Establishment and Review of Bilateral Linkages
Establishment of Formal Bilateral Relations | Establishment of Faculty Level Relationships | Review of Formal Bilateral Agreements | Additional Information
Establishment of Formal Bilateral Relations
The International Relations Office is responsible for the coordination of the establishment and development of the University's formal bilateral relations for academic cooperation and exchange. This covers both university level and faculty level arrangements.
This role encompasses the investigation of proposals to establish new relationships, negotiating agreements and reviewing existing agreements for renewal, and providing support to faculties across the full range of issues related to the University's formal bilateral relations for academic cooperation and exchange.
The International Relations Office prepares an annual report titled "Coordination of the University's formal bilateral relations for academic cooperation and exchange". The report outlines the recent and planned developments in the establishment and development of the University's formal bilateral relations for academic cooperation and exchange. This report is available to University of Melbourne staff involved in international activities by contacting the appropriate Co-Manager, International Relations.
Establishment of Faculty Level Relationships
All proposals to establish a formal bilateral agreement require the initial approval of the International Relations Office, prior to referral to the International Committee.
In considering the establishment of a formal link, it is important for a faculty to make contact with the International Relations Office as early as possible to check whether an agreement already exists with the proposed partner; whether a formal arrangement with the particular university is under consideration elsewhere in the University; and whether the proposal is in keeping with the strategic priorities of the University.
A submission endorsed by the Faculty International Committe and recommended through the Dean or Associate Dean International should be forwarded to the appropriate Co-Manager, International Relations in the International Relations Office. Please click here to download the proforma which has been prepared to facilite this process.
Review of Formal Bilateral Agreements
Each bilateral agreement, whether at university level or faculty level, includes a section dealing with the terms of the renewal, amendment and termination of the agreement. In most cases an agreement will remain in force for a period of five years from the date of the last signature, with the understanding that it may be extended after a review process and by the mutual consent of both parties.
The International Relations Office will provide advice to the International Committee about the review of each agreement, following consultation with the university community.
In addition to the review of individual agreements, the International Relations Office may institute a special review of the bilateral agreements in place for a particular faculty or involving a particular country or region.
Additional Information
Further information about the establishment and development of university level and faculty level agreements for academic cooperation and exchange is available from Dr Susanne Haywood and Dr Carolyn O'Brien, Co-Managers, International Relations.