5.0 Content

A joint programme agreement can contain almost everything from university structure to student housing and laws governing higher education. Many a meeting is spent on how the detailed content of the planned programme is described in the agreement. Sometimes even course descriptions find their way to the draft versions of agreements.

Trust is the prerequisite of all cooperation. When those involved are confident with the quality of education provided by their partners, a lot has been achieved. What constitutes trust, then? Thorough knowledge of the other, i.e. of the research interests and, especially in the case of joint programmes, of teaching. If such familiarity between the players does not exist, either take time to get to know each other or give up the idea of a joint educational venture.

Disagreements belong to the relationships even between good friends. But this time it is not a question of a collegial, scientific debate - we enter the world of degree regulations, laws and practices. Administrative expertise is called for and it is usually not included in the toolbox of those who have the scientific and educational interest in developing the joint programme.

Disagreements bring about perhaps the most important item to be included in the agreement: governance or the way decisions are taken. Sadly, this is usually the weakest point in most of the agreements. The reason for the absence is quite simple: there has never been a need to decide on anything formally. This is why these guidelines pay a lot of attention to decision-making. Another point of deeper investigation are the regulations and rights concerning students and studies.