COOPERATION AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, EAST LANSING, USA

AND

UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES, BOGOTA, COLOMBIA

 

In view of their similar dedication to excellence in academic pursuits, the Michigan State University and the Universidad de los Andes hereby agree to this COOPERATION AGREEMENT with the objective of promoting academic collaboration among their faculty and students in the area of physics, in particular within the context of Ph.D. programs.

To achieve this end, the parties agree to the following:

ARTICLE I

Student exchange. Each university may receive (as host institution) qualified Ph.D. students in physics from the other institution (home institution), who are recommended by their respective Colleges of Science. Participating Ph.D. students under the terms of this COOPERATION AGREEMENT will be nominated by their home institutions by applying the following general criteria: The student must be a graduate student in physics in good standing, and must have been admitted through the normal procedures of the home institution. The student must have demonstrated overall academic excellence, and have a knowledge of English or Spanish at a level deemed appropriate by each College of Science.

The host institution reserves the right to reject any candidate.

Each student admitted in the program shall pursue the Ph.D. program in physics according to the regulations of the host university, and observe all regulations, academic and otherwise, of the host university. Amended procedures and/or regulations regarding requirements for the Ph.D. degree at the host institution are the prerogative solely of the host institution. Such modifications will be communicated to the partner upon adoption by the host faculty.

ARTICLE II

Tuition and fees. Each Ph.D. students participating in this COOPERATION AGREEMENT will pay tuition and fees only to Michigan State University when resident at the Michigan State University, and will pay tuition and fees only to Universidad de los Andes when resident at the Universidad de los Andes. Both institutions will make an effort to help the students in their search for financial support for living expenses. Students will be required to participate in a valid health insurance program when resident at the host institution. While the host institution may offer an insurance plan, the responsibility for payment rests with the student.

ARTICLE III

Thesis advisors. Each Ph.D. student participating in the COOPERATION AGREEMENT will have a principal thesis advisor and a local thesis advisor. The principal advisor will belong to the faculty of the home institution, and the local advisor to the faculty of the host institution. Adjunct faculty appointments commensurate with the rank at his/her home institution is encouraged.

ARTICLE IV

Mutual recognition of credits. Recognition is given to academic credits granted by both institutions in the area of physics. Transfer courses must meet the host institution’s credit and curricular requirements.

ARTICLE V

Ph.D. exams and other requirements. Any student hoping also to receive the host institution’s physics Ph.D. degree must satisfy all requirements that any other Ph.D. student at the host institution would have to satisfy. Admission to the Ph.D. program at the host institution will be communicated officially to the home institution upon successful completion of course and/or examination requirements. The principal thesis advisor (from the home institution) will be invited to attend the final Ph.D. exams given at the host institution, and will be consulted on matters affecting the progress of the student towards the Ph.D. degree. Theses will be prepared for each institution, in the appropriate language in order for a degree to be awarded. Degrees may be independently awarded by the two institutions if requirements are satisfied for each institution.

ARTICLE VI

Research programs. Collaborative research programs in physics, involving areas of common interest at the two institutions, will be encouraged.

ARTICLE VII

Faculty exchange. The exchange of faculty members in areas of common interest to both parties in the field of physics, and under conditions to be specified in each case, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

ARTICLE VIII

This agreement shall take effect upon the approval of the appropriate authorities at the two institutions as well as the Colombian Ministry of Education; will be valid for a period of five years, and is renewable upon written agreement between the partner physics department chairpersons. Review of the progress of participating students will occur by September 15th of each year in a written (electronic) communication between the local and principal advisors. This COOPERATION AGREEMENT can be terminated by either party upon written previous notification given at least twelve months in advance.

For Michigan State University

 

M. Peter McPherson                                                                                                                                   John Hudzik

President                                                                                                                                                           Acting Dean, International

                                                                                                                                                                          Studies and Programs

 

George Leroy                                                                                                                                                       Raymond Brock

Dean, College of Natural Science                                                                                                                    Chairperson, Department of

                                                                                                                                                                            Physics and Astronomy

 

Scott Whiteford

Director, Latin American and Caribbean Studies

 

 

For the Universidad de los Andes

 

Dr. Rudolf Hommes                                                                                                                                               Dr. Ulpiano Ayala

Rector                                                                                                                                                             Vicerrector Académico

 

 

José Rafael Toro                                                                                                                                              José M.R. Roldán

Dean, College of Science                                                                                                                                      Director,Department of Physics