The Traveling Scholar Program at the University of Iowa was permanently closed by the Big Ten Academic Alliance in Fall 2026.  This section of the Grad Manual is slated for removal. 

The Traveling Scholar Program allows doctoral students to access unique academic resources—such as specialized courses, research opportunities, and library collections—at other participating Midwestern universities. To participate, students must be recommended by their advisor and approved by both their home and host institutions' graduate deans. While enrolled, students remain registered at their home university, which retains tuition fees and records academic credit earned during the exchange.

Purpose

The program, under the auspices of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation representing thirteen universities in the Midwest, enables a doctoral student to take advantage of special resources available in person on another campus but not available on his or her own campus: special course offerings, research opportunities, unique laboratories, and library collections. 

Procedure

• A CIC Traveling Scholar first must be recommended by the scholar's own graduate adviser, who will approach an appropriate faculty member at the possible host institution in regard to a visiting arrangement.
• After agreement by the student's adviser and the faculty member at the host institution, graduate deans at both institutions will be fully informed by the adviser and have the power to approve or disapprove.
• A CIC Traveling Scholar will be registered at the home university and fees will be collected and kept by that institution.
• Credit for the work taken will be recorded at the home university.
• Those desiring additional information should inquire at the Office of the Graduate College.

Conditions

CIC Traveling Scholars will normally be limited to two semesters or three quarters on another campus. Each university retains its full right to accept or reject any student who wishes to study under its auspices.