College of Arts and Sciences 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.

Contents

Student Status

Degree and Non-Degree Students

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 and may earn no more than nine undergraduate credits in non-degree status. No additional course work may be undertaken prior to acceptance into a degree program at Trinity. Degree credits earned at Trinity as a non-degree student may later be applied toward a degree. Non-degree students must complete appropriate application forms with the Office of Admission and must satisfy all prerequisites for courses. (Credits taken through the Office of Continuing Education may not be applied toward a degree.)

Full-time Status

A full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences registers for 12 credits or more each semester. No student may register for more than 19 credits per semester without obtaining permission from the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, to include 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 College of Arts and Sciences 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 with the intention of returning to Trinity. Students may request a leave of absence for a variety of reasons, including personal or family issues, stress, travel, medical concerns (mental or physical), illness, or death in the family. Students may request a leave of absence for up to two years and do not have to apply for readmission if they return within two years of taking leave. Unlike a complete withdrawal from the university, a leave of absence allows the student to continue an affiliation with the University. Unlike a withdrawal (see below), a leave of absence allows Trinity to keep the student on a mailing list and continue to send important information, such as registration materials.

For students who receive financial aid, lenders perceive a leave of absence as a withdrawal; students receiving 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 course registrations and any other fees associated with Trinity.

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

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

Withdrawal from Trinity

A withdrawal from the College of Arts and Sciences 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 College of Arts and Sciences should follow these procedures:

  • The student notifies the Center for Student Success of their 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 of 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 (see Declaration or Change of Major below).
  • 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. Students who are on probation for the semester of the ceremony may not wear the academic regalia as their eligibility to complete the degree is in question.

Commencement Participation

Only students who have fulfilled all requirements may participate in Commencement and related activities.
To participate in Commencement, students must adhere to the following procedures:

  • Submit an application for graduation to Enrollment Services by the deadline to apply for graduation in the candidate’s final semester of coursework (see the Academic Calendar).  The application for graduation is available on the Enrollment Services Student Forms page. Students will be prompted to log-in with their Trinity credentials and should select the correct form for their request.
  • Receive financial clearance from Enrollment Services.
  • Participate in an advisor audit. Advisors will provide a written audit of each student’s transcript and forward the signed transcript to Enrollment Services, indicating the student’s status for graduation.

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 2.0 or better at the time of commencement are eligible for limited participation in commencement activities and Senior Week. For students who have earned between 111-119 credits and are not eligible to graduate, participation in actual commencement exercises is limited.  Non-graduating participants may not wear the hood, are not called forth to receive a diploma, and their names will not appear in the program. However, they may fully participate in the commencement exercises following their achievement of 120 degree credits and graduation, and their names will appear in that commencement’s program.

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 2.0 or better.
  • The request should indicate the student’s plans to complete graduation requirements by the end of the next term.
  • The student may engage in limited participation in commencement exercises after the request is approved.

Post-Secondary Certificate Programs: Students completing the certificate program do not take part in commencement events but will have the opportunity to participate in an alternative celebratory acknowledgement of certificate completion.  Students may be mailed their certificates and the date of completion will be recorded on their transcripts.

Return to top

Advising, Enrollment, and Registration

Advising

Assignment of Advisors

All incoming students are assigned an academic advisor through the Center for Student Success.  The advisor assists with academic planning and interpretation of academic policies and procedures. With their advisors, students learn to explore academic interests,  recognize academic strengths, and identify resources to overcome challenges and achieve success. 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. Students also engage with advisors and wrap-around student support teams via Starfish, Trinity’s online advising platform, accessible through the My Trinity page on Trinity’s website.

During each registration period, students and their advisors select courses consistent with overall degree objectives, which the student then submits for advisor approval through Trinity’s Self-Service registration platform.

Change of Academic Advisor

A student wishing to change academic advisors must contact the Director of the Center for Student Success and provide their reason(s) for requesting the change. Students will be guided to advisors best suited to assisting their planning for academic work and career goals.

Registration

During the fall or spring registration period, matriculated students register for courses for the following semester according to their Program of Study.  (The fall registration period usually opens at the end of March in the previous spring semester; spring registration usually opens at the end of October in the previous fall semester.) After consultation with their advisor, each student must submit their registration via Self-Service, Trinity’s online registration platform. The courses will be approved or denied by the advisor, based on the student’s Program of Study.  Once course registrations are approved, the student is officially enrolled for the semester. Registrations will not be processed until all financial holds are cleared.

