School of Professional Studies Academic Policy Handbook
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II. Advising, Enrollment, & Registration
III. Attendance and Examinations
IV. Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions
X. Student Information, Records, & Transcripts
I. Student Status
A. Degree and Non-Degree Status
B. Full-Time Status
C. Part-Time Status
D. Leave of Absence
E. Withdrawal from Trinity
F. Class Status
G. Cap and Gown Ceremony
H. Commencement Participation
A. Degree and Non-Degree Status
1. Degree or matriculated students have been formally admitted to a degree program at Trinity.
2. Non-degree students have not been admitted to a degree program; they enroll for a limited period, often with the intent to transfer credit to a degree program. Credits earned at Trinity as a non-degree student may later be applied toward a degree.
1. A full-time undergraduate student in the School of Professional Studies registers for 9 credits or more in a semester. No student may register for more than twelve credits per semester without obtaining permission from the Dean of the School of Professional Studies. Further, no student may register for more than fifteen credits per semester; this includes courses taken outside of Trinity.
2. Federal financial aid guidelines classify students taking 6-11 credits per semester as part-time students; these students are still eligible for financial aid.
1. A part-time student in the School of Professional Studies registers for fewer than 9 credits in a semester.
2. To be considered eligible for Federal financial aid, a student must register for a minimum of 6 credits in a semester.
1. A leave of absence is a voluntary leave from campus that a student may request for a variety of reasons, including personal problems, stress, travel, mental exhaustion/illness, and illness or death in the family. A student may request a leave of absence for up to two years with the intention of returning to Trinity. The student will not have to apply for readmission as long as she or he returns within this time frame.
2. If a student is on financial aid, lenders perceive a leave of absence as a withdrawal; students on financial aid must have an exit interview with a representative of Enrollment Services before the leave of absence is approved. Students are responsible for all tuition associated with the course registrations and any other fees associated with Trinity.
3. Unlike a withdrawal, a leave of absence allows Trinity to keep the student on a mailing list and to continue to send important information, e.g. registration materials. A leave of absence allows the student to continue an affiliation with Trinity.
4. Students requesting a leave of absence should adhere to the following procedures:
a. Student requests a leave of absence through the Dean’s Office.
b. If a leave of absence is requested to begin in the middle of a semester in which the student is taking classes, the student must first withdraw from all classes in accordance with the policy for course withdrawals (see Withdrawal from a Course below).
c. The student meets with an academic advisor for an exit interview.
d. The student meets with a representative of Enrollment Services if the student is receiving or has received financial aid.
e. Student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.
1. A withdrawal from Trinity indicates that the student has no intention of returning to Trinity. If the student decides to return at a later date, the student must apply for readmission.
2. Since withdrawal from Trinity has immediate implications for financial aid, students must have an exit interview with a representative of Enrollment Services. Students are responsible for all tuition associated with the course registrations and any other fees associated with Trinity.
3. Students who withdraw from Trinity should follow these procedures:
a. Notify the Dean of intent to withdraw from Trinity.
b. If the student withdraws from Trinity in the middle of a semester in which the student is taking classes, the student must also withdraw from all classes in accordance with the policy for course withdrawals (see Withdrawal from a Course below).
c. Transcripts will indicate withdrawal from Trinity after the withdrawal is complete.
d. The student meets with an academic advisor for an exit interview.
e. The student meets with a representative of Enrollment Services.
f. The student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.
1. The number of completed credits determines a student’s class status.
a. First-year status indicates admission to the undergraduate degree program and the student has earned less than 24 credits that can be counted toward a degree.
b. Sophomore status indicates the student has earned at least 24 credits that can be counted toward a degree.
c. Junior status indicates the student has earned at least 56 credits that can be counted toward a degree and that the student has officially declared a major field of study (see Declaration or Change of Major below).
d. Senior status indicates the student has earned at least 92 credits that can be counted toward a degree.
1. To earn the privilege of wearing the cap and gown, a student must have earned at least 92 credits prior to the ceremony and be in good academic standing. A student who is on probation for the semester of the ceremony may not wear the academic regalia since his/her eligibility as a degree student is in question.
1. Although a minimum of 128 credits is required for a baccalaureate degree, undergraduate students who have completed at least 119 credits and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better at the time of commencement are eligible to participate in commencement activities and Senior Week.
2. For non-graduating students, participation in the actual commencement exercises will be limited; non-graduating participants will not wear the hood, their names will not appear in the program, and they will not be called forth to receive a diploma.
3. Non-graduating students who have earned at least 119 credits and wish to participate in Commencement must follow this procedure:
a. The student submits a written request to the Provost for review.
b. The request should indicate that the student will have acquired the requisite minimum of 119 credits and holds a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
c. In addition, the request should indicate the student’s plans to complete graduation requirements by the end of the next term.
d. The student may participate in Commencement after the request is approved.
II. Advising, Enrollment, and Registration
A. Advising
B. Registration
C. Course Schedule Adjustments
D. Audit
E. Withdrawal from a Course
F. Late Withdrawal from a Course
1. All students are assigned an academic advisor who will assist them with academic planning and understanding academic policies and procedures.
a. During each registration period, students and their advisors select courses consistent with the overall degree objectives.
b. With their advisors, students learn to explore academic interests, to recognize academic strengths, and to identify resources to address weaknesses.
c. Frequent advisor contact increases opportunities for students to receive accurate and timely information about program and degree requirements, thereby ensuring that students are making progress toward the completion of the degree.
