify which faculty members you want to engage with during your visit. We will designate a faculty member to serve as a liaison for you during your time in residence.
Are scholars from outside of the US able to apply?
International scholars are welcome to apply to this fellowship. However, the set honorarium ($3000-4000) and travel stipend may not cover the full costs of international travel and visa applications. Applying for visas and meeting US State Department requirements, including related to issues like health insurance, are the responsibility of the visiting scholar. You should not begin this process until receiving explicit confirmation from Chatham.
Where can I find out more about the location, campus, school, and/or University?
We have provided some information about the Falk School, Eden Hall, Chatham, and Pittsburgh on the About page. You can learn more about the Falk School and Eden Hall on Chatham’s website. If you are selected for a visiting scholar position, we will provide more detailed information about the University, the area, and the amenities available to scholars.
What are the resources/benefits that visiting scholars have access to?
Visiting Scholars receive:
A working space at Eden Hall and access to Eden Hall facilities;
A travel stipend;
Complimentary lodging and a stipend beyond the honorarium to support meals at Eden Hall (depending on the length of your stay, all meals may not be covered);
Access to other spaces at Chatham’s Shadyside Campus, such as the Jennie King Mellon Library; and
A $3000-$4000 honorarium.
Will there be an office or workspace available?
Yes. You will have your own apartment on the Eden Hall Campus that includes separate living and working spaces, including an IT workstation that will connect you to the Chatham network.
What if I am currently a student?
This program is not designed for current undergraduate or graduate students seeking to advance their formal education or research. That said, we encourage applications from anyone at least 18 years of age and whose current work and professional accomplishments align with the program.
What does public transportation look like?
The Eden Hall Campus is in a suburban-exurban area with no integrated public transportation. Chatham University runs a shuttle between Eden Hall Campus and its historic main campus in the Shadyside-Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The shuttle runs hourly on weekdays during normal working hours and much more irregularly otherwise. The shuttle ride to Pittsburgh takes approximately 40 minutes. If you are interested in more regular access to Pittsburgh, you should consider renting a car.
Is there a vehicle that a licensed driver could use?
We do not have an extra vehicle that can be assigned to scholars for use during their visit.
What is an example of a significant contribution in your field of practice?
Significant contributions in your field of practice may include written works like published articles, books, zines, and poetry. We are also looking for significant contributions such as works of art, evidence of work from organized events/demonstrations, outputs from grants/projects, presentation recordings, innovative inventions, or significant contributions to major public or private initiatives. If your contributions have helped shape important government or private sector actions, please describe these actions with links to external sources, such as media articles or formal summaries, that describe your contributions.
This list is not exhaustive. If you have generated something within your professional or personal work that is not represented in this list but still meets the goals of the program, please broaden our perspective by submitting your contribution.
Can I bring my partner? What about my two-legged or four-legged children?
Scholars are welcome to bring family members and should consider the accommodations we offer and any additional expenses that would not be covered by the package provided by Chatham for visiting scholars. The one-bedroom apartment we have dedicated for scholars could comfortably accommodate a partner but is generally too small for a larger family and we do not have other accommodations to offer. An emotional support animal or well-behaved pet is welcome.
If you have questions about the program that are not answered here, please email FSSE@chatham.edu.