The OEC reviews a variety of requests through the University’s Office of Immigration Services (OIS), Graduate Admissions, and International Student Services (ISS) to identify and mitigate potential risks of export controls violations which could arise when hosting international visitors.
We understand that the process of facilitating visa sponsorship takes time and effort and that visa denials may have reputational impacts. If you would like to request a preliminary review of a potential candidate prior to issuing an invitation or offer of employment or to ask questions prior to submitting an immigration request form to University immigration teams, please contact us at export@ou.edu or by calling 405-325-7843.
International shipments are one of many avenues by which items or information may be exported. In some cases, additional documentation or a specific export license from the U.S. Government may be required before an international shipment may occur compliantly. Seizures of goods, delays, and export violations can be prevented by working with the Office of Export Controls prior to shipping. To ensure that your upcoming international shipment is compliant, please complete OEC's International Shipping Form.
It is also recommended that you contact the University’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) prior to shipment. OTC can advise and assist if a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is needed. MTA’s define and protect each party’s rights with respect to the materials, any derivatives and any resulting publication attribution. MTA’s may also provide an additional measure of assurance that materials will not be used in contravention of U.S. export regulations.
The U.S. Government publishes a variety of lists which identify individuals, companies, universities, NGOs, and other entities or groups who are considered parties of concern and a red flag when present in collaborations, transactions or exchanges. In some cases, these restricted parties may be outright prohibited by export and sanctions regulations. The Office of Export Controls screens for potential matches on these lists through administrative functions across the University. However, faculty and staff may also individually request a restricted party screening by providing the relevant details through OEC's Restricted Party Screening Request Form. The OEC will reply with the screening results and appropriate guidance, consistent with U.S. export controls requirements and with the University’s “High Risk and Restricted Parties Policy”, to assist you in making more informed decisions about risk and compliance within international engagements.
The Office of Export Controls reviews proposed campus visits of non-citizen visitors who are not excluded from the scope of the University’s “Hosting Non-Citizen Visitors on Campus Policy”. These reviews are designed to enable the University to continue hosting non-citizens on campus while reducing risk and protecting the interests of OU and its community. In particular, the OEC seeks to identify and mitigate potential export controls violations and research security risks.
University hosts may submit the information requested by the policy to export@ou.edu. The OEC will then review and respond with appropriate guidance and, as needed, risk mitigation plans. University hosts are responsible for ensuring the policy’s guidance and best practices are followed throughout an approved visit.
Export controls are one of many considerations to make when planning an international trip. By carrying an item, sample, material, information, or software out of the United States, even temporarily, you are effectively exporting it. This includes cell phones, laptops and the data that may be stored on those devices.
In some cases, exports may require an approved export license from the U.S. Government or other documentation prior to your departure. This is especially true if you are traveling to or through a comprehensively sanctioned region or country or traveling with controlled items or data. Depending upon which agency has jurisdiction, approvals of a license application can take anywhere from 2-12 months, and the U.S. Government may approve or deny the request. The OEC will coordinate and submit the export license application; however, the OEC cannot guarantee that the U.S. Government will approve the request or issue a license within a specific timeframe. It is recommended to contact the Office of Export Controls well in advance to allow time for this lengthy approval process.
In many other cases, the University may not necessarily need to seek a license prior to your departure if the proposed trip qualifies for a specific export license exception, exemption, or a general license. The OEC will evaluate and make this determination and can provide a travel letter to accompany faculty and staff upon request. This may be helpful when moving through customs. Please note that U.S. Customs and foreign customs agents may be authorized to detain you and search and seize your electronic device without probably cause.
