Texas Border Business
WACO, Texas (Oct. 24, 2016) – Baylor University and South Texas 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.
Baylor University Interim President David E. Garland, Ph.D., and South Texas College President Shirley A. Reed, Ed.D., signed the partnership agreement during a ceremony at South Texas College’s Pecan Campus.
In alignment with one of its goals under the Pro Futuris strategic initiative, Baylor created 10 Baylor Bound partnerships within five years. The Baylor-South Texas agreement is the 10th partnership, along with McLennan Community College in Waco, Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Blinn College in Brenham, Collin College in McKinney, Temple College in Temple, Alamo Colleges in San Antonio, Midland College in Odessa, San Jacinto College in Pasadena and Tarrant County College in Ft. Worth.
The Baylor Bound program will serve highly motivated students from South Texas College who, upon meeting the program’s criteria, will transfer to Baylor to complete their baccalaureate degrees.
“This agreement ushers in a beneficial working relationship to meet the educational needs of the students of the Valley,” said President Reed. “This agreement with Baylor creates a seamless pathway that will allow South Texas College students to move from an Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s degree as efficiently as possible.”
“As we celebrate our 10th Baylor Bound agreement and reaching this institutional milestone, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with high-quality institutions such as South Texas College. It is through these strong Baylor Bound collaborations that we are able to expand educational opportunities for students in Texas,” President Garland said. “South Texas College Baylor Bound students will have access to Baylor’s outstanding academic programs and impressive faculty and opportunities for leadership and service at Baylor, in the Waco community and the world. We look forward to welcoming South Texas College students into the Baylor Family as they continue their educational journey and graduate as proud Baylor Bears.”
Students may declare their intent to transfer to Baylor by submitting the Baylor Bound application prior to enrolling at South Texas College or while enrolled as a full-time student. Admission to the program will be determined by Baylor’s Office of Admission Services.
Students at South Texas College who become part of the Baylor Bound program can choose a plan from 66 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 South Texas College is available at https://www.baylor.edu/university_advisement/index.php?id=869884.
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 South Texas College to full-time status at Baylor. South Texas College Baylor Bound students also will receive information about scholarships for transfer students and special transfer residential experiences. Also, students from South Texas College 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 South Texas 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 city of McAllen mayor and Baylor alumnus Jim Darling, B.A. (Psychology) ’75, J.D. ’77, as well as Presidents Garland and Reed.
