International Agreements

International Programs (IP) facilitates LSU's global engagement through strategic agreements and partnerships, both domestic and international. LSU policy (PS-94) requires all proposed international agreements and exchanges to be routed through International Programs. IP has established procedures for entering into collaborative partnerships through international agreements that are developed in a manner that protects the interests of the university and assures adherence to current university, state, and federal policies. Prior to establishing any commitments with external institutions, please reach out to our office. 

Below you will find guidelines on how to establish and/or renew an international agreement and more information about the different types of agreements that IP commonly facilitates.

Steps for Establishing/Renewing International Agreements

Agreements and renewals are initiated through a Proposal Form which requires that the rationale for the partnership be clearly articulated. Proposals should be approved by a sponsoring college or department prior to review by International Programs. 

The complete process involves the following steps:

  1. Proposal Submission and Review
    1. Submit a Proposal Form / Renewal Proposal and letter of approval from the home department/college to intlprograms@lsu.edu.
    2. IP reviews proposal.
  2. Negotiation
    1. IP will contact partner institution with an agreement template or a revised version of the partner template.
    2. IP negotiates revisions necessary to terms of agreement, involving LSU stakeholders as needed.
    3. Agreement is cleared with LSU General Counsel.
  3. Execution
    1. Once the agreement has been fully satisfied by both sides, IP will forward the final agreement to the partner institution for signatures.
    2. IP will forward signed agreements to the Office of Academic Affairs for final approval.
    3. IP will provide copies of signed agreement upon request.
  4. Maintenance
    1. IP incorporates information into database.
    2. The Academic Manager provides a review of activities and outcomes under the scope of the agreement to IP. 
    3. IP periodically reviews agreements and partnerships to determine if renewal is appropriate. 

Things to Consider Before Proposing a New Agreement:

  • What are the expected outcomes of the proposed collaboration?
  • What planning, communication, or collaboration has already occurred?
  • How does this collaboration support LSU's mission?
  • Are you, as the faculty member, department/center, and college, committed to a sustained partnership?
  • How would the partnership complement existing international engagement at LSU?
  • What are the financial implications of the proposed collaboration?

All agreements administered through IP will consist of the following elements:

  • Academic Manager: The Academic Manager is the designated liaison at LSU to the collaborating institution and assumes responsibilities for pursuing the stated goals of the collaboration. The Academic Manager will also be asked to provide a report on the activities associated with the agreement prior to renewal. 
  • Approval: A letter of approval from the LSU Department Chair and the College Dean / Associate Dean (or other appropriate authority) should accompany the submission of an agreement proposal. An email will suffice.
  • Submission: All completed agreement templates and accompanying forms should be submitted electronically to intlprograms@lsu.edu for review prior to being signed by the partner institution and LSU.
  • Signature Authority: Although a particular department will request an agreement, the final agreement must be established between LSU and the international institution and signed by LSU’s Executive Vice President & Provost and the equivalent official (authorized signatory) at the other university. Agreements will also be signed by the  Senior Internationalization Officer as part of our internal vetting process.

Types of Agreements

Below you will find the common types of agreements that LSU enters into as well as our standard template for each. Please consult with the Program Manager for any questions regarding these templates or other agreements. 

An FX agreement establishes the conditions, requirements, and protections for a member of faculty at LSU and/or a partner institution who wishes to serve as an exchange professor or a guest research scholar.

  • Requires consent and active involvement of department chair
  • Does not require reciprocity
  • Parties involved are expected to seek any additional funding needed from outside sources

 FX Template

An MOU is an inter-institutional framework for cooperation. An MOU declares an intent to explore opportunities for collaboration that are mutually beneficial. MOUs may lead to further collaboration in separate agreements that specify additional activities or goals.

  • Expresses intent to explore mutually beneficial relationship with an institution
  • Provides foundation for an institutional relationship
  • Creates no financial obligations

MOU Template

SX agreements establish a bilateral exchange of students for a semester or academic year on the basis of reciprocity or a defined ratio. Student exchanges provide a valuable opportunity to transform the educational experience and bring diversity to our student population. 

  • Two complimentary mobility programs: Academic Programs Abroad at LSU and recruitment of international students to LSU
  • Students pay tuition to their home institution
  • Creates no financial obligations to partner institution
  • Exchanges are reciprocal
  • Faculty requesting student exchanges must obtain departmental support and commitment to recruit and advise participating LSU students

SX Template


Current Agreements

Please view a list of all current agreements.


Please contact intlprograms@lsu.edu with any questions.