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 degree.  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.

Advisors 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 in the Janis Sneed Banquet Room inside the Blinn – Brenham campus Student Center to celebrate the historic partnership between the two institutions. Speakers included Joseph “Hal” Machat, Baylor and Blinn alumnus, Starr and Nolte.