Developing a Partnership or Activity

If you are interested in developing a new international partnership or activity, please contact the appropriate SFU International regional manager:

Asia, South Pacific, and the Americas – Sarah Ngo 
Europe, Africa, and the Middle East – Stefanie Wunderlin
East Africa and Central Asia – Shabana Manji

The development of a new partnership or activity typically follows these steps:

1. Evaluate the activity and/or opportunity for partnership;
2. Secure support from the sponsoring dean or head of unit;
3. Negotiate the agreement and terms of collaboration with the partner;
4. Present the agreement and/or activity to SCIA for approval;
5. Proceed with signatures; and
6. Initiate activity .

This depends on a number of factors such as how developed the collaboration is, whether the collaboration has already secured support from the appropriate sponsors, the complexity of the negotiation with the partner, etc. While timelines vary, you should anticipate that the development of a new agreement may take 3-6 months.

Yes. International partnerships and activities at SFU are subject to the University Policy on International Activities (GP 23). All international activities and partnerships that are proposed in the name of the University must be submitted to the Senate Committee on International Activities before the activity can take place. If the activity is subject to other university policy, it must receive approval by the appropriate senate committee prior to being presented to SCIA. In addition, new partnership and activities must have the support of the appropriate dean or portfolio head.

Not all international activities require a formal agreement however, there are times when a formal agreement is necessary. For example, where the relationship commits the university to financial obligations or where it impacts the academic standards or programs such as student exchanges. SFU International staff can advise you on whether an agreement is necessary to support your collaboration.

The lead on the collaboration/activity and the sponsoring faculty/unit are responsible for the implementation of the agreement and for reporting requirements if any. In the case of student exchange agreements, International Services for Students has responsibility for the implementation of the exchange program and for annual negotiations of balances with the partner.

SFU International keeps track of all signed international collaboration agreements and monitors agreements that are due to expire. SFU International will work with the sponsoring faculty/unit to determine whether to proceed with a renewal and if there is interest in renewing, SFU International will negotiate a new agreement with the partner. Unless there have been substantive changes to the collaboration and agreement, renewals are not required to be submitted to SCIA for approval.

Research contracts at SFU are negotiated by Research Services (RS). RS provides expertise in research administration and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures of the university and the sponsor. Research Services staff helps faculty members navigate through the full lifecycle of a research project, from pre-award application through post-award administration, to closeout.