Lewis C. Snell, PhD Director – University Center McLennan Community College Kim Rynearson, PhD Assistant 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? o Partnership between 2 year and 4 year institutions o Complete basic core curriculum with community college o Complete upper level courses in their major field at University o Earn bachelor degree from University without leaving home Similar terms: Multi Institutional Teaching Center (MITC) Higher Education Center Communiversity

University Technical College Workforce McLennan Community College University Center

Beyond Articulation Agreements o General Memorandum of Understanding With each partner o Each major has a designated degree plan To maximize Community College credit o Also have financial aid and library use Agreement o University Center provides transition advising o Upper level course advising provided on campus o Student ID cards are issued o Students have access to computers, tutors, and campus events at community college

Student Benefits o Remain in similar environment o Complete basic core curriculum with community college o Complete additional lower level requirements at lower tuition o Earn bachelor degree from University without leaving home o Maintain current jobs o Stay close to family and friends o Reduce potential travel time and money o Increase earning potential o Pay 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 o Increase in students completing core curriculum o Increase in students completing additional hours o New marketing opportunities o Opportunity to recruit non-traditional students o Opportunity to recruit higher performing high school students o Pool resources with larger institutions o Attract students from neighboring community colleges o Utilize space in afternoons and evenings o “Clout factor in community” o Community college instructors teach upper level classes

Enrollment Growth Projections

University Partner Benefits o Recruit and Enroll geographically-bound students o Utilize existing buildings and infrastructure classrooms, offices, campus security, parking o Offer degrees best suited for community Business and Education degrees o Test market without over extending resources o Work with local businesses o Offer graduate degree options in underserved areas o Use best community college instructors

Challenges o Determining fee structure for shared space With College and Universities o Non competition vs. competition between Universities o Core curriculum differences o AA and AAS degree completion o Advising for students – who advises? o Advertising and comprehension of concept o Community college acceptance of partner o Expectations of community college and Universities o Student behavior issues o Class offerings o Managing Enrollment o Sharing student information o Textbooks and merchandise

Successes o Producing well educated teachers that know community o Businesses can raise expectations of job applicants o University Center is making money for the community college o Partner Universities are producing graduates o Formation of Counseling Center o Alumni Associations become more active o Increase transfer to main campus for University o Increase in enrollment has been steady o Collaborative opportunities Campus entertainment training events community recognition

Long Term Goals o Provide four year experience for students Full meal service Students activities Recreation center o Increase degree programs o Increase classes offered during prime hours o Work with major businesses o Develop Scholarship opportunities

Financial Success by credit hour o Core curriculum o 42 hours = $4,620/student o Lower level requirements o 12 – 18 hours = $1,500 - $1,600/student o Fee for partners o $10.00/SCH = $90.00/student/semester o Total gain for community college = $2,000/student o Working out specific articulation agreements

University Center Partner Universities: Tarleton State University University of Texas at Brownsville University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Midwestern State University Texas Tech University Texas 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 Offered o Undergraduate degrees = 25 o Graduate degrees = 10 Number of Graduates o Each Year = ~ 80 o Total since 2003= ~ 600

Tuition Comparisons for Partner Institutions UniversityIn State Tuition ($)/hourFull load (12 hrs) Tarleton State University Texas Tech University Midwestern State50600 UT Brownsville UT GalvestonNA UT Arlington~

Getting Started Visit the University Center Speak with an advisor Apply to School of Interest Enroll in Classes

A few success Stories Andrew Phelps Fay Gutierrez Waynette Ditto