School of Nursing and Health Professions
Academic Policies

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.

Undergraduate Program Policies

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 Student Status

Degree or matriculated students have been formally admitted to a degree program at Trinity.

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. Non-degree students must complete appropriate application forms with the Office of Admission. Non-degree students must satisfy all prerequisites for courses. Credits earned at Trinity as a non-degree student may later be applied toward a degree. However, students may earn no more than six undergraduate credits as a non-degree student. No additional course work may be undertaken prior to acceptance into a degree program at Trinity.

Full-time Status

A full-time student in the School of Nursing and Health Professions registers for 12 credits or more in a semester. No student may register for more than nineteen credits per semester without obtaining permission from the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Further, no student may register for more than 21 credits in any semester; this includes courses taken outside of Trinity. A fee is charged for each credit over 18 credits per semester.

Part-Time Status

A part-time student in the School of Nursing and Health Professions registers for 11 credits or less in a semester. To be considered eligible for federal financial aid, a student must register for a minimum of 6 credits in a semester.

Leave of Absence

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.

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 the college.

Unlike a withdrawal, a leave of absence allows Trinity to keep the student on a mailing list and continue to send important information, e.g. registration materials. A leave of absence allows the student to continue an affiliation with the university.

Students requesting a leave of absence should adhere to the following procedures:

  • Student requests a leave of absence through the Dean’s Office.
  • 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).
  • The student meets with an academic advisor for an exit interview.
  • The student meets with a representative of Enrollment Services if the student is or has received financial aid.
  • Student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.

Withdrawal from the School of Nursing and Health Professions

A withdrawal from the School of Nursing and Health Professions 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.

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.

Students who withdraw from the School of Nursing and Health Professions should follow these procedures:

  • The student notifies the Dean of intent to withdraw from Trinity.
  • If the student withdraws from the college 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).
  • The student meets with an academic advisor for an exit interview.
  • The student meets with a representative from Enrollment Services.
  • The student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.
  • Transcripts will indicate withdrawal from Trinity after the withdrawal is complete.

Class Status

The number of completed credits determines a student’s class status.

  • 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.
  • Sophomore status indicates the student has earned at least 24 credits that can be counted toward a degree.
  • 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.
  • Senior status indicates the student has earned at least 88 credits that can be counted toward a degree.

Cap and Gown Ceremony

To earn the privilege of wearing the cap and gown, a student must have earned at least 88 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 or her eligibility as a degree student is in question.

Commencement Participation

Although a minimum of 120 credits is required for a baccalaureate degree, undergraduate students who have completed at least 111 credits and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better at the time of commencement are eligible to participate in commencement activities.

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.

Non-graduating students who have earned at least 111 credits and wish to participate in Commencement must follow this procedure:

  • The student submits a written request to the Provost for review.
  • The request should indicate that the student will have acquired the requisite minimum of 111 credits and holds a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
  • In addition, the request should indicate the student’s plan to complete graduation requirements before August of the same year.
  • The student may participate in Commencement after the request is approved.

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Advising, Enrollment, and Registration

Advising

All students are assigned an academic advisor who will assist them with academic planning and interpretation of academic policies and procedures. During each registration period, students and their advisors select courses consistent with the overall degree objectives. With their advisors, students learn to explore academic interests, to recognize academic strengths, and to identify resources to address weaknesses. 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.

Assignment of Advisors

Entering students are assigned advisors upon matriculation to Trinity.  Once any student declares a major, advising for the major is generally provided by the program chair or another faculty advisor in that academic program (see below).

Change of Academic Advisor

A student wishing to change academic advisors must obtain the proper forms from the Enrollment Services Office. All arrangements for changing advisors must be made between the student, the advisor, and the program chair. Students are encouraged to select advisors best suited to assisting their planning for academic work and career goals.

Registration

During the registration period near the end of each term, matriculated students register for courses they plan to take during the following semester. Before registering, students meet with their advisors to select courses and to discuss how selected courses support students’ degree programs and academic goals. No student may register for more than nineteen credits per semester without obtaining permission from the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. After consultation with an academic advisor, a student may register via Self-Service, following all instructions. Incomplete registrations will not be processed, and registrations will not be processed until all financial holds are cleared.

