Purpose & Scope
• The guidelines provide a common framework and set of rules for Cochin University
of Science and Technology (CUSAT) to enter into Memoranda of Understanding
(MoUs) with academic institutions, industries, and NGOs (both domestic and
international).
• The collaborations under MoUs can span students’ capacity enhancement, faculty
development, research collaborations, and infrastructure strengthening, provided they
align with the University’s academic mission.
Eligible Parties / Institutions
Eligible counterparties include:
1. Government / public sector / aided institutions or industries
2. Private institutions, industries, NGOs with recognized reputation and
achievements
3. Foreign institutions consistent with applicable UGC / higher education norms
Procedure & Workflow
1. Proposal Submission
• A department interested in forging a collaboration submits a proposal (with a
draft MoU) endorsed by its Department Council to the Registrar.
• Proposals must come via HoD through the departmental forwarding system
with DC minutes and a one-page note on benefits.
• The Registrar assigns MoUs to either the International Relations section (for
foreign institutions) or the Planning section (for national MoUs) for initial
verification.
2. IQAC Review
• The proposal is forwarded via the University section (Planning or International
Relations Office, as the case may be) to IQAC. The IQAC Core Committee
evaluates the merits of the collaboration (objectives, IPR, obligations,
financials etc.) and issues recommendations (approve, modify or reject).
• IQAC may recommend whether a MoU can be signed at the Department level
(with VC’s approval) or must go for University-level signing.
3. Legal Scrutiny
• Following IQAC’s recommendation, the draft MoU is sent to the Legal
Section of the University for legal vetting.
4. Syndicate & Approval
• For MoUs to be signed at the University level, the approved MoU (with legal
clearance and IQAC recommendation) must be placed before the Syndicate for
approval.
• In certain urgent cases, the Vice-Chancellor may approve, subject to later
ratification by the Syndicate.
• If the MoU pertains to major collaborations (joint degree programs, credit
transfer, recognition of centre, etc.), approval of the Academic Council is also
required.
5. Execution / Signature
• Once approved, the MoU is printed on appropriate legal paper (stamp paper)
and signed by the Registrar (CUSAT) and the authorized signatory of the
partner institution.
• For MoUs signed at the department level, a signed copy must be forwarded to
the University for record.
Guidelines