Baylor University and Blinn College Announce Partnership on New ‘Baylor Bound’ Transfer Agreement
Agreement will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions
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Contacts: Lori Fogleman, Baylor University, 254-710-6275 and Richard Bray,, Blinn College, 979-209-7285 or cell 979-220-5554
WACO, Texas (Aug. 11, 2014) – Baylor University and Blinn College today announced the creation of a formal Baylor Bound transfer agreement that will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions and continue to expand educational opportunities for young people all across Texas.
Blinn District President Harold Nolte and Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr signed the partnership agreement during a ceremony in the Janis Sneed Banquet Room in the Blinn-Brenham campus Student Center.
As one of its goals under the Pro Futuris strategic initiative, Baylor intends to create 10 Baylor Bound partnerships with strong Texas community colleges over the next five years. The Baylor-Blinn agreement is the third partnership, along with McLennan Community College in Waco and Tyler Junior College in Tyler.
The Baylor Bound program will serve highly motivated Blinn students who, upon meeting the program's criteria, will transfer to Baylor toward the goal of completing their baccalaureate degrees. Students will be able to participate in Baylor Bound at Blinn starting in the fall of 2015, with the intent to transfer to Baylor in the fall of 2016.
"This is a natural partnership," Nolte said. "Baylor and Blinn have long traditions of creating educational opportunities for Texas students and providing them the tools they need to be successful. This agreement gives our students a formal pathway into Baylor University and the opportunity of a lifetime."
"The Baylor Bound program is a wonderful avenue for so many community college students who wish to continue an outstanding education at Baylor University," Starr said. "We are grateful to Blinn College for entering into this historic agreement, which will provide greater educational access for students in the Brazos Valley."
Students may declare their intent to transfer to Baylor by submitting the Baylor Bound application prior to enrolling at Blinn or while enrolled as a full-time student. Admission to the program will be determined by Baylor's Office of Admission Services.
Blinn students who become part of the Baylor Bound program can choose a plan from 66 distinct majors, all of which are articulated through specific MAPS – or Major Academic Planners – that will assist them as they move toward timely degree completion. More information about these majors and course transfer equivalency between Baylor and Blinn is available at www.baylor.edu/advising/bbmaps.
Most students in Baylor Bound will take classes for one year at Blinn and three years at Baylor. However, some students may be approved to take two years at Blinn and two at Baylor, depending on the student's major and number of transfer credit hours.
Students must be enrolled in an approved A.A. or A.S. academic program leading to an approved Baylor B.B.A., B.A., B.S.W. or B.S. degree and refer to Baylor's Major Academic Planner when planning coursework.
Advisers from both institutions will help students select courses that satisfy program requirements to allow for a successful transition from Blinn to full-time status at Baylor. Blinn Baylor Bound students also will receive information about scholarships for transfer students and special transfer residential experiences. Also Blinn students will have access to Baylor's libraries via the Interlibrary Loan Agreement as well as special opportunities to visit the Baylor campus and meet with Baylor representatives.
Baylor and Blinn officials, along with alumni, friends and special guests from across the region, gathered at a reception following the signing to celebrate the historic partnership between the two institutions. Speakers included Joseph "Hal" Machat, Baylor and Blinn alumnus, Starr and Nolte.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
ABOUT BLINN COLLEGE
Founded in 1883, Blinn is a comprehensive community college committed to educational excellence and to individual and community enhancement. With an enrollment of 18,413 students, Blinn ranks among the nation's leaders in transferring students to leading four-year universities and has received national recognition for its affordable educational excellence. As part of its commitment to student success, Blinn is currently implementing a Quality Enhancement Plan titled, "Destination Success: First-Year Focus," which utilizes learning communities to support first-year college students. Registration is currently available for the Fall semester. For enrollment information and to learn about financial aid opportunities, visit www.blinn.edu.