International Projects - Institutional Agreements

• Searchable Database of Existing International Agreements

The Center for International Studies [CFIS] provides assistance to all academic units in drafting formal institutional agreements with colleges and universities overseas and expedites the approval process within the University. It also serves as the central repository of information on the University of Delaware's ongoing collaborative global partnerships. In addition to assisting with the preparation of institutional agreements, the Center provides consultation and access to its database and files regarding existing and past international agreements through it's searchable database.

Institutional Agreements are designed to establish a formal foundation for long-term, recurring international collaboration with strategic partners identified by the University community. They therefore represent a significant commitment by the two parties. The University of Delaware employs a two part model for its international agreements:

1. A standard General Agreement at the university-to-university level. A General Agreement provides a broad framework for collaborative activities between the partnering institutions, normally including student and/or faculty exchanges, research, training, and similar activities. It is signed by the President of the University of Delaware and his institutional counterpart.
2. Related Supplementary Agreements entered into by the relevant campus unit(s). Supplementary Agreements detail specific activities, including the commitment of resources and acceptance of obligations by the partner units. These agreements are flexible in design length and commitment, although they will be vetted to assure there is no violation of university policy. Additional Supplementary Agreements may be signed as new departments become interested in collaborating with an established partner institution. Supplementary Agreements are normally signed by the relevant college dean and the relevant unit head.

1. Have established collaboration and support from the partner institution.
2. Check CFIS's Searchable Database of International Agreements to determine whether or not a collaborative relationship with the prospective partner institution already exists.
3. Discuss the need for a collaborative agreement with your unit administrator (director, department chair, and dean) to ensure there will be resources available to support the partnership.
4. Submit a proposal for a Global Partnership Agreement to the Center for International Studies.
5. Once the proposal is approved by UD, CFIS will draft the agreement and share it with the partner institution.
6. Once approved by the partner institution, CFIS will secure the required signatures at UD and then send the agreement to the partner institution for signatures.
7. When fully signed, CFIS will add the agreement to the database of International Agreements.