Course Schedule Adjustments

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.

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. Payment for a financial obligation due to a course change must be arranged before the change will be processed.

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 below).

Students seeking a Course Schedule Adjustment should follow these procedures:

  • Student obtains Schedule Adjustment Form.
  • Student meets with advisor to discuss how the proposed change(s) may affect the student’s academic goals and progress toward degree.
  • Student completes relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment Form and obtains advisor’s signature.
  • Student returns signed form to the appropriate office.

Audit

Classes audited on a formal basis will appear on the transcript, but they do not carry credits applicable toward a degree. Students must obtain formal permission from their academic advisor to audit a class. An auditor must register for the course and attend class meetings regularly.

Withdrawal from a Course

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. 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.

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). Students are responsible for the partial or full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn. Students should refer to the published course schedule.

To withdraw from a course, students should follow this procedure:

  • Student obtains Schedule Adjustment Form.
  • Student confers with advisor to discuss how withdrawing from the course will affect academic plans.
  • Student fills out relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment Form.
  • Student obtains the signatures of student’s academic advisor.
  • Student returns signed form to the Enrollment Services Office.
  • The Enrollment Services Office will inform the course instructor(s) in writing that the student has officially withdrawn from the course(s).

Late Withdrawal from a Course

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.

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). Students are responsible for the full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn late.

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 Nursing and Health Professions Curriculum and Academic Policy (NHP 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).

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Attendance and Examinations

Attendance

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.

Faculty are expected 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 week or more of the class periods may result in a lower grade, including the grade of “F,” at the discretion of the faculty member.

Emergencies should be reported immediately to the Dean and the Enrollment Services Office, who will inform instructors. Only in an emergency may a student be absent during an assigned test, class presentation, or evaluation.

No children may attend classes or be left unattended anywhere on campus; childcare 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 bringing the child to campus.

Final Examinations

Course examinations or final assessments are required at the end of each semester. In accordance with the Honor System, Trinity’s semester examinations may not be proctored. The faculty entrusts the students with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of this system.

Final examination dates are listed in the official Academic Calendar, 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.

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 the Enrollment Services Office. If a conflict exists, some exams can be rescheduled to the Conflict Resolution Day at the discretion of the Enrollment Services Office.

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 Transfer Polices & Courses at Other Institutions

Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation

Students transferring 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. 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.  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.

Additionally, students will be expected to satisfy the General Education Curriculum requirements, as determined by the respective collegiate unit, as well as meeting all requirements of their major field(s) through application of Trinity or transferred credits. As with all Trinity undergraduate students, transfer students must successfully complete the Senior Assessment if applicable.

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.

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 or minor 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 or minor field(s) as determined by the appropriate program chair(s).

Courses at Other Institutions

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. Students planning to take courses at another institution (during any semester or summer months) should first obtain approval from their faculty 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. A student who fails a course at Trinity may not retake that course at another institution.

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. A student may normally transfer no more than six credits from a single summer session and no more than 12 credits over an entire summer. Exceptions require approval by the School of Nursing and Health Professions Curriculum and Academic Policy (NHP CAP) Committee.

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:

  • Trinity students may take Consortium courses only if the courses are not available at Trinity during the semester.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • In consultation with the academic advisor, students must demonstrate the relevance of proposed Consortium course(s) to their academic and post-college goals.
  • 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.
  • The final grade received in a Consortium course is recorded on the Trinity transcript and calculated into the student’s grade point average.
  • All registrations for Consortium courses must receive final approval from the Academic Dean.
  • 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 the Enrollment Services Office 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.

Credit Earned Through Study Abroad

Credits earned through approved study abroad programs may be counted toward a Trinity degree. Courses taken through a study abroad program will count to fulfill major, minor, and General Education Curriculum requirements only with the approval of the appropriate Program Chair; students are strongly encouraged to obtain all necessary approvals prior to departure. In all cases, students should retain textbooks, course syllabi, reading lists, and any major papers produced for courses while abroad.

