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[[underlined]] Visiting Associates Program [[/underlined]]

In managing the Minority Internship and Faculty Fellow Programs, OFG identified a need for greater coordination of ongoing activities and an immediate need of expansion of networking efforts. In September 1984, a Minority Academic Network Coordinator was hired to create and enhance connections and exchanges between scholars of diverse ethnic backgrounds and all parts of the Smithsonian.

The Visiting Associates Program was established in fiscal year 1985 as a result of the Coordinator's efforts to create a viable networking system between the Institution and colleges and universities. The program is designed to bring university faculty members and administrators who have a commitment to expanding minority participation in higher education to learn about ongoing research and research opportunities at the Institution. A group of six associates from five colleges visited the Institution for five days to tour the Institution's research facilities, learn about research activities, and meet professional staff. This initial group included four Black men, one Black woman, and one Hispanic man.

It is anticipated that these activities will extend the effectiveness of the Intern and Faculty Fellowship programs by bringing to the Institution minority scholars of a wider geographic and discipline diversity. In this way, the Smithsonian can make a permanent long range contribution to the 

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