Initiate a New International Partnership
Overview
SIUE faculty and staff members sometimes develop special relationships with colleagues at international institutions. These relationships are often key in facilitation the development of meaningful partnerships. Therefore, communication with these potential partners is encouraged.
The International Admissions Director serves as the coordinator of all formal agreements with international partners. The Office of International Affairs serves as the official repository for original copies of formal agreements. International Affairs and International Admissions collaborate to facilitate development of international partnerships.
Definitions and General Requirements
Letter of Engagement
A Letter of Engagement initiates the general partnership process by committing both institutions to focused discussion. Letters of Engagement provide time to develop a more complex agreement and are typically in effect one or two years. They follow a standard template (provided by the Office of International Affairs) that allows for customization. Letters of Engagement are signed by the Executive Director of International Affairs and include the following:
- General outcomes of mutual interest to be achieved, i.e., what will be discussed;
- Outcomes could include discussion of faculty exchange, student exchange, research collaboration, teaching collaboration, and/or development of a particular program, e.g., 2+2 dual degree, 1+3 program, etc.
- Plan to achieve the outcomes, i.e., how the discussions will proceed;
- Evaluation of the outcomes, i.e., how the partners will know if the discussions were successful;
- Statement indicating that the partners will work together in good faith;
- Financial commitments by both parties.
Agreement
An Agreement represents a formal and detailed understanding between SIUE and an international institution that typically is in effect for 5 years. Agreements must be reviewed by legal counsel and signed by the Chancellor and President. They follow a standard template (provided by the International Admissions Office) that allows for customization. Agreements usually include the following:
- Faculty exchange, student exchange, research collaboration, teaching collaboration and/or specialized programs (e.g., dual degree, transfer degree);
- Specific outcomes of mutual interest;
- Financial commitments by both parties;
- How and when the outcomes will be evaluated by both parties to determine the effectiveness of the agreement;
- Details specific to a particular program, e.g., 2+2 program, rules for exchange programs, awarding of credit, etc.
Steps to Initiate a Letter of Engagement or Agreement
Step 1: The initiator (faculty, staff) consults with the International Affairs Executive Director. A Restrictive Party (export control) screening is completed by the Executive Director.
Step 2: The Initiator completes a Request Form. As appropriate, someone from either International Affairs or International Admissions may facilitate completion of the Request Form in the academic unit.
Step 3: The Department Chairperson reviews and approves the Request Form.
Step 4: The Dean or Unit Head reviews and approves the Request Form.
Step 5: The International Affairs Executive Director works with the initiator and prospective partner to draft the Letter of Engagement or Agreement.
- At this step, a Letter of Engagement may be finalized. If an Agreement is proposed, steps 6, 7, and 8 are completed.
Step 6: Legal Counsel reviews and approves the Agreement.
Step 7: The Provost reviews and approves the Agreement.
Step 8: If approved at all levels, the Executive Director of International Affairs prepares the Agreement for review, approval and signing, first by the partner institution, and then by Chancellor and President.
Best Practices to be Considered When Developing Partnership
| Issues to be evaluated | Persons responsible for review and approval |
|---|---|
|
Both partner institutions similarly aligned. (e.g., share goals, similar areas of academic strength) |
International Affairs Director*, initiator, Department Chairperson, Dean |
|
The proposed partnership shows potential for ongoing activity. |
International Affairs Director*, initiator, Department Chairperson, Dean, Provost, Chancellor, President |
|
The academic unit shows commitment to sustain the partnership. (e.g., Identified faculty or staff member at each institution are assigned to coordinate and communicate with the partner regularly; faculty and/or staff are willing to be involved in development of a joint curriculum plan, etc.) |
International Affairs Director*, initiator, Department Chairperson, Dean |
|
The agreement includes clear and feasible outcomes. (e.g., Academic unit has capacity to meet outcomes; For student exchange, needed classes, advising and cultural mentoring are available within and outside of the academic unit) |
International Affairs Director*, initiator, Department Chairperson, Dean |
|
The agreement details a clear evaluation plan. |
International Affairs Director*, initiator, Department Chairperson, Dean |
|
The university is able and willing to meet any financial commitments specified. |
Provost, Chancellor |
|
Language in the agreement legally appropriate and legal liabilities are specified and appropriate. |
Legal Counsel |
|
The proposed partner institution is free of Export Control issues. |
International Affairs Director |
* In consultation with International Admissions Director, as appropriate
Request a Partnership
- Request for Formal Partnership (fillable form)
