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Memorandum of Understanding With University of New Mexico

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Policy Memorandum of Understanding With University of New Mexico

Introduction

The United States has an ever-increasing need for well-trained, qualified professionals in environmental policy, economics, and information to meet the needs of the future. Innovative strategies must be implemented to assure an adequate supply of highly-trained technical personnel for the accomplishment of environmental research and development programs. To help meet this objective, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being established between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Policy and the University of New Mexico (UNM). The purpose of this MOU is to formalize and strengthen the ties between the University of New Mexico and EPA in order to enhance the education and training of students and increase the relevance of university research to EPA's mission.

Background

In order to meet the requirements of the Nation's research, environmental and scientific needs, and the equally important national policy of full participation of all of our citizens, it is clear that full participation of persons of Hispanic origin is desirable.

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) such as the University of New Mexico clearly offer a rich resource for encouraging the participation of Hispanics in environment-related fields and in the nation's environmental programs.

EPA began a sustained effort in 1981 to increase the involvement and productivity of a number of able researchers in minority serving institutions who have the capability of contributing to EPA's mission. This MOU is an effort to develop a more comprehensive program which will result in mutual benefit to the University of New Mexico, the Office of Policy (OP), and Hispanic communities in New Mexico and nationwide.

Goal

The goal of the program herein described is the strengthening and growth of mutually beneficial research, educational, and outreach programs to be conducted cooperatively by EPA and the University of New Mexico. This MOU is intended to provide a significant positive impact on the following areas:

  1. the relevance of EPA's programs to Hispanic communities nationwide, particularly in New Mexico;

  2. the relevance of the University of New Mexico research projects to EPA's environmental mission;

  3. the number of Hispanic students electing to pursue graduate study and research careers in environment-related fields.

It is expected that the University of New Mexico's capacity to develop environmental professionals will be significantly enhanced while important contributions are made to EPA's overall research and development programs.

Program

Recognizing the unique resources offered by UNM and the high potential for environmental science, research, and training programs in areas of interest to EPA, this MOU is being initiated to formalize joint program activities that will help UNM to enhance its research and educational capabilities, and assist EPA in achieving its mission. The following activities are indicative of the types contemplated through this joint program:

  1. joint research projects;

  2. research participation and collaboration;

  3. student internships, cooperative education, and employment, as well as pre- college mentor and educational programs in general and specialized fields;

  4. UNM/EPA staff/faculty appointments;

  5. programs, courses, seminars, and workshops;

  6. outreach to Hispanic communities surrounding UNM, to inform them of environmental matters and of opportunities to improve environmental protection in their communities.

The following paragraphs contain some details on these program elements.

  1. JOINT RESEARCH PROJECTS

    UNM will participate in EPA-sponsored research either through submitting proposals for grants and/or cooperative agreements directly to EPA's Office of Policy or through joint collaboration with other EPA components, and notification to the Office of Policy.

  2. RESEARCH PARTICIPATION AND COLLABORATION

    Visits of UNM faculty, staff, and students to EPA facilities for consultations, meetings, workshops, short courses, and research participation will be encouraged and facilitated. In addition, faculty appointments for summer or sabbatical periods may be sponsored when appropriate for longer-term research participation and collaboration.

  3. STUDENT INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT

    University of New Mexico students will be encouraged to take advantage of the many programs that exist at EPA-operated facilities that are designed for student research participation and training. Participation in current programs that allow undergraduate students to gain valuable experience and training during the academic year and/or the summer as cooperative education employees or as research interns will be encouraged. Graduate students may choose to pursue thesis research in addition to graduate internships with EPA.

    In concert with EPA, the University of New Mexico will

    1. identify graduate and undergraduate student participants in co-op and other student employment programs,

    2. provide guidelines for all aspects of the co-op program, e.g., respective institutional responsibilities, student responsibilities, credit contact hours, schedules, requirements, and evaluations.

    Basic educational assistance with training in environment-related fields, as well as pre-college assistance and cooperation from EPA and UNM, may be initiated through educational assistance and mentoring programs.

    EPA Vacancy announcements will be furnished to UNM for posting.

  4. UNM/EPA STAFF/FACULTY APPOINTMENTS

    Where possible and appropriate, the University of New Mexico will attempt to provide adjunct faculty appointments for EPA staff who are participating significantly in this program. For its part, where possible and appropriate, EPA will grant visiting scientist status to UNM staff members significantly participating in the program.

  5. PROGRAMS, COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

    EPA will inform UNM and make available, on an "as-available" basis, slots for UNM personnel in mini and short courses, lectures, and seminars covering various environment-related subjects. The Office of Policy will use UNM personnel in various disciplines to develop programs and teach courses for EPA personnel, and may use UNM facilities to present courses and training. The Office of Policy will also support UNM in the development and coordination of conferences and workshops in areas of mutual need and concern. Any fees charged to UNM will be subject to EPA policies on waivers for state employees.

  6. OUTREACH TO HISPANIC COMMUNITIES

    The Office of Policy will support UNM with environmental outreach activities, particularly those directed toward Hispanic communities. UNM will collaborate as appropriate with any EPA-initiated environmental outreach programs.

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION

This collaborative program will be administered by an EPA Campus Executive and a representative designated by UNM. These administrators shall be assisted by the OP Hispanic Employment Program Manager, and other UNM and EPA staff as necessary and appropriate. The program administrators shall be responsible for:

AGREEMENT

The undersigned agree, on February 16, 1999, to the program described in this Memorandum of Understanding. We further agree that either party shall retain the right to withdraw from this program after providing 30 days notice to the other party.

Signed:

William C. Gordon
Interim President
University of New Mexico

David Gardiner
Assistant Administrator for Policy
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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