OGHI supports faculty in establishing global partnerships through two main agreement types: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Program Agreements. These documents allow UTHealth Houston and international institutions to collaborate on education and training initiatives.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
An MOU is a non-binding general umbrella agreement whereby UTHealth Houston and the global partner agree to establish a collaborative relationship. It is designed to promote collaboration and exchange but does not include specific details for any program or project. Once signed, the document encompasses all UTHealth Houston schools.
Program Agreement
A Program Agreement is generally signed after an MOU and defines specific collaborative programs or projects. It outlines details such as each party’s rights and responsibilities and terms of financial compensation (if applicable).
How to Request an Agreement
UTHealth Houston Faculty begins the process by completing an International Agreement Request Form (insert link to our platform). Once the form is completed, it will be reviewed by several offices including:
- Faculty’s Department Chair
- School Dean
- Global Health Leadership
- Risk Management
- Conflict of Interests
- Legal Affairs
Once the agreement has received all necessary approvals, a draft agreement document will be sent to the global partner institution for review. If the partner approves the document, an official copy will then be prepared for all necessary signatures.
Agreement Terms and Renewals
In general, these official agreements have a five-year term. To renew an expiring agreement, the faculty will need to submit a new International Agreement Request Form with updated information about the ongoing partnership.
Statement from the Office of Legal Affairs about the language of agreement execution:
"The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ("University") does not execute contractual agreements in both English and foreign languages. Based on the risks associated with the inaccurate translation of legal and non-legal concepts, the English version executed by both parties will be the legally binding and formal agreement between the parties. Any party that contracts with the University may translate the English version into another language for its own internal purposes. However, the translated version will not be signed by the University."