Global Community

Hello Everyone!  In July, I was transferred to the international institute here at Mississippi State and my primary responsibility is to foster coordination of international research for the University.  I’m not experienced with the international aspect of research administration, but I am excited about the opportunity to expand my knowledge.  As expected, there were many projects that needed attention, but I am seeking guidance on the following two:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) was awarded for the third round of the Indo-US 21^st Century Knowledge Initiative with Mississippi State as the US partner. In this case, JNU is responsible for project coordination and no funds will be transferred to MSU. In an effort to protect MSU and our researchers/travelers, we have decided to attach an addendum to the existing MOU that will outline expectations financially and programmatically. Therefore, I am asking if any of you have encountered a similar situation and would be willing to share your template with me.
2. We have a faculty member who is involved in a research project located in Tanzania and he has asked our treasury office to wire additional funds to a personal account that he set up in- country, specifically for this project. He is needing these funds for operational purposes and has already been there for several months. We later discovered that the award is not in place and institutional funds are being used until awarded. Although we’re concerned that we don’t know what is allowable, my main issue is identifying the risks involved in transferring these funds. I’m also interested in receiving information related to best practices in managing personal accounts in foreign countries and a risk mitigation checklist for international activities.

I look forward to your response and any assistance will be appreciated.

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Shauncey Hill
Director of International Research Development
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
(662) 325-4062
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Hello Shauncy,

With regard to the wire transfers to a personal account, UMB does not permit personal accounts related to University programs. Risks include potential fraudulent use of the funds. I hope others will comment on this.

I think it makes sense to have an MOA in place since MSU and its researchers will be responsible for some aspects of project performance. I will look at our agreements to see if we have a template that might give you a starting place.

Janet

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Janet Simons
Director, Research Policy
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
410-706-5632
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Shauncey,

I have posted a Sample Checklist for preparation and review of proposals with an international component. This sample was prepared for use at my university. You might find it useful in creating your own risk mitigation checklist for international activities. 

http://collaborate.ncura.edu/viewdocument/?DocumentKey=bb032fb4-c34d-4b8a-bd37-1500edaa1626

If anyone else has a risk mitigation checklist, please post!

Janet

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Janet Simons
Director, Research Policy
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
410-706-5632
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