Developing International Exchanges
Approval required for exchange agreements
As part of a university-wide policy and procedure for development and submission of proposals for new and changed academic programs, international exchange agreements are required to be submitted to the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost for review once the agreement has been finalized. (Informal academic exchange activities—such as faculty visits abroad and individual sabbaticals and teaching leaves—do not need to be documented by official exchange agreements; however, the Office of International Programs keeps records of these activities as a resource for future activities. See Registering informal exchange activity below.)
Academic exchange is defined by the policy as "formal two-way relationships involving students, faculty, or both, between another institution and the University of Minnesota." Proposals for exchange agreements are reviewed by the Office of the SVPP but are not forwarded to the Board of Regents. Materials to be submitted:
- Academic Program Proposal Form — UM 1588 (PDF) cover memo with the purposes and rationale for the exchange and sources of support for the program (program development and consultations)
- Copy of signed agreement (OIP can serve as a resource to help you develop the agreement, see Developing International Exchanges)
- Supporting materials as relevant (consult guidelines below)
Detailed guidelines and forms for submission:
Registering informal exchange activity
Informal academic exchange activities do not need to be documented by official exchange agreements; however, the Office of International Programs keeps records of these activities as a resource for future activities.
Informal exchange activities include:
- Ad hoc faculty visits to foreign institutions for lecturing or research
- Fulbright teaching or research awards
- Individual sabbaticals and teaching or research leaves (Be sure to refer to OIP's information on funding individual activities)
- Individual arrangements that could be facilitated more appropriately under the University's consulting provisions for faculty
If you have participated in informal exchange, please contact the Office of International Programs at 612-624-5580 or international@umn.edu to notify the office of the activity.