Partnership Options and Next Steps
The Center for International Programs (CIP) can facilitate the establishment of collaboration for international activities, programs, or projects with higher education institutions or other groups in a multitude of ways.
The CIP will work closely with on-campus constituents to determine the feasibility of the partnership. It should go through the appropriate workflow before the partnership can be formally established and the proposed agreement parameters can start being implemented.
If you are interested in developing a partnership with USI, you should begin by completing the relevant Proposal Form on the right side as an:
- External Partner or
- USI Staff/Faculty member
The CIP office will review your proposal and reach out within 2-3 weeks to schedule a meeting and discuss potential collaboration. You can connect with us if you have any questions prior to submitting a proposal.
Overview of Partnerships
Undergraduate, faculty, dual-degree, and short term programs all have conditions and elements to consider.
A primary partnership agreement establishes formal ties of cooperation between USI and another institution.
General guidelines for establishment of new partnership programs:
- Proposals must be supported by the department chair and dean of the college.
- Terms of Memorandum of Understanding should include specific dates (usually three years) with guidelines for renewal/termination of agreement.
- Termination of partnership agreement if no activity within an agreed upon time frame (recommend two years).
The proposal approval process follows this workflow:
If there is interest to establish a true exchange program, both partners should agree to offer tuition neutral options for students. USI students pay their regular tuition and mandatory fees to USI. These costs are waived for incoming exchange students who pay tuition and fees directly to their home institution. There should be demonstrated interest in maintaining an even balance of exchange numbers of students.
| Options | Home Institution | University of Southern Indiana |
| 2+2 Model | Complete Year 1,2 courses at Home Institution; articulate additional requirements earned at University of Southern Indiana for bachelor's degree | Articulate Year 1,2 courses from Home Institution; complete additional requirements for University of Southern Indiana bachelor's degree |
| 3+1 Model | Complete Year 1,2,3 courses at Home Institution; articulate additional requirements earned at University of Southern Indiana for bachelor's degree |
Articulate Year 1,2,3 courses from Home Institution; complete additional requirements for University of Southern Indiana bachelor's degree |
Academic departments at USI or external partners may seek approval for faculty exchange programs with current or prospective partners.
The faculty exchange template encompasses detailed conditions on the specific parameters for both the sending and receiving institution. The terms can be modified to meet any needs or expectations of the USI department/college or the partner institution not outlined in the template. The maximum duration of this agreement is five years, and it can be renewed if there is satisfaction between both parties.
Download the faculty exchange agreement template. An agreement needs to be signed between USI and the partner institution before an exchange is approved.
USI is open to hosting short-term programs (language, cultural experiences, certificate programs, etc.) with our international partners. For example, we have hosted programs focused on intensive English language and culture immersion giving participants a taste of the daily life on USI's campus.
Please connect with us and complete this needs assessment for that will be linked and created to share your needs and discuss the development of your proposal.
USI is open to signing contracts with agents who have experience recruiting students to study in the majors offered at the university. We will partner with agents who meet USI requirements, AIRC accreditation, and NAFSA Code of Ethics.
For more information about how we partner with agents please review: