Global Programs: International Research

Creating a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)

Why Create a MOU?

To initiate formally acknowledged activities between the University of Georgia and international institutions, you must have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), also called an International Cooperative Agreement (ICA), signed by the presidents of both the University of Georgia and the international institution. In order for a Memorandum of Understanding to be considered for approval, the institutions must have a history of collaboration, and must document a willingness to commit time and/or funds toward cooperative activities.

How to Create a MOU

Faculty and staff in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences should contact Victoria McMaken for assistance and specific instructions for developing and formalizing international agreements and/or addendums.  Individuals from other UGA Colleges, Schools, and Institutes should contact their international coordinator or Jane Gatewood (link) in the Office of International Affairs directly.

For more information on developing international agreements please see http://uga.edu/oie/frcoopag.htm.

Tools for Getting Started

• Routing Slip for International Cooperative Agreements (.pdf) – This describes the purpose and benefits of the cooperative agreement to UGA.  

• Sample International Cooperative Agreement (.pdf) - This is UGA’s ‘umbrella agreement’.  Some institutions have their own ‘umbrella’ agreement, and UGA may accept these, but it must be reviewed both by the Office of International Affairs and Legal Affairs and may delay the approval process.   

The Office of Global Programs can help CAES faculty develop appropriate wording for agreements and addenda. Please contact us for assistance.