By Richard Marmolejo/campus editor
TCC signed a deal Nov. 28 making it easier for students to transfer to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.
Chancellor Eugene Giovannini and Hardin-Simmons University president Eric Bruntmyer signed the expanded memorandum of understanding and said it strengthened the colleges’ partnership.
“I am hoping that we can be that family to the students, faculty and staff,” Bruntmyer said. “Higher education provides so many opportunities. [It] provides hope for so many students that really have no hope. It is a way out and a way of.”
Associate vice chancellor David Ximenez said the intent of the agreement is to allow a smoother, more seamless transition between the schools.
“The articulation agreement with HSU guarantees transferability of coursework from TCC to HSU,” Ximenez said. “The agreement includes a transfer guide of courses that HSU will accept and specifies the amount of credit they will receive from TCC.”
Hardin-Simmons will accept up to 66 hours of courses from TCC. Students can petition to transfer up to two courses with a D if their overall GPA is at least 2.0.
Executive vice chancellor and provost Elva LeBlanc said the articulation agreement covers TCC students at all campuses and sites.
“The purpose of articulation agreements is to negotiate on behalf of the students so that the four-year institution accepts TCCD credits,” LeBlanc said. “Both institutions will exchange information as to which credits transfer, so that we can share that information with our students prior to deciding where to transfer. We have information for our students on each campus at the transfer centers.”
TCC has more than 50 transfer agreements with other universities, Ximenez said.
“HSU reached out to TCC to create a formal agreement in June,” he said. “The agreement was developed and vetted through our legal counsel. The university used the Texas Common Numbering system to establish a crosswalk of transfer courses.”
As part of the college’s mission, TCC makes transfer agreements with these universities to ensure its students can get the most with their money spent at the institution.
“When a university accepts most of the TCCD credits toward a degree, that is a savings to the student,” LeBlanc said. “Additionally, each institution has its tuition, fees and student financial support. Based on cost and interest [and other factors], the student has to make his or her own decision as to which four-year institution to transfer to.”
For more information, students can visit TCC’s website, where they can find the course transfer guide on the Transfer Agreements and Scholarships page along with a link to transfer admissions for Hardin-Simmons University and other universities.
