Starting a New Project - Domestic and International
International Partnerships
UNE recognises that in an increasingly globalised world both UNE and Australia are significantly impacted by international events. UNE and Australia also need to contribute to and enrich the development of a humane and progressive world.
As Australia's first regional university, UNE has a long tradition of specialised rural and regional research. UNE is a leader in the 'student experience' sector and is increasing its strong reputation in distance education and as an 'e-university'. Given this unique history and capacity, UNE believes it is well placed to play an international role as embodied in its strategy of ‘achieving regional and global impact'.
UNE engages in various aspects of internationalisation including:
- exposing students to international issues through an internationalised curriculum;
- conducting research with international collaborators to develop knowledge and to share UNE's research expertise;
- recruiting international students so that they can benefit from the UNE experience and in turn benefit UNE by extending and diversifying our resource base and enriching the cultural experience of our students and staff; and
- supporting students and staff to experience the mind-broadening benefits of international exposure.
In pursuing our international agenda, as with all our activities, UNE will act responsibly in terms of assessing risks, acting within relevant legislation and safeguarding the wellbeing of staff and students.
International projects are coordinated by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Educational Innovation and International (PVCEII), in conjunction with the Directorates of International Marketing and Pathways (IMP) and English Language and International Services. Together these Directorates are referred to as ‘UNE International'.
Domestic Partnerships
UNE is successfully embracing the philosophy of strategic collaboration both on a regional and national level.
By harnessing and combining the power of communication technologies and the strategies for social interaction, UNE is developing new teaching and research collaborations with other institutions to provide opportunities for students not otherwise available through UNE, and to assist students, of any age and career stage, gain access to programs not otherwise available at other institutions.
Domestic projects are overseen by the Student Recruitment Manager who coordinates UNE's domestic student recruitment activities that encompass school liaison, colleges marketing, and business development. The Student Recruitment team also assists UNE schools and faculties plan and organise student recruitment activities.
This includes:
- visiting schools
- identifying potential business partners and cultivating relationships
- coordinating Open Day
- creating generic recruitment brochures and marketing materials
- providing UNE merchandise for institutional gifts
- promoting UNE's scholarships andUNExtra Early Entry
- attending careers exhibitions
In addition to the provision of international services and English language training, the Director of English Language and International Services has administrative over-sight of both domestic and international Entrepreneurial processes.
Legal Arrangements
The University provides administrative support for the development of the following types of relationships:
Letter of Intent
A Letter of Intent is the most basic document, reflecting that parties are interested in moving forward with a relationship, signed by the Head of School and their equivalent at the partner institution. The letter is not an agreement on behalf of UNE, and does not involve money or obligation.
UNE Legal does not have to approve or review the Letter of Intent but would request a copy upon completion. There is not one set form for the Letter of Intent, but a template is available on request from UNE Legal.
Memoranda of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a non-specific and non-binding document designed to further mutual interests in education, research and scholarship and as a contribution to increased international co-operation.
Memoranda of Understanding facilitate academic, cultural and educational contact between the signatory parties. They may include provision for exchanges of staff and students, short visits by staff and students, research collaboration and exchange of academic materials, publications and information.
Formal Agreements
Formal legal contracts are required to establish:
- Domestic Co-operative Teaching Partnerships (UNE course delivery outside Armidale, but on-shore in Australia);
- Transnational Co-operative Teaching Partnerships, (off-shore UNE course delivery);
- Advanced Standing Agreements (contracts with international partners based only on articulation into a specified UNE degree);
- Qualification Recognition (contracts enable off-shore institutions to market UNE post-graduate degrees); and
- Exchange Agreements (contracts to enable outgoing and incoming exchange of students).
Domestic Co-operative Teaching Partnerships, Transnational Co-operative Teaching Partnerships and Advanced Standing Agreements are managed through UNE's Integrated Project Management framework.