The Director of Study Abroad approves programs on a case-by-case basis. These programs must be offered through 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. Students should meet with the Director of Study Abroad at least five months before the planned term for study abroad; significant time is necessary for consortium agreements to be processed.

To qualify for study abroad, students must:

  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Have sophomore status and have completed two regular semesters at Trinity. Students wishing to study abroad during the summer term may have this requirement waived.
  • Complete a Trinity Application for Study Abroad which includes:
    • A signed Release Form.
    • A transcript of all work completed at Trinity.
    • A two-page Statement of Purpose.
    • 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.
    • Two recommendations from faculty members.
  • Meet with a representative of Student Financial Services.
  • Receive approval from the Director of Study Abroad Programs.

Students are responsible for fulfilling all application requirements of the sponsoring study abroad program.

Courses taken through a study abroad program appear on the transcript as “TR” and are not calculated into the GPA.

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 or minor requirements.

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 Student Financial Services.

Credit through Examination or Experiential Learning

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. Any applied credits of this type must be in addition to the minimum 45 credits taken at Trinity (see Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation). Credit satisfying major field requirements will be determined by the appropriate Program Chair(s)

Credit for Performance on Approved Examination

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. 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.

Students may also receive credit for performance on approved standardized examinations, such as CLEP and DANTES. Trinity follows the guidelines of the American Council on Education (ACE) to determine the threshold score for credit and the number of credits for performance on a standardized examination. 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.

Credit for Experiential Learning

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. Students wishing to receive TELL credits must adhere to the following procedure:

  • Successfully complete at least 12 credits at Trinity and a college-level English composition course before applying to the TELL program.
  • Attend a TELL orientation workshop.
  • Apply for the TELL program after attending the TELL workshop by completing an application and paying an application fee.
  • Register for and complete a portfolio preparation course (GST 301 TELL Seminar). The TELL Seminar and submission of portfolios must take place at least three semesters before graduation.

With faculty approval, a student may earn up to 16 experiential learning credits at the 200-level. Additional credits may be awarded for experiential learning evaluated at the 300-level or higher.

Physical Education and Health Credit

A maximum of four credits of physical education and/or health courses may be counted toward the 120 credits necessary for graduation. These credits may be earned either by enrolling in physical education courses or by participating in approved athletic programs. 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:

  • Only three credits of athletics may be applied toward a Trinity degree.
  • All three credits may be earned in the same sport or they may be in different sports.
  • Students must decide whether or not to receive physical education credit for a sport before the end of the Course Schedule Adjustment period.
  • Student must arrange individual meetings with their coaches in which the students will submit a statement of goal(s) to be achieved for the season.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Trinity adheres to all policies of the NCAA with regard to academic standing and student participation on athletic teams.

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 Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

The requirements to graduate from Trinity with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (B.S.N.) include the successful completion of the following:

  • A minimum of 120 credits.
    • For students matriculating in or after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity. RN-BSN students must complete a minimum of 32 credits, excluding experiential learning, at Trinity.
    • For students matriculating before Fall 2002, 32 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
  • All requirements of the General Education or Core Curriculum.
  • All specific course work required for a major program of study in the respective health care program.
  • A Senior Assessment if applicable.
  • Completion of all credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5. Programs in the School of Nursing and Health Professions require a 2.5 grade point average to remain in good academic standing and be eligible for graduation.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Baccalaureate Degree

The requirements to graduate from Trinity with a Occupational Therapy Assistant Bachelor of Science degree include the successful completion of the following:

  • A minimum of 120 credits.
    • For students matriculating in or after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
    • For students matriculating before Fall 2002, 32 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
  • All requirements of the General Education or Core Curriculum.
  • All specific course work required for a major program of study in the respective health care program.
  • A Senior Assessment if applicable.
  • Completion of all credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5. Programs in the School of Nursing and Health Professions require a 2.5 grade point average to remain in good academic standing and be eligible for graduation.