2. Assignment of Advisors
a. Entering students are assigned advisors upon matriculation to Trinity.
b. School of Professional Studies students receive academic advising from the professional staff advisors from the School of Professional Studies.
3. Change of Academic Advisor
a. A student wishing to change academic advisors must obtain the proper forms from Enrollment Services.
b. All arrangements for changing advisors must be made between the student and the advisor.
c. Students are encouraged to select advisors best suited to assisting their planning for academic work and career goals.
1. During the registration period near the end of each term, matriculated students register for courses they plan to take during the following semester.
2. Before registering, students meet with their advisors to help them select courses and to discuss how selected courses support students’ degree programs and academic goals.
3. After consultation with an academic advisor, each student must register online via Self-Service. Incomplete registrations will not be processed, and registrations will not be processed until all financial holds are cleared.
C. Course Schedule Adjustments
1. Students may add or drop courses without academic penalty during the designated Course Schedule Adjustment period at the start of each semester; official deadlines are listed in the Academic Calendar.
2. During this period students may also change to or from the “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) grading option, change to or from a formal audit, or alter the number of credits in courses carrying variable credit.
3. Payment for a financial obligation due to a course change must be arranged before the change will be processed.
4. Following the Schedule Adjustment Period, students may elect the P/NP option for a course until the date for withdrawal. Once the P/NP option is declared, students may not elect to take a course for a letter grade after the Schedule Adjustment Period has elapsed (see Grading System below).
5. Students seeking a Course Schedule Adjustment should follow these procedures:
a. Student obtains a Schedule Adjustment Form.
b. Student meets with an advisor to discuss how the proposed change(s) may affect the student’s academic goals and progress toward degree.
c. Student completes relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment Form and obtains advisor’s signature.
d. Student returns signed form to Enrollment Services.
1. Formal audits
a. Classes audited on a formal basis will appear on the transcript, but they do not carry credits applicable toward a degree.
b. Students must obtain formal permission from their academic advisor to audit a class.
c. An auditor must register for the course and attend class meetings regularly.
1. Once the Course Schedule Adjustment period has passed, a course may not be removed from a student’s academic record for any reason, but students may still withdraw from a course at any time up to the deadline for withdrawal from all classes; exact dates are listed in the Academic Calendar.
2. This policy is not applicable to Winter and May terms or other intensive sessions; in such cases, withdrawal is not allowed after the published Course Schedule Adjustment period.
3. When a student withdraws from a course, a designation of “W” (Withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript. Students who fail to withdraw officially or to meet course requirements are liable to receive a grade of “F” (Fail).
4. Students are responsible for the partial or full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn.
5. To withdraw from a course, students should follow this procedure:
a. Student obtains a Request for Course Withdrawal form.
b. Student confers with an advisor to discuss how withdrawing from the course will affect academic plans.
c. Student fills out relevant sections of the form.
d. Student obtains the signature of student’s academic advisor.
e. Student returns signed form to Enrollment Services.
6. Enrollment Services will inform the course instructor(s) in writing that the student has officially withdrawn from the course(s).
F. Late Withdrawal from a Course
1. Withdrawing from a course after the deadline to withdraw constitutes a late withdrawal; late withdrawal is a serious academic matter and an application for late withdrawal will be considered only in exceptional circumstances. Late withdrawals will not be considered after the last day of classes.
2. When a student withdraws from a course, a designation of “W” (Withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript. Students who fail to withdraw officially or to meet course requirements are liable to receive a grade of “F” (Fail).
3. Students are responsible for the full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn late.
4. To pursue late withdrawal from a course, students should follow this procedure:
- Student obtains Petition for Schedule Adjustment after Registration Deadline form.
- Student meets with advisor to discuss how withdrawal from the course will affect academic plans.
- Student fills out relevant sections of the form.
- Student obtains the signatures of student’s academic advisor and returns the form to Enrollment Services.
- Enrollment Services consults with the Dean and, as appropriate, the School of Professional Studies Curriculum and Academic Policy (SPS CAP) Committee. A final decision is rendered regarding the appeal.
- If the application is approved, Enrollment Services will inform the course instructor(s) in writing that the student has officially withdrawn from the course(s).
III. Attendance and Examinations
1. Students are responsible for attending all class meetings unless they have made specific arrangements with the instructor. Advance notice of an absence should be given to instructors, and students are responsible for initiating a meeting with faculty to determine how all work will be completed.
2. Faculty have the responsibility to monitor attendance. Students are responsible for reviewing the attendance policy for each instructor as listed on the course syllabus. Absence in any course amounting to one-third or more of the class periods may result in a lower grade, including the grade of “F,” at the discretion of the faculty member.
3. Emergencies should be reported immediately to the Dean’s Office and Enrollment Services, who will inform instructors. Only in an emergency may a student be absent during an assigned test, class presentation, or evaluation.
4. No children may attend classes or be left unattended anywhere on campus; child care is the responsibility of the student. We understand that child care emergencies happen. However, Trinity is not in a position to provide emergency child care on campus. We advise students, faculty and staff who have child care emergencies to choose to remain at home rather than trying to bring the child to campus.
1. Course examinations or final assessments are required at the end of each semester. In accordance with the Honor System, Trinity’s semester examinations are not proctored. The faculty entrusts the students and the Student Association with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of this system.
