Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 24, 2013.

In the year 2000 Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and the University of Michigan (UM) signed an agreement which effectively launched a joint collaboration in teaching, research and personnel exchange in Mechanical Engineering, aimed simultaneously to further develop the Mechanical Engineering School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The collaboration proved to be a great success and has been recognized as a model of Sino-American collaborative education for the following characteristics: a world-class education management model, educational programs and course systems based on the UM system, joint bilingual teaching by Chinese and foreign teachers, mutual recognition of academic credits, an innovative education system adapted to the global environment and its high caliber graduates.

From 2000 to December 2005, these UM pilot classes had enrolled nearly 500 students in six years, 117 of whom have graduated and 35 of whom have transferred to the University of Michigan to pursue a degree. These graduates enjoy an advantage in the job market and are welcomed by well-known multi-national companies and big enterprises because of their strong practical ability, international competitiveness and over-all high quality of academic preparation.

A Memorandum of Understanding between The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine and The University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute agreed to encourage and promote the following academic and educational activities:

• to provide opportunities for students to gain global experience and to foster collaboration among faculty members 

• promote exchange of undergraduate students for study 

• encourage joint research 

• encourage other activities deemed appropriate by mutual consent