Office of International Affairs

Standard Agreement Template

In accordance with a mutual desire to promote further cooperation in higher education between the United States of America and (insert name of country), (insert name of the other university), (insert name of city of other university, country) and The Ohio State University, on behalf of its (insert name of college), Columbus, Ohio (USA), 

The institutions have found it mutually beneficial to initiate following cooperative activities:

  1. Exchange of theses, teaching materials, and other scientific and technological literature
  2. Research collaboration
  3. Exchange of faculty and scholars for lecturing, advanced studies, and research
  4. Conduct of joint workshops, symposia, etc. on topics of mutual interest, and
  5. Exploration of potential student exchanges. (Student exchanges shall require separate written agreements between the parties.)

It is understood that the details of joint activities, conditions for utilization of the results achieved, and arrangements for specific visits, exchanges, and all other forms of cooperation will be negotiated for each specific case. All specific arrangements will require separate written agreements. It is also understood that any financial arrangements will be negotiated in each specific case and will depend upon the availability of funds. Each party agrees to seek financial resources for supporting such exchanges and collaboration.

Visiting Scholars and Researchers: Visa and Insurance Requirements

Under this Agreement, Visiting Scholars and Researchers taking part in programs shall comply with the immigration requirements of the Host Institution. 

  1. The Host Institution will provide the appropriate counseling and other assistance to the Visiting Scholars or research scientists. Information on housing options will be provided.
  2. The Host Institution shall provide the Visiting Scholars with a formal letter of invitation and other documents as may be required to establish Visiting Scholar status to obtain visas and for other purposes.
  3. To qualify for J-1 visa, Visiting Scholars to The Ohio State University must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover such living expenses which amount to approximately $19,200 per calendar year, pro-rated accordingly, or the actual cost of living per calendar year, pro-rated accordingly. In addition Visiting Scholars must purchase health insurance subject to The Ohio State University’s rules. See Required Health Insurance for full explanation of The Ohio State University’s health insurance coverage requirements. 
  4. The Host Institution shall provide a post-arrival orientation to assist Visiting Scholars in settling quickly into life at the Host Institution.
  5. All scholar services and facilities of the Host Institution will be made available to Visiting Scholars.
  6. Each Party is responsible for providing complete information about the terms and conditions of this Agreement to its participants, including the pertinent laws and regulations of the host countries and the respective host institutions.

Financial Arrangements

It is understood that the details of joint activities, conditions for utilization of the results achieved, and arrangements for specific visits, exchanges, and all other forms of cooperation will be negotiated for each specific case. It is also understood that any financial arrangements will be negotiated in each specific case and will depend upon the availability of funds. Each party agrees to seek financial resources for supporting such exchanges and collaboration.

Intellectual Property Law

Each party reserves the right to publish the results of this Collaboration. Before submission for publication, however, each party shall notify the other of its intention to publish, and shall submit the manuscript to the other party for review and comment. The reviewing party shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of the manuscript to present any written comments to the other party. The reviewing party's comments shall be given due consideration by the other party. The publication of the results may be delayed at the reviewing party's written request for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date that the reviewing party received the manuscript if it contains a disclosure of an invention that was invented by one or more employees of the reviewing party and the reviewing party desires to file a United States or foreign patent application. It is understood that in no case can this provision for delay of publication cause a delay in the normal academic progress of a graduate student of either party with respect to preparation and submission of a graduate thesis or dissertation. Ownership of inventions shall follow inventorship, which will be determined pursuant to applicable patent laws.

Dispute Resolution

This Memorandum of Understanding established by The Ohio State University cannot be subject to Binding Arbitration. This MOU shall be governed by, construed, enforced and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State, without giving any effect to any conflicts or choice of laws principles which otherwise might be applicable. Any action or proceeding against any of the parties hereto relating in any way to this MOU or the subject matter hereof shall be brought and enforced exclusively in the competent courts of Ohio, and the parties hereto consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in respect of such action or proceeding. 

Export Control Laws

It is recognized and understood that this MOU is subject to all applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations controlling the transfer of technical information or items out of the U.S. The transfer of certain technical information or items may require a license from the U.S. Government. All parties must comply with all applicable export control laws and regulations and no party may export or allow the export or reexport of any information or item when to do so would constitute a violation of those laws or regulations.

Research

Ohio State personnel conducting research on behalf of Ohio State outside the U.S. or for a non-U.S. foreign institution or organization, must abide by the research ethics rules and regulations imposed by the Host country and governing policies of the Host Institution. 

Research collaborations between Ohio State and a non-U.S. foreign institution must be reviewed and approved before the work begins to identify appropriate agreements and to assess whether modifications to existing research overseen by Ohio State are needed. 

Human subjects: Foreign institutions engaged in non-exempt human subjects research and funded by a Common Rule agency must be registered with the Office for Human Research Protections and maintain a current Federalwide Assurance (FWA). Evidence of an active FWA must be provided to Ohio State before Ohio State researchers may participate. Documentation of local ethics board approval may also be required.

Animal subjects: Animal research funded by the National Institutes of Health and conducted at foreign facilities are required to comply with U.S. policy governing animal care and use or provide evidence that acceptable standards for the humane care and use of animals will be met. Evidence of meeting these standards must be provided to Ohio State before Ohio State researchers may participate. Documentation of local ethics board approval may also be required.

Ohio State researchers are expected to uphold Ohio State’s reputation as a top tier research institution when conducting research outside the U.S. or for a non-US foreign institution or organization, on behalf of The Ohio State University.

Liaison Offices 

Each party shall designate a person or office to serve as a liaison responsible for implementation of this agreement. 

For: (The Ohio State University) 

For: (International University)

This agreement will be in force for a period of five (5) years from the latest date appearing below. It may be renewed for additional periods of five years if both institutions, acting independently, agree in writing to renew at least six (6) months before it expires.

Signatures 

For The Ohio State University 

Insert signature line with date
Name
Title
The Ohio State University

Insert signature line with date
Michael Papadakis
Senior Vice President of Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer 
The Ohio State University

For (International University)

Insert signature line with date
Insert counterpart name
Title

Insert signature line with date
Insert counterpart name
Title