Adding or Dropping Courses During the Schedule Adjustment Period

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 the add-drop period students may also elect the “P/NP” (Pass/No Pass) grading option in certain courses (see Pass/No Pass policies below), elect to audit courses rather than receive a grade (in which case the designation “AU” will appear on the student’s transcript), or alter the number of credits in courses carrying variable credit.

If a schedule change involves increased tuition and/or fees, payment arrangements must be made before the change will be processed.

Students seeking to add or drop a course during the Course Schedule Adjustment period should follow these procedures:

  • Students should confer with their advisor to discuss how the proposed change(s) may affect the student’s academic goals and progress toward degree.
  • Students submit the changes in Self-Service, where advisors will approve (or deny) added courses based on the Program of Study. Courses that are dropped during the add-drop period will not appear on the student’s transcript nor incur tuition fees.
  • For changes to course grading, credits, etc., students should visit the Enrollment Services Student Forms page. Students will be prompted to log-in with their Trinity credentials and should select the correct form for their request.

Audit

Classes audited on a formal basis will appear on the transcript, but they do not carry credits applicable toward a degree and are assigned an (AU) designation. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences must pay a fee per credit to audit a class. 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. Only enrolled students or formal auditors who appear on the class roster may attend classes. Students who are not registered for a course may not attend.

Withdrawal from a Course

Once the Course Schedule Adjustment period has passed, a course may not be removed from a student’s academic record, but students may still withdraw from a course at any time up to the deadline for withdrawal from all classes.  The withdrawal deadline is listed in the Academic Calendar for each semester.

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.

To withdraw from a course, students should first confer with their advisor to discuss the impact of withdrawing on their academic progress.  Once the student and advisor have decided on the withdrawal, the student must visit the Enrollment Services Student Forms page. Students will be prompted to log-in with their Trinity credentials and should select the Course Withdrawal form for their request.  Once Enrollment Services processes the request, a “W” will appear on the course roster.

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 late, 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 first consult with their academic advisor regarding the impact of the withdrawal on their academic plan and future financial aid eligibility.  The advisor will assist the student with visiting the Enrollment Services Student Forms page. Students will be prompted to log-in with their Trinity credentials and should select the Petition for a Schedule Adjustment after the Registration Deadline.  Once the form is submitted, Enrollment Services will consult with the Dean, academic advisor, and, as appropriate, program faculty or other academic staff. Late withdrawals are typically approved in extraordinary circumstances that impact a student’s ability to complete a class.  A final decision is rendered regarding the appeal.  If the application is approved, a “W” will appear on the course roster.

Administrative Drops and Administrative Withdrawals from a Course

An administrative action may remove a student from a course in two distinct ways:

  1. Administrative Drop: An administrative drop occurs during the enrollment verification process at the start of each semester, usually in the first two weeks.  If a student has not attended the course during enrollment verification, then the student will be removed from the course through an administrative drop.  There is no consequence to the student in terms of a transcript notation; the course does not appear on the student transcript.  The student may receive a refund for the course.  Full-time students should be aware that a drop may have an impact on financial aid and they should consult with their advisors accordingly.
  2. Administrative Withdrawal: After the enrollment verification period, if a student fails to attend class or does not submit required coursework, the student may incur an administrative withdrawal through the twelfth week of the course (for sixteen-week courses, or comparable percentage of time in an alternate-format course).  An administrative withdrawal incurs a “W” grade on the student transcript.  A “W” grade does not change the student’s grade point average but it does impact the number of credits attempted-but-not-completed, and this might affect the student’s satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes.  No tuition refunds are granted for “W” grades.  Students who incur “W” grades may appeal the decision to their deans.

After the twelfth week (or similar percentage of time for alternative format courses), students who stop attending class or fail to submit assignments may incur “F” grades for the course with no opportunity for refunds.  “F” grades may have significant impact on financial aid eligibility.  Students may appeal “F” grades through the academic appeals process.

Return to top

Attendance and Examinations

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Class attendance means students are punctual and stay for the duration of the class. 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 have the right and obligation to monitor attendance, and absences are defined at the instructor’s discretion. Students are responsible for reviewing the attendance policy for each instructor as listed in the course syllabus. A student’s final course grade may be impacted by class attendance, at the instructor’s discretion, including the assignment of  “F” for students who do not meet the instructor attendance policy.  Students who do not show a record of attendance and/or who do not submit academic work as required by the syllabus may also be subject to administrative withdrawal (“W”) from the course. No tuition is refunded in the case of administrative withdrawal. Administrative withdrawal may be appealed to the Dean.

