Contract Number: 734-2023-ART-003942
Start Date: Thursday, August 17, 2023
End Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2028

Co-Enrollment Program Articulation Agreement

Blinn College District and Lamar University

This formal Co-Enrollment Program Articulation Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by Lamar University (“LU”), an institution of higher education, whose main office address is at 4400 MLK Parkway, Beaumont, TX 77710, and Blinn College District (“BCD”), a public community college district, whose main office address is at 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833. By this Agreement, effective on August 17, 2023, LU and BCD, individually known as a “Party” and collectively known as “Parties” or “Institutions”, express a shared commitment to increase opportunities for student access to, and success in, higher education. By clarifying transfer policies and procedures that assure articulation between programs, the Institutions seek to forge a seamless transfer from the associate to the baccalaureate degree.

General Provisions and Terms

1. Purpose. This Agreement formally recognizes that both Institutions are active educational partners, committed to providing greater educational opportunities and services for students transferring between Institutions. Student benefits include: scholarships, joint admissions, and Honors College. This Agreement also permits eligible and interested students to transfer certain coursework from LU to BCD to complete requirements for the associate degree issued by BCD—a process called reverse transfer or reverse articulation.
2. Transfer of Credit. The Institutions will develop agreements by major, clearly delineating courses to be taken at BCD and those to be completed at LU. These specified, individualized degree maps, incorporated into this Agreement as Addendum(s), will outline recommended courses toward a degree at LU for BCD students and specify the number of credits from BCD that are transferable.
3. Reverse Transfer. To facilitate the reverse articulation of credit to eligible BCD students who transfer to LU prior to earning an associate degree, the Parties agree to encourage the reverse transfer of credit from LU to BCD in accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 61.833. This process allows students to complete requirements for an associate degree even after transferring from BCD and prior to completing a baccalaureate degree.
   • At agreed intervals, LU will review student records to determine eligibility for reverse articulation. Parties will establish a timeline for record exchange.
   • LU shall notify matriculated students of the reverse transfer opportunity and request authorization to release academic course information to BCD.
   • Upon receipt of a student’s signed consent, LU will provide BCD with information on transfer students; BCD will inform LU of degrees awarded via reverse transfer.
   • BCD will conduct a degree audit, evaluate coursework, and notify each student of associate degree eligibility and graduation participation.
   • BCD will collaborate with LU, provide necessary contact information, and report problems or challenges to LU in a timely manner.
   • Separate academic records for students will be maintained at each institution.
4. Data Sharing. BCD and LU agree to exchange data to maintain and improve transfer arrangements, protecting student privacy in accordance with FERPA and all applicable laws.
   • BCD will provide directory information (email, mailing address, phone number), major of interest, and specific student information (as allowed by law) to LU for students interested in transferring.
   • LU will provide directory information for students in the BCD service area, degree name, completion status, semesters attended, hours completed, GPA of BCD transfer students, and other allowed student information to BCD.

   Each Party retains ownership of the data it provides. Both Institutions agree to comply with all FERPA rules and maintain confidentiality of student records.

