When faculty, staff, or departments wish to develop a partnership with an international institution, an agreement must be approved by the Assistant Provost for Global Education, Academic Affairs, and the Office of the President. Therefore, it is important to begin the process by meeting with the Assistant Provost for Global Education to ensure that all factors are considered in order to secure University approval for the agreement.
Additionally, it is required to use only the agreement templates provided by the Assistant Provost for Global Education. Neglecting to collaborate with the Assistant Provost for Global Education or utilize a University-approved agreement template will result in significant delays to the development and ultimate approval of an agreement.
The Process of Developing an Agreement
Consult with the College Dean regarding the feasibility and priority of the agreement.
Meet with the Assistant Provost for Global Education. In order to begin the process, email the Assistant Provost for Global Education at globaled@marshall.edu in order to arrange an appointment. At the appointment, be prepared to discuss the purpose and objectives of the intended agreement. We will assist with determining the type of agreement and provide any feedback to consider during the development process. It is crucial that all international agreements are developed with the assistance of the Assistant Provost for Global Education to ensure the terms of the agreement align with regulations and institutional policies.
Collaborate with the partner institution, if approved by the College Dean and the Assistant Provost for Global Education. Depending on the objectives of the collaboration, work with the partner institution to determine key information needed for the development of the agreement, including objectives, necessary resources, etc. It is important to keep in mind that certain components of the agreement may require additional approvals and/or collaboration with other departments.
Finalize agreement signed by the President, Provost, and College Dean. Once the agreement has been approved and routed for signature, it may then be submitted to the partner institution for signature. One copy of the agreement will be emailed to the partner school for signature with instructions to return a .pdf back to Marshall University.
Types of International Agreements
Commonly referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
General agreement between Marshall University and another institution, not between departments or colleges, to broadly engage in joint activities such as research or education
Must be approved by the Assistant Provost for Global Education and MU Legal
Agreement signed by President and Provost
Used to define terms of an activity that is not a reciprocal exchange, such as a Marshall University department hosting a group of students for a semester, specific research or publication collaboration, or establishing a summer study abroad program
Must be approved, with necessary information added by the Assistant Provost for Global Education Immigration/Admissions, MU Legal, Academic Affairs, Finance Office, and College
Agreement signed by President, Provost, and College Dean
Articulation agreements outline courses which may be taken at the home institution, transferred to Marshall University, and allow a student to enter at a specific academic level in order to complete a Marshall University degree
An articulation agreement outlines how coursework from a foreign institution will transfer to Marshall University, including course equivalencies, units of credit, and grading scale
Commonly referred to as a “2+2” or “3+2” agreement
Must be approved, with necessary information added by the Assistant Provost for Global Education, Immigration/Admissions, MU Legal, Academic Affairs, Finance Office, and College
Agreement signed by President, Provost, and College Dean
Exchange agreements involve a reciprocal student exchange, involving visiting students from both Marshall University and the international partner institution
Students participating in a reciprocal exchange program pay tuition and fees to their home institution while enrolling in and taking courses at the visiting institution
Exchange agreement participation must be monitored to ensure exchanges stay in balance from year to year
Must be approved, with necessary information added by the Assistant Provost for Global Education and MU Legal
Agreement signed by President, Provost, and College Dean (if applicable)
A transfer agreement generally outlines conditions of transfer for students from an international partner institution to Marshall University
Outlines how coursework from a foreign institution will transfer to Marshall University, including course equivalencies, units of credit, and grading scale
Must be approved, with necessary information added by the Assistant Provost for Global Education, Immigration/Admissions, MU Legal, Academic Affairs, Finance Office and College Dean (if applicable)
Agreement signed by President, Provost, and College Dean (if applicable)