Rules

This rule establishes guidelines governing agreements between Stanly Community College (SCC or the College) and public or private entities to support educational opportunities, workforce development, community engagement, public service, and economic development initiatives.

The College may enter into agreements with individuals or public/private entities when such collaborations:

• Support the mission and strategic goals of the college 
• Benefit students and the community 
• Enhance educational, workforce, or public service opportunities 
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and board policies 

The activities envisioned by external partner agreements must be conducted in a manner that preserves the integrity, independence, and public trust of the college and: 

External partner agreements are not appropriate and should be replaced by a Memorandum of Understanding or other type of contract if:

All external partner agreements must:

• Be reviewed approved by appropriate college administrative offices 
• Receive legal review when the external partner requests changes to Section 5. Terms and Conditions in the template agreement 
• Be approved by the college president or designee 
• Receive governing board approval when required by law or institutional policy 
• Include the following clause, unless modified by legal counsel, “Nothing contained in this External Partner Agreement shall be construed as creating a joint venture, partnership, association, or syndicate between any of the parties. No party is by virtue of this External Partner Agreement authorized to act as an agent, employee, or legal representative of any other party. No party shall have any power or authority to bind or commit any other party nor to hold itself out as having any authority or relationship over any other party nor to impose any liability on any of them.”

Reviews of external partner agreements must include:

• Determination if a more detailed Memorandum of Understanding is required, especially if the external partner requests additional language that involves indemnification, hold harmless agreements, liability, insurance, or confidentiality statements.
• Determine if insurance is required
• Determine if College remains in compliance with applicable laws, purchasing requirements, and State Board of Community College Code
• Determination that College funds will not be used to purchase supplies for projects for external organizations

No employee may bind the college to an External Partner Agreement without proper authorization.

Arrangements between SCC and external partners shall be documented in a written agreement to include:

• Purpose and scope of the partnership 
• Roles and responsibilities of each party 
• Financial obligations and funding sources
• Use of facilities, equipment, or personnel 
• Insurance and liability provisions 
• Data sharing and confidentiality requirements 
• Compliance obligations 
• Duration and termination procedures 

To request to enter into an External Partner Agreement with Stanly Community College, please complete the External Partner Agreement form and submit to the appropriate Vice President for review. After initial review and approval, the Vice President will move the form to the Executive Leadership Team for final approval.