Guidelines for Developing Some Common Types of Academic Program Agreements

General Agreements for Academic Cooperation and Exchange (“general agreements”) are typically initial statements of a willingness to collaborate in one or more academic activities, but without binding obligations upon either institution other than a commitment to working collegially in furtherance of the stated objectives of the agreement. General agreements typically stipulate that specific collaborative activities will require subsequent agreements, all of which must follow the appropriate procedures as outlined below.

The Executive Vice President and Provost.  Additionally, in instances when an agreement is school-specific, the dean(s) of the affected school(s) will also sign. 

The Provost’s Office and Office of General Counsel jointly review the proposed agreement and ensure that all necessary reviews have been completed prior to its submission to the Executive Vice President and Provost. Reviews may be required from the International Studies Office, the President’s Office, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, Risk Management, Office of the Vice President for Research, Financial Reporting and Operations, or others.

The dean’s office of each affected school provides a short letter of support explaining the rationale for the University entering into the proposed agreement. Letters of support should be addressed to the Executive Vice President and Provost and must be included with the approved agreement when it is submitted to the Provost’s Office for final signature.

Any individual or department who either has an interest in developing a general agreement with another institution, or who is approached by another institution expressing such an interest, should notify their dean’s office immediately. After contacting the dean’s office, a request should be submitted via the online academic program agreement request form.

Student exchange agreements make it possible for UVA students to study at another institution of higher education while also permitting students from that institution to study at UVA. Under Virginia law, exchange programs must provide for an equal exchange of students over a three-year period.

The Executive Vice President and Provost. Additionally, in instances when an agreement is school-specific, the dean(s) of the affected school(s) will also sign. 

The Provost’s Office and Office of General Counsel jointly review the proposed agreement and ensure that all necessary reviews have been completed prior to its submission to the Executive Vice President and Provost. Reviews may be required from the International Studies Office, the President’s Office, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, Risk Management, Office of the Vice President for Research, Financial Reporting and Operations, or others.

The dean’s office of each affected school provides a short letter of support explaining the rationale for the University entering into the proposed agreement. Letters of support should be addressed to the Executive Vice President and Provost and must be included with the approved agreement when it is submitted to the Provost’s Office for final signature.

Any individual or department who has either an interest in developing a student exchange agreement with another institution, or who is approached by another institution expressing such an interest, should notify their dean’s office immediately. After contacting the dean’s office, a request should be submitted via the online academic program agreement request form.

Study abroad agreements include any agreements pertaining to University programs conducted in a foreign country, or to University students attending a program in a foreign country administered by a third party. Examples include any agreements whereby the University is contracting with a third party to provide program services abroad for University students, and any agreements that permit students from other United States schools to attend a UVA study abroad program.

The Executive Vice President and Provost. Additionally, in instances when an agreement is school-specific, the dean(s) of the affected school(s) will also sign. 

The Provost’s Office and Office of General Counsel jointly review the proposed agreement and ensure that all necessary reviews have been completed prior to its submission to the Executive Vice President and Provost. Reviews may be required from the International Studies Office, the President’s Office, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, Risk Management, Office of the Vice President for Research, Financial Reporting and Operations, or others. 

The dean’s office of each affected school provides a short letter of support explaining the rationale for the University entering into the proposed agreement.  Letters of support should be addressed to the Executive Vice President and Provost and must be included with the approved agreement when it is submitted to the Provost’s Office for final signature.

Any individual or department who either has an interest in developing a study abroad agreement with another institution, or who is approached by another institution expressing such an interest, should notify their dean’s office immediately. After contacting the dean’s office, a request should be submitted via the online academic program agreement request form.