San Jacinto College enters into articulation agreements with Lamar, Western Governors universities

PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College (SJC) recently entered into articulation agreements with two major universities – Lamar University, and Western Governors University (WGU). The agreements were approved by the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees at the regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting held Thursday, February 5, 2009.

In the agreement between San Jacinto College and Lamar, the two colleges aim to create a seamless transition for San Jacinto College students and graduates seeking a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. The agreement begins immediately. Under the agreement, San Jacinto College students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 and all courses intended for transfer must have a grade of C or higher. A maximum of 60 semester hours will be accepted towards Lamar’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology for associate of applied science graduates. Up to 39 credits may be transferred from an approved technology major field of study and up to 21 academic credits may be applied which meet the Lamar required academic core sequence. Lamar will work with transfer candidates to determine final credit award.

According to Dr.

San Jacinto College’s dean of teaching and learning, the agreement with Lamar “will enable technical program graduates to continue towards a bachelor’s degree. Those who are interested in moving into managerial positions would have the technical background from their associate degree coupled with leadership and supervisory coursework from the bachelor’s degree. They would be perfectly positioned for advancement in the workplace.”

Under the terms of the agreement between San Jacinto College and WGU, transfer students will have their application fee waived by WGU. Western Governors will also offer a five percent tuition discount, which will be applied for the entirety of any student’s degree program. Under the agreement, San Jacinto College graduates can apply for the Community College Excellence Grant, a scholarship valued at up to $2,000 that can be used in addition to the five percent tuition discount.

In addition, WGU will conduct webinars and/or teleconferences to inform students and faculty about WGU degree programs and student services. There is no GPA requirement for admission to WGU. Applicants are required to complete a basic skills test to ensure that they can be successful in their studies.

“We are always looking for colleges and universities for our students who must work while continuing to go to school,” O’Brien commented. “Online programs such as those that WGU offers make that possible.”

About San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College serves more than 24,500 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

About Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online school that offers course work for four majors – education, information technology, business and health care. The virtual university is described as a “not-for-profit university that serves working adults who cannot attend a traditional college program with 100 percent online degree programs.” Established 11 years ago by the governors of 19 states (including Texas), the school is administered from Salt Lake City.

About Lamar University

Lamar University, a member of the Texas State University System in Beaumont with nearly 13,500 students, offers more than 150 programs of study that lead to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Whether studying on campus or pursing a degree via one of LU’s innovative distance learning programs, Lamar students enjoy a personalized environment keyed to individual success. From the latest in campus residence living to the newest campus hot spot – the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center – there is a lot to do on campus. The eight-story Mary and John Gray library includes resources that exceed 1,000,000 volumes and has electronic access to millions more.

The articulation agreements with Lamar and WGU are similar to many such agreements that San Jacinto College maintains with numerous colleges and universities. For more information about San Jacinto College, please visit www.sanjac.edu or call 281-998-6150.