Developing a New Agreement

Check the directory of current agreements. If OSU already has an agreement with the partner institution, request a copy from International Programs.
Review the standard types of international agreements, read the template and special requirements, and take the viability test. Note that new exchange or study abroad programs must be approved by the Study Abroad Advisory Committee before a Student Exchange Agreement can be executed.
Discuss the viability test with your department head, dean, and college international officer. You will need the dean's approval and signature to complete the agreement, so informing them about your work from the beginning will benefit the process.
Contact International Programs to discuss the viability of the proposed agreement.

Use an OSU template to draft the agreement, and negotiate the terms with the partner institution. Working from an OSU template expedites the approval process. If no established template fits the partnership, consult International Programs. Procurement and Contract Services (PaCS) is available to help draft the document.
Complete the international agreement survey (PDF). This information facilitates the approval process and is used to create a listing in the International Partnership Agreements Directory.

When you and the international partner reach mutual agreement on the terms, send the draft to International Programs for OSU legal review. The contracts officer in PaCS reviews all international agreements for compliance with OSU risk management and legal policies. (More information on the PaCS review)
If the partner institution is public (government-funded), the General Counsel also reviews the agreement for compliance with Oregon state law (ORS Chapter 190).
Allow at least four weeks for this step.

Once the agreement is vetted by PaCS, gather original signatures from the partner institution on a minimum of two copies—one for International Programs and one for the partner institution—or more as needed. Return the original documents to International Programs who will gather OSU signatures and distribute the fully executed documents.
International Programs retains an original copy of the agreement, and PaCS files a photocopy. International Programs adds the new agreement to the International Partnership Agreements Directory.
Allow at least two weeks for this step.