INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS & RESEARCH

International partnerships and exchanges are often developed through faculty members interacting informally with their colleagues abroad. Partnerships can also include collaborative activities with universities, foreign governments, NGOs, and U.S. government agencies.

If you are interested in formalizing a partnership, or have been approached by another institution, we will work with you to determine if written agreements are required please review UK’s Policy and Procedures for Developing, Maintaining, and Evaluating Consortial and Contractual Agreements for International Educational Programs and Courses, please download the document below.

There are five kinds of agreements covered in the Policy and Procedures:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Student Exchange Agreement 
• 2+2 or Transfer Agreement
• Clinical Agreements for Healthcare Colleges
• Agreements with Non-Academic Entities 

Summary of the Process for Developing Agreements
The department chairperson(s) and dean(s), and the Associate Provost for International Programs must approve all agreements.  

• Congruence with the academic, research, and service priorities and plans of the University, and of the Department and College proposing the agreement. 
• Congruence with UK’s mission.
• Anticipated benefits to students, faculty members, the University, and university stakeholders.
• Evidence of institutional quality, including, for example, reputation, international ranking, and accreditation status.  
• Cost, feasibility, and sustainability of proposed activities.
• Possible risks to students, faculty members, the University, and university stakeholders (including, but not limited to, legal and financial risks, threats to safety and security, reputation, etc.) 

If you have additional questions the Assistant Provost for International Partnerships Gary Gaffield will work with you to determine if written agreements are required, and what type of agreements are appropriate.