5. Cooperative Advising. Students have access to academic advisors at both Institutions to plan and select courses for their anticipated degree program. LU will provide access to its advisors prior to student transfer.
6. Program Changes. BCD and LU will review annually and promptly communicate any curriculum, policy, or credit requirement changes affecting this agreement.
7. Consortium Agreement. Pursuant to 34 CFR 668.5, LU and BCD will enter into a Consortium Agreement to allow the provision of federal financial aid for students taking courses at both institutions, with BCD as the degree-granting home school.
   • BCD will grant degrees/certificates, list costs, confirm enrollment status, monitor eligibility, disburse aid, and process refunds as necessary.
   • Processes for aid amounts, monitoring Satisfactory Academic Progress, and managing withdrawals are included.
8. Promotion. Both Parties agree to communicate about this relationship and recognize this Agreement via websites and other marketing, subject to written approval by both Parties.
9. Term and Termination. This Agreement continues for two years with automatic renewals up to five years, unless terminated with 30 days’ written notice by either Party. Immediate termination will occur if either Party loses accreditation. LU will ensure affected students can complete their Degree Program if termination occurs.
10. Non-Exclusivity. This Agreement does not preclude either Institution from entering into similar agreements with other institutions.
11. Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement is governed by Texas law, with venue in Travis County, Texas.
12. No Waiver of Immunity. Nothing in this Agreement waives constitutional, statutory, or common law rights, privileges, immunities, or defenses of either Party.
13. Indemnification.
    • To the extent permitted by Texas law, LU agrees to indemnify, release, and hold BCD and its officials harmless from claims arising from the negligence or willful misconduct of LU and its employees.
    • BCD agrees, to the extent permitted by Texas law, to indemnify, release, and hold LU, The Texas State University System, and their officials harmless from claims arising from the negligence or willful misconduct of BCD and its personnel.
14. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Both Parties will comply with all applicable state and federal laws (including FERPA, HIPAA, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Texas Education/Government Codes).
15. Dispute Resolution. Disputes arising under this Agreement will be resolved per Chapter 2260 of the Texas Government Code.
16. Nondiscrimination. Both Parties agree to comply with all nondiscrimination and anti-harassment laws and agree not to discriminate on any legally protected basis.
17. Notice. Amendments, renewals, or extensions require written agreement by both Institutions. Notices should be sent in writing to:
    • Lamar University:
      Dr. Daniel A. Brown
      Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs
      985 East Florida Drive
      Beaumont, TX 77710
    • Blinn College District:
      Dr. Mary Hensley
      Chancellor
      902 College Avenue
      Brenham, Texas 77833

In witness whereof, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Agreement in duplicate originals on August 17, 2023. An original, signed copy of this agreement will be maintained by each of the signatories. The effective date is as listed herein.

Exhibit A

In compliance with federal regulations, 34 CFR 668.5, the institutions named below enter into an agreement for providing federal financial aid to the student listed below.

The Home Institution Agrees:

• It is the degree-granting institution and this student is enrolled in an eligible program of study.
• Credit hours earned by the student while attending the Host Institution will be accepted toward the degree program, subject to approval and academic policies.
• To report the student's enrollment status to the National Student Clearinghouse for National Student Loan Data System reporting.
• To determine and monitor the student’s eligibility, including satisfactory academic progress.
• To calculate/disburse awards and maintain all financial aid records per federal regulations.
• To process any refunds/repayments resulting from the student’s withdrawal, per policies.

Section A: To be completed by the Home Institution

Financial Aid Director/Designee:

___________________________________ Title: ____________________

Signature:

_____________________________________ Date: ____________________

Email:

_______________________________________ Phone: ___________________

Registrar/Designee:

_____________________________________ Title: ____________________

Signature:

_____________________________________ Date: ____________________

Email:

_______________________________________ Phone: ___________________

The Host Institution Agrees:

• It has not lost eligibility or certification to participate in Federal Student Aid programs.
• The student will be considered a visiting student at the host institution.
• To promptly inform the home school's Financial Aid Office of any change in the student's enrollment or withdrawal, including dates.
• To provide a transcript of course completion to the Home Institution promptly.
• To provide a detailed program cost list to the home school's financial aid office.
• To withhold processing any financial aid. If awarded, inform the Home Institution of sources and amounts.

Section B: To be completed by the Host Institution

Enrollment Period:

Fall 20____ Spring 20_____ Summer 20____

Dates of Enrollment:

From ____________ to ____________ Number of Credits Enrolled: ___________

Course(s):

____________________________________________________________________________

Cost of Attendance:

Tuition & Fees: $_______________
Room and Board: $_______________
Transportation: $_______________
Miscellaneous/Personal Expenses: $ _______________
Books: $_______________
Total Cost of Attendance: $ _______________

Financial Director Designee:

_______________________________ Title: ______________________

Signature:

_________________________________ Date: ____________________

Email:

__________________________________ Phone: __________________

Registrar / Designee:

________________________________ Title: _____________________

Signature:

__________________________________ Date: __________________

Email:

__________________________________ Phone: __________________