2. Final examination dates are listed in the official Academic Calendar or announced in classes, and students’ travel plans must take the dates of scheduled exams into account. No student may reschedule a final examination in order to leave or travel early.
3. Students can resolve conflicts during the exam period (such as two exams scheduled at the same time or three exams on the same day) by filling out an Examination Conflict Resolution Request Form available through Enrollment Services. If a conflict exists, some exams may be rescheduled to a Conflict Resolution Day at the discretion of Enrollment Services.
IV. Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions
A. Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation
B. Transfer Credits Satisfying Undergraduate Degree Requirements
C. Courses at Other Institutions
D. Courses through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
E. Credit Earned through Study Abroad
F. Advanced Standing for Registered Nurses
G. Credit Through Examination or Experiential Learning
A. Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation
1. Students transferring to Trinity in or after Fall 2002 from another appropriately accredited institution of higher learning for a bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 45 of their final 60 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning. Students who transferred to Trinity before Fall 2002 from another appropriately accredited institution of higher learning for a bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 32 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
2. Additionally, students will be expected to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements as well as to meet all requirements of their major field(s) through application of Trinity or transferred credits.
3. Furthermore, transfer credits will only be accepted if they meet the student’s planned degree program. Completed credits in excess of the number of electives available within a degree plan will not be transferred, and any courses that must be completed on campus for a certain degree plan will not be transferred to Trinity. If a transfer student later selects a different major, any available course equivalencies and electives not previously applied may be retroactively applied at that point.
4. As with all Trinity undergraduate students, transfer students must successfully complete any required Senior Assessments at Trinity.
B. Transfer Credits Satisfying Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Courses eligible for transfer must meet the following requirements:
- The course must have been completed at an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
- Courses taken as either Pass/No-Pass or Credit/Non-Credit are not eligible for transfer to Trinity.
- Courses that have been audited are not eligible for transfer to Trinity.
- For transfer to undergraduate programs, the course must have been completed with a final grade of “C” or better, although certain academic programs require higher grades to count toward major requirements. Transfer courses taken at the undergraduate level must be applicable to Trinity’s liberal arts curricula. However, transfer credits may be approved to satisfy the requirements of the major field as determined by the appropriate program chair(s).
C. Courses at Other Institutions
1. While enrolled at Trinity, a student may earn credits on a limited basis at other appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
2. Students planning to take courses at another institution (during any semester or summer months) should first obtain approval from their SPS advisor and from the program chair(s) for the proposed area of study before the end of the semester prior to the semester they plan to take the course(s). A student who does not follow these procedures has no guarantee that the credits earned will apply toward the Trinity degree.
3. A student who fails a course at Trinity may not retake that course at another institution.
4. Transfer courses will appear on a student’s transcript as “TR” unless the course was completed through the cross-registration process of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
D. Courses through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, full-time degree students at Trinity can take courses offered by other member institutions during fall and spring semesters only. Enrollment is subject to Consortium as well as Trinity regulations. Students should confer with the Consortium Coordinator.
The following policies govern the participation of Trinity students in the Consortium:
1. Trinity students may take Consortium courses only if the courses are not available at Trinity during the semester.
2. Only full-time degree-seeking students, i.e., students enrolled in a full-time course load at Trinity, are eligible for Consortium privileges. Exceptions require approval by Trinity’s Consortium Coordinator. First-year students are ineligible to participate. Exceptions may be made for students wishing to take foreign language courses.
3. Students in their last semester are discouraged from taking courses through the Consortium. Delays in reporting Consortium grades may prevent a student from graduating and/or participating in commencement activities.
4. In consultation with the academic advisor, students must demonstrate the relevance of proposed Consortium course(s) to their academic and post-college goals.
5. Students must be in good academic standing to participate in Consortium courses. Students carrying a grade of “Incomplete” should take Consortium courses only in extraordinary circumstances; approval is required from Trinity’s Consortium Coordinator.
6. The final grade received in a Consortium course is recorded on the Trinity transcript and calculated into the student’s grade point average.
7. All registrations for Consortium courses must receive final approval from the Academic Dean.
8. Students participating in Consortium courses must arrange for their own transportation.
Grades of “I” (Incomplete) may be given for courses taken through the Consortium. Students who arrange grades of Incomplete at a visited institution should note that the time limits for making up the incomplete are not to exceed those dictated by Trinity’s policy for grades of Incomplete. However, a faculty member at the visited institution may require an earlier deadline.
Trinity is not responsible for delays in the reporting of grades from visited Consortium institutions; grades for all Consortium courses must be recorded by Enrollment Services at Trinity for a student to be eligible to have the degree conferred and receive the diploma. Students are responsible for checking with instructors at Consortium institutions to assure the timely report of grades to Trinity.
Tuition for courses taken through the cross-registration program will be billed by Trinity at the applicable Trinity rate. Any additional special course or lab fees charged by the visited institution are the responsibility of the student and will be billed separately.
The submission of a Consortium Registration Request does not guarantee enrollment as requests are subject to approval from the visited institution.
E. Credit Earned through Study Abroad
1. Credits earned through approved study abroad programs may be counted toward a Trinity degree.
a. Programs are approved on a case-by-case basis. These programs must be offered through an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning and be approved by the student’s program chair(s) as well as the Director of Study Abroad. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
b. If the program is approved, students should allow additional time (at least 5 months) for consortium agreements to be processed.
c. In all cases, students should retain textbooks, course syllabi, reading lists, and any major papers produced for courses while abroad.
