There are many reasons to create an MOU between the University of Arkansas and an international institution with which you work regularly or for which future collaboration is planned. For example, many external funding agencies require an MOU between the institutions of researchers who are making a joint application for a grant, to demonstrate that the two institutions support the proposal. Likewise, U of A’s international partners will often ask for an MOU either prior to or in conjunction with, the creation of a specific program of collaboration, such as a formal student exchange program or a joint degree program. U of A prefers that MOUs be linked to some specific planned active and productive collaboration, either in the immediate or near future.

• MOU’s are not always necessary for a U of A faculty member to visit and engage at a foreign university or institution. Likewise, it is not necessary, unless required for funding, to have an MOU to invite visiting faculty or scholars to the U of A. Both of these can be accomplished with a localized letter of invitation from a program, department or college designating dates of the visit, purpose and intention of the visit, and resources committed. Local approval of department chairs/heads and/or deans may be required, and those offices should be notified.
• Short term activities and informal engagement not supported by commitments of resources may not require an MOU. However, the activities should be discussed and disclosed with a department chair/head, and/or dean’s office.

Prior to initiating a proposal for an MOU, please use the online tool's searchable database (https://uark-agreements.terradotta.com/) to determine if an MOU may already exist within the institution, agency, organization of interest. If an MOU already exists, then an amended MOU may be proposed, or a specific supplemental agreement (see above) may be added to the existing institutional agreement.

• To begin an MOU proposal (https://uark-agreements.terradotta.com/) for an international agreement through our International Agreements Portal. Before proposing an MOU, it is best to have an action plan on how to address the following issues:
  • What justifies the agreement? Why is an agreement necessary?
  • What specific activities, products or outcomes will this agreement foster? Could it open opportunities for recruitment? Will the agreement lead to activity and a productive collaboration?
  • How does this agreement benefit the program, department, college and University initiatives as a whole? Who will be the primary beneficiary of the agreement? Will the agreement enhance the programs and reputation of the U of A?
  • Which U of A faculty or staff member will be the primary manager of the agreement? An active and productive MOU needs to have a facilitator and caretaker.
  • Who is the appropriate point of contact for the partner institution as a manager of the agreement?
  • Does the institution have any track record of a successful, active and productive collaborations with U.S. or other institutions? Have we checked with that institution as a reference?
  • All details concerning the particular agreement type that you are proposing. (Example: For an Inbound Visiting Student Affiliation, a tentative plan of academic and cultural program activities would be expected.)

Moving from initial discussions to final signature by the Provost or Chancellor can take several months, or longer, particularly if your partner institution asks for special conditions or customized language.

The chain of approval for each MOU will depend on the agreement type and departments involved. However, when you submit a proposal through our online database, it will automatically route through the appropriate channels. If you have any questions about the status or location of your proposal, contact Dean Curt Rom at crom@uark.edu.

Generally, the official signatory for the U of A as designated by the Board of Trustees is the Provost. Sometimes the partner requests that the chief officer, the Chancellor, officially sign the agreement. In formal signing ceremonies, it is common for the Chancellor to sign.

Note: Faculty and staff do not have the authority to sign an international institutional agreement.

The current U of A MOU Agreement template has a term of four years and is auto-renewable unless otherwise specified. Some agreements require shorter periods of time (1-3 years) and some are extended for longer periods (5 years).

A template U of A MOU Agreement can be found within the International Agreements Portal.