Memorandum of Understanding

PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN AN EPA PROGRAM OFFICE AND AN HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION

STAFF:

PROCESS:

. Cooperation in research and training Support research projects that will increase our understanding of environmental issues in Hispanic communities.
Opportunities for students Facilitate education, internships, employment.
Outreach to the Hispanic community Improve communication and service to this growing segment of EPA's customer base, which is at high risk from environmental problems.

Form intra-office staff team, with HEP manager lead and OCR participation. Team tasks:

Narrow list of candidate institutions. OCR can assist in selecting institutions by the presence of certain degree programs.
Staff team brainstorms possible projects. Team members consult colleagues for ideas, which may be most appropriate to one specific institution. This process can help to further narrow the list of candidate institutions.
Staff may also have existing contacts at candidate institutions. These contacts can assist with project idea development.
Staff team presents ideas to managers for comment/evaluation/approval.

Managers (Office Directors) buy in to institution and project ideas; buy-in determines choice of institution.
Contact the institution.

HEP manager makes initial formal contact with selected institution; President's or Provost's office is suggested.
Further communication should involve EPA managers in addition to the HEP Manager.
Share draft MOU with the institution and reach agreement.

NEXT STEPS:

Finalize and sign MOU.

Write work plan.

Finalize and implement project(s) (ongoing).