Second Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

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:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree 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.
  • Complete a minimum of 32 additional credits at Trinity.
  • Fulfill all requirements for graduation, including all specific major requirements and Senior Assessment for the second degree.

A second baccalaureate should not be confused with a double major (see Declaration or Change of Major below).

General Education Curriculum

In completing the general education curriculum, students must complete required course work in four curricular areas, with coursework distributed among specific programs. Please see the College of Arts and Sciences catalog for information about the general education requirements, which are ordinarily completed before the student’s matriculation in the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Waiver of General Education Requirements

In certain instances, a waiver can be used to fulfill general education or core curricular requirements, although such waivers carry no credits. The following general education requirements may be waived by earning a satisfactory score on the appropriate placement examination(s):

  • Written communication: waived by placing above the ENGL 107 level (students must still complete the subsequent general education or core literature or humanities requirements);
  • Foreign language: placement into the third semester of Arabic, Spanish, or other approved language constitutes a waiver of the foreign language requirement. Students who place into the second semester of a college-level language course need only complete the second semester of that language to fulfill the general education requirement.
  • Quantitative reasoning: placement into MATH 125 or higher constitutes a waiver of the requirement.

Procedures for Placement Examination(s)

Students may request an assessment from Academic Services to determine their placement in foundational courses or to test out and receive a course waiver.   The assessment option applies to foundational courses in math and English as well as CRS 101, and placement into BIOL 101 or 121. In most cases, students will place into the subsequent course:  for example, students who test out of CRS 101 will place into CRS 102 and students who test out of MATH 102 will place into MATH 123.

In instances where there is no subsequent foundational course in the track, students will still be required to take a course in the discipline. For example, students who test out of ENGL 107 or MATH 109 will not have a foundational course to complete.  Nevertheless, this will not exempt students from taking math and English courses; students who waive these foundational courses must complete at least one English and at least one math course before graduation (e.g. ENGL 150, MATH 110) even in cases when subsequent English and math courses are not required for their  major.

Note: Nursing students are advised not to test out of MATH 108 because the course addresses specific skills needed to succeed in the major as well as in the profession.

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The Academic Major and Minor

Declaration or Change of Major

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. A student who opts to earn additional majors must satisfy the major requirements of the additional academic program(s).

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.

A student’s two programs may end in different degrees (such as B.A. and B.S.N.), 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.

To declare or change a major, a student must adhere to the following procedures:

  • Students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions must obtain approval of the program chair of the new program.
  • 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.
  • Submit the online major declaration form to declare or change a major.

Grades in Courses Counted Toward Major

Specific policies regarding grades in courses counted toward the major are determined by the major program; students should consult their major program for information. Courses taken “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) do not count toward the fulfillment of major or minor requirements except when indicated by individual academic programs.

Declaration or Change of Minor

Students may elect to complete a minor area of study. Requirements for minors are determined by individual academic programs and are listed with other program information in the university catalog. The maximum number of minors a student may declare is two. Courses taken “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) do not count toward the fulfillment of minor requirements except when indicated by individual academic programs.

To declare a minor, except for a minor in education, a student must fill out the appropriate form with the signed approval of the program chair and present it to the Enrollment Services Office. Transcripts will be updated to reflect the minor once completed forms have been processed. To declare a minor in education or to pursue the B.A./M.A.T. Program, a student must meet with a faculty advisor in the School of Education. The student must then fill out the appropriate form and present it to the Enrollment Services Office.

