Memorandum of Understanding

Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas

Haskell Indian Nations University (Haskell) and the University of Kansas (KU) have long enjoyed a spirit of cooperation due both to their commonality of mission and mutual location in Lawrence, Kansas. Haskell serves an American Indian/Alaska Native undergraduate population from across the nation, and KU serves a broader population of both undergraduate and graduate students. The two institutions have been able to bridge those populations, and the partnership has demonstrated unequivocal success through the realization of numerous cooperative initiatives and programs.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets forth and codifies these major areas of interest and cooperation and serves as a framework for future initiatives. Within the spirit of this memorandum, both institutions agree to honor and mutually support the institutional mission and values of each unique campus. Our mutual trust and respect continue to be grounded in a partnership that is in cooperation with one another. These agreements are aligned with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) policy and the Boards of Regents of both institutions. 

Therefore, Haskell and KU agree to:

Articulation

Provide on-going services of articulation between the two institutions. Specifically,

Haskell will—

  1. Annually provide updated information to KU Registrar regarding:
    1. program of study for each degree,
    2. course descriptions and
    3. when necessary, course syllabi.
  2. Facilitate transfer of Haskell students to KU by providing space and support services for KU personnel.
  3. Provide opportunities for KU representatives to recruit Haskell students through various activities (such as career and college fairs and regular opportunities for campus visits).

KU will—

  1. Update its admissions materials annually with the Haskell Registrar.
  2. Assign a representative who will provide regular and continued on-site admissions and advising services for Haskell students who are interested in transferring at the undergraduate level or seeking admission to graduate programs.
  3. Provide lists of KU equivalencies and programmatic requirements to Haskell personnel and students upon request.

Together, Haskell and KU will —

  1. Coordinate annually to update a collaborative webpage that is hosted on each institution’s website which provides pertinent information regarding:
  • admissions guidance,
  • transfer policies,
  • transfer equivalence for Haskell courses,
  • program sheets that articulate transfer requirements for each major,
  • advising information,
  • and student support services,
  • with links between Haskell and KU websites.

Research

Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas agree to jointly —

  1. Support capacity building initiatives at both institutions, specifically in the areas of research, student training, sponsored programs and related institutional research.
  2. Consult and coordinate regarding joint internal and external research-related proposals to ensure both institutions have their respective review and approval processes completed. Implementation of sponsored research will comply with policies at the respective institutions.
  3. Communicate and coordinate with the appropriate grant administration offices and potential faculty on mutual teaching and research opportunities to clarify and educate about matters such as:
    • data sovereignty and ownership of data produced from research.
    • research ethics,
    • requirements for federal consultation and working with tribal communities,
    • institutional grant submission processes.

Programs and Services

Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas agree to jointly –

  1. Allow selected and limited numbers of students to be agreed upon mutually to attend classes on the cooperative campus who are enrolled at their home institution but are taught and evaluated by a cooperative faculty member through the Haskell/KU Exchange Program.
  2. Provide advising and student information to assist Haskell and KU students in the process of enrollment through the Haskell/KU Exchange Program.
  3. Provide mutual library privileges to enrolled students and staff/faculty at both institutions at no cost.
  4. Conduct and coordinate staff and faculty exchanges.
  5. Develop committees, as needed representing both institutions, to review opportunities for proposed agreements, mutual research projects, and other academic and extracurricular activities.
  6. Cooperate in the use of mutual resources such as libraries, museums, websites, instructional technology, cultural, social events and programs.
  7. Cooperate in future endeavors that mutually benefit students, faculty and staff at both institutions.
  8. Explore the development of teaching or research courtesy protocol between faculties at both institutions.

Haskell will—

  1. Provide professional development opportunities and training for KU faculty, staff, and students when appropriate.
  2. Provide guidance and support in enhancing recruitment and retention efforts of American Indian/Alaska Native students at KU.
  3. Support registered student, faculty and staff organizations of KU.

KU will—

  1. Provide professional development opportunities and training for Haskell faculty, staff and students when appropriate.
  2. Participate in and assist with the recruitment and transfer of students from Haskell to KU and extend support to students in identifying scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
  3. Support registered student, faculty and staff organizations of Haskell.
  4. Affirm and support the policy of allowing Haskell students—undergraduate and graduate — to transfer to the University of Kansas as residents rather than non-residents for fee purposes (KSA 76-731).

To facilitate and encourage further cooperation, Haskell and KU will maintain a permanent inter-institutional committee consisting of at least five members from each institution appointed by the President of Haskell and the Provost of the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. The committee will meet at least once a semester during the academic year, will be co-chaired by a member of each institution and hosted by alternating campuses. This agreement is effective April 19, 2024, and will remain in effect until amended and agreed upon by both parties.

Frank Arpan, President, Haskell Indian Nations University           

Doug Girod, Chancellor, University of Kansas

Signed 11/1/2024