York St John University extends partnership with Pacific University

York St John University and Pacific University in Oregon, USA signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 10 May 2012, reinforcing plans for future collaborative links between the institutions.

The MOU sets out to unite the institutions on the basis of common foundations and resonance between institutional values and missions.  It is anticipated that the MOU will encourage mutually beneficial relationships by encouraging visiting faculty exchanges, as well as the development of joint research programmes, conferences and academic offerings to enhance the research and education process in both universities.

The document, signed by Pacific University President Lesley Hallick and York St John University Vice Chancellor Professor David Fleming, continues a collaborative relationship that began in 2008 when the two universities first initiated a Student Exchange Agreement.

The aim of shared and joint activity is to maximise opportunities for students and staff while being able to demonstrate adherence throughout to recognised standards of quality assurance.

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, said:

"Pacific and York St John are very similar in structure; the new partnership will benefit both universities through the sharing of expertise in all areas from alumni and fundraising to effective governance.”

Pacific University President, Lesley Hallick, said:

“Many of our faculty, staff and students will take advantage of this relationship in the coming years.  As we discuss more aspects of what York St John is doing and what we are doing, we continue to find more intersection of challenges that we both face, yet in different frameworks.”

The signing ceremony took place at at Montinore Vineyards in nearby Dilley in the presence of Executives from each of the universities. Following the formal signing, documentation was exchanged and plans were put in place for future co-operation between the two institutions.