MOU Guidelines

NC State Global is the clearinghouse for establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that connect NC State to universities around the world.

Global Partnerships Start Here

Faculty and administrators are encouraged to collaborate internationally to advance NC State’s goal of integrating global perspectives into the university’s academic and research mission. NC State Global facilitates the process of global partnership development for all university-wide collaborations by establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) or agreements with institutions outside of the United States.

MOU and International Cooperative Agreements must be authorized by the Chancellor or Provost to protect NC State from unplanned financial or legal obligations. These policies and guidelines support institutional goals by enhancing local and global engagement through focused strategic partnerships.

Consulting with NC State Global is the first step to successful global partnership-building in all scenarios. Our staff support faculty and administrators throughout the process to ensure quality international programming and partnerships that best suit your needs.

What type of agreement fits your needs?

Letter of Support

Utilized to develop specific international programs or initiate collaborative research with institutions abroad. NC State Global can provide a letter of support for faculty who do not need a full university-wide agreement.

Memorandum of Understanding

Identifies areas for initial activities and serves as a framework for cooperation with the intent to explore and develop university-wide partnerships with global universities.

Dual or Joint Degree

Project or program-specific academic agreements with defined responsibilities. Requires approval by Dean, Substantive Change Review team and either the Graduate School or Division of Academic and Students Affairs.

Student Exchange Agreement

A balanced student exchange program. NC State Global and the Study Abroad Office are involved in this process in collaboration with the relevant academic departments.

How to Establish New MOU and Agreements

Get Started

Contact David Dixon, Manager of Global Partnerships, at djdixon@ncsu.edu.
  1. Consult the Office of Global Engagement
    NC State Global maintains records of all existing agreements that may be useful in preparation of a new partnerships and has information about NC State, Board of Governors, state, and federal policies that may impact the planned collaboration.
  2. Allocate Resources
    If necessary, initiating units must ensure that resources to support the agreement are available through the department, college, or university.
  3. Draft Agreement
    The agreement is reviewed by NC State Global and the Office of General Counsel for consistency with NC State policies and procedures.
  4. Partner Review
    The draft agreement is forwarded to the partner institution(s) for their review. NC State Global and the initiating unit negotiate with the partner institution(s) as needed to achieve consensus on a final agreement.
  5. Sign Agreement 
    Two originals are signed by all parties. One is kept by NC State Global and logged into the Global Partners Database. The other original is forwarded to the partner institution for their records. Signature authority for all MOU and agreements reside with the Chancellor or Provost. Agreements without authorized signatures are not valid.