Memorandum of Understanding
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a legal document describing a bilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action, rather than a legal commitment.

Memorandum of Agreement
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) or cooperative agreement is a document written between parties to cooperatively work together on an agreed upon project or meet an agreed upon objective. The purpose of an MOA is to have a written understanding of the agreement between parties. The MOA can also be a legal document that is binding and hold the parties responsible to their commitment.

Lidia Nonn
Director, Institute for Research
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On Behalf Of Carol Clem
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 1:52 PM
To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] MOU's vs. MOA's

As far as I've been able to determine, the only difference is the last letter/word.  The
essential agreement does the same thing.

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