THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Transcription

1 THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is made on the 11 th day of September 2008, between THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA and THE LAUNCESTON CITY COUNCIL for the development and implementation of collaborative programs, the sharing of information and expertise, and other activities that enrich the economic and social wellbeing of the Launceston region and the University of Tasmania. CONTEXT The University of Tasmania (UTAS) and the Launceston City Council (LCC) ( the Parties ) are engaged in developing a partnership to facilitate relevant projects and relationships that will maximise the effectiveness of engagement between UTAS, LCC and the community. Both parties recognise the symbiotic nature of a close working relationship. UTAS contributes to the economic, social and cultural fabric of the community, while the appeal and liveability of Launceston are key factors in the sustainability and success of UTAS. By working together, UTAS and the LCC can achieve the shared vision of Launceston City of learning and innovation, open to the world. The purpose of this MOU is to establish a framework within which the Parties agree on methods for achieving mutual support in terms of relationships, the nature of projects and activities, communication and reporting. Page 1 of 7

2 The Parties have reached the following understandings: 1. DEVELOPMENT OF MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL ACTIVITIES The Parties agree to: 1.1 Seek opportunities for professional consultancy and research partnerships that assist the LCC to achieve its strategic goals through the provision of academic expertise, in line with UTAS policies and quality assurance processes. 1.2 Build the City of Learning profile by working together to promote the liveability attributes of Launceston to attract more domestic and international students to Launceston. 1.3 Develop graduation activities to become a major town and gown event. 1.4 Address LCC and community skills shortages by sharing corporate knowledge and expertise regarding educational needs and trends and strategies for meeting market demands. 1.5 Develop and support the Sister City program to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. 1.6 Engage appropriate LCC and UTAS staff on advisory committees and working groups for specific projects that deal with mutually relevant issues. 1.7 Engage in ongoing relationship building through regular meetings. 1.8 Encourage LCC involvement in UTAS student development activities that, at the same time, assist the LCC in achieving its own strategic goals. 1.9 Share staff professional development opportunities Engage in such other cooperative activities and programs as identified Share skills and resources to develop an economic vision, development and business activities in northern Tasmania. Schedule A outlines the processes and actions that will be implemented to fulfil Page 2 of 7

3 2. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 In developing programs and activities under this MOU, the Parties may enter into a Written Agreement which will, where relevant, include reference to the following: provision of appropriate infrastructure, and the costs relating to such infrastructure to be met by the Parties; contributions to any associated costs; special rates or subsidies to be offered by the Parties; intellectual property management; and marketing. 2.2 The Parties will enter into any Written Agreement in a spirit of respect and mutual goodwill and will accord to each other all reasonable cooperation and assistance in the use of their respective facilities, services and human resources. 2.3 The terms and conditions under which the Parties agree to undertake specific programs or activities that may involve funding or financial arrangements to facilitate those programs or activities will: be recorded in a Written Agreement between the Parties before the activity starts; and accurately reflect the Parties respective obligations and expectations relevant to the program or activity. 2.4 In the event that there is any inconsistency between the terms of any Written Agreement and this MOU, the Written Agreement will prevail. 2.5 Both parties will, as far as possible commit to ensuring that any joint activities or promotions will adhere to LCC and UTAS policies. 2.6 The parties acknowledge and agree that this MOU is not intended to be legally binding. Page 3 of 7

4 SIGNED FOR, AND ON BEHALF OF, THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA BY: Professor Daryl Le Grew Vice Chancellor and President, University of Tasmania Professor David Rich Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) & Provost, University of Tasmania In the presence of: SIGNED FOR, AND ON BEHALF OF, THE LAUNCESTON CITY COUNCIL BY: Alderman Albert Van Zetten Mayor, Launceston City Council Mr Rod Sweetnam Acting General Manager, Launceston City Council In the presence of: Page 4 of 7

5 SCHEDULE A Processes and actions for fulfilling this MOU: 1. Professional Consultancy and Research Partnerships The Parties will seek opportunities for, and facilitate access to, professional consultancy and research partnerships that both support the LCC in achieving its strategic goals through the sharing of academic expertise, and respect UTAS independent status. The LCC will, where possible and whilst remaining competitive, consider UTAS as the University of First Choice when sourcing relevant consultancy and research services. 2. Build the City of Learning Profile The Parties will work together to attract more domestic and international students to Launceston and avoid costly duplication, by sharing understandings of market needs, developing joint marketing materials and ensuring that promotional campaigns send consistent messages. 3. LCC and Community Skills Shortages The Parties will work to address LCC and community skills shortages by sharing corporate knowledge and expertise regarding educational needs, trends and strategies for meeting market demands, for exampl e : Address global shortage of municipal planners through possible development of Launceston based UTAS planning degree; LCC to support UTAS through the provision of at least one annual scholarship in an area of community skill shortage; and LCC to partner UTAS by providing cadetships in areas of skills shortage within the LCC. 4. Sister City Program UTAS will become involved in the LCC Sister City Program including contributing to a review of the current program with the aims of: Page 5 of 7

6 growing potential international markets in areas of education, business, investment and tourism; enhancing the positive cultural impacts of international students and visitors; attracting migrants to, and encouraging retention of, international students to address local skills shortages; enhancing the quality of welcome, engagement and experiences for international students, visitors and lecturers; and involvement of UTAS international students in LCC Citizenship Programs. 5. Membership of Advisory Committees and Working Groups Appropriate LCC and UTAS staff will be engaged on advisory committees and working groups that deal with mutually relevant issues, for example: UTAS representation on the LCC Economic Advisory Panel to develop a new economic development strategy; LCC representation on the UTAS Launceston Advisory Group; participation in the Active Launceston partnership; and participation in the Launceston CBD Revitalisation project. 6. Ongoing Relationship Building The Parties will engage in ongoing relationship building through: quarterly meetings between UTAS Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) & Provost, UTAS Launceston Engagement & Development Manager, LCC General Manager, LCC Director Communications & Economic Development and Launceston Mayor; annual UTAS presentations to Aldermen and LCC Executive at Strategic Planning and Policy Committee meetings; and provision by UTAS of annual campus familiarisations and tours for LCC Aldermen and Executive. 7. UTAS Support for Major Community Events UTAS will support major community events through: provision of joint forums to address topical regional issues; provision of venues and expertise where feasible; Page 6 of 7

7 provision of UTAS event information for inclusion in LCC regional calendar; working collaboratively with the LCC to maximise the Launceston conference market potential linked to UTAS faculties, schools and divisions; and assisting the LCC to identify guest speakers and commentators for relevant Council, local government, and community forums. 8. LCC support for UTAS Student Development Activities The LCC will become involved in UTAS student development activities that at the same time assist the LCC to achieve its strategic goals through: hosting students and supporting UTAS internship programs; providing guest lecturers to UTAS; and working closely with individual UTAS schools on specific projects (e.g. Architecture students working with LCC urban design and planning departments). 9. Professional Development Opportunities The LCC will, where possible and whilst remaining competitive, consider UTAS as the University of First Choice when sourcing professional development opportunities for staff. UTAS and the LCC will share relevant staff professional development opportunities, through, for example: UTAS fee incentives for LCC staff; inclusion of LCC staff in some UTAS professional development programs; inclusion of UTAS staff in some LCC professional development workshops; and inclusion of UTAS leaders in LCC Leaders Forums. 10. Shared Economic Vision for Northern Tasmania UTAS and the LCC will explore the potential to identify and attract new joint venture industries and business opportunities to northern Tasmania. *** Page 7 of 7