ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

REGION VII

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

INTRODUCTION

The Environmental Protection Agency has an ever-increasing need for well trained, qualified, scientists and engineers to meet the technological needs of the future. At the same time, the number of students, particularly minorities, electing to pursue science and engineering majors is decreasing. Innovative strategies must be implemented to assure an adequate supply of highly- trained technical personnel for the accomplishment of environmental research and developmental programs.

To help meet this objective, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being, established between EPA and Lincoln University. The purpose of this MOU is to formalize and strengthen ties between EPA and Lincoln in order to enhance the education and training of students and increase the relevance of university research to EPA's mission.

The parties to this agreement recognize that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) has primary responsibility for implementation of most of the environmental programs in the state. We will pursue opportunities to involve MoDNR, as appropriate, as we implement this MOU.

BACKGROUND

In order to meet the requirements of the Nation's research, environmental, and scientific needs, and the equally important national policy of full participation of all of our citizens, it is clear that the lack of full participation of African Americans and other minorities should be addressed.

Lincoln clearly offers a rich resource to provide the required institutional framework to address the problem of under representation of African Americans in scientific, engineering, finance, mathematics, information technologies ( i.e., Geographical Information Systems) and Environmental Protection Specialist fields, in addition to the participation of these minorities in the Nation's environmental programs.

This MOU provides the information for the development of a comprehensive program which will result in mutual benefit to Lincoln and EPA.

GOAL

The goal of the program described in this MOU is to provide a mechanism for the development of activities which will lead to the strengthening and growth of mutually beneficial educational, scientific and technical programs conducted jointly and independently at Lincoln.

PROGRAM

Recognizing the unique resources offered by Lincoln, the ongoing environmental science activities, and the high potential for expanding environmental science, research, and training programs in areas of interest to EPA, this MOU is being initiated to formalize joint program activities that will assist Lincoln to enhance its research and educational capabilities, and assist EPA in achieving its mission. The following activities are the type of joint ventures contemplated through this program:

  1. Joint research projects

  2. Faculty research participation

  3. Student internships, cooperative education and employment through programs such as the Outstanding Scholars Program

  4. Ad hoc technical assistance

  5. Lincoln/EPA Staff/faculty appointments

  6. Mini courses/seminars at Lincoln by EPA professional staff members

  7. Equipment loans to Lincoln that support education, research and training,

  8. Outreach Program

  9. Provide assistance in securing grant opportunities

1. Joint Research Projects - Lincoln will participate in research sponsored by EPA either through submitting proposals for grants and/or cooperative agreements directly to EPA's Office of Research and Development or through joint collaboration with other EPA components.

2. Faculty Research Participation - Visits of Lincoln faculty, staff, and students to EPA facilities for consultations, meetings, workshops, short courses, and research participation will be encouraged and facilitated. Temporary faculty appointments may be offered during summer periods and, when appropriate, may be sponsored for longer-term research participation. Such appointments shall be within Lincoln discretion.

3. Student Internships and Employment - Lincoln students will be encouraged to take advantage of the many programs that exist at EPA operated facilities that are designed for student research participation and training. Current programs that allow undergraduate students to gain valuable experience and training during the academic year and/or the summer as cooperative education employees or summer employees will be encouraged. In concert with EPA, Lincoln will identify graduate and undergraduate students who will participate in the existing Summer Intern or Cooperative Education Program. Vacancy announcements will be furnished to Lincoln for posting.

4. Technical Assistance - EPA will provide assistance to Lincoln with development of proposals where those proposals relate to EPA's mission. EPA may visit Lincoln for consultations, meetings, workshops, and seminars.

5. Lincoln/EPA Staff/Faculty Appointments - Lincoln will offer, within its discretion, adjunct faculty appointments for EPA staff who are significantly participating in this program. EPA will grant visiting scientist status to Lincoln staff members significantly participating in the program. EPA assignments for EPA employees will be encouraged.

6. Mini Courses/Lectures/Seminar Speakers - EPA will inform Lincoln about educational support which can be offered through the Agency, including: mini-courses, lectures, and seminars covering biology, chemistry, engineering, physical science, environmental science, waste disposal and other subjects based on EPA expertise and school requirements.

7. Equipment Loans - EPA will provide excess and surplus research, scientific equipment and office furniture to Lincoln that meet the needs of current and planned education, research and/or training programs, particularly in Engineering, Physical and Life Sciences Departments. The equipment loaned by EPA will remain the property of EPA until transferred to Lincoln in accordance with Federal property regulations. Lincoln, with separate research components, may participate in the equipment loan program. EPA will pay the cost of transporting equipment to Lincoln or share the cost as agreed upon by EPA and Lincoln. When EPA pays the full transportation cost, the gaining institution must present a statement certifying funds are not available to support moving the equipment.

8. Outreach Program - EPA may provide assistance to Lincoln in developing programs to attract minorities and females to careers in environmental science by providing students with experience beginning in pre-college programs grades 10 through 12. The program will be designed to enhance academic skills, career awareness, and exposure to practicing environmental scientists.

9. Grant Assistance - EPA and/or MoDNR may provide grant assistance to Lincoln University in accordance with their respective mission and purpose; and within the resource capacity of Lincoln University.

PROGRAM DESIGN

This MOU is intended to provide a significant positive impact on the following areas: 1) the quality of science and technical education; 2) the relevance of Lincoln research projects to EPA's environmental mission; 3) the problem of under equipped university research facilities; and 4) the number of African Americans and other minority students electing to pursue graduate study and research careers in science, engineering, finance and mathematics (GIS). It is expected that Lincoln's capacity to develop environmental workers will be significantly enhanced while important contributions are made to EPA's overall research and development programs.

ORGANIZATION OPERATION

This collaborative program will be administered by a committee, through EPA's Academic Relations Program, which is chaired by an EPA Campus Executive and which includes representatives from Lincoln appointed by the President. This committee shall be augmented as required by EPA's Academic Relations Coordinator and staff members. The primary responsibilities of the Committee include:

SUMMARY

The undersigned agree, on this twentieth day of September, Two-Thousand and One, to the program described in this Memorandum of Understanding. We further agree that either party shall retain the right to withdraw from this program upon timely notification to the other member and the completion of the current obligations.

Signed:

____________________

William W. Rice, Deputy Regional Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

____________________

Dr. David Henson, President, Lincoln University

____________________

Steve Mahfood, Director, Missouri Department of Natural Resources

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