When Considering Establishing a New Agreement

When considering a new partnership, consider the issues outlined below to determine whether the partnership is mutually beneficial, sustainable and aligns with the unit, college and/or university priorities and goals. Please also review the types of agreements.

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Be aware that initiating, drafting, and fully-executing an agreement is not a quick process and often takes many months or more to complete. Please plan accordingly.

 

• Types of Agreements
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) An MOU is an official agreement with a foreign institution (e.g. government agency, business, research center, consortium or university) that typically contains general language, no financial obligation to either party, and no commitment beyond further negotiation and interaction.
  • Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) A MOA is a more detailed agreement that governs the implementation of a clearly articulated program of collaboration. This agreement outlines the intent of the collaboration and specifies specific obligations. A MOA may be either college level or university level. Types of MOAs include, dual degrees, reciprocal education exchange, articulation agreements
  • College Activity Agreements (CAA): Occasionally, it will be necessary to have other international agreements for specific program purposes at the college level. When this is the case, and the needs of the college document do not fit either an MOU or MOA, the title of the document and its format should be checked against available templates or models from OSU Global. This agreement must be discussed with CEHS-Global Engagement and OSU Global.
  • Study Abroad Agreements
    • Two-Way Agreements: (Reciprocal Exchange agreements) create a reciprocal exchange program with an international institution. OSU students pay tuition and fees at OSU, international (exchange) students pay tuition and fees at their home institution, and the students exchange places in the classroom. Prior to establishing a Study Abroad Two-Way agreement, the interested parties must first determine that there are a sufficient number of courses at the host institution that are available for exchange. In countries where English is not the spoken language, the agreement ensures that there are sufficient courses taught in English at the host institution. This agreement must be discussed with CEHS-Global Engagement and OSU Global.
    • One-Way Agreements: (Affiliations and Internships) enable OSU students to participate in the academic programs of international institutions. Oklahoma State University students pay tuition and/or fees directly to the host institution and the student will receive credit, grades, or verification of completion for their work and studies from host institution. This agreement must be discussed with CEHS-Global Engagement and OSU Global.
    • Consortium Agreements: Allow consortium members to pool resources to offer study abroad experiences to all of the institutions' students. Each member may send its students to partner programs. They may be exchange and/or affiliate programs. This agreement must be discussed with CEHS-Global Engagement and OSU Global.
  • Collaborative Agreements
    • Academic and Research Programs are designed to facilitate general academic and research endeavors. This can include faculty exchanges, research collaborations, and should be reviewed by CEHS Research and Graduate Studies.
• Important items to consider
  • Does this agreement/program already exist?
    • Ask CEHS Global Engagement Office (email: cehsinternational@okstate.edu)
  • The following people should be aware of any global partnership.
    • College Dean
    • Associate Deans
    • Department/School Head
    • CEHS Global Engagement Office
• Consider, does it meet the needs for the unit/college/department/students
  • Identify strong academic programs and research capacity of the potential partner institution.
  • Compare university structures, characteristics of the institution, and academic strengths of both institutions.
    • University structures can include; academic calendar year, teaching style, research topics, etc.
    • Will there be faculty/student interest?
      • Do you know what percentage of interest?
    • What are the benefits for this agreement/program?
    • Know what type of agreement? (see agreement types above)
      • MOU, MOA, Study Abroad, Collaborative
      • Research, study abroad, internship, etc.
      • Graduate, undergraduate, faculty, etc.
    • Will other departments and/or colleges from CEHS or OSU benefit from this agreement/program?
  • Describe the type of programs that you envision and consider reasonable goals and outcomes for the partnership.
    • Type of programs can include; faculty-led, affiliate study abroad, student exchange, student research, faculty exchange, faculty research, consortium, customized program, etc. (consider; undergraduate or graduate or both)
    • Consider both short and long-term goals
• For any kind of study abroad agreement, please consider the following
  • Ensure that the partner institution has adequate courses in English and a compatible academic calendar.
  • If the agreement involves reciprocal exchange programs or any other study abroad opportunities, this should be discussed with CEHS Global Engagement Office on the feasibility of sending students and maintaining the student exchange balance.
• Consider, is there a person willing to be the program advocate
  • Recruit faculty and/or students
  • Lead a faculty-led program
  • Maintain the student/faculty exchange balance
  • Grow the partnership
  • Maintain good communication
• How to start an agreement
  • Please email the CEHS Global Engagement Office, with your proposal on a new agreement by addressing the items above. (email: cehsinternational@okstate.edu)