2. To qualify for study abroad, students must:
a. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
b. Have sophomore status and have completed two regular semesters at Trinity. Students wishing to study abroad during a summer term may have this requirement waived.
c. Complete a Trinity Application for Study Abroad which includes:
i. A signed Release Form.
ii. A transcript of all work completed at Trinity.
iii. A two-page Statement of Purpose.
iv. A Degree Completion Form signed by an academic advisor and the major program chair(s) indicating which courses will fulfill major requirements and/or curricular requirements.
v. Two recommendations from faculty members.
d. Meet with a representative of Enrollment Services.
e. Receive approval from the Director of Study Abroad Programs.
3. Students are responsible for fulfilling all application requirements of the sponsoring study abroad program.
4. Students are responsible for meeting all financial obligations to Trinity as well as the sponsoring program. For students receiving financial aid, a consortium agreement must be completed through Enrollment Services.
5. Courses taken through a study abroad program appear on the transcript as “TR,” and are not calculated into GPA.
6. Students who participate in an unapproved study abroad program or do not follow the correct application procedures have no guarantee that their course work will transfer for degree credit or fulfill major requirements.
F. Advanced Standing for Registered Nurses
1. Applicants with diplomas from approved accredited hospital nursing programs who have earned the R.N. degree may be awarded a maximum of 32 undergraduate credits for clinical work.
2. Any applied credits of this type must be in addition to the minimum 32 Trinity credits required for the Trinity degree.
G. Credit Through Examination or Experiential Learning
1. A maximum of 30 credits earned through any combination of approved examinations or college-level experiential learning may be applied toward the completion of a Trinity degree.
2. Any applied credits of this type must be in addition to the minimum 45 credits taken at Trinity.
3. Credits satisfying major field requirements will be determined by the appropriate program chair(s).
4. Students who successfully complete an Advanced Placement course at the high school level and who have earned a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement examination will be awarded three (3) to eight (8) credits.
5. Trinity recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and awards academic credit for successful scores on all of the Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) examinations. Generally, 6 credits are awarded for scores of 5-7 in Higher Level while 3 credits are awarded for scores of 5-7 in Standard Level examinations.
6. Students may also receive credit for performance on approved standardized examinations, such as CLEP and DANTES.
7. The threshold score for credit and the number of credits for performance on a standardized examination is determined by the appropriate program chair(s).
8. It is recommended though not required that program chairs follow the guidelines of the American Council on Education (A.C.E.).
9. Students for whom English is not a first language will be granted CLEP or DANTES credit only for intermediate level work in their native language
10. To receive credit through the Trinity Experiential Lifelong Learning program (TELL), which is administered by the School of Professional Studies, students must present documentation about the learning experience and evidence of the level at which learning occurred.
11. Students wishing to receive TELL credits must adhere to the following procedure:
a. Successfully complete at least 12 credits at Trinity and a college level English composition course before applying to the TELL program.
b.Register for and complete a portfolio preparation course (GST 301). The TELL Seminar and submission of portfolios must take place at least three semesters before graduation.
V. Degree Requirements
A. The Associate of Arts Degree
B. The Bachelor of Arts Degree
C. The Bachelor of Science Degree
D. Second Baccalaureate Degree
E. Senior Assessment
F. The Core Curriculum
G. Fulfillment of Core Curriculum Requirements Through Non-Trinity Credits
H. Physical Education and Health Credit
A. General Requirements for the Associate of Arts Degree
I. Associate of Arts Degree at THEARC
- Students at THEARC completing the A.A. degree must fulfill the following:
- Successful completion of a minimum of 61 credits
- Fulfillment of the core and area of emphasis requirements
- Completion of the capstone course
II. Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Students in the Early Childhood Education program completing an A.A. degree in the School of Professional Studies must fulfill the following:
- Successful completion of required courses (22 credits).
- A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all EDCC and EDTE courses
- A minimum overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
B. General Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree
1. Students in the School of Professional Studies must meet three general requirements to graduate and receive a bachelor’s degree:
a. Successful completion of a minimum of 128 credits.
i. For students matriculating in or after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
ii. For students matriculating before Fall 2002, 32 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
b. Fulfillment of the Core Curriculum requirements.
c. Conclusion of a major program’s course of study.
2. The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) required to graduate is 2.0.
I. Bachelor of Arts Degree
1. The requirements to graduate from Trinity with a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) include the successful completion of the following:
a. A minimum of 128 credits.
i. For students matriculating in or after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
ii. For students matriculating before Fall 2002, 32 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
b. All requirements of the Core Curriculum.
c. All specific course work required for a major program of study.
d. A Senior Assessment.
II. General Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree
1. The requirements to graduate from Trinity with a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) include the successful completion of:
a. A minimum of 128 credits.
i. For students matriculating in or after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
ii. For students matriculating before Fall 2002, 32 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
b. All requirements of the Core Curriculum.
c. All specific course work required for the major.
d. A Senior Assessment.
III. Second Baccalaureate Degree
1. A graduate of Trinity or any other appropriately accredited institution of higher learning may earn a second baccalaureate degree from Trinity by meeting the following criteria:
a. Hold a baccalaureate from Trinity or any other appropriately accredited institution of higher learning at the time of matriculation at Trinity. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
b. Complete a minimum of 32 additional credits at Trinity.
c. Fulfill all requirements for graduation, including all specific major requirements and Senior Assessment for the second degree.