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Grading System

Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is determined by the weighted average of earned grade points. Trinity uses the following system to assign grade points:

Letter Grade 4-Point Scale
Equivalent		 100-Point Scale
Equivalent		 Letter Grade 4-Point Scale
Equivalent		 100-Point Scale
Equivalent
A 4.0 100-93 C 2.0 76-73
A- 3.7 92-90 C- 1.7 72-70
B+ 3.3 89-87 D+ 1.3 69-67
B 3.0 86-83 D 1.0 66-60
B- 2.7 82-80 F 0.0 59 and below
C+ 2.3 79-77

Designations carrying no grade points include:

AU Audit TR Transfer Credit
I Incomplete W Withdrawal
NP No Pass [ ] Repeated Course
P Pass

Pass/No Pass (P/NP) Grading Option

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. With advisor approval, students may take a maximum of two courses on a “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) basis during the first 60 credits at Trinity and a maximum of two courses on a “P/NP” basis during the second 60 credits at Trinity. Courses with “P/NP” as the only grading option are exempt from this policy.  Please note that some majors, including Nursing and Occupational Therapy Assistant do not allow students to take major courses on a “P/NP” basis.

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 Course Schedule Adjustments). Courses taken “P/NP” may not count toward the fulfillment of major or minor requirements except for internships or practica.

Incomplete Grades

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is recorded only in cases judged sufficiently serious by the instructor. 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.

The following policies govern the resolution of Incompletes:

  • Resolution of an “I” must be reported to the Enrollment Services Office within four weeks after the last day of the final examination period.
  • During the summer session, resolution must be reported within four weeks after the last day of class.
  • Students must submit work sufficiently in advance of these dates to allow instructors time for grading.
  • Extensions of the Request for Incomplete form require the approval of the course instructor and the dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Grades that are still incomplete after the deadline are changed from “I” to “F” on the student’s transcript. For Incomplete Grades in Consortium courses, see Courses through the Consortium.

Please note that progression in the major programs for the School of Nursing and Health Professions depends upon successful completion of courses in a prescribed sequence:  a grade of incomplete will not constitute completion of such prerequisite courses.  Accordingly, instructors rarely award incomplete grades and typically require their resolution prior the start of a subsequent semesters’ classes.

Grades for Withdrawals

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. Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student’s GPA. The process for withdrawal from a course is described above.

Grade Changes

Faculty, at their discretion and only after serious consideration, may change a student’s grade. All grade changes must be approved by the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Furthermore, any grade change must be finalized with the Enrollment Services Office no later than one hundred twenty (120) calendar days following the last day of the academic term in which the original grade was posted.

Grades for Repeated Courses

A student may repeat a course if s/he has failed to earn a passing grade or the minimum accepted grade in that course. 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 the GPA. A notation will appear on the transcript to indicate that the course has been repeated. If a student fails a course at Trinity, s/he must repeat that course at Trinity and may not transfer credits for that course.

B.S.N. students must earn a minimum of “C+” as a final course grade in all nursing (NURS and SNHP) courses. A final grade below a C+ will require the student to repeat the course to successfully complete all requirements of the nursing curriculum plan. A final grade below a “C+” may impact a student’s academic progression in the nursing program. Any grade involving a numerical fraction is NOT rounded up at the end of the semester in the final course grade.

A nursing student may fail or withdraw from no more than one nursing course (NURS or SNHP prefix). If a student fails or withdraws from a nursing course, the student may repeat the nursing course only once. Students may repeat no more than one nursing course. Failing or withdrawing from a second nursing course will result in dismissal from the nursing program.

OTA students must earn a minimum of “C” as a final course grade in all occupational therapy assistant (OTA) courses. A final grade below a “C” will require the student to repeat the course to successfully complete all requirements of the occupational therapy assistant curriculum plan. A final grade below a “C” may impact a student’s academic progression in the occupational therapy assistant program. Any grade involving a numerical fraction is NOT rounded up at the end of the semester in the final course grade.

An OTA student may fail or withdraw from no more than one occupational therapy assistant course (OTA prefix). If a student fails or withdraws from an occupational therapy assistant course, the student may repeat the occupational therapy assistant course only once. Students may repeat no more than one occupational therapy assistant course. Failing or withdrawing from a second occupational therapy assistant course may result in dismissal from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Exceptions to this policy will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the program director.

Undergraduate students who fail or withdraw from an OTA fieldwork course may repeat it only once. Students may not repeat more than one OTA fieldwork course. A second failure will result in dismissal from the OTA program.

