General Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- A non-binding agreement establishing affiliation between institutions.
- Does not, in and of itself, commit specific university funds or resources; separate binding agreements should be established to pursue specific areas of collaboration such as student exchange, research collaborations, dual degrees, etc.
- Aspirational in nature, but formalizes an institutional commitment to exploring the viability of a variety of collaborative academic activities.
- Often serves as an initial “umbrella” agreement under which separate binding agreements may be developed subsequently to facilitate more specific activities, projects, or programs.
- May also be requested in order to provide proof of a formal institutional relationship, for the purpose of supporting the pursuit of joint funding opportunities, research projects, etc.
Student Exchange Agreement
- A binding agreement that commits university resources (i.e., staff time, tuition waivers, campus services, etc.)
- Allows for a balanced exchange of students between institutions. Students from one institution may study at the other for a limited duration (1-3 quarters) while paying their home institution’s tuition, and receive a reciprocal waiver of tuition at the host institution.
- Outlines institutional accreditation, and establishes provisions for program implementation, including financial and immigration matters, and mutual recognition of academic credit.
Research, Technical or Scientific Cooperation MOU
- Details responsibilities and implementation procedures for faculty, researcher, or administrator exchange between institutions
- Must detail approved financial and logistical implications
Graduate Studies Agreement
- Involves graduate students, typically pursuing research with a host institution abroad
- Must be developed in coordination with the student’s home department chair and/or graduate advisor
Collaborative Degree Program Agreements
- A binding agreement, designed jointly by faculty at UC Santa Cruz and a partner institution, establishing a framework for students to study at each institution, generally leading to the award of multiple qualifications.
- May outline specific provisions for admission, course equivalencies, credit transfer, etc.
- Implementations for this type of agreement can vary but typical models include:
- Concurrent Degree Program: a student works simultaneously on a bachelor’s at one institution and a master’s degree from the other, with some agreed-upon amount of coursework being counted toward both degrees
- Consecutive Degree Program: Two degrees at two levels (usually bachelor’s and master’s) are awarded consecutively by two institutions, based on each institution’s requirements
- Double/Dual (or multiple) Degree Program: Two (or more) institutions each confer a degree of equivalent levels
- Joint Degree Program: One qualification (degree) awarded together by two or more institutions.