2. A second baccalaureate should not be confused with a double major. See Declaration or Change of Major below.
1. Trinity students are expected to achieve a sophisticated level of synthesis in their major field that reflects more than just mastery of course content. The Senior Assessment is a requirement for the Trinity degree, and a student must pass the Senior Assessment to be eligible for the degree.
2. Each assessment is designed by the individual program to be the capstone experience for the major. Specific details of the Senior Assessment for each academic program are listed in the Academic Catalog.
3. Only credits earned at Trinity, excluding credits earned through experiential learning, may fulfill Senior Assessment requirements.
1. The Core Curriculum is composed of the following three general areas:
- Skills for Life and Work
- Understanding the Self and Society
- Ethics and Moral Reasoning
Courses taught in the core represent major discipline clusters, including Literature; Social Sciences; Natural Sciences and Mathematics; History, Philosophy, and Theology; and Fine Arts.
2. All School of Professional Studies students pursuing a degree must fulfill the requirements of the Core Curriculum.
3. Exemptions or substitutions must be approved by the appropriate program chair(s).
E. Fulfillment of Core Curriculum Requirements Through Non-Trinity Credits
1. Requirements of the Core Curriculum may be fulfilled through credits earned through examination, such as Advanced Placement or CLEP Examinations. The appropriate program chair or a transfer admissions counselor in consultation with the appropriate program chair determines if credits earned through examination also fulfill Core Curriculum requirements.
2. Requirements of the Core Curriculum may be fulfilled through credits earned at other appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning. The appropriate program chair or advisor (in consultation with the appropriate program chair) determines if these credits also fulfill Core Curriculum requirements. This determination is pursuant to the following guidelines:
a. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
b. The course is sufficiently similar to an approved Core Curriculum course.
c. The course(s) meets minimum requirements for the transfer of credit (see Transfer Credits Satisfying Undergraduate Degree Requirements above).
3. Approval of non-Trinity credits to fulfill major program requirements does not guarantee approval of these credits to fulfill Core Curriculum requirements.
F. Physical Education and Health Credit
1. A maximum of four credits of physical education may be counted toward the 128 credits necessary for graduation.
2. These credits may be earned either by enrolling in physical education courses or by participating in approved athletic programs.
3. Of the four credits of physical education that may be counted towards the bachelor’s degree, a maximum of three of these credits may be earned through participation in approved athletic programs. The following guidelines apply to the awarding of physical education credits to students participating in sports activities:
a. Only three credits of athletics may be applied toward a Trinity degree.
b. All three credits cannot be earned in the same sport.
c. Students must decide whether or not to receive physical education credit for a sport and register for the credits before the end of the Course Schedule Adjustment period.
d. Students must arrange individual meetings with their coaches in which the students will submit a statement of goal(s) to be achieved for the season.
e. Student-athletes are required to submit weekly logs to their coaches, including personal comments regarding goal achievements. Other requirements include a summary of logs (general obstacles confronted and goals that were achieved) to be submitted at the end of the season.
f. Grading will be on a P/NP basis. Students who decide to withdraw from the athletic credit option must withdraw from the physical education credit(s) by the withdrawal deadline, as is the case with other academic credits, or a grade of “F” will be assigned.
g. Trinity adheres to all policies of the NCAA with regard to academic standing and student participation on athletic teams.
VI. The Academic Major
A. Declaration or Change of Major
B. Grades in Courses Counted Toward Major
A. Declaration or Change of Major
1. Students must declare a major before the end of their second academic year or no later than the completion of 56 credits. In order to achieve junior status, students must have declared a major.
2. A student who opts to earn additional majors must satisfy the major requirements of the additional academic program(s).
a. Undergraduate students who meet the requirements for two major programs will receive one degree. The students must complete both programs’ requirements at the same time and cannot add a second major to a previously conferred degree.
b. A student’s two programs may end in different degrees (such as B.A. and B.S.), but the student chooses which one degree to have printed on the diploma and called at graduation. The student makes this choice on the graduation application. The student’s official transcript will reflect that same degree, though it will list both majors.
3. To declare or change a major, a student must adhere to the following procedures:
a. Students in the School of Professional Studies must obtain the program chair’s approval of the new program.
b. Obtain approval of an academic advisor and construct a new degree plan. The student should bring an up-to-date unofficial transcript to this meeting.
c. Submit the online major declaration form to declare or change a major.
B. Grades in Courses Counted Toward Major
1. Student must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses applied toward their major(s), except for courses only offered on a “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) basis, such as practica and internships.
2. Courses taken “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) do not count toward the fulfillment of major requirements except when indicated by individual academic programs.
VII. Grading System
A. Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
B. Pass/No Pass (P/NP) Grading Option
C. Incomplete Grades
D. Grades for Withdrawals
E. Grade Changes
F. Grades for Repeated Courses
A. Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
1. A student’s grade point average (GPA) is determined by the average of grade points earned to date. Trinity uses the following system to assign grade points:
A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3 B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 C- 1.7 D+ 1.3 D 1.0 F 0.0 2. Designations carrying no grade points include:
AU Audit TR Transfer Credit I Incomplete W Withdrawal NP No Pass [ ] Repeated Course P Pass NG No Grade
Rarely, students may be issued an NG (No Grade) administratively, which is quickly resolved.