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Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing

Good academic standing constitutes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in the School of Nursing and Health Professions programs.

To remain in good academic standing, students must also complete two-thirds of their attempted credits. For full-time students, the determination of good academic standing is made following fall, spring, and summer semesters. For part-time students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, the determination of good academic standing is made following the attempt of every nine credits.

Academic Honors

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List identifies full-time students (see Student Status above) in the School of Nursing and Health Professions who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or above for the current semester with no incomplete or failing grades. The Dean’s List is announced at the end of the fall, spring, and summer terms.

Latin Honors

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

Phi Beta Kappa

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. Members-in-course are elected on the basis of scholarly achievement, broad intellectual interests, and good character. 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.

To be considered for election 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. 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.

All students must be nominated by a member of the faculty in order to be considered for election. Course work in applied or professional studies and grades earned in such work cannot be counted toward the credits required in the liberal arts. The number of graduates elected to Phi Beta Kappa from any class may never exceed 15% of the number of students receiving diplomas.

Academic Watch

Students maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 remain in good academic standing even if their GPA for one term or semester falls below 2.5, but these students are placed on academic watch. Academic watch indicates that, while the student’s academic progress is satisfactory, the student may experience future academic difficulties.

Students on academic watch are limited to four courses comprising a course load of 12-14 credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic watch. Students on academic watch must also meet their academic advisor and may have to satisfy other conditions as determined by the appropriate academic Dean.

Academic Probation

Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 or who have completed less than two-thirds of their attempted credits are placed on academic probation. All courses that appear on a student’s transcript constitute attempted credits. Courses for which the student has earned grades of “F,” “NP,” “I,” or “W,” are considered attempted credits that have not been completed.

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. Full-time students on academic probation are limited to four courses comprising a course load of 12-14 credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic probation. Part-time students on academic probation are limited to a course load of 2 courses or 6-8 credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic probation. Students on academic probation are not eligible to participate in athletics or other intercollegiate activities that require students to maintain good academic standing.

Full-time students on academic probation must also meet with their academic advisor and may have to satisfy other conditions as determined by the appropriate academic Dean. Academic probation lasts until the student’s cumulative GPA is raised to the minimum standard of 2.5. A student may remain on academic probation in the School of Nursing and Health Professions for no more than one semester. For part-time students on probation, the completion of 8 credits (even taken over the course of several terms) constitutes a semester, and a part-time student’s academic standing is reassessed after the attempt of 8 credits.

Academic Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons, including:

  • Carrying a cumulative GPA below 2.5 in a semester following two consecutive semesters on academic probation.
  • Violating the Honor System in an academic matter (refer to the Trinity Policy on Academic Honesty).
  • Carrying a cumulative of 0.0 for two consecutive semesters.

Trinity reserves the right to require students to withdraw from the college because of poor academic performance or unsatisfactory conduct. To appeal decisions regarding probation and dismissal, students may submit a written request to the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dean (see below).

Readmission

Students must apply for readmission through the Admissions Office and be reaccepted to Trinity before attending classes if either of the following conditions are applicable:

  • 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 must follow procedures and guidelines outlined by the Dean. Readmission is normally provisional for a semester. If a student left Trinity under conditions of Academic Probation, or the student’s GPA falls below 2.5, the following guidelines apply.
  • 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:
    • 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.
    • The student may apply for readmission as a full-time student after completing two semesters of twelve 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.
    • Readmission is normally provisional for a semester; conditions typically include a mandatory semester on academic probation, although other conditions may also apply.

In all cases, the readmission process should proceed as follows. The student must reapply through the Office of Admissions by submitting a completed application for readmission, including the following materials:

  • Transcripts from academic institutions attended since leaving Trinity.
  • 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.

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. After all financial holds are removed, the student’s application materials will be forwarded to Academic Affairs as well as Enrollment Services. The student may be required to have an interview with a representative of both the Academic Services Center and Enrollment Services before the reapplication process proceeds further.