When possible, emergencies should be reported immediately to the Dean, Academic Advisor, and Center for Student Success, 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. While Trinity understands that child care emergencies happen, Trinity is not in a position to provide emergency child care on campus. Trinity advises students, faculty and staff who have child care emergencies to choose to care for their children at home rather than to bring the child to campus.

Please also refer to Trinity’s institutional Course Attendance Policy for Students and Faculty.

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 always be proctored. In such cases, 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 Enrollment Services. If a conflict exists, some exams can be rescheduled to the Conflict Resolution Day at the discretion of Enrollment Services.

Return to top

Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions

Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation

Students transferring to Trinity 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) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”).

Additionally, students will be expected to satisfy General Education or Core Curriculum requirements as determined by the respective school into which they matriculate, as well as to meet all requirements of their major field(s), through the application of credits earned at Trinity or through transfer. As with all Trinity undergraduate students, transfer students must successfully complete any required Senior Assessments at Trinity.

Bachelor’s degree students may transfer up to 75 credits toward their Trinity degree. 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.

*Students who transferred to Trinity before Fall 2002 from another appropriately accredited institution of higher learning for a bachelor’s degree were required to earn a minimum of 32 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning.

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) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”).
  • Courses taken as either Pass/No-Pass or Credit/Non-Credit are not eligible for transfer to Trinity.
    • Due to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis in Spring 2020, Trinity will accept courses taken as P/NP in transfer for terms with dates overlapping Trinity’s Spring 2020 term ONLY.  The courses must have been completed with a final grade of P.  These courses may satisfy general education and elective requirements; program chairs will determine if the courses may satisfy prerequisite,  major, or minor field requirements.
  • 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. These courses may satisfy general education and elective requirements; program chairs will determine if the courses may satisfy prerequisite,  major, or minor field requirements.

Courses at Other Institutions

While enrolled at Trinity, a student may earn credits on a limited basis at other accredited institutions. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”).

Students planning to take courses at another institution (during any semester or summer months) must first obtain approval for the number of credits and specific courses to be taken from their academic advisor and from the program director(s) for the proposed area of study, or the School of Professional and Graduate Studies Dean, before they enroll in the course(s). 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. A student who does not follow these procedures has no guarantee that the credits earned will apply toward the Trinity degree.

Authorization from the academic advisor will be documented on the student’s Program of Study. Students should complete the Request to Take Courses at Another Institution available on the Enrollment Services Forms page.

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” and are not calculated into the student’s overall GPA.

Undergraduates may transfer a maximum of 75 credits that meet their Program of Study, and must take at least 45 of their last 60 credits at Trinity to meet residency requirements for a Trinity degree.

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 enroll in courses offered by other member institutions during fall and spring semesters only.  Registration is limited to a needed course or courses that cannot reasonably be expected to be offered at Trinity.  The approval of the Dean is required for registration in any course offered through the Consortium.

Enrollment is subject to Consortium as well as Trinity regulations.  The following policies govern the participation of Trinity students in the Consortium:

  • A Trinity student may enroll in a Consortium course only if the course is not available at Trinity during the semester in which the student is required to take the course in order to progress in their Program of Study.
  • Only full-time degree students are eligible for Consortium privileges. Exceptions require approval by the Office of Enrollment Services.
  • Students may not enroll in Consortium courses in their final semester before graduation, except in special circumstances with permission from the Dean.  In these special cases, students are advised that Consortium delays in reporting grades may prevent a student from graduating and/or participating in commencement activities.
  • Students must demonstrate the relevance of proposed Consortium course(s) to their academic and post-College goals. This rationale must be submitted with the Consortium Registration Request form available on the Enrollment Services Forms page.
  • Students must obtain approval from the appropriate Trinity Program Director in the subject area involved, or from the Dean for courses in subjects without corresponding programs at Trinity.
  • Students on probation or carrying a grade of “Incomplete” should take Consortium courses only in extraordinary circumstances; approval is required from the Office of Enrollment Services and the Dean.
  • Generally, students with full-time schedules at Trinity may enroll in up to two courses through the consortium in a given fall or spring semester. (For example, an undergraduate student admitted through the College of Arts & Sciences must be enrolled in 12 credits at Trinity to be approved for Consortium enrollment).  Only in special circumstances may students appeal to the Office of Enrollment Services and the Dean for exceptions to this policy.  Generally, students may not enroll in more than two Consortium courses in any given semester except in special circumstances and with approval from the Office of Enrollment Services and the Dean.
  • All registrations for Consortium courses must receive final approval from the Dean of the School of Education.
  • The final grade received in a Consortium course is recorded on the Trinity transcript and calculated into the student’s grade point average.
  • Students participating in Consortium courses or programs 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 of the home institution. 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 Consortium institutions; all grades must be recorded by the Registrar for a student to be eligible to receive credit. Students are responsible for checking with instructors at Consortium institutions to assure the timely report of grades to Trinity. Students who have been approved to enroll in the consortium in their final semester prior to graduation are advised that Consortium delays in reporting grades may prevent them from graduating and/or participating in commencement activities.

