Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Subject to change, Last Revision: 04/26/2024

Overview

Usually a non-legally binding agreement signals the willingness of the parties to move forward with a definitive agreement. Use should be minimal; not to be confused with term sheets. In this instance, MOU applies to contracts and transactions processed through ERIK verticals.

Important Notes

Ohio State faculty and staff employees cannot sign any agreement with legally binding terms and conditions on behalf of the university. Any such agreement must be set up as a contract between the outside institution or company and Ohio State and signed by a university official who has delegated signature authority to bind Ohio State to the terms.

Sponsored research refers to any research activity sponsored or funded by an external organization, including federal, state, or private organizations, for purposes of conducting research.

Each agreement is unique meaning processing time can vary depending on:

• complexity of the agreement
• background university IP
• number of parties involved
• compliance protocol requirements (may include but may not be limited to: animal care and use, HIPPA, human subject testing, export control, financial conflict of interest, or specific federal funding requirements)
• whether the agreement contains language that deviates from Ohio State’s approved terms and conditions, requiring additional institutional review

Download the memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement flowchart