Approval Process for New University Partnerships
Guidelines for Approving New University Partnerships
Approval Process for New University Partnerships
This page is for UCD staff members. If you are not a UCD staff member and would like to propose a partnership with UCD, please complete the (opens in a new window)Expression of Interest Form.
If you are UCD staff member seeking to establish a partnership with a university that does not currently have a signed agreement with UCD, please follow the steps outlined below.
New University Partners: Step-by-Step Guide
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1. Define the Partnership
Contact global.partnerships@ucd.ie. If unsure of the partnership type, complete the Expression of Interest form. The Global Partnerships team will follow up to advise on the appropriate partnership type and pathway.Expression of Interest Form
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2. Viability Check
The Global Partnerships team will review and advise on the proposed partnership, including confirming whether the institution is an existing or new partner, identifying the appropriate forms to use, and advising on which UCD units to consult.
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3. Consult your Vice-Principal International
Each College has a nominated Vice-Principal International (VPI). Proposers should contact their VPI to discuss the partnership proposal before submitting the proposal to GEG.global.partnerships@ucd.ie
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4.1. Draft the Agreement and Legal Review
Agreements detail the obligations between UCD and partners. The Global Partnerships team provides templates, drafting support, and liaises with Legal, but the Proposer ensures accuracy of obligations and leads content input.
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4.2. UMT GEG Cover Sheet
The UMT GEG Cover Sheet summarises key information for decision-making. The Proposer completes it, with support from the Global Partnerships team via a template and completion guidelines.
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4.3.1. Global Partnerships Proposal Form (GPPF)
The GPPF must be completed and signed by the Head of School, VP for Internationalisation, College Principal, and Finance Manager, then submitted to School and College committees.
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4.3.2. Completing the GPPF
The Proposer completes Section 1, covering partner info, strategic rationale, finances, and export control. Section 2 is completed by the Global Partnerships team as part of the due diligence process.
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5. The Global Partnership Team will submit all Documents for Strategic Approval to the UMT GEG
Including, the draft agreement, signed GPPF, and UMT GEG cover sheet for strategic approval. College VPs sponsor submissions. UMT GEG approves or endorses proposals, and the final agreement is sent to the UCD President for signature.
It is recommended that a formal review of partnership agreements take place annually. Support for this review will be provided by the Global Relations & Partnerships team and conducted in tandem with Colleges.
Remember: UCD Global supports the development and maintenance of partnerships, but it is the proposer’s role to champion the partnership through providing strategic direction and deciding what activities to undertake as part of the partnership.
For more on the Collaborative Types available at UCD, please see: Programme Approval (PDARF) - UCD Registry
Contact Global Partnerships
As Ireland’s Global University, UCD seeks to develop and support partnerships with other institutions, governments and research agencies around the world. It does so in support of its Global Engagement Strategy and to underpin the fundamentally collaborative nature of the university’s core missions in teaching and learning, and research and discovery. UCD Global plays a key role in supporting UCD’s global relations and partnerships, working collaboratively with the University’s senior management, Colleges and Schools to develop strategic international relationships and networks for the long term.
The UCD Global partnerships team supports the development of bilateral and multilateral partnerships, securing external funding where possible. For a list of our current university partners, please search our partner directory.
Please email (opens in a new window)global.partnerships@ucd.ie if you are interested in partnering with UCD.