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.

Student study abroad programs are approved on a case-by-case basis. Trinity’s study abroad partner is the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).  Students may also elect to join study abroad programs offered through an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”). To initiate the Trinity application process, students should contact the Director of Career Services and Experiential Learning in the semester prior to 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 achieved sophomore status and completed two regular semesters at Trinity.
  • 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 Enrollment Services.
  • Receive official approval from Trinity through the Office of Career Services and Experiential Learning.

Students are responsible for fulfilling all application requirements of CIEE or another sponsoring study abroad program.

Courses taken through a study abroad program appear on the transcript as “TR,” and are not calculated into 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 Enrollment 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). Credits 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 twelve (12) credits.  In consultation with program chairs, ordinarily these are the scores Trinity accepts and the credits/course equivalencies for each examination.  If there is no Trinity Course Equivalent listed, then the credits will be assigned as elective credits. 

AP Examination Minimum Score Trinity Credits Trinity Course Equivalent(s)
Art History 4 6 FNAR 101 & 102
Art/Studio (Drawing or General Portfolio) 4 6 FNAR 131 or FNAR 195
Biology 4 4 BIOL 111
Calculus AB 4 4 MATH 125*
Calculus BC 4 4-8 MATH 225* (at discretion of program chair)
Chemistry 4 4 CHEM 111
Chinese Language & Culture 4 6 HUM 195; Gen Ed Language Requirement
Computer Science A 4 3 CMSC 195
Computer Science AB 4 6-8 CMSC 111
Economics: Micro 4 3 ECON 101
Economics: Macro 4 3 ECON 102
English Language & Composition 4 3 ENGL 107
English Literature & Composition 4 3 ENGL 295; Gen Ed Literature requirement
Environmental Science 4 4 ENVS 101
European History 4 3 HIS 195; Gen Ed History Requirement
French Language & Culture 3 3 FREN 101
4 9 FREN 101, 102, & 201
5 12 FREN 101, 102, 201, & 202
German Language & Culture 3 3 HUM 195
4 9 HUM 295; Gen Ed Language Requirement
5 12 HUM 395; Gen Ed Language Requirement
Government & Politics: Comparative 4 3 POLS 231
Government & Politics: United States 4 3 POLS 101
Human Geography 4 3 GLBL 250
Italian Language & Culture 3 3 HUM 195
4 9 HUM 265; Gen Ed Language Requirement
5 12 HUM 395; Gen Ed Language Requirement
Japanese Language & Culture 3 3 HUM 195
4 9 HUM 295; Gen Ed Language Requirement
5 12 HUM 395; Gen Ed Language Requirement
Latin 4 9-12 HUM 195
Latin Literature 4 6 HUM 295; Gen Ed Literature Requirement
Music Theory 4 3 FNAR 195
Physics B 4 4 PHYS 195
Physics: Mechanics 4 4 PHYS 111
Physics: Electricity & Magnetism 4 4 PHYS 112
Psychology 4 3 PSYC 101*
Spanish Language & Culture 3 3 SPAN 101
4 9 SPAN 101, 102, & 201
5 12 SPAN 101, 102, 201, & 202
Spanish Literature 4 3 SPAN 295; Gen Ed Literature Requirement
Statistics 4 3 MATH 110*
5 3-6 MATH 110*  & MATH 210 (at discretion of program chair)
U.S. History 4 6 HIS 195; Gen Ed History Requirement
World History 4 6 HIS 195; Gen Ed History Requirement

* CAS students who intend to apply for the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions must take these courses (MATH 110, MATH 125, and PSYC 101) at Trinity and will receive elective credits rather than course equivalency credits for these scores.  If a student later changes her major to a different major, the course equivalencies may be retroactively applied.

