What is Academic Solicitation? The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) defines Academic Solicitation as the use of students, professors, scientists, or researchers as collectors improperly attempting to obtain sensitive or classified information. These attempts can include requests for, or arrangement of, peer or scientific board reviews of academic papers or presentations; requests to study or consult with faculty members; requests for and access to software and dual-use technology; or applications for admission into academic institutions, departments, majors, or programs, as faculty members, students, fellows, or employees. This may include requests from U.S. persons or from foreign nationals located in the United States or abroad. Academic Solicitation may consist of: Unsolicited applications or requests for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate or other research positions. Unsolicited requests for access to research papers or other research-related publications or documents. Unsolicited requests for assistance with or review of thesis papers, draft publications or other research-related documents. Unsolicited invitations to attend and/or present at international conferences. View the DCSA Academic Solicitation Short for a more in-depth explanation. Reference the following resources for more information: Academic Solicitation Information Pamphlet Preparing for Foreign Visits on Campus Foreign Collection Methods: Indicators and Countermeasures Please report ALL suspicious contacts and/or emails to ORS by contacting Janine Wilson via janine.wilson@uah.edu or orsnotifications@uah.edu.
