Distinguished Visitor Programs

Nominations are considered by an advisory committee, which takes into consideration the distinction of the proposed visitors, the length and type of visit proposed, the extent of support that has been secured from other funding sources, and the specific engagement opportunities that the organizers are planning. Specifically:

• The main criterion will be the distinction of the nominee, which will be assessed on the breadth and depth of the nominee’s contributions and esteem within their respective field.
• A typical visit is expected to last three to five days, though alternate durations will be considered.
• Priority will be given to nominations for visiting lecturers who will give at least one lecture that is of wide interest to the university, as well as free and open to the public. It is expected that while the visiting lecturers are at the university they will conduct seminars or workshops for faculty, staff, and students and make themselves available for consultation.
• Units submitting nominations are expected to be able to provide substantial funding support either from their own budget or in partnership with other units. The Distinguished Visiting Lecturer Fund typically is not offered in an amount exceeding 50% of the cost of the visit.
• Best efforts will be made to respond to nominations that, when taken together, identify candidates in the wide variety of disciplines reflected throughout the university.
• While it may have to reconsider the matter in light of the nominations it receives, the advisory committee anticipates the amount of each award would support an honorarium of up to $500.00 per diem, depending on the length of stay, in addition to travel and accommodation expenses involved in the visit. 

Nominations shall only be accepted from individuals and groups within or associated with the University of Manitoba. Each nomination should be accompanied by:

1. A current curriculum vitae for the nominee.
2. A supporting statement from the nominator(s) providing reasons for support of the nominee proposed.
3. The proposed format of the visit and duration of the visit, including an itinerary that outlines the type of lectures, seminars, or other activities and probable dates for the visit.
4. Statements from others supporting the nomination.
5. A proposed budget that includes an estimate of the total travel, accommodations, and honorarium expenses involved, and an indication (i.e. dollar amounts) of other sources of financial support for this nominee’s visit.

Nominations should be forwarded to The Office of the President, 200 Administration Building or president@umanitoba.ca

If a nomination is approved, notification of approval will include information on the amount of the grant to be provided. In virtually all cases, cost‐sharing will be a required element of proposals, though in exceptional circumstances this requirement may be waived. Distinguished Visiting Lectureship Funding normally shall not exceed 50% of the cost of a proposed visit.

Upon approval, the nominator will be asked to identify a FOAP and the approved amount will be transferred. The department hosting the visitor is expected to directly pay all expenses relating to the visit. Within 30 days of the conclusion of a visit, a copy of the final expenditures should be sent to the Office of the President, 200 Administration Building.

The nominating unit shall be responsible for all elements of organizing the approved visit. This includes ensuring that interested groups (i.e. staff, students in the discipline and related areas, professional groups, and community groups) are informed of the visit and encouraged to attend the public lecture.

Publicity for the visit should be coordinated through the Marketing Communications Office. Time should be reserved in the visit for media interviews, in the event that members of the media are interested in the visitor and their discipline.

Reference to sponsorship from the Distinguished Visiting Lecture Fund should appear in all printed materials related to the visit. The following may be used:

• A University of Manitoba Distinguished Visiting Lecturer
• Distinguished Visiting Lecturer
• The Distinguished Visiting Lecturer Program
• The Distinguished Visiting Lecture Fund

If the Distinguished Visiting Lecturer is not a resident of Canada, a 15% withholding tax must be deducted from the visitor's honorarium.

However, if the visit to Canada is not for a prolonged period of time, it may be possible for this withholding tax to be reduced to nil if the following steps are taken in a timely fashion:

1. Non‐Resident Tax Waiver Certificate Application (Regulation 105) should be sent to the non‐resident with a letter of offer.
2. Waiver applications must be submitted to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) no later than 30 days before the period of service begins or 30 days before the initial payment for the related services. It is recommended that all requests be submitted through My Account, My Business Account or Represent a Client, or sent by fax to 1-833-329-1160 (Canada and U.S.) or 418-566-0323 (outside Canada and U.S.).
3. A copy of the waiver received from CRA must be included with invoices. If the university does not receive the waiver, the university will have no option but to deduct to deduct the 15% non‐resident tax at source.

• Download a copy of the Non-Resident Tax Waiver Certification Application 
• Learn more about withholding tax on the CRA's website