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.
Graduate Program Policies
Student Status
- Degree and Non-Degree Status
- Full-Time and Part-Time Status
- Leave of Absence
- Withdrawal from the College
- Intervention Policy
- Commencement Participation
Degree and Non-Degree Seeking Status
All degree and non-degree students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions registered in a graduate program must hold a bachelor’s degree from 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 accreditations; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
Degree or matriculated students have been formally admitted to a graduate degree program in the School of Nursing and Professional Studies 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 Admissions. Enrollment in courses as a non-degree student does not denote or imply admission to a degree program. No more than six credits earned at Trinity as a non-degree student may later be applied toward a degree.
Students with non-degree status may apply for degree status by meeting all admission requirements; the student’s faculty advisor must approve in writing all credits earned as a non-degree student that will count toward the student’s degree.
Full-time and Part-time Status
A full-time graduate student in the School of Nursing and Health Professions registers for nine or more credits in a semester. A part-time graduate student in the School of Nursing and Health Professions registers for fewer than nine credits in a semester. No student may register for more than thirteen 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 fifteen credits per semester; this includes courses taken outside of Trinity. To be considered eligible for Federal financial aid, a student must register for a minimum of six credits in a semester.
Leave of Absence
A leave of absence is a voluntary leave from campus for up to one year, 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.
A leave of absence allows the student to continue an affiliation with the University. Unlike a withdrawal, a leave of absence allows Trinity to keep the student on a mailing list and continue to send important information, such as registration materials.
Students receiving financial aid must have an exit interview with a representative of Student Financial Services before the leave of absence is approved because lenders perceive a leave of absence as a withdrawal. Students are responsible for all tuition associated with course registrations and any other fees associated with the University.
Students requesting a leave of absence should adhere to the following procedures:
- Student requests a leave of absence from the respective program chair with subsequent approval by the Dean; the approved Leave of Absence Form is distributed to the student’s advisor and Enrollment Services.
- 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.
- The student meets with the program chair for an exit interview.
- The student meets with a representative of Enrollment Services if the student is receiving or has received financial aid.
- Student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.
Withdrawal from the University
A withdrawal from the University 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 the University has immediate implications on financial aid, students must have an exit interview with a representative of Student Financial Services. Students are responsible for all tuition associated with course registrations and any other fees associated with the University.
Students who withdraw from the University should follow these procedures:
- Notify the respective program chair and Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions of intent to withdraw from the University.
- Withdraw from all classes in accordance with the policy for course withdrawals if the student withdraws from the University in the middle of a semester in which the student is taking classes.
- Meet with the program chair for an exit interview.
- Meet with a representative of Student Financial Services.
- Student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.
- Order an official transcript and ensure that it indicates withdrawal from the University after the completed withdrawal request has been processed.
Intervention Policy
The faculty of the School of Nursing and Health Professions is deeply committed to the professional development of each student. Upon occasion, our concern for the ability of specific students to function at the standard level expected within the professions is called into question. The faculty’s role and obligation in maintaining the integrity of the health professions is found in the codes of the professional organizations. This policy is not intended to supersede actions that may be taken against a student by Trinity for unsatisfactory academic progress, for violations of the Trinity Honor Code and Honesty Policy or the Professional Student Code of Conduct.
Students will be evaluated throughout their degree programs in four areas:
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: Each graduate student is expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 (B) grade point average.
CLINICAL, FIELDWORK, PRACTICUM, or INTERNSHIP PERFORMANCE: Each graduate student is expected to successfully complete all clinical, fieldwork, practicum, or internship requirements as outlined for the degree program.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Each student is expected to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills considered requisite to the field of health care. These skills include the ability to:
- Function effectively with fellow students and faculty.
- Be open and adaptable in relationships with fellow students; faculty; and students, supervisors and facility personnel at their clinical, fieldwork, practicum, or internship sites.
- Demonstrate self-awareness by being open to self-examination and commitment to personal growth.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude toward the learning process and toward fellow students.
- Cope with stressors presented by the expectations of all academic requirements and additional stressors such as family and job situations.
