Scholar Handbook

Once you have unpacked and settled into your apartment, please contact your School Administrative Officer. The Administrative Officer may review School policies and answer any questions concerning your appointment. The following is a list of the School Administrative Officers along with their contact information:

Historical Studies          Janet Yoon                          1-609-734-8300            Fuld 306

Mathematics                Nicole Maldonado               1-609-734-8116            Simonyi 117

Natural Sciences           Michelle Sage                     1-609-734-8119            Bloomberg 102

Social Science               Miriam Harris                     1-609-734-8250            West 307

Members being paid directly by the Institute must have an appointment with the Comptroller’s Office to enroll in the monthly payroll. This includes health insurance and childcare subsidy payments.

All payroll appointments will be held via Zoom. Appointments are available Monday through Wednesday and should be scheduled using the Appointment Plus scheduler (www.ias.edu/appointments).

The monthly Institute payments must be directly deposited into a US bank account. You may use an existing US account or open a new one locally. If you need to open an account you should do so prior to your payroll appointment. Many Members choose PNC Bank, located at 76 Nassau Street and Palmer Square in Princeton.

If you are not a US citizen or a US permanent resident, it is important that you contact Jennifer Hansen (ext. 8206) in Visitor and Visa Services as soon as possible after your arrival to provide copies of your passport and immigration documents.

The Institute requires that all incoming scholars have health insurance coverage for themselves and all eligible dependents who accompany them. If you elected to enroll in one of the health insurance plans offered through the Institute, you must schedule an appointment with the Human Resources Office as soon as possible after your arrival to complete your insurance application forms. Please contact Cindy Pearce (ext. 4436) to schedule an appointment.

In recent years the Princeton area experienced a number of major storms that resulted in power failures in town and on campus, as well as travel difficulties for several days. The Institute was able to help a number of families in our community during the storms and would like to be able to do so - as far as we are able - in the future. Of course, our resources are limited and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to help. However, to assist us in planning for similar events in the future, we invite Members and Visitors to inform us now, in advance of an emergency, if any member of the family living in housing has a need for special attention should there be a power or weather emergency on campus. An example is someone with limitations regarding their mobility. Information can be sent to mbrsvcs@ias.edu. Someone from the Institute administration will be in contact with you to discuss your particular needs, challenges, and options.

There are three campus and housing exchanges: 734, 951, and 279. If the telephone you are calling is on campus and begins with one of these three exchanges, you may reach your party by dialing the last four digits of the phone number only. To place a call off campus, you must first dial 9 to get an outside line except when making an emergency 911 call.

Fire, Medical, Police Emergency - 911

Princeton Police Non-emergency - 1-609-921-2100

Penn Medicine Princeton Health Center - 1-609-853-7000

Critical Maintenance Problem or Public Safety Officer - 1-609-947-5940

Routine Maintenance Problem - Office and housing maintenance requests are processed online through SchoolDude at www.ias.edu/maint-request. Submittal Password is IAS.

• Obtain key packet envelopes upon arrival
• Send and collect fax transmittals
• Purchase postage stamps
• Lost and found

• Press 9 for an outside line, then 1 plus the three-digit area code, then the seven-digit number for local and long-distance calls.
• For international calls, press 9 for an outside line, then 0-1-1, country code, city code, and number.
• To call other offices and apartments on campus, simply dial the last four digits of the seven-digit number.

• Press 8-0-1-0 or the Message button to access voice mail. Listen for instructions.
• At prompt requesting mailbox, enter your extension (last four digits of your telephone number) then press #.
• At the next prompt requesting password, again enter your extension (the default password) then press #.
• To play the message, press 2. To delete the message, press 7-6. To go to the next message, press 6.
• To access your messages from another location, call 1-609-734-8010, then follow the above directions.

• Press 8-0-1-0 or the Message button to access voice mail. Log on by following the above directions. Press 8-2 to record greetings.
• Press 1 for external greeting or press 2 for internal greeting (press 3 for temporary greeting).
• Press 5 to record, wait for tone, then record.
• Press # to end recording. Press 4 to exit.

• Via e-mail, address message to telephone@ias.edu.
• Via telephone, dial ext. 8009.
• Via interoffice mail - address interoffice envelope to Receptionist.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.

Crossroads Nursery School and Infant Center operates a program for children from three months to five years of age. Crossroads is a small, independent school that gives the children of individuals affiliated with the Institute preferential enrollment status. However, because it is a small facility, enrollment cannot be guaranteed and it is limited to approximately 60 students per year.

Crossroads maintains five classrooms in the facility. The lower two classes (serving children 3 months to 30 months) offer full-day care for the children. In the upper three classes (serving children 2.5 years to 5 years), children may be enrolled in either a part-time or full-time program.

The educational program at Crossroads is a traditional, child-centered program. Their goals are to provide a caring and safe environment in which each child can develop a strong sense of self-worth, creativity, and curiosity about the environment and to enable her/him to interact successfully and comfortably with peers and teachers. Questions may be directed to Crossroads Director Danielle Otis (ext. 4699).

