What is a College or Department Affiliate Program?
The UofM Student Travel and Education Abroad: Health and Safety policy governs all University-purpose travel outside the US by all students and includes the requirements of units notifying, supporting, promoting, or organizing student international travel. The policy includes the requirement that all undergraduate education abroad opportunities organized or promoted by units must work through an education abroad office (Learning Abroad Center or Carlson Global Institute).
Consider these questions to determine if you must work through an education abroad office:
- Is it an overseas/international activity?
- Is the activity for University purposes? (see definition in the policy)
- Is it for undergraduate students?
- Is the travel/program promoted or organized by the unit? (see definition in the policy)
Note: The policy does not differentiate between credit-bearing and non-credit experiences.
College or Department Affiliate Programs
Colleges or departments may initiate a college or department affiliate program (credit or non-credit) for outgoing UofM students through another institution or provider not affiliated with a UofM education abroad office. The Learning Abroad Center advises the sponsoring unit on process and considerations, and provides transactional assistance for the outgoing University of Minnesota students. The ongoing support, promotion, and administration of the relationship, however, is managed in the college.
Initial consideration when contemplating a college or department affiliate program:
The Learning Abroad Center (LAC) offers 180 programs in over 50 countries. These programs have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Before beginning the affiliate program process, check with the LAC staff to ensure that there is not an existing program that provides a safe and academically rigorous study abroad program that will fulfill your students' needs.
Additional considerations:
- Does this partnership advance a priority for your department or college?
- Is there appropriate support for the partnership? (dean, department chair, staff to manage the workload)
- What is the academic calendar and language of instruction?
- Does the affiliate offer courses that will meet degree requirements for U of M students?
- Determining the number of students, the type of activities, length of stay, etc. are important considerations to discuss with your partner.
- Does the college/department have the administrative capacity to manage this affiliation?
- Does the affiliation make financial sense for the college or department?
- How will students be recruited and selected?
- Who will guide students on visa requirements?
- What is the housing arrangement for your students?
- Who will be the emergency contact when situations arise onsite?
- If the program is credit-bearing, have you worked with the Office of Admissions to verify that UofM credit will be granted?
Agreements- Working with GPS Alliance International Health, Safety, & Compliance
If you would like to initiate a new international exchange or study abroad agreement or a contract for international program providers, you must complete this form. You must also complete the form if you need to make a change (e.g., add a schedule or scope of work) to an existing agreement of this type. Review the simple one-page (SOP) reference that walks you through the GPS agreement process.
Letter of Understanding
The LOU serves as an intra-UofM contract between the LAC and your unit. All responsible parties must sign the LOU before LAC staff can begin substantial work for your program. Review and utilize the Department/Collegiate Responsibility Matrix.
New program
The first time you set-up your College or Department Affiliate, use this New Program Letter of Understanding (AY 2026-2027) for the agreement between the sponsoring unit and the LAC.
Repeat Program
Repeat College or Department Affiliate programs for 2026-2027 will use this Letter of Understanding (LOU).
Contact
For more information, or to begin the process of initiating a program, contact Lindsey Lahr.