Please note: 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.

Return to top

Degree Requirements

General Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

Students must meet five general requirements to graduate and receive a bachelor’s degree:

  • Successful completion of a minimum of 120 credits.
  • For students matriculating after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity (“residency requirement”).
  • Fulfillment of the General Education Curriculum.
  • Completion of a major program of study, including the senior assessment.
  • Completion of all credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree

The requirements to graduate from Trinity with a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) include the successful completion of the following:

      • A minimum of 120 credits.
      • For students matriculating after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
      • All requirements of the General Education Curriculum.
      • All specific course work required for a major program of study.
      • Senior Seminar, Thesis, Capstone, or other Senior Assessment as indicated by the specific major program.

The Bachelor of Science Degree

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

      • A minimum of 120 credits.
      • For students matriculating after Fall 2002, 45 of the final 60 credits, excluding credits for experiential learning, must be completed at Trinity.
      • All requirements of the General Education Curriculum.
      • All specific course work required for a major program of study in mathematics and natural sciences.
      • A Senior Assessment or capstone project as indicated by the specific major program.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

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 from Trinity or any other appropriately accredited institution of higher learning at the time of matriculation for the second baccalaureate at Trinity. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional 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.

Once admitted to the second baccalaureate degree, the student is governed by all academic policies pertaining to undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences.

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

The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

In the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching (B.A./M.A.T.) teacher preparation program, students are required to major in one of the liberal arts and complete a structured and sequenced minor in education. Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, the student must apply and be admitted to the master’s program in an area of specialization: early childhood, elementary, or special education. Once admitted to the master’s program, the student is governed by academic policies pertaining to graduate students in the School of Education.

Senior Assessment

Trinity students are expected to achieve a sophisticated level of synthesis in their major field that reflects more than just mastery of course content. A Senior Seminar, Thesis, Capstone, or other Senior Assessment experience is designed by the specific major program to be the capstone experience for the major.  For some majors, the assessment is embedded in Senior Seminar; for others (such as the natural sciences) require an assessment that is separate from a major course.  Specific details of the Senior Assessment approach for each academic program are listed on each program’s page in the current Academic Catalog. Students should confer with their academic advisors, program chairs, and faculty how to best prepare for the Senior Assessment in their chosen major.

 The General Education Curriculum

The general education curriculum is comprised of required coursework in four curricular areas, followed by an interdisciplinary General Education Capstone.  The curricular areas are distributed among individual programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and mathematics, and include Foundational Skills, Knowledge and Inquiry, Values and Beliefs,  and Applications: Turning Knowledge into Action. In the Foundational Skills area, incoming first-year students must complete two semesters of Critical Reading Seminars at Trinity; transfer students matriculating with sophomore status or above are not required to complete the Critical Reading Seminar sequence. Additionally, incoming first-year and sophomore students must complete the General Education Capstone Seminar at Trinity; transfer students matriculating with junior status or above are not required to complete the General Education Capstone Seminar.

In general, a course may be counted to fulfill no more than one general education requirement, although a course may be counted to fulfill a general education requirement as well as a requirement in a student’s major.

Waiver of General Education Requirements or Core Requirements 

In certain instances, a waiver can be used to fulfill General Education curricular requirements. Such waivers carry no credits and the student must make up the credits through major or elective coursework to meet the 120 credits required for a Trinity baccalaureate degree. 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 complete the subsequent general education writing, literature, or humanities requirement in the Knowledge and Inquiry cluster);
  • Foreign language: placement into the third semester of French, 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 if they wish to waive required foundational courses in critical reading, writing , mathematics, or foreign language (“challenge a course”) via examination. The assessment option applies to foundational courses in Math and English as well as Trinity’s first-year critical reading seminar.  For students pursuing health majors that require a course in Anatomy and Physiology, placement into BIOL 101 or BIOL 121 is determined by placement testing. In most cases, students who place out of a course are required to enroll in the subsequent course:  for example, students who successfully challenge CRS 101 will place into CRS 102 and students who successfully challenge MATH 102 will place into MATH 123.  In instances where there is no subsequent foundational course in the track, students are still required to take a course in the discipline. For example, students who successfully challenge ENGL 107 or MATH 109 are required to complete at least one higher level English and at least one higher level Math course to fulfill general education requirements (including in cases when subsequent English and Math courses are not required for their major).

