DCU Principles of International Partnership
International partnerships are essential for DCU’s strategic ambition to advance knowledge and technological innovation and build impactful relationships that are fundamental to the University’s mission to transform lives and societies.
The following guiding Principles of International Partnership are intended to ensure that our international partnerships are aligned with DCU’s core values and enhance our reputation for excellence in research and education. The principles must be applied by all university staff when considering new, or expanding existing, international partnerships.
- Partnerships must be aligned to the University’s mission and core values
- Partnerships must be with institutions of a high calibre and reputation
- Partner institutions must be financially and operationally viable
- Partner institutions must have demonstrable high status in global rankings, relevant accreditations and associations
- Partner institutions must value student experience and wellbeing and have the requisite support infrastructures to facilitate the same
- Partner institutions must be committed to conducting research to the highest possible ethical standards
- Partner institutions must advocate for equality, diversity and social inclusion for staff and students and this must be reflected in their organisational structures and policies.
- Partner institutions must share our commitment to the principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom for students, researchers and academic members of staff. Students and staff, whether from DCU, or the partner institution, must at all times observe the norms of respect and dignity.
Guidance for staff intending to pursue an international partnership
- Staff should consult with the Faculty Dean and Head of School, and with the OVPAA, OVPR, OEDE and other offices as appropriate, and fully engage with the International Partnership Approval Process on protocols for developing an international partnership.
- Staff should inform the proposed partner that the University’s process of due diligence and quality assurance will be applied in respect of all proposed new partner institutions. Due diligence will include risk assessment, including reputational risk, and consideration of factors such as the political and academic context for the partner country, as well as the history and policies of the potential partner. An agreement will not be signed in respect of a new partner without reasonable due diligence being performed.
- Staff should ensure the partnership is in alignment with DCU policies and the proposed partner institution should be informed of any university policy which may apply to the specific collaboration, e.g. Intellectual Property policy, Data Protection policy etc.
- Staff considering a partnership in a country where the political, social or cultural context requires particular consideration should contact the OEDE for advice prior to advancing discussions
For queries and guidance, please contact the Engagement Governance team in the Office of the Executive Director of Engagement (OEDE):
Director of Engagement Governance, Mary Colgan - mary.colgan@dcu.ie
Engagement Governance Officer, Michael Mullooly - michael.mullooly@dcu.ie
Work in Progress