Proposing International Cooperative Agreements
International Cooperative Agreements (ICAs) help bring parties to the table for further discussions and provide evidence of cooperation when seeking funding. Simple ICAs are customarily executed using Clemson’s standard form and are signed by the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. While they do not commit CU to specific activities, ICAs do represent a symbolic commitment to an international partnership and require careful consideration. All ICAs are initiated through an online Proposal Form, which requires that the rationale for the partnership be clearly articulated and must be approved by a sponsoring college or department.
The complete process will include:
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Step 1: Consultation
Meet with OGE to discuss your partnership goals and determine the appropriate type of agreement. Come to the meeting prepared with the partner's detailed information and an explanation of what you and the partner wish to accomplish.
We will help assess feasibility and identify any needed approvals. Keeping OGE informed also helps us keep the rest of the University updated about your initiatives.
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Step 2: Proposal Submission
Notify your college leadership of the prospective partnership and the agreement workflow responsibilities and timelines.
Submit the Proposal for a New International Cooperative Agreement. It will be sent to the department chair and administrator for review and approval.
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Step 3: Negotiation
Share the draft agreement with the partner institution for review. OGE will help review edits received and coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel and other units for approvals as needed.
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Step 4: Execution
OGE coordinates internal signatures and works with the faculty lead to collect the counter-signed agreement from the partner. Once fully executed, the agreement is returned to OGE.
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Step 5: Maintenance and Renewals
OGE incorporates partnership information into its database and shares it with relevant units. The parties execute further sub-agreements, if appropriate. CU faculty keep OGE updated regarding collaboration status. Current partnerships will be periodically reviewed, and the agreement may be renewed when appropriate.
Considerations for Faculty
Before submitting your form
Be clear about what you want to accomplish and confirm that your college leadership supports the partnership. Be clear on the goals and outcomes of the partner institution. Gather draft language or materials from the partner if available.
Estimated Timeline
- Standard agreements: 2-3 weeks
- More complex agreements may require additional time for legal, compliance, or academic review
Faculty Responsibilities
- Inform your department chair and college leadership
- Coordinate with the partner institution
- Respond to OGE requests for edits or information
Additional Considerations
- Consider how the agreement may benefit faculty and students beyond your unit.
- Understand that Clemson cannot enter into certain contractual relationships, including those that require indemnification, submission to foreign jurisdictions, or that do not respect the privacy rights of our faculty and students.