Foreign language: placement into the third semester of French, 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.

Note: Pre-health students who intend to apply to the nursing major may not challenge MATH 108; the course addresses specific skills needed to succeed in the major as well as in the profession and is required for consideration for admission into the nursing major.

Fulfillment of General Education Curriculum Requirements Through Non-Trinity Credits

General education requirements may be fulfilled by credits earned through examination, such as Advanced Placement or CLEP Examinations. The Dean, Advisor, or program chair may determine if credits earned through examination also fulfill general education requirements. Some general education requirements may be fulfilled through credits earned at other accredited institutions. (Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (‘institutional accreditors”). The Dean, Advisor, or program chair may determine if credits earned at other accredited institutions also fulfill Trinity general education requirements.

Physical Education and Health Credit

A maximum of four credits of physical education credits 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. Participation in athletic programs is open to College of Arts and Sciences students only.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

FNAM (Applied Music) Credit

A maximum of eight credits of FNAM (Applied Music) courses may be counted toward the 120 credits necessary for graduation.  Students may enroll in additional credits, but these will not be counted towards the degree. This policy is in effect for students entering the College of Arts & Sciences in Spring 2013 and thereafter.

Return to top

The Academic Major and Minor

Declaration or Change of Major

Students should declare a major before the end of their second academic year or no later than the completion of 56 credits. At junior status, students should have declared a major. Students may elect to complete degrees in two major fields at Trinity, also known as double-major.

Undergraduate students who meet the requirements for two major programs will receive one degree, a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, with the two major fields listed on the transcript.  In the case where the student elects a science and a liberal arts major, the student will receive the Bachelor of Science unless otherwise requested. Students who opt to double-major must satisfy the major requirements of each academic program; courses may double-count toward two different majors with approval of the respective program chairs (they may also double-count toward the General Education or Core curricula).

Students may also double-minor; the same rules apply. The students must complete both programs’ requirements at the same time and cannot add a second major to a previously conferred degree.  However, students may reapply to Trinity for a second baccalaureate degree.

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

      • Students meet with their academic advisor to construct a degree plan (or design a new degree plan in the case of a major change).
      • The student and advisor should determine that the student will be able to complete the new major within the 120 credits required for a Trinity degree.  If completing the major will require more than 120 credits, the student should also meet with a representative from Enrollment Services to ensure a payment plan for the additional credits.
      • Students submit the “Change a Major or Minor Form” available on the Enrollment Services Student Forms webpage 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.  To graduate from Trinity, students must achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA in all courses.

The Individualized Major and Minor

The Individualized Major or Minor

Individualized concentrations are unique; they develop from an individual student’s unique interest in a particular topic or professional outcome, and are often either interdisciplinary or in-depth explorations of an existing discipline. Individualized majors and minors must be designed with the support of a faculty member who teaches in the area of the student’s interest (supervising faculty member).  The majors must display purpose and coherence, and should include introductory, intermediate, and advanced coursework including a course in research methods, scholarship, or comparable professional skill and a senior seminar, capstone, or thesis. Courses in the major should scaffold from the 100 to 400 course number level, just as with other majors.

Proposals for individualized majors and minors must include:

  • A description of the proposed major or minor, including goals, objectives, and learning outcomes.
  • An explanation of interest in the proposed major or minor.
  • A description of how the proposed major or minor differs from existing majors.
  • An illustration of how programs at Trinity contribute to the formation of the unique major or minor.
  • A list of courses (program of study) the student plans to follow that explains how the courses fit the goals and learning outcomes for the unique major or minor.
  • A letter(s) of support and approval of the major or minor from the faculty member who will supervise the proposed individualized major or minor. The letter from the supervising faculty member must indicate his or her commitment to the supervision of the major or minor in its entirety, and must accompany the proposal.
  • Proposals for individualized majors must be approved by the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS-CAP) Committee.

Students considering individualized majors or minors must consult with their academic advisors and program chairs, who can provide detailed information about the application, development, and evaluation of such a program. Proposals are usually submitted during the sophomore year or early junior year. Proposals that extend a student’s degree program beyond the 120 credit requirement for a Trinity undergraduate degree will generally not be approved.

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, the student must submit the “Change a Major or Minor Form” available on the Enrollment Services Student Forms webpage 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, the student must meet with an academic advisor in the School of Education. The student may then submit the “Change a Major or Minor Form” available on the Enrollment Services Student Forms webpage.