- Maintain a calm, rational, professional demeanor when faced with adversity, disappointments, and disagreements with students, supervisors, parents, and instructors.
ETHICAL BEHAVIOR: Each student is expected to demonstrate awareness of and adherence to the ethical standards of the relevant professional associations both in clinical, fieldwork, practicum, or internship experiences and in the classroom.
Academic Review
If a student is experiencing difficulty in meeting the assessments and/or standards of a particular course, the course instructor will notify the student in writing with a copy of the correspondence to the student’s academic advisor. As appropriate, a referral plan for assistance by the Writing Center or Academic Services Center may be written, or the instructor may provide remediation within the course.
Interpersonal Skills and Ethical Behavior
The Faculty of the School of Nursing and Health Professions has established the following path as a working guide when questions regarding student retention arise:
- The individual faculty member meets with the student, expresses specific concern(s) to the student, and seeks to establish a mutually agreed upon plan to resolve the situation before more action is required.
- If a plan cannot be reached between the faculty member and the student, if the student fails to follow the agreement reached, or if the plan agreed on fails to resolve the concern, the faculty member is free to discuss the question of a student’s progress and/or competence with the student’s academic advisor and the respective program chair. This can be done in an informal discussion and may include other School of Nursing and Health Professions faculty members, as needed. The goal of this action is to resolve the situation with the input of other faculty and to formulate a reasonable corrective action plan.
- If the student objects to the plan resulting from step two or if the informal approach developed during step two fails to accomplish the desired goal, the issue will be forwarded to the respective program chair for formal review. The purposes of the formal review are: to determine if an actionable problem exists; if a specific plan to resolve the issue can be developed; and if the student should be retained in the program.
After reviewing the original concern and the student’s academic performance, interpersonal skills, and ethical behavior, the program chair will determine the student’s status in the program. The student and faculty member will be provided the opportunity to present any appropriate information.
A decision will be made which may include one of the following:
- The concerns raised by the faculty member do not warrant further action, and the student will be allowed to continue in the program without restriction.
- The student will be placed on “Professional Probation” with specific requirements for remediation. Procedures will be specified for progress to be monitored by the student’s academic advisor, and the program chair. The program chair will also determine if and when the student may be removed from “Professional Probation.” While on “Professional Probation,” the student will not be allowed to enroll in Practicum or Fieldwork II courses, but may be enrolled in other courses, appropriate to the student’s program of study.
- The student may be terminated from the program and may not enroll in further course work in the School of Nursing and Health Professions at Trinity.
The student will be informed of the program chair’s decision through written communication within 10 days of the meeting. The student may appeal the decision to the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dean; such an appeal must be in writing and must be postmarked no more than 10 days following the date of the written communication from the program chair. If no resolution is reached at the level of the NHP Dean, the appeal may be forwarded to Trinity’s Provost. If no resolution is reached at the level of the Provost, the appeal may be forwarded to Trinity’s President. The decision of the President is final.
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 application for graduation to Enrollment Services by the printed deadline.
- Receive financial clearance.
- Participate in an advisor audit showing the student has met all requirements of the degree program.
- Advisors will provide a written audit of each student’s transcript and forward the signed transcript to the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions indicating the student’s status for graduation. The NHP dean submits the signed audit to Enrollment Services.
Advising, Enrollment, and Registration
- Advising
- Registration
- Course Schedule Adjustments
- Audit
- Withdrawal from a Course
- Late Withdrawal from a Course
Advising
Advising for Degree Students
Students admitted to a degree program must meet with an academic advisor to discuss their career options and degree requirements; students and advisors collaboratively plan a Program of Study. Once a Program of Study is on file in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, students may choose to register by obtaining the approval of their advisor or the respective program chair in the School of Nursing and Health Professions who verifies their Program of Study. If students propose to deviate from their Program of Study (e.g. take an additional course or take a course out of sequence), they must discuss the proposed course of study with their academic advisor and obtain the advisor’s signature.
