• Complete the New International Collaboration Request Form.

• GEO available to advise Initiating Unit during form completion. Upon unit request, GEO can provide copies of previously approved agreements for reference.

• Initiating Unit requests approval from the appropriate Dean. Dean’s signature required before sending the form to GEO.

• Units can track agreement review status through GEO website, or can contact GEO directly for status updates.

New International Collaboration Request Form

New International Collaboration Request Form

• GEO liaises with Initiating Unit, International Partner, University Counsel and other relevant units in language/term negotiation.

• Templates used when appropriate (General MOU, Student Exchange Agreement, 2+2 Undergraduate Transfer Agreement).

• When templates are not applicable, GEO provides guidance in drafting an agreement, in consultation with Initiating Unit, International Partner, University Counsel, and other stakeholders and relevant units.

• Academic Affairs is involved to ensure SACSCOC compliance.

• GEO finalizes the agreement with any negotiated revisions from relevant units (Initiating Unit, International Partner, etc.) and final revision recommendations from VCU University Counsel.
• GEO forwards two copies of the final agreement, along with an explanatory Memo, to Academic Affairs for Provost signature.

• GEO receives an original signed agreement from Provost.

• GEO sends hard copies of the original signed agreement to International Partner (or to Initiating Unit to send to Partner) for signature.

• International Partner sends one original fully-signed agreement to VCU.

• The original hard copy is housed at GEO. GEO forwards a PDF of the fully-signed agreement to Academic Affairs and relevant units.

A non-binding “handshake” agreement that confirms the intention of VCU and the partner institution to develop collaborative activities in different academic or research areas, but that does not make commitments to specific activities or involve a commitment of University resources. Specific activities must be implemented through separate specific agreements that require approval by authorized officials.

This type of agreement often serves as an “Umbrella Agreement,” which lays the foundation for subsequent specific agreements.

*Review/approval process takes approximately 1 month.

General MOU Agreement Template

An agreement for reciprocal student exchange, the SEA details activities associated with the exchange of students between VCU and the international partner. Students are typically registered at their home institution; therefore, there are no additional tuition costs for participating students. However, other financial, accreditation, credit exchange and immigration implications generally need careful evaluation and description in the agreement.

*Review/approval process takes approximately 1 month.

 Student Exchange Agreement Template

A formal agreement that expresses the current VCU process for accepting credits in transfer towards a specific VCU academic program. The agreement sets forth the terms and conditions for the two universities to determine the appropriate coursework and curriculum that would culminate in an articulated curriculum culminating in an undergraduate degree offered by VCU.

This type of agreement may not include any exceptions or departures from current VCU academic standards, guidelines and/or policies.

*Review/approval process takes approximately 1 month.

A formal agreement to facilitate admission for international students to VCU Masters programs. The agreement sets forth the terms and conditions for the two universities to determine the appropriate coursework and curriculum that would culminate in a graduate degree offered by VCU.

This type of agreement may not include any exceptions or departures from current VCU academic standards, guidelines, and/or policies.

*Review/approval process takes approximately 2-3 months.

A written agreement of purchase or procurement with specific obligations for both VCU and the partner. A contract contains a statement of work or services to be performed (a “deliverable”) and represents a legal obligation.

For example, the VCU Global Education Office may enter into a contract to provide professional development, cultural orientations, and/or English language instruction to an international partner.

Contracts are created on an individual basis, with input from necessary stakeholders (VCU initiating unit, University Counsel, Procurement Services, Academic Affairs, etc.).

*Review/approval process takes approximately 2-3 months.

Please note: Contracts with international academic institutions should be sent to GEO, which will coordinate the review with relevant VCU units, including VCU Contracts. Alternatively, all other contracts (with private businesses, vendors, individuals, etc.) should be sent directly to VCU Contracts at contracts@vcu.edu.

Structures the involved commitments, roles and responsibilities, as well as the procedures for the exchange of faculty and/or administrative staff. These exchanges can include non-credit activities such as patient services, clinical training, and/or a commitment of one or more University resources. The financial and logistical implications of the exchange must be discussed and agreed upon before the final agreement is submitted for signature.

Faculty/Staff Exchange agreements are created on an individual basis, with input from necessary stakeholders (VCU initiating unit, University Counsel, Academic Affairs, etc.).

*Review/approval process takes approximately 2-3 months.

Details the activities associated with a VCU Study Abroad Program at a particular site. It includes the specific conditions and expectations from both parties associated with the program implementation.

Study Abroad programs must be approved by the academic departments and follow the policies and procedures established by the Global Education Office.

*The review/approval process takes approximately 2-3 months.

Study Abroad Affiliation template

Needed when a VCU academic unit collaborates with another institution to award academic credit and/or education program completion (e.g. certificates, diplomas, degrees, or transcripts) by implementing new or significant changes to the curriculum and/or its delivery. Such collaborations are subject to all policies and guidelines of SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education of Virginia) as well as VCU’s accreditation body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Examples include:

• Joint degree — An agreement by two or more institutions to grant a single academic award bearing the names, seals and signatures of each of the participating institutions.
• Dual degree — An agreement by two or more institutions to grant dual academic awards to students who study at each institution. Each institution grants a separate academic award bearing only its name, seal and signature.

Consortial academic agreements, especially joint and dual degree programs, commonly require complex internal and external review and approval processes coordinated by the Office of Academic Affairs.

*Review/approval process takes approximately 1-2 years.

GEO can work with VCU units on the development of other customized agreements. GEO will also work in collaboration with University Counsel, International Partner, Academic Affairs, Purchasing, and any other relevant stakeholders, on the development of these customized agreements.