University Officials will consult with the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions as well as other relevant administrators about the student’s qualifications and fitness for readmission to Trinity. The appropriate academic Deans and the Dean of Student Services will consult on cases. A recommendation will be made to grant admission, grant admission with special provisions, or deny admission.

If the student is readmitted, she or he will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions. The letter will detail specific provisions and conditions of their 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 the Enrollment Services Office, the Academic Services Center, and the student’s academic advisor, and it will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record.

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Academic Appeals

General Policy for Appeals

Appeals may be made to change only the grade of “F” for a specific course or the grade of “F” for a Senior Assessment (e.g., comprehensive examination or portfolio) 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.  Students may not appeal any other course grades. The policy for appealing a grade of “F” is outlined below.

Appeals regarding academic probation or dismissal should be directed to the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dean. (See below for the procedure.)

Requests for an exception to an academic policy stated in the Trinity Catalog or the Academic Policy Handbook should be directed to the NHP CAP Committee. Any other application for the redress of a student grievance based on the charge of discrimination that relates to academic procedures or policies must be addressed to the NHP CAP Committee.

Appealing a Final Grade of “F” in a Course

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. 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.

If the program chair is unable to resolve the dispute, the student may formally appeal to the School of Nursing and Health Professions Curriculum and Academic Policy (NHP CAP) Committee 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. The NHP CAP Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing. The Committee decides either that the “F” will stand or that the “F” will be changed to the minimum passing grade in the student’s NHP program. The Committee informs the student, the program chair, and the faculty member of its decision in writing.

Appealing a Final Grade of “F” in a Senior Assessment

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. If the dispute remains unresolved, the student may institute a formal appeal in writing to the School of Nursing and Health Professions Curriculum and Academic Policy (NHP CAP) Committee no later than four weeks after receiving results of the Senior Assessment.

The NHP CAP Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing. The Committee decides either that the “F” will stand or that the “F” will be changed to the minimum passing grade in the student’s NHP program. The Committee informs the student and the Program Chair of its decision in writing.

Appeals of Academic Dismissals

Grade appeals occur through the process described above, and the decision of the NHP CAP Committee is final on all grade appeals.

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:

1. The student may write a letter of appeal requesting reinstatement to the NHP Dean stating the reasons why she should not incur academic dismissal.

2. The Dean will review the appeal with the director or chair of the student’s major academic program.

3. The Dean will inform the student in writing of the appeal decision.

4. If the Dean denies the student’s request for reinstatement, the student may make a further written appeal to the Provost.

5. The Provost will review the case and render a decision to the student.

6. 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.

The President’s decision is final and no further internal appeals are available.

Other Academic Complaints

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:

1. The student should attempt to resolve the complaint directly with the staff person or faculty member responsible for the topic in question.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Upon reviewing the complaint, the dean may also ask another member of the faculty or staff to resolve the matter with the student.

5. 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.

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.

Student Records, Information, and Transcripts

Disclosure

The following categories of student information are designated as public or directory information:

  • Category I information includes name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, and class standing.
  • Category II information includes previous institution(s) attended, major field(s) of study, awards, honors (such as Dean’s List), and degree(s) conferred.

Information from Category I or Category II may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion. 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 the Enrollment Services Office 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.

Maintenance of Student Records

Trinity protects the reputation of its students by carefully maintaining the confidentiality of their official college 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.

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 his or her right to privacy pursuant to the release of such records to third parties. Trinity’s policy on the maintenance of student records is in accord with federal regulations. A copy of the policy is available from the Enrollment Services Office, and this statement serves as notification of rights protected by law.

Transcripts

Current and former students of Trinity may request academic transcripts from the Enrollment Services Office. 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.

Trinity adheres to the following policies on the release of transcripts:

  • No transcript will be released if the student has failed to satisfy all financial obligations to the University.
  • Transcripts will not be issued to a third party without written authorization of the student.
  • A faxed transcript request will be accepted: this request must be signed by the student. Transcripts are processed within 3-5 business days of the receipt of the written request.

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Approval of Information

These policies are effective at the release date of this catalog and as approved by the NHP CAP Committee.

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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.