Definition and Purpose

International Memoranda of Understanding (IMOU) are used frequently to establish general, non-contractual agreements with foreign universities and institutions. They are most often statements of mutual interest, intent to pursue research collaboration, exchange visitors, or to meet periodically to discuss issues of mutual concern. They are not student exchange agreements, vehicles to establish new educational programs, or research contracts. Student exchanges and educational programs must be the subject of formal agreements approved by the International Programs Office and the Faculty Senate International Studies Council. Research contracts must be processed by the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration. IMOU do not establish fiscal or contractual commitments of any kind. A sample of a subcontract for international research collaboration is shown at the end of this web document.

IMOU Template and Cover Sheet

Attached to this procedural memorandum is a draft template to be used and modified as appropriate. Use of this basic template will help with timely review and processing.

A cover sheet is also attached that must be used to insure that all appropriate offices and individuals have reviewed the draft and agree that it is appropriate to proceed.

Required Reviews and Signatures

An IMOU can originate at the program, department, institute, or college level and should be a peer to peer understanding. The process can be initiated by drafting an IMOU consistent with the attached template. Questions about whether an IMOU is appropriate can be addressed by the persons listed at the bottom of this document. A draft should be submitted to the International Programs Office and International Research at the Office of Research Liaison and Development for initial review before signatures are obtained. Internal legal review may be recommended based on the content of the draft MOU.

When departmental, institute or college signatures are obtained the MOU should be returned to the IPO or RL&D for submission to the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Chancellor for final signatures. If the IPO determines that the IMOU requires legal review it will forward the document to the University's Legal Counsel. If a signing ceremony or other event or press release is planned or appropriate, a note to explain the need and timing of that should be attached when the draft is sent to the IPO.

Filing and Digital Recording of Signed Originals

Each signatory should retain a copy of the IMOU for its records. The IPO will retain a copy of all original IMOU, Research Liaison and Development will scan and enter all IMOU into a data base that will be available for access for administrative purposes.

Contact Frank Hugus at International Programs concerning educational issues or Rick Taupier at Research Liaison and Development concerning international research issues.

(Draft Example)
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

BETWEEN

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA, USA 01003

AND

(Institution's Name and Address)

XXX University of [Province and Country] and the University of Massachusetts
Amherst of the USA have expressed an interest in establishing cooperative relations as outlined in the following inter-institutional memorandum on academic and research collaboration.

Both universities agree to discuss cooperation in joint educational and research activities. Under this Memorandum both institutions will encourage direct contact, negotiation and collaboration between faculty members, students, departments, institutes and centers, and academic support staff. Areas of collaboration, as expressed by mutual interest, may include but shall not be limited to:

[Examples]
1. identification of disciplines that may result in collaborative programs between the institutions;
2. establishment of systems and procedures in order to support and administer the areas identified;
3. management of appropriate quality assurance processes;
4. collaboration in teaching, learning, research and knowledge transfer which are mutually beneficial to both parties;
5. staff development and training for the staff of both parties;
6. cooperative marketing and promotional activities.

Arrangements for exchange visits, collaborative research, and other forms of cooperation will be developed jointly and agreed upon in each case. Exchange of students requires a formal agreement specifying all terms of the exchanges. Research contracts must be reviewed and processed by the UMA Office of Grants and Contract Administration.

All specific collaborations established within the context of this MOU shall be the subject of specific Institutional Agreements. Financial considerations or agreements pertaining to future collaboration will be negotiated in the context of each Agreement.


This Memorandum of Understanding shall be valid from the last date of signing by the authorized parties at each institution and shall remain in effect for five (5) years. At the end of that period it will be reviewed by both parties and may be renewed and modified by mutual written consent. The Memorandum may be terminated by either party by a six month written notification of termination.

Neither party may assign the benefit or delegate responsibility for this MOU, or otherwise sub-contract, franchise, mortgage, charge or otherwise transfer any or all of its rights and obligations under this MOU, without the prior written consent of the other Party.



Signed by:





University of Massachusetts                             Cooperating University



Date                                                            Date



For further information on implementing international memoranda of understanding that initiate collaborative educational efforts please contact Dr. Frank Hugus (hugus@ipo.umass.edu) Associate Provost for International Education, International Programs Office, Hills South, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 - 413-545-2710.

For further information on implementing international memoranda of understanding that initiate collaborative research efforts please contact Dr. Rick Taupier (taupier@research.umass.edu) Associate Director for International Research with the UMA Office of Research, Liaison and Development, 70 Butterfield Terrace, Univ. of Mass. Amherst, MA 01003 - 413-545-5529



Cover Sheet for International Memoranda of Understanding

This cover sheet must be attached to any draft International Memorandum of Understanding for which you are seeking approval. Department heads and Deans are not required to sign the MOU (though they may if appropriate) but their signature on the cover sheet indicates that they have reviewed and agree with the content.



___________________ ____________________________ __________

Name of Department       Dept. Head's Signature                 Date



___________________ ____________________________ __________

College                         Dean's Signature                           Date



_________________________________________________ __________

Graduate School Signature (if graduate education related)       Date



_________________________________________________ __________

Vice Chancellor for Research Signature (if research related)      Date



__________________________________________________ _________

International Programs Office Signature                                   Date

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