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Memorandum
of Understanding between eduGI.net partners
January 10, 2002
This Memorandum of Understanding
describes the mission of eduGI.net, its objectives, and
the implementation schedule. A consensus of all partners
on these issues is the first step in formally setting up
the network.
Mission
The successful introduction of
curricula or modules in Geoinformatics (or GI Science) at
various universities suggests an institutionalised exchange
program. Only through an exchange of information, contents,
students, and teachers can a curriculum meet international
quality standards. eduGI.net targets sustainable networking
for the purposes of
- more efficient use of resources
- quality assurance in GI education
- improved qualifications of university graduates.
Objectives
eduGI.net is a network of GI education
institutions. It supports the fulfilment of organizational
requirements and implements measures for cooperation as
follows:
- eduGI.net targets an increased mobility of students (Masters
and PhD levels). The eduGI.net partners fulfil the organizational
requirements for student exchanges and advertise and participate
in mobility programs.
- eduGI.net targets an increased exchange of teachers (professors
and research assistants). Thus eduGI.net improves the quality
of teaching, trains research assistants in international
teaching, and enhances research cooperation. The eduGI.net
partners fulfil the organizational requirements for teacher
exchanges and participate in mobility programs.
- eduGI.net establishes a series of annual summer schools
for Masters and PhD students. A summer school counts as
a course of studies for the students at their home universities.
The events will be organized in turn by partner universities.
- eduGI.net partners exchange information on curricula
and degrees. A harmonization of curricular contents creates
synergies and facilitates the exchange of students, teachers,
and course modules. Where applicable, partners share experiences
in introducing new degrees and achieving accreditation.
- eduGI.net partners develop standards for curricula and
modules, based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
All partners guarantee a minimal number of courses taught
in English.
- eduGI.net targets a streamlined cooperation between European
and non-European universities. First steps are the cooperation
with US universities within the EC program ISAP, and with
Latin-American universities within the EC program ALFA.
Additional programs will be discussed and evaluated.
- eduGI.net develops an organizational framework, consisting
of a management structure and working groups. For a sustainable
cooperation, the network develops a business model. The
partners seek funding from national and regional organizations,
and jointly apply for international funding.
Schedule
The partners agree on the following
milestones for implementation:
- Consensus on Memorandum of Understanding (02/2002)
- IfGI provides draft implementation plans (02/2002)
- IfGI visits partners for further discussions (03/2002)
- Consensus on implementation plans (04/2002)
- Formal establishment of eduGI.net (04/2002)
- First summer school (08/2002)
- Acquiring more partner universities (ongoing)
- Applying for funding (ongoing).
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