Export control regulations and law limit the academic and research information that Lehigh faculty may share with postdocs and students who do not yet have a visa. Faculty involved in their teaching or supervision must be aware of what can be shared with these individuals prior to their visa approval and entry into the US.
The release of non-educational information to postdocs and students during the period of time prior to a visa being secured may require an export license. Please review this website for more information on export licenses and what the application process entails. Applications for export licenses may only be submitted to the federal authorities by the Lehigh Office of Research Integrity. Faculty and supervisors must take care to ensure that unauthorized information is not shared prior to the visa being issued.
The sharing of some specific types of information may be authorized under an “educational information” exclusion to the federal export control regulations. Educational information authorized under this exclusion includes information concerning general scientific, mathematical or engineering principles commonly taught in schools, colleges and universities that is released as part of instruction for a course listed in the university’s course catalog or the associated teaching laboratory. The sharing of research or lab specific information that is not included in catalog course instruction does NOT qualify for this exclusion.
Important note: Postdocs are not eligible for exclusion for educational information because they are not enrolled in coursework.
Please contact the Office of Research Integrity for questions or assistance.