Master Gardener Program FAQs
An MOU is a memorandum of understanding which is a simple agreement meant to outline a collaboration between two or more parties.
An MOU is used to clarify roles and responsibilities between the collaborating parties, while addressing liability, indemnification, insurance, and other risk factors. It is a great way for programs to begin projects with clear expectations or to aid in managing existing projects to ensure the continued success of our programs.
Bottomline, an MOU will help protect the UC, the other party, and YOU.
You should always have an MOU if you are delivering programmatic lessons, workshops, and/or activities on non-UC property, such as at a school, library, community organization, etc.
1 – The other party has a form they want use. Please fill out that form as best as possible and then send to PCPA at newagreement@ucanr.edu. PCPA will provide you with next steps and assist you through the process.

2 – The other party doesn’t have a form, please use our MGP MOU template (Located in the right column). Before sending to the other party, fill out the template as best you can and send to PCPA at newagreement@ucanr.edu. PCPA will review, provide you with next steps, and assist you through the process.
No. Only people with the delegated authority from the ANR Vice President are approved to sign these types of agreements. Please contact PCPA with any questions.
No, please have PCPA review all drafts before sending to the other party. This will save time and confusion during the review process. PCPA always needs to review before sending to the other party.

Most of the time PCPA will arrange for execution of agreement for both parties via DocuSign. In some instances, the other party has a preferred method of signature collection, but PCPA will always guide you through this process.
If you need a copy of UC’s generic certificate of self-insurance or to request a certificate of insurance for additional insured, please visit the Risk Services website on Certificates of Insurance located here: https://ucanr.edu/sites/risk/Forms_and_Waivers/Certificates_of_Insurance/.
While we strongly prefer to use electronic signatures, “wet” signatures can be obtained. Keep in mind this process takes much longer to complete. “Wet” signatures also require the following:

1. To be mailed to the appropriate ANR person with authority to sign. PCPA will direct you on the appropriate person and address

2. Include return envelope and necessary postage with return address.

3. Print the same number of “original” copies as there are parties to the agreement (e.g., if there are two parties, you need two copies, one for each party, etc.).

4. CPA will guide you through this process
That is OK, contact PCPA and we will review the existing MOU and determine the best way to add another program. Most of the time it means drafting an agreement and including the other program’s project description/scope of work.
It is important to discuss who will be paying for water and electricity specifically, as well as materials to either begin development or maintain development (e.g., soil, seeds, wood, irrigation hoses, etc.).

If all costs will be covered by one party, we want to specifically state that water and electricity are included in those costs because those are the more expensive line items. Please contact PCPA with any questions or concerns.