Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal agreement between two or more parties to establish a relationship/partnership with a broad intent to collaborate, but with no project-specific details or obligations.   These non-binding MOUs constitute a written “handshake” and are often the first step in beginning a new relationship between the parties.

Research-related MOUs for School of Medicine should be submitted to ORA via Fibi. These include agreements titled “MOU”, but include binding terms and conditions for carrying out research projects in the School of Medicine.

All non-binding MOUs for the University, regardless of school, are handled by JHURA.

Agreements related to the creation or delivery of academic program agreements, whether called educational agreements, placement agreements, memoranda of understanding, etc. are also handled by JHURA.

Non-binding MOUs and academic program agreements must be submitted via the JHURA routing system, JAWS, with the following documents uploaded:

• For an initial or original agreement:
  • Editable version of the Agreement (preferably MS Word), if one is available. If no agreement is available, JHURA has templates they can use.
  • A completed copy of the International Agreements Intake Form should be uploaded to the JAWS record prior to submission.

A short guide for department staff on how to submit these requests in JAWS can be downloaded here. General questions related to non-binding MOUs and academic program agreements submission difficulties should be directed to [email protected].