Special Programs
Overview of Special Programs
Learning at Trinity extends beyond the classroom, and Trinity students find that the nation’s capital is an exciting place to learn. The White House, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, embassies, countless government agencies, national and international associations, and businesses all become sites for research, field trips, internships, and part-time jobs.
Trinity is dedicated to empowering women and men to make a difference in our society and provides special programs which develop leadership skills in our students and expose them to the workings of public policy.
The Washington Consortium
Trinity is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which consists of 14 institutions (American University, The Catholic University of America, Corcoran College of Art+Design, Gallaudet University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Marymount University, National Intelligence University, National Defense University, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland, and Trinity).
Through the Consortium, full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Trinity can participate in special programs and take courses offered by other institutions of higher education during the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment is subject to the regulations of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (available from Enrollment Services) and Trinity regulations (see the Academic Policies section for the collegiate unit in which you are taking coursework).
English Language Programming for Speakers of Other Languages
Trinity provides academic support to students for whom English is not a first language. English language programming for speakers of other languages serves as a supplemental resource to students and includes services such as workshops in note-taking, study skills, communication skills and cross cultural support, a mentor program, adept resource navigation skills and English language skills assessment. Print and online resources for second language speakers are available in the International Services office. Students may also take advantage of the tutoring center and the various student clubs for support, camaraderie, and workshop activities. Additional academic assistance on subjects other than language is offered through the Academic Services Center.
Study Abroad Programs
One of the most exciting possibilities Trinity students have is the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program. Trinity offers the chance to study outside of the United States for a year, a semester, or even two weeks. A study abroad experience is one of the best ways to increase student awareness of the global community. Students can gain proficiency in another language or study the political, social, and economic issues facing a particular region. As students learn more about another country and culture, they learn more about themselves.
For those interested in study abroad options, Trinity helps students learn about and apply to programs offered by accredited schools and institutions. To qualify for study abroad, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students wishing to participate in a semester or year-long program must have sophomore status and have completed two semesters at Trinity; these requirements may be waived for summer programs. To learn more about the range of study and travel opportunities for Trinity students, contact the Academic Services Center.
Internships
At Trinity, the goal is to educate students for life. This goal is achieved not only through academic training but also through career preparation. Work experience is an important factor in the competitive process of applying for a professional position. Whether students wish to start their careers upon graduation or to go on to graduate school, it is imperative that they have experience in their chosen field. To this end, Trinity’s internship program is an integral part of a student’s education.
Each semester, Trinity students successfully complete internships that provide them with the opportunity to explore their academic and professional interests. To assist students, Career Services maintains an internship database that contains internship sites currently available. Recent internship sites include Senate and Congressional offices, the White House, research laboratories, television stations, hospitals, federal agencies, museums, and accounting firms.
Internships may be taken for credit or no credit. All students participating in a for-credit internship must complete and submit an Internship Learning Agreement. Students who wish to receive credit for an internship must register for the internship and submit the Internship Learning Agreement to the Academic Services Center before the add/drop deadline. They must also pay for the internship course and complete all course requirements. Additional information is available from Career Services.
Billiart Center for Social Justice
The Billiart Center for Social Justice rests on four pillars: scholarship, spirituality and religiosity, and service. The Center explores contemporary local, national and international social and economic issues that affect the lives of women, particularly in the religious and political spheres. The center’s programs build on the many ways in which these themes already are explored in Trinity’s curricula and extracurricular activities. This Center gathers and encourages what is already being done and offers assistance in developing more programs and ideas.
Model Assembly of the Organization of American States
The Organization of American States (OAS) invites select colleges and universities to send highly qualified students to represent a country at the annual Model Assembly. Trinity students are given the opportunity to participate with students from more than 30 institutions in a simulation of the deliberative and political process of an international body. Representatives debate key economic, political, social, and cultural issues currently facing the Americas, from efforts to stop drug trafficking to the external debt crisis. Trinity’s participation in the Model Organization of American States General Assembly program is coordinated by the International Affairs Program.
Trinity Center for Women in Public Policy
The Trinity Center for Women in Public Policy brings together students, scholars, teachers, and policymakers to focus on the expanding role of women in a broad range of public policy issues, including health care, the environment, poverty, and education. This nonpartisan academic center offers lectures, workshops, and conferences that explore public policy issues affecting women; it also sponsors leadership development programs.
Trinity Experiential Lifelong Learning (TELL)
Trinity recognizes that college-level learning may occur in a variety of settings. Trinity’s Experiential Lifelong Learning program (TELL) enables students to claim this knowledge and receive appropriate academic credit. TELL emphasizes knowledge acquired since high school but not while enrolled in or under the supervision of a college or university. Knowledge may have been acquired through activities such as work, volunteer/community service, or travel. While enrolled in GST 301, students complete one or more portfolios that document their prior learning. Through TELL students can earn a maximum of 30 credits. Students interested in TELL should refer to the specific procedures for their respective School listed under Academic Policies. A more in-depth description of the TELL Program may be found in the School of Professional Studies section of the catalog.
Trinity Programs for High School Students
Reflecting the college’s commitment to assisting students in their transition from high school to college, Trinity offers several special programs to high school students.
High School Articulation Program
Qualified high school seniors and highly gifted juniors may apply for admission to any Trinity course open to first-year students. If accepted, the high school student will enroll as a special non degree student at Trinity and pay the usual per-credit fee. At the student’s request, an official transcript of the work completed will be sent to the college of her choice for consideration as credit eligible for transfer toward a degree. If the student decides to come to Trinity after high school, the credit is applicable toward her degree. The Admissions Director and course instructor will review the following:
- the student’s official high school record
- the student’s own statement of reasons for applying to the course
- a recommendation from a high school guidance counselor
After the student’s materials and academic record are reviewed, the instructor of the course may choose to interview the student. Final approval is at the discretion of the instructor.
High School/College Internship Program (Hi-Scip)
Participants in the Hi-Scip program at Trinity are accepted as part-time special students for one academic year. Students choose from courses that are specifically identified by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and may receive a maximum of three credits in the fall semester and six credits in the spring semester.
Trinity at THEARC (Town Hall Education and Recreation Center)
Trinity offers an Associate of Arts Degree in general studies for specially approved students at THEARC in southeast Washington, DC. Program features include small classes, evening and weekend class times, collegiate bridge courses and tutorial services. Additional information is available on the Trinity at THEARC web page.