B. Pass/No Pass (P/NP) Grading Option
1. The quality of work in all classes graded “P/NP” must be equivalent to a “D” to receive a passing grade, and a “P/NP” grade does not count in determining a student’s GPA.
2. With advisor approval, students may take a maximum of two courses on a “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) basis during the first 64 credits at Trinity and a maximum of two courses on a “P/NP” basis during the second 64 credits at Trinity. Courses with “P/NP” as the only grading option are exempt from this policy.
3. Following the Schedule Adjustment Period, students may elect the P/NP option for a course until the date for withdrawal. Once the P/NP option is declared, students may not elect to take a course for a letter grade after the Schedule Adjustment Period has elapsed.
4. A student may only change to or from the “P/NP” option during the Course Schedule Adjustment period at the start of each semester. Courses taken “P/NP” may not count toward the fulfillment of major requirements except for internships or practica.
1. A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is recorded only in cases judged sufficiently serious by the instructor.
2. In all cases, the student and instructor must fill out and sign a Request for Incomplete form no later than the end of the final examination period, stipulating the work to be done before the grade and credit for the course will be recorded.
3. The Request for Incomplete form must be attached to the instructor’s final grade sheet to be valid.
4. The following policies govern the resolution of Incompletes for undergraduate students:
a. Resolution of an “I” must be reported to Enrollment Services within four weeks after the last day of the final examination period.
b. During the summer session, resolution must be reported within four weeks after the last day of class.
c. Students must submit work sufficiently in advance of these dates to allow instructors time for grading.
d. Extensions of the Request for Incomplete require the approval of the course instructor and the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.
5. Grades that are still incomplete after the deadline are changed from “I” to “F” on the student’s transcript.
6. For Incomplete Grades in Consortium courses, see Section IV.D.4 above.
1. A designation of “W” (Withdrawal) will appear on the student’s transcript if the student withdraws from the course following the Course Schedule Adjustment deadline.
2. Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student’s GPA.
3. The process for withdrawal from a course is described in Withdrawal from a Course above.
1. Faculty, at their discretion and only after serious consideration, may change a student’s grade.
2. All grade changes must be approved by the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.
3. Any grade change must be finalized with Enrollment Services no later than one hundred twenty calendar days following the last day of the academic term in which the original grade was posted.
F. Grades for Repeated Courses
1. A student may repeat a course once if s/he has failed to earn a passing grade in that course.
2. Transcripts will indicate all semesters in which the course was taken, and will report grades earned in all semesters, but only the most favorable grade will be used to calculate GPA.
3. A notation will appear on the transcript to indicate that the course has been repeated.
4. If a student fails a course at Trinity, s/he must repeat that course at Trinity and may not transfer in credits for that course.
VIII. Academic Standing
A. Good Academic Standing
B. Academic Honors
C. Academic Watch
D. Academic Warning
E. Academic Probation
F. Academic Dismissal
G. Readmission
1. Good academic standing constitutes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
2. First-year students in their first semester may achieve good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 1.75.
3. To remain in good academic standing, students must also complete two-thirds of their attempted credits.
4. For students in the School of Professional Studies, the determination of good academic standing is made following every semester.
1. Dean’s List
a. The Dean’s List identifies full-time students (see Section I.B above) in the School of Professional Studies who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or above with no incomplete or failing grades.
b. The Dean’s List is announced at the end of the fall, spring and summer terms.
2. Latin Honors
a. Latin honors are conferred on graduating students who have achieved the following minimum cumulative grade point averages:
cum laude 3.5 magna cum laude 3.7 summa cum laude 3.9 3. Phi Beta Kappa
a. The Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Trinity annually elects eligible juniors and seniors to membership based on their fulfillment of the requirements established by the Chapter and by Phi Beta Kappa.
b. Members-in-course are elected on the basis of scholarly achievement, broad intellectual interests, and good character.
i. All students must have demonstrated knowledge in mathematics and of a second language as appropriate to an education in the liberal arts. In order to fulfill the language requirement, all students must acquire no less than intermediate college-level knowledge in a foreign language.
ii. To be elected as a junior, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 in at least 75 credits of course work in the liberal arts, 45 of which must have been in residence at Trinity.
iii. To be elected as a senior, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in at least 90 credits of course work in the liberal arts, 45 of which must have been in residence at Trinity.
c. All students must be nominated by a member of the faculty in order to be considered for election.
d. Course work in applied or professional studies and grades earned in such work cannot be counted toward the credits required in the liberal arts.
e. The number of graduates elected to Phi Beta Kappa from any class may never exceed 15% of the number of students receiving diplomas.
4. Alpha Sigma Lambda
a. The Epsilon Beta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, inaugurated at Trinity in 1986, recognizes the special achievements of adults who demonstrate academic excellence while facing the competing interests of home and work.
b. Students are eligible for membership if they meet the requirements established by Alpha Sigma Lambda and the Trinity Chapter.
c. Students may be considered for membership during their first year at Trinity.
d. Students who are elected to the society meet on a regular basis while enrolled at Trinity.
1. Students maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 remain in good academic standing even if their GPA for one term or semester falls below 2.0, but these students are placed on academic watch.
2. Academic watch indicates that while the student’s academic progress is satisfactory, the student may experience future academic difficulties.
3. Students on academic watch are limited to two courses comprising a course load of no more than six credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic watch.
