International Agreement Guidelines & Procedures
OHIO recognizes that international collaborations and cooperation with partner institutions provide invaluable opportunities for students, faculty, and the institution itself. On April 21, 2025, University International Council approved a new framework for international partnerships to support OHIO's Dynamic Strategy.
International Partnership Framework
The following is a proposed four-tiered framework to categorize existing and future OHIO International partnerships that aligns with the OHIO Dynamic Strategy and Mission and incorporates best practices in international education partnerships. It supports the university’s priorities of teaching excellence, student success, global engagement, and research, while offering a more flexible and expansive approach than currently in use. Where possible, metrics align with dynamic strategy metrics. Metrics can be collected by a graduate student and stored in MoveOn.
1. Foundational Partnerships (Engagement-Focused)
Definition
These partnerships involve initial collaboration efforts such as faculty exchanges, guest lectures, and cultural programming. They primarily serve to establish relationships and explore potential for deeper engagement.
Examples of Activities
- Guest lectures in scheduled teaching courses.
- Faculty and student exchange programs.
- International alumni engagement.
- Participation in jointly organized symposia or non-credit workshops.
Metrics for Evaluation
- Number of faculty involved in engagement activities.
- Delegation visits
- Number of students participating in global awareness activities.
- Frequency of alumni engagement.
- Faculty External examiners
2. Collaborative Partnerships (Learning-Focused)
Definition
These partnerships support structured academic collaborations, including co-taught courses, joint programs, and experiential learning opportunities for students.
Examples of Activities
- Jointly taught credited courses.
- Study-abroad and internship programs.
- Virtual Exchange/Collaborative online international learning (VE/COIL) programs.
- Co-advised theses and dissertations.
Metrics for Evaluation
- Number of co-developed courses and co-taught programs.
- Student participation in global experiential learning.
- Retention and graduation rates of students in partnership programs.
3. Discovery Partnerships (Research & Development-Focused)
Definition
These partnerships foster academic and research collaboration, contributing to Ohio University’s research goals and global impact.
Examples of Activities
- Co-authored publications.
- Joint dissertation committees
- Internationally co-funded research grants and contracts.
- Collaborative doctoral and graduate programs.
- Industry and government partnerships for applied research.
Metrics for Evaluation
- Number of joint research publications and grant applications.
- Research awards and distinctions for collaborative projects.
- Number of faculty involved in global research initiatives.
4. Flagship Partnerships (Institutional Excellence & Global Impact)
Definition
Flagship partnerships are high-impact, long-term collaborations that embody deep, mutually beneficial relationships, driving institutional transformation, fostering global engagement, and advancing large-scale research and educational initiatives. These partnerships are built on shared history, sustained commitment, and broad institutional support, contributing to global visibility and long-lasting academic and cultural exchange.
Examples of Activities
- Multi-college, multi-dimensional collaborations spanning research, education, and cultural exchange
- Joint research centers
- Long-standing student and faculty exchange programs
- International dual-degree programs and joint academic initiatives
- High-profile research collaborations in areas such as health, energy, and environmental sustainability
- Strategic global policy engagement and governmental alliances
- Institutional membership and leadership in major global academic networks and consortia
Metrics for Evaluation
- Inclusive of metrics in other categories
- Enhanced recognition of Ohio University as a global leader in research, education, and international partnerships
- Measurable societal impact through collaborative research, policy initiatives, and community engagement
- Increased student and faculty participation in global exchange, research, and professional development opportunities
At OHIO, numerous agreements are signed every year with various scope in partnership intent and activities. Overall, OHIO strives that international agreements be proposed only in those instances where there is a demonstrated intent or commitment of the involved parties to initiate and implement programs. The aim is to enter into agreements that result in substantive activities.
International agreements between OHIO and partner universities are governed and coordinated by a combination of the University International Council (UIC), the Office of Global Affairs (OGA), the Office of Legal Affairs, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, and the Office of the President. The following guidelines and procedures are provided to assist OHIO in developing and implementing international partnership agreements. These agreements can involve student exchanges, faculty/staff exchange, collaborative research, observations (clinical), and other activities with organizations and
The guidelines provide a policy and process that:
- Achieve uniformity and consistency in developing, processing, and implementing international partnership agreements;
- Provide templates and sample documents; and
- Increase the timely and efficient processing of international partnership agreements.
You can contact the Office of Global Affairs (globalaffairs@ohio.edu) to discuss options or ask questions.