Joining the Network

Download a 'Join the Network' Form here

Membership activities
SAR member decides through its administration, local SAR committee and representative(s) the nature and extent of the institution's participation in network activities. Members are encouraged to consider:

•   hosting SAR scholars as temporary visitors, students, researchers or professors;
  
•   hosting a one-time or regular SAR Speaker Series event featuring one or more SAR scholars;
  
•   participating at SAR conferences on academic freedom and related issues;
  
•   working with faculty at other SAR members on research and education projects;
  
•   serving on network committees and on SAR's governing board; and
  
•   suggesting new projects for the network's board and membership to consider.

Membership benefits
Benefits of SAR membership include:

•   clearly demonstrating commitment to academic freedom and related values;
•   increasing solidarity among universities;
•   access to courageous and inspiring educators for academic visits and public events;
•   links with international higher education institutions;
•   faculty development opportunities;
•   internship opportunities for students;
•   help from SAR staff in applying for IIE Scholar Rescue Fund fellowships;
•   help from SAR staff in counseling scholar-visitors about relocation, adjustment, job searching  and post-visit transitions;
•   voting privileges at the SAR annual meeting and other member meetings;
•   eligibility for election to the SAR board
•   one complimentary registration and additional discounted registrations at SAR conferences  and events;
•   subscription to the SAR newsletter and discounts on SAR publications; and
•   listing in the SAR member directory, website and annual report.

Membership requirements
Membership is open to accredited higher education institutions in any country committed to the principle that scholars should be free to work without fear or intimidation. Academic associations and other organizations sharing common interest in academic freedom and related values are invited to join as affiliates. (Individuals are invited to join Friends of Scholars at Risk. For more information about individual participation, please download the 'Friends of Scholars at Risk' form.)

Members establish a local Scholars at Risk committee and designate one or more committee members to serve as the institution's representative(s) to the network.

Members contribute an annual subscription of US$500 to support the activities of the network office, including services for scholars and members, the SAR website, email alerts, newsletter and publications, the SAR Speaker Series, conferences and other events. (Universities and colleges in developing countries and elsewhere that may have difficulty with the annual subscription are invited to contact SAR staff to request a reduction or waiver.)

To become a member of the network, please complete the 'Join the Network' (PDF) form and return it together with a letter on institution letterhead acknowledging participation.