4. Students on academic watch may also be required to meet with a representative of Academic Support Services and may have to satisfy other conditions as determined by the appropriate academic Dean.
1. Part-time students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 after attempting their first six credits at Trinity are placed on academic warning and receive a warning letter from the academic Dean.
2. Academic warning signifies that the student is not performing satisfactorily, and if the student’s GPA remains below 2.0 after an additional three credits, the student is placed on academic probation.
1. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 or who have completed less than two-thirds of their attempted credits are placed on academic probation. First-year students in their first semester are placed on academic probation if their GPA is below 1.75.
a. All courses that appear on a student’s transcript constitute attempted credits. Courses for which the student has earned grades of “F,” “NP,” “I,” “W,” or “[ ]” are considered attempted credits that have not been completed.
2. Academic probation indicates that the student is no longer in good academic standing and the student’s eligibility to continue studies at Trinity is under question.
3. School of Professional Studies students on academic probation are limited to a course load of six credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic probation.
4. Students on academic probation are not eligible to participate in athletics or other intercollegiate activities that require students to maintain good academic standing.
5. Academic probation lasts until the student’s cumulative GPA is raised to the minimum standard of 2.0.
6. A student may remain on academic probation for no more than two consecutive semesters.
7. The academic standing of all School of Professional Studies students, including those on probation, is reassessed after every semester (see Section VIII.A.4).
1. Students may be dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons, including:
a. Carrying a cumulative GPA below 2.0 in a semester following two consecutive semesters on academic probation.
b. Violating the Honor System in an academic matter (refer to Trinity’s Academic Honesty Policy).
2. Trinity reserves the right to require students to withdraw from Trinity because of poor academic performance or unsatisfactory conduct.
3. To appeal decisions regarding probation and dismissal, students may submit a written request to the School of Professional Studies Dean (see Academic Appeals below).
1. Students must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions and be reaccepted to Trinity before attending classes if either of the following conditions are applicable:
a. More than two calendar years have elapsed since the student successfully completed a semester at Trinity. A student who has left Trinity for health reasons, including mental illness, must follow procedures and guidelines outlined by the Dean. Readmission is normally provisional for a semester.
b. The student was dismissed from Trinity for academic or other reasons. Students who have been dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons may reapply after one year pursuant to the following guidelines:
i. The student may apply for readmission as a part-time student after completing two semesters of six credits or more in each semester at an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
ii. Readmission is normally provisional for a semester; conditions typically include a mandatory semester on academic probation, although other conditions may also apply.
2. The readmission process should proceed as follows:
a. The student must reapply through the Office of Admissions by submitting a completed application for readmission, including the following materials:
i. A non-refundable application fee.
ii. Transcripts from academic institutions attended since leaving Trinity.
iii. A personal essay explaining the reason(s) why the student left Trinity, what academic and/or personal experiences the student has had since leaving Trinity, what the student has learned from these experiences, and why the student would like to return to Trinity.
b. Before evaluating application materials, the Office of Admissions will consult with the Office of Enrollment Services to identify financial holds and/or payments due to Trinity. No applications will be processed until all financial holds are removed.
c. After all financial holds are removed, the student’s application materials will be forwarded to the Director of the Academic Services Center as well as the Vice President of Enrollment Services. The student will typically be required to have an interview with a representative of both Academic Support Services and Enrollment Services before the reapplication process proceeds further.
d. The Director of the Academic Services Center will consult the relevant administrators, such as Health and Wellness Services, about the student’s qualifications and fitness for readmission to Trinity. The appropriate academic dean will consult on cases difficult to evaluate. A recommendation will be made to grant admission, grant admission with special provisions, or deny admission.
e. If the student is readmitted, she or he will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions that details specific provisions and conditions of the readmission. For students readmitted after academic dismissal, conditions typically include a mandatory semester on academic probation, although other conditions may also apply. Failure to comply with the provisions and conditions of admission may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. A copy of the acceptance letter will be sent to Enrollment Services, the Academic Services Center, and the student’s academic advisor, and it will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record.
3. Students may not be readmitted if they have been expelled for a violation of the Policy on Academic Honesty (see Section III. Penalties).
IX. Academic Appeals
A. General Policy for Appeals
B. Appealing a Final Grade of “F” in a Course
C. Appealing a Final Grade of “F” in a Senior Assessment
D. Appealing an Academic Dismissal
E. Other Academic Complaints
1. Appeals may be made to change only the grade of “F” for a specific course or the grade of “F” for a Senior Assessment required for a degree; such appeals will only be considered when the student alleges that the grade does not reflect appropriate academic criteria, i.e. achievement and proficiency in the subject matter.
2. Appeals regarding academic probation or dismissal should be directed to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.
B. Appealing a Final Grade of “F” in a Course
1. The student first submits a written letter to the course instructor in order to resolve the issue no later than three weeks after the beginning of the semester following that in which the grade was assigned. The instructor will respond to the student in writing within three weeks.
2. If the student and instructor do not resolve the matter, the student may appeal the grade in writing to the program chair no later than one week after the date on the instructor’s response. The program chair may mediate the issue for three weeks after the date on the instructor’s written response to the student.
3. If the program chair is unable to resolve the dispute, the student may formally appeal to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies in writing; this appeal must be filed no later than nine weeks after the beginning of the semester following that in which the grade was assigned.