The general emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance is: 9-1-1

The three-digit number “9-1-1” is the emergency telephone number that can be dialed 24 hours a day for police, fire, or emergency medical service. The 9-1-1 lifeline-system number should only be used in actual emergencies. Non-emergency calls may be directed to the Princeton Police Department at 1-609-921-2100.

When making the emergency call, please provide the 9-1-1 operator with an exact description of the emergency, where the problem is, the telephone number you are calling from, and your address and name if requested. Please stay on the telephone and answer the 9-1-1 operator’s questions and follow any instructions you may be given.

The nearest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Medicine Princeton Health Center, located at 1 Plainsboro Road in Plainsboro, and the telephone number is 1-609-853-7000.

The Institute has established a partnership with the Penn Medicine Princeton Health Center to provide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for visiting scholars and their adult household members. Qualifying participants are eligible for three sessions per incident of short-term counseling with an EAP clinician. These sessions are designed to resolve personal, family, and work-related issues, and will be provided at no cost.

The following full-service bank has a relationship with the Institute. It is conveniently located near Palmer Square in Princeton and offers access to major automatic teller networks. 

PNC Bank, 76 Nassau Street 1-609-497-6700

PNC Bank offers all Institute Members a free checking account with no minimum balance with direct deposit of your pay. You will be given an ATM VISA debit card and your first order of checks free. PNC ATMs are available on Palmer Square at the bank, the Wawa, the Princeton University Store, as well as many local shopping malls. Other checking and savings packages are also available and can be discussed with you in person.

The United Way offers a telephone hotline, “First Call for Help” at 211. This telephone hotline assists area residents in locating appropriate human services agencies. These agencies provide support and assistance for individuals in need of family or psychiatric counseling or in locating rehabilitation services.

Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria that is carried by ticks. This infection can cause a variety of symptoms and if left untreated can be severe.  Lyme disease is very common in this area.

If you are unfamiliar with how the US medical delivery system works, we hope these brief guidelines will help you in making prudent decisions on how you should seek medical care while at the Institute.

Nassau Swim Club, open from the end of May to the beginning of September, is an outdoor pool located off the gravel road near the von Neumann apartment buildings. Institute Members and Visitors are eligible to join the swim club at a discounted rate. In order to receive the reduced rate, an Institute ID card issued to the applicant must be presented at the time of application.

The Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon Street. The library offers a variety of books and other materials, as well as programs for library members of all ages. All residents of Princeton, including visiting scholars of the Institute, may borrow library materials. Identification and proof of residence must be presented when applying for library membership.

Littlebrook Elementary School

Grades: Kindergarten through 5th

Ages:                5 - 10

Address:           39 Magnolia Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540

Telephone:       1-609-806-4250

Principal:          Mr. Luis Ramirez

Registrar:          Ms. Laurie Oneto

Princeton Middle School

Grades: 6th through 8th

Ages:                11 - 13

Address:           217 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540

Telephone:       1-609-806-4270

Principal:          Mr. Jason Burr

Registrar:          Ms. Laurie Oneto

Princeton High School

Grades: 9th through 12th

Ages:                14 - 18

Address:           151 Moore Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

Telephone:       1-609-806-4280

Principal:          TBA

Registrar:          Ms. Lori Scala

Princeton Public Schools School Year Calendar

Individuals holding a formal position of Faculty, Member, Visitor, or staff of the Institute may also apply to Princeton University for a reduced rate permit that provides access to their athletic facilities. In order to receive the reduced rate of Affiliate, an Institute ID card issued to the applicant must be presented at the time of application.

The Princeton University Library consists of The Harvey S. Firestone Memorial Library (primarily books in the humanities and social sciences), the Peter Lewis Science Library (housing most of the mathematics, physics, and astrophysics collection), and 18 other special subject libraries located throughout the campus; and a diverse set of e-resources, including journals, e-books, and more. The general catalogue contains over five million entries and grows by 250,000 each year.

Institute library staff are able to request books and articles for Faculty, Members, and Visitors. The requested materials are usually received within 24 hours and may be returned to the circulation desk in either of the Institute libraries. The Institute Community also has access to most digital journal and monograph subscriptions held by Princeton University Library, accessible through the Institute campus wired networks, our wireless Eduroam network, or remotely using the Institute’s Open Virtual Private Network Service. Please contact Mathematics - Natural Sciences Librarian Emma Moore or Historical Studies - Social Science Librarian Marcia Tucker for assistance to access these shared resources.

Tiger ReTail is an online marketplace exclusive to Princeton University and the Institute communities. The goal of TigerReTail is to facilitate the ease of buying, selling, and exchanging a variety of items and services within a community. Click the Institute for Advanced Study CAS link and login using your Institute credentials.

Princeton University provides a free shuttle service, TigerTransit, available to the University and surrounding community. The closest pick up and drop off locations to the Institute campus are the Graduate College and Lawrence Apartments.