Return to top

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  NG No Grade

Pass/No Pass (P/NP) Grading Option

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.

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 already graded P/NP, or with program chair approval).

The quality of work in all classes graded “P/NP” must be equivalent to a “D” to receive a passing grade. The “P/NP” does not carry quality points and therefore does not count in determining a student’s GPA.

Incomplete Grades

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is recorded only in cases judged sufficiently serious by the instructor. Incomplete grades may only be issued in cases where the student has attended at least two-thirds of classes and completed at least two-thirds of required coursework. Where this is not the case, the student should be advised to withdraw from the course or risk earning a failing grade. In all cases, the student and instructor must meet to stipulate the work to be done before the grade and credit for the course will be recorded. Once the terms of the incomplete have been stipulated, the instructor submits the “Request for Incomplete Grade” form available on the Enrollment Services Faculty Forms website no later than the end of the final examination period.

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 via the “Change of Grade Form” available on the Enrollment Services Faculty Forms website.
  • 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.
  • If no change of grade is submitted by the deadline, Enrollment Services will convert the “I” to an “F” on the student’s transcript.  The instructor may still pursue a grade change via the Grade Changes policy, below.
  • For Incomplete Grades in Consortium courses, see Courses through the Consortium above.

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, or if an administrative withdrawal is assigned per the Administrative Withdrawal policy (above). Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student’s GPA. The process for withdrawal from a course is described above. While withdrawals do not impact GPA, they may still impact satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in that they are considered credits attempted but not completed.

Grade Changes

Faculty, at their discretion and only after serious consideration, may change a student’s grade.  Examples of situations in which a grade may be changed include instructor grading error or late submission of work the instructor has agreed to evaluate due to an extraordinary circumstance.  All grade changes must be submitted via the “Change of Grade Form” available on the Enrollment Services Faculty Forms website.  Grade changes must be finalized 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 she 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 GPA. A notation ([ ]) will appear on the transcript to indicate that the course has been repeated . If a students fails a course at Trinity, the course must be repeated at Trinity; students may not enroll in the course at another institution and transfer the credits to meet the Trinity requirement.

Return to top

Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing

Good academic standing constitutes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Students in their first semester in college (with no earned college credits) must earn a minimum GPA of 1.75 in order to be considered in good academic standing after their first semester. 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 each fall and spring semester.  For part-time students in the College of Arts and Sciences, the determination of good academic standing is made following the attempt of every nine credits earned in fall and spring semesters (standing is not determined in summer for undergraduate students).

Academic Honors

Dean’s List

The Dean’s List identifies full-time students who have successfully earned 12 credits (see Student Status above) in the College of Arts and Sciences who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or above for the current semester with no incomplete or failing grades. The 12 credits must be in courses carrying letter grades (A, A-, B, B-, C, etc.). P/NP or W grades are not included in the 12 credit calculation. The Dean’s List is assigned to a student’s transcript at the end of the fall and spring 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 2.0 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. Academic watch indicates that, while the student’s academic progress is satisfactory, the student may experience future academic difficulties.

Students on academic watch must also meet with representatives of the Center for Student Success and may have to satisfy other conditions as determined by the appropriate academic Dean.

Academic Warning

Part-time students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 after attempting their first six credits are placed on academic warning and receive a warning letter from the academic dean. Academic warning signifies that the student is not performing satisfactorily, and if the student’s GPA remains below 2.0 after attempting nine credits, the student is placed on academic probation.

Academic Probation

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. 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 in question. 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 are required to meet with representatives of the Center for Student Success and to access academic support services. To the extent possible, students must retake courses in which they received a grade below C as soon as the course is next available. Academic probation lasts until a student’s cumulative GPA is raised to the minimum standard of 2.0. A student who has been on academic probation for two consecutive semesters (or more) may be dismissed in May, at the end of of the academic year, upon the recommendation of the Dean. For part-time students on probation, the completion of nine 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 every nine credits following the fall and spring semesters.

Academic Dismissal

Students are dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons, including:

      • Carrying a cumulative GPA below 2.0 in a semester following two consecutive semesters or more on academic probation.
      • Violating the Honor System in an academic matter (refer to Trinity’s Academic Honesty Policy).
      • Carrying a cumulative GPA of 0.0 for two consecutive semesters or more.

