©UMB Norwegian University of Life Sclences University of Rulana MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA, SRI LANKA AND NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF LIFE SCIENCES REGARDING ACADEMIC COLLABORATION September 2005Partners This memorandum of understanding is signed between the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (referred as UoR) and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway (referred as UMB). Preamble The University of Ruhuna was established by a Special Presidential Decree on September 1, 1978 as Ruhuna University College, which was elevated to university status in 1984. The University at present has six faculties located at four centers: the Faculty of Agriculture at Mapalana, Kambreupitiya, the Faculty of Medicine at Karapitiya, Galle, the Faculty of Engineering at Hapugala, Galle, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Management and Finance, and the Faculty of Science at Wellamadama, Matara, The central administration is also located at Wellamadama, The University of Ruhuna at Wellamadama, with an extent of about 72 acres, is bordered by the sea and paddy fields and located very close to Dondra, which is the southern tip of Sri Lanka, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences was established in Aas, Norway, in 1897 as the Norwegian agricultural college. Itreceived university status under the name Norwegian University of Life Sciences in 2005, The university has a mandate to provide knowledge and higher education in biological, environmental, food, land use and natural resource sciences. The University consists of seven departments: Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Economics and Resource Management, Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning, Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and International Environment and Development Studies, Noragric. Recognising the mutual interests for scientific and academic co-operation through collaborative research, curriculum development and exchange of students and staff as a way of promoting co-operation and interaction between Sri Lanka and Norway, while Taking advantage of the already existing contacts between academic members of staff of the two universities, and Now therefore, UR and UMB, inspired by their common principles, complementary objectives and mutual interest to establish co-operation centred on collaborative research,teaching and exchange of staff and students, have decided to agree on the terms and conditions set out in the following atticles, ARTICLE 1 - OBJECTIVES + To develop joint research programmes addressing mutually agreed issues. + Strengthening professional competence and technical capacity in teaching, research and extension services. + Facilitate exchange of staff, students and knowledge to benefit both parties. ARTICLE 2 - FIELDS OF CO-OPERATION ‘The co-operation shall encompass the following fields: * Biological and environmental sciences + Agricultural sciences * Food science Management and planning * Development studies + Library services * Student affairs * University administration ARTICLE 3 - ELEMENTS OF CO-OPERATION 3.1. The partners will explore the possibilities for co-operation in the following areas: + Joint B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree programmes * Joint research * Staff training * Joint compendium writing * Joint student supervision « Share experiences in educational quality control « Part-time teaching and curriculum development * Joint assignments and contract research + Student and staff exchange * Joint collaboration in regional activities * Joint organization of conferences and work shops 3.2. Collaboration between the two universities shall be established within any field of mutual interest relevant to the objectives of the two universities.ARTICLE 4 - EXCHANGE OF STAFF 4.1 The purpose of normal exchange of staff shall be teaching and research. 4.2. Following the receipt of written credentials and proposed activities, either party may submit a letter of invitation to the other party thereto outlining the proposed terms and conditions under which the visit is to take place. 4.3. Negotiations between the parties concerning such a proposed visits shall include consideration of the methods and a source of funding for the expenses of the visiting staff member or members. ARTICLE 5 - EXCHANGE OF STUDENTS AND STAFF 5.1 UMB will facilitate students from UoR wishing to pursue MSc or PhD studies in ‘Norway. UMB staff will supervise postgraduate UoR students jointly with UoR staff according to arrangements. 5. b UMB will assist staff and students from UoR in the necessary practical matters and with formalities regarding permission to study and reside in Norway. However, arrangements for funding must be made in advance, Ee UoR will accept staff and graduate students from the UMB who wish to undertake research projects on relevant issues in Sri Lanka, 5.4. UoR will assist UMB staff and students in getting residence and research permits, accommodation, transportation, office, supervision, and library and laboratory facilities. However, for each staff and student there should be arrangements for funding to meet costs of accommodation, air and local transportation, medical insurance, deily living, and supplies. ARTICLE 6 - JOINT DEGREES 6.1 The partners will explore the possibilities to develop joint bachelor and master degree programmes to serve students from both universities. 6.2. The partners will endeavour to make the necessary academic and administrative adjustments to facilitate such joint degrees.ARTICLE 7 - FUNDING AND FINANCE 7.1 Details of financial arrangements to support exchange of students and staff will be worked out between the two Universities and approved through exchanges of letters. 72. Both universities shall endeavour to secute financial support for implementation of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding. Bfforts will be made to secure funding initially towards caring out meetings or workshops to further concretise the specific focus of the UoR- ‘UMB co-operation during the first year, with an aim towards securing funding for longer term co-operation over a period of five years, with possibilities for renewal should both partners desire this. ARTICLE 8 - MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 8.1 Negotiation, implementation, and reporting related to the collaboration will be co- ordinated through periodic consultative meetings by: # The Vice Chancellor, University of Rubuna, Sri Lanka * The Rector, University of Life Sciences, Norway P.O Box $003, 1432 As, Norway. 8.2 Each university shall identify a project leader who shall have responsibility for the day- to-day implementation and monitoring of the collaboration. 8. Incase of any dispute relating to the implementation or interpretation of this Memorandum of Understanding there shall be mutual consultation between the competent authorities signatories to this Memorandum of Understanding. 8.4 This Memorandum of Understanding shall have duration of five years renewable by mutual consent. However, the Memorandum of Understanding could be terminated by either party, giving a notice of not less than three months prior to the termination of the Memorandum of Understanding. 8.5 This Memorandum of Understanding shall take effect upon ratification by signature by the Vice-Chancellor of UoR and the Rector of UMB.Par i Vice-Chancellor University of Rubuna Professor Knut Hove Rector ‘Norwegian University of Life Sciences Date