Developing a LOU
NOTE: All proposed International Agreements must be sent to Dr. Paul Hofmann to initiate the review process. Agreements must receive approval before they are considered active.
International Letter of Understanding (LOU)
A Letter of Understanding (LOU) is a non-binding agreement that acknowledges UofL’s willingness to explore the possibility of collaboration with a foreign institution. LOUs are appropriate for new academic projects or research or upon first meeting new international partners.
The LOU is a signal of good will and of willingness to discuss the opportunities to cooperate further.
A Letter of Understanding is the preferred first step to creating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Program Agreement (PA).
The University of Louisville has a pre-approved template for the International Letter of Understanding. Using the pre-approved template will expedite the review process. If you deviate from the template, you must red-line any changes. If changes are made, please allow an additional 30 days for review.
LOUs must be recommended by a faculty member, endorsed by the Dean of your school/college and by the Executive Vice President and Provost before being signed by the institution abroad. Once the document has been signed by the foreign institution, send a copy to Paul Hofmann at the International Center for tracking. Often LOUs lead to Memorandums of Understanding, although it is not required.