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Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) are general statements of mutual interest to explore opportunities for collaboration. These are non-binding agreements wherein the parties agree to cooperate with the understanding that the collaboration will if warranted grow to include some form of contractual agreements (see below) regarding specific activities. The FGCU MOU template agreement is explicitly non-binding, meaning that it does not commit university funds, staff, facilities, or other resources to the partner institution. It is often used in cases where a ceremonial signing is required. In cases where parties have already agreed on specific projects or scope of collaborations, the MOU should be avoided and one of the more explicit agreements detailed below should be explored. The President is the institutional authority authorized to sign international agreements on behalf of Florida Gulf Coast University.

Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) are legally binding agreements in which FGCU and/or the international institution are required to undertake specific and identifiable activities, or to expend resources, in support of the partnership. The MOA is a formal document that outlines specific areas of cooperation and involves a more detailed review process than a Memorandum of Understanding and articulates the particular type of interactions to occur between the named institutions. The MOA articulates and clarifies the respective interests, roles and obligations of the collaborating institutions. An MOA is a binding, legal contract formalizing the terms of collaboration between FGCU and one or more partner institutions in standardized terms and may subsume one or more of the following relationships: Cooperative Agreements, Fee for Service Agreements, Student Exchange Agreements, Affiliation Agreements, Cooperative Degree Agreements, International Affiliate Programs for Study Abroad, Customized Educational Agreements, Other Agreements

Cooperative Agreements allow programs, departments and colleges to collaborate with institutions abroad on matters not related to curriculum or student/faculty exchange. For example, if the unit is co-hosting any type of program or event abroad, such as conferences, film festivals, or publication launch, then that arrangement should be formalized using this agreement.

Fee for Service Agreements involve a foreign institution or company paying for services provided by FGCU. Most often, Fee for Service Agreements are made to facilitate learning experiences (both credit and non-credit bearing) in the United States provided to students or employees of a foreign institution or company (e.g. English Language courses), programs in the foreign country, distance education, or research/consulting services.

Student Exchange (Reciprocal) Agreement between FGCU and an international partner university to specifically support student mobility. It provides details such as the number and/or ratio of students to be exchanged for the purpose of earning credits towards a degree in the students’ home institution. The agreement details specific areas and terms of reciprocal obligation including the roles, responsibilities, activities, and contributions of the parties, such as tuition requirements, housing, travel and international services.

Affiliation Agreement describes in detail, the terms of an agreement between FGCU and an international partner meant to enable faculty/staff/students’ mobility and access to each other’s facilities. The agreement specifies the roles, responsibilities, activities and contributions of the parties such as the financial and logistical implications, such as travel funds, housing and salary or stipend.

International Cooperative Degree Agreements (Joint/Dual) create the process and criteria that allow students to earn credits toward degree or degrees proper in more than one country. The value in cooperative degree programs lies in the enhancement of the educational, professional, social and research impact for students, as well as the enhanced research and teaching collaboration for the participating colleges and units.

International Affiliate Programs for Study Abroad are those programs administered by other institutions or third party providers that have been approved by FGCU so that participating students receive support and services from the provider and FGCU credits for work completed during the program. Approved affiliate programs provide high quality academic programs and student services and align with the curricula of FGCU colleges and departments.

Customized Educational Agreements typically involve one or more FGCU students engaged in an internship, externship, research placement or other individualized experience with a foreign institution or company in which an MOA may be a prerequisite or convey some benefit for student participation. This type of MOA may also be used when one or more international students visit the FGCU campus for a short, non-credit generating visit and home institutions may require an MOA as a prerequisite to the students’ participation.

Other forms of agreement may be developed to meet the particular needs of the parties involved.