Lewis C. Snell, PhDDirector – University Center

McLennan Community College

Kim Rynearson, PhDAssistant Vice President, Outreach and Off-Campus programs, Tarleton State University

January 2012

Beyond Articulation Agreements:The University Center Concept as a

Comprehensive Partnership between Community Colleges and Universities

What is the University Center Concept?

oPartnership between 2 year and 4 year institutions

oComplete basic core curriculum with community college

oComplete upper level courses in their major field at University

oEarn bachelor degree from University without leaving home

Similar terms: Multi Institutional Teaching Center (MITC)Higher Education CenterCommuniversity

University

Technical College Workforce

McLennanCommunity

College

University Center

Beyond Articulation Agreements

oGeneral Memorandum of UnderstandingWith each partner

oEach major has a designated degree planTo maximize Community College credit

oAlso have financial aid and library use Agreement

oUniversity Center provides transition advisingoUpper level course advising provided on campusoStudent ID cards are issued oStudents have access to computers, tutors,

and campus events at community college

Student Benefits

oRemain in similar environment oComplete basic core curriculum

with community collegeoComplete additional lower level requirements

at lower tuitionoEarn bachelor degree from University

without leaving homeoMaintain current jobsoStay close to family and friendsoReduce potential travel time and moneyoIncrease earning potentialoPay fewer fees for courses

Average Annual Earnings for United States

Data from US Census Bureau, 1998, 1999, 2000

Annual earnings (dollars)

$23,400

$30,400

$36,800

$38,200

$52,500

$62,300

$89,400

$109,600

Community College Benefits oIncrease in students completing core curriculum oIncrease in students completing additional hours oNew marketing opportunitiesoOpportunity to recruit non-traditional studentsoOpportunity to recruit higher

performing high school studentsoPool resources with larger institutionsoAttract students from neighboring community collegesoUtilize space in afternoons and evenings o“Clout factor in community”oCommunity college instructors teach upper level classes

Enrollment Growth Projections

University Partner BenefitsoRecruit and Enroll geographically-bound

studentsoUtilize existing buildings and infrastructure

classrooms, offices, campus security, parkingoOffer degrees best suited for community

Business and Education degreesoTest market without over extending resources oWork with local businesses oOffer graduate degree options

in underserved areasoUse best community college instructors

ChallengesoDetermining fee structure for shared space

With College and Universities oNon competition vs. competition between UniversitiesoCore curriculum differencesoAA and AAS degree completionoAdvising for students – who advises?oAdvertising and comprehension of conceptoCommunity college acceptance of partneroExpectations of community college and UniversitiesoStudent behavior issuesoClass offeringsoManaging EnrollmentoSharing student information oTextbooks and merchandise

SuccessesoProducing well educated teachers that know communityoBusinesses can raise expectations of job applicantsoUniversity Center is making money for

the community collegeoPartner Universities are producing graduatesoFormation of Counseling CenteroAlumni Associations become more activeoIncrease transfer to main campus for UniversityoIncrease in enrollment has been steady oCollaborative opportunities

Campus entertainmenttraining eventscommunity recognition

Long Term Goals

oProvide four year experience for students Full meal serviceStudents activitiesRecreation center

oIncrease degree programsoIncrease classes offered during prime hoursoWork with major businessesoDevelop Scholarship opportunities

Financial Success by credit hour

oCore curriculum o42 hours = $4,620/student

oLower level requirementso12 – 18 hours = $1,500 - $1,600/student

oFee for partnerso$10.00/SCH = $90.00/student/semester

oTotal gain for community college = $2,000/student

oWorking out specific articulation agreements

University Center Partner Universities:

Tarleton State University University of Texas at Brownsville University of Texas Medical Branch, GalvestonMidwestern State University Texas Tech UniversityTexas Tech University, Health Sciences Center

The Waco area currently has approximately 20,000 individuals with an associates degree.

MCC produces approximately 500 graduates a year that have no means of transferring to a University outside of Waco.

TSTC is producing graduates that would like to further their education.

A bachelor’s degree is highly recommended when searching for a job or seeking a job promotion.

The Role of the University Center at MCC

Number of degrees OfferedoUndergraduate degrees = 25oGraduate degrees = 10

Number of GraduatesoEach Year = ~ 80 oTotal since 2003= ~ 600

Tuition Comparisons for Partner Institutions

University In State Tuition ($)/hour Full load (12 hrs)

Tarleton State University 138.5 1662

Texas Tech University 307.5 3690

Midwestern State 50 600

UT Brownsville 116 1392

UT Galveston NA NA

UT Arlington ~320.00 3890

Getting Started

•Visit the University Center12

3

4

•Speak with an advisor

•Apply to School of Interest

•Enroll in Classes

A few success Stories

Andrew PhelpsFay Gutierrez

Waynette Ditto