The Baylor Bears (variously Baylor or BU) are the sports teams of Baylor University. Baylor's men's sports teams are named the Bears, and some women's teams are named the Lady Bears. These teams participate in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as one of the only two private schools to serve as members of the Big 12 Conference. Prior to joining the Big 12, Baylor was a member of the Southwest Conference from their charter creation in 1914 until its dissolution in 1996. Baylor is also a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.