Agreement Types & Programs

International Memorandum

 A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formalizes collaborations involving financial commitments, institutional obligations, or academic program terms—such as joint degrees, exchanges, or research projects. Templates and approved samples are available, and we work with colleges and ICC to draft agreements tailored to specific needs, ensuring clarity and expedited review.

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Memorandum of Agreements (MOA)

The Memorandum of Agreement is a specific agreement involving financial arrangements, institutional obligations, or specifies the terms of academic programs. MOAs are used to establish such elements as collaborative degree programs, reciprocal exchange programs, joint research centers, or research projects where funds or other resources are committed. There are several established types, some of which have templates; for all others, we can provide recently approved samples. 
  
The agreement types described below do not cover all possible collaborations, however, they provide a good starting point. At the meeting with the college representative, the current template samples can be reviewed and a determination made as to which template to use. We can work with the ICC to develop a draft document that applies to the specific collaboration. In addition, we can draw language from other approved agreements that may fit programmatic needs and to expedite the review process. 

• General Collaboration Agreement/MOA: Used as a way of formalizing cooperation without defining how, this type of agreement does not outline specific programming but shows clear intent of collaboration. This general MOA does not vary from the general MOA template and may be finalized quickly.  

• Reciprocal Student Exchange Agreement (REEP): This agreement establishes the parties’ roles and responsibilities, program requirements and terms and conditions pertaining to the implementation of reciprocal student exchanges between TAMU and an institution abroad. REEP activities have financial, accreditation, and immigration implications and require a thorough evaluation. The implementation of a reciprocal student exchange requires a balance of the course credit count of incoming and outgoing students. Per SACSCOC policies, an exchange may not begin until a fully executed agreement exists and SACSCOC has been notified by the Office of the Provost.  Before a REEP agreement may be approved, the program must meet following policies and procedures: 
  • TAC Chapter 21, Subchapter AA, 21.901-21.910 
  • University SAP 13.04.99.M1.01, Student Travel Procedures   
  • University SAP 21.01.03.M0.02, Foreign Travel 

 
Due the nature of REEP exchanges, the University implemented deadlines for agreement finalization. Please note:  

• Spring Exchange deadline = Sept. 15 prior to the spring semester of intended exchange. 
• Summer Exchange deadline = February 1 prior to the summer term of the intended exchange. 
• Fall Exchange deadline = March 1 prior to the fall semester of the intended exchange.       

If a fully executed renewal agreement is not received by the above deadlines, students (from either institution) may not participate in that exchange.  This means their application will not be processed until the agreement is executed. 

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

A Memorandum of Understanding is a general agreement that lists areas of possible joint activities, without creating financial obligations or committing resources. This type of agreement can also serve as a “letter of intent”, sometimes requested by foreign partners. While this template establishes a formal relationship between TAMU and the institution abroad, it does not authorize specific actions. 

• The purpose of an MOU is to acknowledge a formal, ongoing, strategic, long-term relationship between institutions. 
• An MOU does not express a binding commitment to any specific activity, but rather a serious intention to explore. 
• MOU’s are not encouraged unless there is clear intent to implement an actual project of exchange and/or other academic activities in the near future, where the execution of the MOU will foster that action. 
• The MOU establishes a framework for exploring collaboration, and it identifies institutional concerns such as consistency with accreditation principles, compliance with immigration and export control requirements, as well as intellectual property ownership. These agreements are not usually renewed and are expected to be replaced by specific agreements. However, the agreement initiator may request a renewal of an exploratory agreement providing rationale for a continued collaboration with the partner university.

Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding for Extension

The Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding Extension may be utilized in emergency circumstances where an active agreement will expire prior to the execution of a full renewal, causing a gap in the program. The extension would allow the original agreement to remain in place while a full renewal is negotiated and finalized. This extension is not intended to replace a full renewal due to ever-changing policies and regulations. 

Academic Agreements

 A Memorandum of Agreement for the below mentioned academic program types are required to complete the Curricular Services review process prior to obtaining final signatures per Texas A&M University rules (§2.4.8 of 11.99.99.M0.01) This process is overseen by the Office of the Provost.

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Dual Degree Program

The SACSCOC Policy Statement on Joint & Dual Academic Awards defines a dual educational program as “one whereby students study at two or more institutions and each institution awards a separate program completion credential bearing only its own name, seal and signature.” These arrangements require in-depth evaluation by the appropriate administrators in Curricular Services and the Provost’s Office. Before a dual educational international program agreement may be approved, the program must meet a variety of criteria.

Joint Degree Program

The SACSCOC Policy Statement on Joint & Dual Academic Awards defines a joint educational program as “one whereby students study at two or more institutions and the institutions grant a single academic award bearing the names, seals, and signatures of each of the participating institutions.” Currently, Texas A&M University does not support the development of Joint Degree Programs.

Certificate Program

Content coming soon.

Technical and Scientific Cooperation Agreement/Research Agreement

Funded or Unfunded Research Collaboration Agreement:

These types of agreements provide a framework for collaboration on academic research, addresses intellectual property ownership, and provides for compliance with applicable laws. If they are general enough to use an MOA, you may use the existing MOA template. However, this template NOT appropriate for relationships that involve any exchange of goods or services, sponsored research projects, activities associated with restricted technologies, or activities that are expected to lead to the development of commercial intellectual property, such as licenses and patents  See the Office of Sponsored Research for more information about these types of agreements.

 

Student Education Abroad

Education Abroad Program Types - (Current types: Affiliate Providers, Exchange, National Student Exchange (NSE), Faculty-led, Field Trip, Student Group, Independent Travel, and Virtual) To submit a proposal or learn more about developing a Faculty-led Program.

International Service Provider Contract - If you wish to create a program abroad for students, you may need to create an International Service Provider (ISP) agreement.  An ISP may either be U.S. or foreign vendors (e.g. a university, travel agent, hotel, study abroad program provider, etc.) who provide services necessary to implement all or part of a student program abroad by providing food, housing, excursions, and other program logistics. They may also be contracted to facilitate conferences, meetings, or other international activities related to faculty scholarship and research.