BU Global Operations Toolkit

When initiating or expanding a program in another country, considerable planning and organization is required, often involving unfamiliar laws, regulations, taxes, and more. For activities ranging from large degree granting programs to small activities with in-country hiring, purchasing or other operational requirements, there are certain steps to take in order to ensure a successful program.

The BU Global Operations Toolkit (“Toolkit”) was developed by Boston University Global Programs to support the global activities of program faculty and staff. It provides best management practices, key guidelines, policies, planning tools, and templates in one central location. The Toolkit also provides mechanisms to help support compliance efforts and foster a culture of honesty and accountability that strengthens BU’s global presence. Throughout the Toolkit are references to the term “Project Lead.” Please note that this term generally refers to individuals with overall responsibility for a specific global activity. For example, it could be one or more of the following: Country Director; Resident Director; Principal Investigator; Department Chair; or Unit Head (i.e., Dean or Center Director).

In addition to helpful resources, some sections of the Toolkit present guidelines and procedures designed to protect the University, its faculty, staff, and students in the conduct of international activities; therefore it is important that they are followed. Most of the guidelines are derived from lessons learned from past BU activities. While guidelines may require a number of steps for Project Leads (whether Deans, Resident Directors, Principal Investigators or other), having a centralized information source and clear guidance should reduce the overall administrative burden on faculty and staff. It should also reduce the risks to the University by helping faculty consider important operational issues prior to proposing a new activity.

All faculty and staff with current global activities or considering new global ventures are advised to familiarize themselves with the contents of the BU Global Operations Toolkit. For questions not addressed in the Toolkit, or to follow up on specific issues of a global activity, contact the individuals listed as the recommended contact in the relevant Toolkit section.

The Issues to Consider section of the BU Global Programs website is also provided as a tool to help you quickly find information relevant to the global operations issues you may face when planning or implementing your activities. For general or cross-cutting questions, contact Boston University Global Programs.

This is a living document which will be updated and modified periodically. If you have feedback or suggestions for additional guidelines, resources, or other information to be added to the Toolkit, please contact the Office of Global Programs.