Memorandum of Understanding

between

Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane

and

Al Akhawayn Alumni Association

April, 6th, 2023

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1993 by Royal Dahir (decree), Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (hereinafter referred to as “AUI”) opened its doors to students in January 1995. Based on the principles of diversity and an international outlook, the University's mission is driven by values of human solidarity and tolerance. Al Akhawayn University has modelled its administrative, pedagogical, and academic organization on the American University system, and English is the language of instruction. AUI is an independent, public, not-for-profit, coeducational, Moroccan University committed to educating future citizen-leaders of Morocco and the world through a globally oriented, English-language, Liberal Arts curriculum based on the American system. The University enhances Morocco and engages the world through leading-edge educational and research programs, including continuing and executive education, upholds the highest academic and ethical standards, and promotes equity and social responsibility.

Al Akhawayn Alumni Association (hereinafter referred to as “AAA”) was established in 2003 as the unique and official voice of AUI alumni; under the supervision of AUI. In 2016, AAA became a legally independent association under the 1958 Royal Dahir (decree). Its main objective is to reflect the diverse needs and interests of the growing AUI alumni community in Morocco and around the world and to contribute to the development of AUI and AAA’s identity by establishing a strong network among alumni and forging solid and long-lasting partnerships. AAA’s mission is to be a strong platform that supports the interests of AUI alumni and engages them to foster their life-long bonding. AAA’s vision is to become a leading national and regional alumni association that supports the development of its alma mater as well as its extended community. AAA remains the exclusive and official entity representing AUI alumni across the globe.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to define a mutually supportive arrangement and secure a bilateral and supportive relationship between AUI and AAA aiming to ensure the continued success of their collaboration, foster and enhance their shared principles and vision, and clarify their respective roles and responsibilities in this arrangement.

OBJECTIVES

 - Create mutual value out of the interdependent relationship between AUI and AAA.

 - Agree upon the responsibilities of the two parties towards each other.

 - Agree that the two parties should join efforts to work and coordinate with each other in the development of their respective initiatives and to carry out mutual activities to the benefit of the AUI community nationally and internationally.

 - Agree to join efforts to undertake activities that will improve and expand the support provided to AUI alumni and improve graduates’ competitiveness and access to the business world and job market.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

AUI and AAA work together to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties. The relationship between AUI and AAA is based on shared recognition that alumni are key stakeholders of the University’s enlarged community. They provide valuable perspective to the University’s top management and are a source of significant support for the University’s goals and strategic plans. A strong, engaged alumni body is important in insuring the University’s success.

1. AUI roles and responsibilities towards AAA

 - AUI shall recognize and accept AAA as the official representative entity of the AUI alumni community.

 - AUI shall discuss and convene on AUI alumni matters – as a body – with the serving elected AAA Board of Executives.

 - AUI shall recognize and accept that AAA will be free to communicate and correspond with its alumni in the furtherance of its objectives and in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

 - Notwithstanding that AUI and its Schools have the right to communicate with their own graduates, AUI will encourage all communication with AUI alumni – as a body – be coordinated through AAA.

 - Based on its discretion, AUI shall provide technical and financial support as needed for specific activities that will be developed through a participatory process agreed upon by both parties through respective formal agreements.

 - AUI shall maintain a central database of AUI graduating students to the highest standards reasonably achievable. The conditions for the appropriate use of this information in support of AAA and AUI objectives shall be subject to agreement by AUI and AAA, and will respect all Moroccan CNDP privacy laws and other regulations and policies governing the use of such data.

 - AUI shall appoint one of its staff members to support and serve as a point-of-contact between AAA and AUI. This individual shall be the main facilitator and will help coordinate the implementation of common projects.

2. AAA roles and responsibilities towards AUI

 - AAA shall be an independent entity responsible for its own governance.

 - AAA, in pursuing its objectives, recognizes its obligations as a member of the broader AUI community and will only undertake activities or services that will enhance the reputation of AUI.

 - AAA shall organize programs, activities, and communications that are in the best interests of both AUI and the alumni community.

 - AAA shall foster the continued link between the alumni community and AUI.

 - AAA shall cultivate and steward alumni relationships.

 - AAA shall establish a mentorship program to accompany students and alumni in different endeavours. 

 - AAA shall serve the community through alumni volunteers

 - AAA shall sign a renewed non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with AUI for each academic year with respect to the use of its alumni central database.

 - AAA shall maintain a central database of AUI alumni to the highest standards reasonably achievable. The conditions for the appropriate use of this information in support of AAA and AUI objectives shall be subject to agreement by AUI and AAA, and will respect all Moroccan CNDP privacy laws and other regulations and policies governing the use of such data.

 - AAA shall share an updated alumni database (contact details, location, occupation, and company) to the appointed referent staff member quarterly.

 - AAA shall collaborate closely with AUI’s Office of Employability and Entrepreneurship to offer training sessions and prepare students to the job market.

 - AAA shall facilitate free brand marketing, communications, and digital consulting to AUI, aiming at elevating AUI’s brand image and competitiveness and value proposition in the market.

AUI & AAA COORDINATION

AUI and AAA representatives shall meet regularly, with at least one (1) business week notice, in order to plan activities and future projects as well as to discuss progress on ongoing matters, respectively.

The table below lists the frequency of the meetings and levels of interactions between AUI and AAA: 

AUI and AAA representatives shall reserve the right to call for meetings outside of the above mentioned timelines as required while allowing for at least one (1) business week notice. 

COMMUNICATIONS

All notices, requests, and other communications related to this MoU shall be drafted in English, French, or Arabic and shall be sent to the last known address or email of the concerned party. Any notice shall be effective from the date on which it reaches the other party.

NAME, LOGO, AND TRADEMARKS

The two parties allow each other to use their respective names, logos and trademarks in all documents and communications related to the activities mentioned in this MoU.

AUI grants AAA license to use the name “Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane - Université Al Akhawayn d’Ifrane” and any trademarks of AUI in connection with its programs and activities. The use of AUI’s name, logo and trademarks shall be in accordance with the standards issued by the AUI's Department of Development and Communication (Dev&Com) and should be agreed before any use by Dev&Com. AUI recognizes the right of AAA to freely use its designation, “Al Akhawayn Alumni Association”. AUI does not speak on behalf of AAA and conversely AAA does not speak on behalf of AUI.

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

No amendment to this agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by both parties. No representations or agreements not incorporated herein, and no alterations or variations of the terms hereof, unless made in writing between both parties, shall be binding on either of the parties.

DURATION & TERMINATION

This MoU shall be subject to a mandatory joint review every AAA’s Board mandate term. In the interim, it may be amended or reviewed at any time with the written consent of the parties. Any monetary undertakings or obligations made by one party in favor of the other, as outlined in the attached program agreements shall be honored notwithstanding the termination of the agreement.

This MoU shall go into effect upon signature by the authorized officials from AUI and AAA and may be terminated with a written six months’ notice from either parties; after completion of ongoing activities.

In the event of non-compliance or breach by one of the parties of the obligations binding upon it, the other party may terminate the agreement with immediate effect.

SIGNED BY

Dr. Amine Bensaid - President, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane

Hamza El Meray - President, Al Akhawayn Alumni Association

on April, 6th, 2023