UNE formalizes partnership with The Arctic University of Norway

The University of New England and The Arctic University of Norway – Tromsø (UiT) recently formalized a new institutional partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and exchange agreement to expand student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, and shared academic initiatives between the two institutions.

Signed by the universities’ presidents on Feb. 27, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing education and research across the North Atlantic and Arctic regions by establishing a framework to bridge the schools’ complementary academic strengths and regional priorities.

Leaders from both institutions noted that the alignment of UNE’s academic programs and regional engagement with UiT’s global leadership in Arctic education and scholarship positions the collaboration to create meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and communities.

The formalization of the partnership builds on UNE’s ongoing investment in global education programming and international collaboration. Recent student experiences, including undergraduate research conducted through exchange opportunities in Norway, highlight how structured global pathways can support hands-on learning and deepen institutional ties.

University leaders described the MOU as an important step in strengthening UNE’s global network and reinforcing its commitment to preparing students for impact in an increasingly interconnected world. 

Debra Leahy, Ed.D., vice president for Global Affairs, said that, by linking academic expertise with shared geographic and cultural contexts, the partnership aims to advance knowledge exchange and innovation that benefit communities across northern coastal regions.

“This partnership brings together two institutions deeply connected to their coastal environments, creating new opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate across the North Atlantic and Arctic regions on issues that matter both locally and globally,” Leahy shared.

Leahy further noted that UNE’s Office of Global Affairs will coordinate implementation of the agreement in partnership with academic leadership and faculty across both universities. 

In addition to supporting study-abroad and exchange pathways, she said, the collaboration is expected to foster new research connections and enhance opportunities for experiential learning aligned with regional and global priorities.

“This partnership lays the foundation for continued collaboration that will expand opportunities for students and faculty while contributing to the communities and regions we are collectively committed to serving,” she said.