This section provides a place for the parties to indicate their general intent. It may refer to the mission and values statements of the programs or the programs’ institutions. It may help individuals new to the programs better understand the partnership. It may also provide guidance in amendment or renewal.

This section lists specific outcomes sought by the parties. These should be measurable even if the actual measurement of them at any given time is difficult or even only aspirational. These are the items that are the criteria by which the success of the partnership is evaluated.

Usually membership involves only two programs, but some agreements are by consortia, multi-college district programs, or other organizations. Also, it may be advisable here to state that the admissions office of the four-year institution is not a party to the agreement and that the partnership’s provisions pertain to students if and only if they are admitted to the four-year institution itself. Duration may not be specific, but some form of touch-base contact should be specified.

This section should provide a highly specific list of items the four-year honors program promises the two-year honors program and its students. It may include items that are not special to the agreement, i.e., would be offered to any transfer student, but are present in this list for clarification and assurance. The commitment may also include restrictions, requirements, or student eligibility criteria beyond completion of the two-year institution’s program.

This section should specify the support the two-year program will provide both the four-year program and for its own students. Again, this list should be highly specific.

Who signs these agreements should be determined through the individual campus cultures – and legal departments – of each institution. A statement of authority may also be here.