Collin College and Baylor University Announce Partnership
on New ‘Baylor Bound’ Transfer Agreement
Agreement will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions
MCKINNEY, Texas (Jan. 26, 2015) – Collin College and Baylor University today announced the creation of a formal Baylor Bound transfer agreement that will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions and expand educational opportunities for young people all across Texas.
Collin College Interim District President Colleen Smith and Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr signed the partnership agreement during a ceremony at the Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney.
As one of its goals under the Pro Futuris strategic initiative, Baylor is creating 10 Baylor Bound partnerships with strong Texas community colleges over the next five years. The Baylor-Collin College agreement is the university’s fourth partnership, along with McLennan Community College in Waco, Tyler Junior College in Tyler and Blinn College in Brenham.
“The vast majority of freshman and sophomore students at Collin College enroll with the intent to transfer to a university, so this partnership gives them a strategic advantage,” said Mac Hendricks, chairman of the Collin College Board of Trustees. “We are delighted to celebrate our partnership with Baylor during the 30th anniversary of our college.”
The Baylor Bound program will serve highly motivated Collin College 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 Collin starting in the fall of 2016, with the intent to transfer to Baylor in the fall of 2017.
“No single factor influences the professional success of an individual more than a college education, and the Baylor Bound agreement was created to simplify the path to a degree,” Dr. Smith said. “This partnership is evidence of a shared commitment by both Collin College and Baylor University to help local students succeed.”
“The Baylor Bound program is a wonderful pathway for so many community college students who wish to continue on to an outstanding education at Baylor University,” President Starr said. “The Baylor Bound program is focused on helping qualified students transfer to Baylor in a direct and efficient manner, saving time and maximizing financial resources. We are grateful to Collin College for entering into this important partnership, which will provide greater educational access for dedicated students in the North Texas area.”
Students may declare their intent to transfer to Baylor by submitting the Baylor Bound application prior to enrolling at Collin or while enrolled as a full-time student. Admission to the program will be determined by Baylor’s Office of Admission Services.
Collin students who become part of the Baylor Bound program can choose a plan from 65 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 Collin is available at: www.baylor.edu/advising/bbmaps.
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 Collin to full-time status at Baylor. Collin Baylor Bound students also will receive information about scholarships for transfer students and special transfer residential experiences. Also, Collin 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 Collin officials, along with alumni, friends and special guests from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, gathered today for the signing ceremony and reception to celebrate the partnership between the two institutions. Speakers included Baylor graduate David Brooks, B.B.A. ’80, M.B.A. ’81, chairman and CEO of Independent Bank Group in McKinney, and Mac Hendricks, chairman of the Collin College Board of Trustees.
ABOUT COLLIN COLLEGE
Collin College is a community college in North Texas’ Collin County. One of the fastest-growing community colleges or universities in Texas, the college serves nearly 52,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates. With seven campuses throughout the college district, Collin College is a partner to business, government and industry, providing customized training and workforce development.
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.
Contacts:
Marisela Cadena-Smith, Collin College 972.758.3896, mcsmith@collin.edu
Lori Fogleman, Baylor University, 254.701.6275, Lori_Fogleman@baylor.edu