While academic standing is assessed every fall and spring semester, dismissals are assessed in May, at the end of the academic year.

Trinity reserves the right to require students to withdraw from the college because of poor academic performance or unsatisfactory conduct (see the policy on administrative drops and administrative withdrawals and the student code of conduct).

To appeal decisions regarding probation and dismissal, students must submit a written request to the Dean of their respective school (see below for procedures).

Readmission

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

      • More than two calendar years have elapsed since the student successfully completed a semester at Trinity. This includes:
        • Students who left Trinity for more than two calendar years for mental or physical health reasons, personal or family issues, or other extraordinary circumstances.
        • Students who left Trinity for more than two calendar years under conditions of Academic Probation, or the student’s GPA falls below 2.0 (in these cases, special review applies). In these cases, students are placed on mandatory academic probation for one semester following readmission.
        • Any other student who did not enroll at Trinity for more than two calendar years, including those who attended another institution of higher education and are returning to Trinity to complete their degree.
      • 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:
        • For students intending part-time status:  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) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”).
        • For students intending full-time status:  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) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation (“institutional accreditors”).
        • Readmission is normally provisional for a semester; that is, students are placed on mandatory academic probation for one semester following readmission.

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:

      • Complete the online application for admission.
      • Submit transcripts from all academic institutions attended since leaving Trinity.
      • Submit a personal essay explaining 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.
      • Send a supporting letter of recommendation from a professor, employer, or community leader.

Materials may be submitted via any of the following options:

  • Uploading supporting documentation to the online application portal
  • Send documentation electronically via email to admissions@trinitydc.edu
  • Send documentation via postal mail to:

Office of Admissions
Trinity Washington University
125 Michigan Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20017

Before evaluating application materials, the Office of Admissions will consult with 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 and to the Vice President for Student Affairs. 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 may consult with advisors in the Center for Student Success, Health and Wellness Services, Academic Services, academic Deans, and other relevant administrators regarding the student’s qualifications and fitness for readmission to Trinity. A recommendation will be made to grant admission, grant admission with special provisions, or deny admission.

Readmitted students will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions that details 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 become a part of the student’s permanent academic record.

Return to top

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 required for a degree. Such appeals will only be considered when the student alleges that the grade does not reflect appropriate academic criteria, such as achievement and proficiency in the subject matter, or there is an error in the calculation of grades as described in the course syllabus.  Appeals regarding academic probation or dismissal should be directed to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean. (See below for procedures.)

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 College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS 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 CAS-CAP Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal. The Committee decides either that the “F” will stand or that the “F” will be changed to a Pass. No other grade will be assigned. 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 College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS-CAP) Committee no later than four weeks after receiving results of the Senior Assessment.

The CAS-CAP Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal. The Committee decides either that the “F” will stand or that the “F” will be changed to a Pass. No other grade will be assigned. 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 CAS-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:

  • The student may write a letter of appeal requesting reinstatement to the CAS Dean stating the reasons why they should not incur academic dismissal.
  • The Dean will review the appeal with the director or chair of the student’s major academic program, and will consult with Academic Affairs.
  • The Dean will inform the student and Academic Affairs in writing of the appeal decision.
  • If the Dean denies the student’s request for reinstatement, the student may make a further written appeal to the Provost.
  • The Provost will review the case and render a decision to the student.
  • If the Provost denies the student’s appeal, the student may make a written appeal to the President. The President does not overrule the academic judgment of the faculty, deans and provost as to the academic performance of the student. The President may overrule 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:

  • The student should attempt to resolve the complaint directly with the staff person or faculty member responsible for the topic in question.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Upon reviewing the complaint, the Dean may also ask another member of the faculty or staff to resolve the matter with the student.
  • 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.
  1. Students should 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 to have the issue reviewed for appropriate application of Trinity’s policies and procedures. Students do not have a right to a specific requested result.

Return to top

Student Information, Records, 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 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.

Maintenance of Student Records

Trinity protects the reputation of its students by carefully maintaining the confidentiality of their official University 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 her or his 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 Enrollment Services , and this statement serves as notification of rights protected by law.

Transcripts

Current and former students of Trinity may request academic transcripts from Enrollment Services by accessing the electronic transcript request.  Transcripts will not be issued to a third party. Transcripts are generally released in about 24 hours.  There is a nominal fee for issuing a transcript which can be paid by credit, debit, or prepaid Visa or MasterCard gift card.

Return to top

Approval Information

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

Return to top

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.