Propose an International Partnership

The following procedures have been adopted for the consideration of new overseas institutional partnerships and the formalization of relations with the partner institution:

Step 1: Designate a WMU Advocate

Proposed partnerships must have at least one advocate who is a WMU full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member or administrator at the level of dean or director or higher. The advocate must have a working knowledge of the candidate partner institution and must agree to serve as the point of contact for questions regarding the proposed partnership. Advocates must receive approval from their department chair and college dean prior to moving forward.

Step 2: Consult with Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Faculty members or administrators interested in exploring the possibility of an overseas institutional relationship are encouraged to consult with the Haenicke Institute to discuss their ideas and learn about similar past or present partnerships. A Global Partnership Showcase event may also help jumpstart the partnership. There may be faculty and/or staff in the Global Expertise Database who can provide insight as well.

Step 3: Draft a Proposal

Draft a proposal that will be submitted to the WMU International Partnership Committee. The proposal should include the following:

• A description of past and/or current collaborations between you and the proposed partner.
• The institution's accreditation, why this institution was selected, its specific strengths, and its stature within its country.
• The purpose of the proposed agreement and how it will benefit Western Michigan University and your department, faculty and/or students. The advocate must demonstrate that significant academic merit and institutional compatibility exist to establish a formal long-term relationship
• What are the expected outcomes and who are the potential participants? Describe the current status/stage of these discussions.
• Discuss the financial ramifications of establishing a formal agreement.

Proposal Form Partnership Criteria

Step 4: Haenicke Institute Review

The Haenicke Institute reviews the proposal and schedules its discussion on the agenda of the WMU International Partnership Committee.

Step 5: International Partnership Committee Review

The WMU International Partnership Committee reviews and recommends successful proposals for approval.

Step 6: Develop Agreement

After a proposal has been approved, the advocate works with the partner and the Haenicke Institute's manager of international partnerships, to develop and negotiate the agreement terms. The Haenicke Institute routes the agreement for final approvals through University's General Counsel and any other applicable offices.

Step 7: Sign the Agreement

The President or the Designee signs the agreement. 

Have questions about international partnerships? Please contact: Christie Bierlein, Interim Manager of International Partnerships, at christie.bierlein@wmich.edu