Nonimmigrants are requested to contact Jennifer Hansen (ext. 8206) as soon as possible after arrival to provide the following documents based on immigration status:

• J-1 Scholars

  • Passport

  • DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status

• F-1 Scholars
  • Passport
  • I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status
  • Employment Authorization Document
• H-1B Scholars
  • Passport
  • I-797 Approval Notice

Spouses and partners of Institute Members are invited to join English Conversation Groups to enhance English speaking skills. These groups are open to adults only and free of charge. Individuals of all levels are encouraged to participate. Groups currently available include:

• AMIAS English Conversation at Harry Bar in the Simons Hall, contact: Josh Horowitz

• The Friends of the Davis International Center at Princeton University (https://davisic.princeton.edu/learning-english), contact: Melanie Lawrence.

• Princeton Public Library www.princetonlibrary.org/ppl-events/attend/englishconversation

Please note: It is your responsibility to maintain a valid and continuous immigration status and to comply with the regulations of the Exchange Visitor Program.

Initial Registration Requirement: All J-1 Exchange Visitors must report to the Office of Visitor and Visa Services within 30 days of the start date on the Form DS-2019. It is recommended to report in shortly after campus arrival.

Employment Restrictions: J-1 Exchange Visitors should not engage in any unauthorized employment. J-1 visitors are only authorized to participate in the employment specifically authorized on their Form DS-2019. All Exchange Visitors should contact the Office of Visitor and Visa Services prior to accepting employment not covered by the Form DS-2019.

Occasional Lectures or Consultations: J-1 Exchange Visitors may participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations while visiting other academic or research institutions. Such lectures and consultations should not interfere with your Institute appointment and you must obtain written authorization from the Office of Visitor and Visa Services prior to undertaking such activities.

Social Security Number: If you will be receiving funds from a US source, you will need a Social Security Number. If you do not currently have a Social Security Number, you will need to apply in person at a Social Security Administrative Office. The Institute will arrange transportation to the local office and you will be notified of the trip and application requirements after your Institute arrival.

Maintaining Required Health Insurance: All J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents are required to have health insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14]:

• $100,000 for medical benefits per accident or illness

• $500 deductible per accident or illness

• $50,000 for medical evacuation

• $25,000 for repatriation of remains

• When traveling outside the United States, you must have the following documentation in order to reenter the United States in J-1 status: a valid passport, a valid J-1 visa stamp, and a valid Form DS-2019 with a current travel authorization signature. A J-2 dependent must also have a valid passport, a valid J-2 visa stamp, and a valid Form DS-2019 with a current travel authorization signature to return to the United States in J-2 status following international travel.
• If your J-1 visa stamp is no longer valid, it will be necessary for you to apply at a US embassy or consulate for a new J-1 visa stamp in order to reenter the United States (for exceptions to this see Automatic Visa Revalidation below). This also applies to family members with expired J-2 visa stamps.
• Each time you exit the United States, with the exception of visits to Canada and Mexico or the adjacent islands of the United States (see Automatic Visa Revalidation below), you will surrender your Form I-94 upon departure. When you reenter the US, you will receive a new Form I-94. Please be certain that each new Form I-94 is marked with “J-1” (or “J-2” for dependents) and “D/S”.

• You applied for a new visa and it has not been issued
• You applied for a new visa and were denied
• You have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status
• You have been out the United States for more than thirty days
• You are a citizen of one of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria

• US government regulations bar an individual from participating in an Exchange Visitor Program as a Professor or Research Scholar if that person was physically present in the United States as a J-1 Exchange Visitor for all or part of the 12-month period immediately preceding the starting date of the new Exchange Visitor Program. The 12-month bar does not apply to an Exchange Visitor who was sponsored in the category of Short-term Scholar or is transferring directly from another institution’s program.
• Additional US government regulations bar an individual from participating in an Exchange Visitor Program as a Professor or Research Scholar if that person was physically present in the United States as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Professor or Research Scholar for all or part of the 24-month period immediately preceding the starting date of the new Exchange Visitor Program.
• The 12- and 24-month bars also apply to J-2 dependents of the J-1 Exchange Visitor.

• The program in which the Exchange Visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the US government or the government of the Exchange Visitor’s nationality or last residence;
• The Exchange Visitor is a national or resident of a country designated as requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skills in which the Exchange Visitor was engaged for the duration of their program (See Exchange Visitor Skills List at: www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/04/30/E9-9657/2009-revised-exchange-visitor-skills-list;
• The Exchange Visitor entered the United States to receive graduate medical education or training.

• Please Note: You should retain all documentation pertaining to your immigration status in the United States. Such documentation may include current and expired passports; Forms I-20, DS-2019, and I-797; and Employment Authorization Documents. These records are important in establishing your compliance with US immigration laws.
• It is also advisable after your arrival to photocopy the biographical page of your passport, your visa stamp, Form I-94, and the Form DS-2019 and keep them separate from the originals for use in applying for replacements if the originals should be lost or stolen.