Beyond the Photo-Op
Christy M. Fry
Director of International Credentials
Johnson & Wales University
July 2013
1)
Discern the difference between an International Articulation Agreement and
a Memo of Understanding
2)
Learn strategies to identify quality institutional partners
3)
Identify necessary documents and information to obtain from prospective
partner institution
4)
Identify key players at your institution and your prospective partner
institution and their roles
5)
Learn basic structure to an articulation agreement
6)
How to effectively maintain an active and healthy partnership after the
photo-op
©Laura M. Woods Photography
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
We agree, in general principle, to work in a collaborative manner.
©
Articulation Agreement
We agree, with very specific parameters, to work in a collaborative manner.
How to Choose…
Memorandum of Understanding
Articulation Agreement
 Handshake agreement, on
paper
 Handshake agreement that
has grown over time
 General statement of
collaboration, no specifics
 Focused statement of
collaboration, with specifics
 Specific & clear agreement
 Course-for-course
equivalencies, block transfer
i.e. Caribbean Examinations
DISCLAIMER: Institutional prerogative applies!
With who do we wish to work?
 Targeted geographical area for recruiting purposes
 Seek a specific curriculum, i.e. Edexcel/SQA
 Seek specific degree programs, i.e. to match your
institutional offerings
 History of strong faculty collaboration, i.e. research,
faculty exchange
 Similar institutional scope, brand & size
Take-Away Strategy Option #1
1-2 Year
Results
Articulation
Agreement
MOU
This allows you the opportunity to assess the partner’s
commitment, fit and delivery. If the 1-2 year results are
negative, then you could either maintain a MOU relationship
or suspend it altogether.
Take-Away Strategies Option #2
Articulation
Agreement
1-2 Year
Results
Additional
program
articulations
If 1-2 Year results are negative, then
you may suspend the agreement
completely or revert to a MOU.
Document & Information Checklist
1. ~~~~~~~
2. ~~~~~~~~
3. ~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Johnson & Wales University Checklist
√
2. Zoom-in of actual checklist items
This is an internal document created based upon best practices. Each
institution will identify their own unique requirements and adjust the
checklist over time.
Feel free to use this as a take-away example for your institutional purposes.
Key Institutional Players and Their Roles
Your Institution
Dean/VP of Intl Programs
or Dean/VP/Provost of
Academics typically the
authorized signatory
If partner signing authority is
President (Rector, Chancellor, etc.),
then you must make every effort
to obtain your equivalent position.
Partner
Institution
In your checklist, you will want to
request the signing authority, as
well as the name of the President
(Rector, Chancellor, etc.) to ensure
you understand their
infrastructure as best as possible.
Note: Deans of Colleges may also be acceptable signatories, as subject-matter
experts of their respective curricula.
Basic Articulation Agreement Structure
 Statement of Agreement between institutions and degree programs
 Statement of institutional entrance requirements, to include English
language requirements if applicable
 Statement of transfer policy requirements and any specific requirements
as it pertains to this articulation, i.e. Korean Credit Bank System transcript
 Table of course-for-course equivalencies (or block statement of transfer)
 Table of courses remaining towards your institutional degree
 Statement of degree completion and academic good standing policy
DISCLAIMER: Institutional prerogative applies!
Genuine
interest &
commitment
Do not
underestimate the
power of a photo
opportunity.
PHOTO-OP
Photo Uses
1. Newsletter photo
2. Website feature article with photo
Human
Relationships
3. Commemorative plaque with signing photo as gift to partner
Authorized
Signatories
Key
Academic
Officials
Key
Stakeholders
The
Signing
Articulation
Coordinator
Local Media
University
PR/Media
Office
Effectively Maintain an Active and Healthy Partnership
(after the photo-op)
Just to say
hello
Highlight
accomplishments
Nothing
speaks louder
Newsletter
Phone
email
Visit
Update
curriculum
Keep updated on
curriculum
Demonstrate your
commitment to
the agreement
Be genuinely
involved in the
relationship:
Food, Culture,
Exchange
©2013; all photos
Before photo-op
Identify MOU or
Articulation Agreement
Identify Quality Partners
Obtain necessary
documents & information
Identify key institutional
players & their roles
Utilize Articulation
Agreement structure
Signing & Photo-Op
After photo-op
Send newsletter
highlighting
institutional
accomplishments
Phone call/send email
periodically
Send updated or new
curriculum
Visit
Establish meeting
events with current
articulation students
Get them to Graduation!
©2013
Thank you!