Transfer Pathways Articulation Agreement

Contract Information

Contract Number:

734-2023-ART-003941

Start Date:

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

End Date:

Sunday, October 31, 2027

Second Party:

Blinn College District

Parties

This formal Transfer Pathways Articulation Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by Lamar University ("LU"), an institution of higher education at 4400 MLK Parkway, Beaumont, TX 77710, and Blinn College District ("BCD"), a public community college at 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833. Effective 11/1/2022, LU and BCD (individually a “Party” and collectively “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, the Institutions seek to ensure a seamless transfer from the associate to the baccalaureate degree.

General Provisions and Terms

1. Purpose. This Agreement formally recognizes both Institutions as 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. Eligible students may transfer 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 that delineate courses to be taken at BCD and LU. Individualized degree maps will outline recommended courses toward a degree at LU for BCD students and specify the number of BCD credits transferable to LU degree programs. These degree maps will be incorporated into this Agreement as Addendum(s).
3. Reverse Transfer. To facilitate reverse articulation of credit for eligible BCD students who transfer to LU before earning an associate degree at BCD, the following applies:
   • LU will periodically review student records to determine eligibility for reverse articulation and coordinate with BCD on record exchange timelines.
   • LU shall notify its matriculated students of the reverse transfer opportunity at BCD and request authorization to release academic course information to BCD to determine associate degree completion.
   • With student consent, LU will provide BCD with transfer student information. BCD will inform LU about degrees awarded as a result of reverse transfer, subject to applicable laws.
   • Upon receiving LU transcripts, BCD will audit degrees and notify eligible students about associate degree completion and graduation participation.
   • BCD will provide necessary student contact information, report challenges, and collaborate as needed.
   • Both Institutions will maintain separate academic records for students.
4. Data Sharing. BCD and LU agree to exchange data to maintain and improve transfer arrangements, protecting student privacy per FERPA and applicable laws. Data shared annually includes:
   • From BCD to LU:
     • Directory information for students interested in transferring to LU;
     • Major area of interest for those students;
     • Student academic information to facilitate scholarship, financial aid, and satisfaction of degree requirements.
   • From LU to BCD:
     • Directory information for students in BCD's service area;
     • Degree name and completion status of BCD transfer students;
     • Semesters attended, hours completed, and grade point average of BCD transfer students;
     • Student academic information to facilitate scholarships, financial aid, and degree requirement satisfaction.

   Data transferred remains the sole and exclusive property of the originating institution. Both Institutions acknowledge records are subject to FERPA and agree to comply accordingly.

5. Cooperative Advising. Students may access academic advisors at both Institutions for course planning and degree program selection. LU will provide reasonable access to its advisors for BCD students interested in transferring.
6. Program Changes. BCD and LU agree to annually review and communicate any curriculum changes, policy changes, or credit requirements that affect this Agreement or associated program agreements.
7. Promotion. BCD and LU will cooperate to communicate their relationship, acknowledging this Agreement on their websites and in marketing materials, with mutual written approval.
8. Term and Termination. This Agreement continues for two years upon execution, automatically renewing up to five years total unless terminated by either Party with thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice. A Party may terminate upon breach not cured within twenty (20) days after notice, with immediate termination in the event of a loss of accreditation. LU will ensure that students enrolled or newly accepted into a program prior to termination may complete their Degree Program with LU.
9. Non-Exclusivity. This Agreement does not preclude BCD or LU from entering similar agreements with other institutions.
10. Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement is governed and enforced under the laws of the State of Texas. Venue for disputes is Travis County, Texas.
11. No Waiver of Immunity. Nothing in this Agreement constitutes a waiver by either Party of any legal rights, privileges, immunities, or defenses.
12. Indemnification.
    • LU agrees to indemnify, release, and hold BCD and its trustees, officers, agents, and employees harmless from any claims arising from this Agreement, to the extent caused by LU's negligence or willful misconduct.
    • BCD agrees to indemnify, release, and hold LU, the Texas State University System, and their regents, officers, agents, and employees harmless from claims for property damage, bodily injury, or death caused by BCD’s negligence or willful misconduct.
13. Compliance with Laws and Regulations. Each Party will comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including but not limited to FERPA, HIPAA, Title VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and applicable Texas Education Code and Government Code provisions.
14. Dispute Resolution. Disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved according to Chapter 2260 of the Texas Government Code.
15. Nondiscrimination. The Parties will comply with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct and agree not to discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Breach may result in termination of this agreement.
16. Notice. Amendments, renewals, or extensions require written agreement. Notice of termination must be sent in writing with return receipt requested or by personal delivery, addressed as follows:

    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 have executed this Agreement in duplicate originals on 11/1/2022. Each signatory shall maintain an original, signed copy. The effective date is as listed herein.

Signature and Audit History

• Document created by SciQuest Integration (Jaggaer@lamar.edu) on 2023-08-10
• Document emailed to Chancellor Blinn College (chancellor@blinn.edu) for signature
• Email viewed by Chancellor Blinn College at several dates
• Document e-signed by Chancellor Blinn College on 2023-08-25
• Document emailed to Daniel Brown (dbrown109@lamar.edu) for signature
• Email viewed by Daniel Brown
• Signer Daniel Brown entered name at signing as Daniel A. Brown
• Document e-signed by Daniel A. Brown on 2023-08-26
• Agreement completed on 2023-08-26