4. The Dean of the School of Professional Studies may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing with the Curriculum and Academic Policy (SPS CAP) Committee.
5. The Dean decides either that the “F” will stand or that the “F” will be changed to a Pass. No other grade will be assigned.
6. The Dean informs the student, the program chair, and the faculty member of the decision in writing.
C. Appealing a Final Grade of “F” in a Senior Assessment
1. The student first submits a written letter to the program chair, who will act to resolve the dispute in consultation with other program faculty, no later than two weeks after the grade is assigned.
2. If the dispute remains unresolved, the student may institute a formal appeal in writing to the Dean of the School of Professional Studies no later than four weeks after receiving results of the Senior Assessment.
3. The dean may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing with the Curriculum and Academic Policy (SPS CAP) Committee (see Section IX.E below).
4. The Dean decides either that the “F” will stand or that the “F” will be changed to a Pass. No other grade will be assigned.
5. The Dean informs the student and the program chair of the decision in writing.
D. Appealing an Academic Dismissal
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Grade appeals occur through the process described above, and the decision of the SPS CAP Committee is final on all grade appeals.
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If the denial of a grade appeal results in the student’s academic dismissal from Trinity, or if the student incurs academic dismissal for failure to satisfy academic progress requirements, or failure to satisfy professional standards in the professional schools, then the student has the opportunity to appeal the academic dismissal according to this procedure:
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The student may write a letter of appeal requesting reinstatement to the SPS Dean stating the reasons why she should not incur academic dismissal.
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The Dean will review the appeal with the director or chair of the student’s major academic program.
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The Dean will inform the student in writing of the appeal decision.
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If the Dean denies the student’s request for reinstatement, the student may make a further written appeal to the Provost.
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The Provost will review the case and render a decision to the student.
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If the Provost denies the student’s appeal, the student may make a written appeal to the President. The President does not over-rule the academic judgment of the faculty, deans and provost as to the academic performance of the student. The President may over-rule the lower decisions and direct a different outcome only if she finds evidence of improper procedures or bias in the lower reviews of the case. The different outcome may include a new review of the case at lower levels or an alternative disposition of the case.
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The President’s decision is final and no further internal appeals are available.
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If a student has a complaint about an academic matter that is unrelated to an appeal of grades or a dismissal, the process for registering and reviewing general complaints is as follows:
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The student should attempt to resolve the complaint directly with the staff person or faculty member responsible for the topic in question.
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If the student cannot resolve the complaint through direct discussion with the staff or faculty member, the student should register the complaint with the academic Dean of the collegiate unit. Email directly to the Dean is the best method for registering the complaint since the written complaint gives the dean the opportunity to review the complete set of facts clearly.
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The Dean will address the complaint with the student, orally or in writing as may be best, and will meet with the student if a meeting is appropriate.
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Upon reviewing the complaint, the Dean may also ask another member of the faculty or staff to resolve the matter with the student.
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If the matter remains unresolved, the student may direct the complaint to the Provost, who will review the matter and direct the appropriate outcome. The provost may direct another member of the faculty or staff to resolve the matter with the student.
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Students need to be aware that not all complaints result in a resolution in the student’s favor. Students have a right to be heard, to have the complaint taken seriously and reviewed for appropriate application of Trinity’s policies and procedures. Students do not have a right to a specific requested result.
X. Student Information, Records, and Transcripts
A. Disclosure
B. Maintenance of Student Records
C. Transcripts
1. The following categories of student information are designated as public or directory information:
a. Category I information includes name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, and class standing.
b. Category II information includes previous institution(s) attended, major field(s) of study, awards, honors (such as Dean’s List), and degree(s) conferred.
2. Information from Category I or Category II may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion.
3. Under the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 students may withhold disclosure of any category of information. To prohibit disclosure, students must provide Enrollment Services with written notification. Trinity assumes that any student who does not specifically request the withholding of Category I or II directory information has indicated individual approval for disclosure.
B. Maintenance of Student Records
1. Trinity protects the reputation of its students by carefully maintaining the confidentiality of their official Trinity records. To preserve privacy, the records are safeguarded from unauthorized access and disclosure. Trinity faculty, administrators, and staff are fully aware of the necessity to ensure integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality.
2. Accordingly, Trinity complies with the provisions set forth in Sec. 438 of the General Educational Provisions Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232 (g), entitled the Family Educational Provisions Act of 1974. This law guarantees the student’s right to examine her or his official educational records, as well as her or his right to privacy pursuant to the release of such records to third parties.
3. Trinity’s policy on the maintenance of student records is in accord with federal regulations. A copy of the policy is available from Enrollment Services, and this statement serves as notification of rights protected by law.
1. Current and former students of Trinity may request academic transcripts from Enrollment Services.
2. Requests must be made in writing and include the student’s social security number, most recent date of attendance or graduation, the full name and address of the party receiving the transcript, and the student’s signature.
3. Trinity adheres to the following policies on the release of transcripts:
a. No transcript will be released if the student has failed to satisfy all financial obligations to the university.
b. Transcripts will not be issued to a third party without written authorization of the student.
c. A faxed transcript request will be accepted; this request must be signed by the student. Transcripts are processed within 3-5 business days of receipt of the written request.
Disclaimer
Trinity reserves the right to change, without prior notice, any policy or procedure, tuition or fee, curricular requirements, or any other information found on this web site or in its printed materials.
Questions may be directed to the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@trinitydc.edu.