Advising for Non-Degree Students
Students who have not been fully admitted into a degree program should be advised to take courses according to the sequences established by the appropriate graduate program. Offices that perform advising functions should follow the recommended course sequences outlined. To register, non-degree students must obtain the signature of the Admissions chair for the School of Nursing and Health Professions, the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, or the Dean’s designate.
Advisor Assignment and Change of Advisors
Students are assigned academic advisors specific to their course of study. Only in extenuating circumstances may students change advisors if an option is available.
Registration
During the registration period near the end of each term, matriculated students register for courses according to the Program of Study for the following semester. After selecting the appropriate courses, a student must 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 on the Academic Calendar. During this period students may also change to or from a formal audit 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 a Course Schedule Adjustment should follow these procedures:
- Obtain a Schedule Adjustment Form.
- Meet with an academic advisor to discuss how the proposed change(s) may affect the student’s academic goals and progress toward degree.
- Complete relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment Form and obtain advisor’s signature.
- Return signed form to Enrollment Services.
Audit
Formal audits
Classes audited on a formal basis will appear on the transcript, but they do not carry credits applicable toward a degree. Students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions 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.
Informal audits of classes in the School of Nursing and Health Professions are not allowed; only enrolled students or formal auditors may attend classes. Children may not attend classes with or without their parents.
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 full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn. Students should refer to the published course schedule for withdrawal and payment information. To withdraw from a course, students should follow this procedure:
- Obtain a Schedule Adjustment Form.
- Confer with an academic advisor to discuss how withdrawing from the course will affect academic plans.
- Complete relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment Form.
- Obtain the signatures of their academic advisor and the course instructor.
- Return signed form to Registration Services or the Office of the Registrar.
Enrollment Services will inform the course instructor(s) in writing that the student has officially withdrawn from the courses(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 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 follow this procedure:
- Student obtains Petition for Schedule Adjustment after Registration Deadline form from Enrollment Services.
- 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).
Administrative Drops and Administrative Withdrawals
An administrative action may remove a student from a course in two distinct ways:
- 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.
- 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.
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. 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 will be impacted by class attendance. See the course syllabus.
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 trying to bring the child to campus.
Final Examinations
Course examinations or final assessments are held at the end of each semester at the discretion of each instructor.
Comprehensive Examination
Graduate students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions are required to earn a minimum performance rating of “Meets the Standard” on the Final Project, a standards-based portfolio, or all required end-of-program presentations and assessments. Students who do not demonstrate mastery will be required to repeat the associated program course in which the comprehensive assessment occurs.
Students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions graduate programs are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination or meet the minimum standard on a portfolio requirement as outlined by the respective program.
Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions
- Transfer Credits Satisfying Degree Requirements
- Courses at Other Institutions
- Courses Through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
- Credit Through Non-College or Experiential Learning
Transfer Credits Satisfying Graduate Degree Requirements
Master of Occupational Therapy Graduate Program:
Trinity’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) does not accept transfer credits from other occupational therapy programs. Students are required to complete all coursework and fieldwork as Trinity students in order to graduate with the Master of Occupational Therapy degree.
Master of Arts in Counseling and Master of Public Health Graduate Programs:
A maximum of six transfer credits may be granted for transfer to a degree program. Courses eligible for transfer must meet the following requirements:
- The course(s) must have been completed at a College or university accredited by the appropriate regional higher education accrediting association.
- The course(s) must have been completed with a final grade of “B” or better.
- The course(s) must have been taken at the graduate-level.
- Each course must have been completed no longer than five years prior to the date of matriculation to the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Courses at Other Institutions
While enrolled at Trinity, a graduate student may earn credits on a limited basis at other accredited institutions. Students planning to take courses at another institution must first obtain approval from their faculty advisor for the number of credits and specific courses to be taken before they enroll in the course(s). A student who does not follow these procedures has no guarantee that the credits earned will apply toward the Trinity degree. Authorization from the faculty advisor will be documented on the student’s Program of Study. Students should obtain the appropriate forms from Enrollment Services.
Transfer courses will appear on a student’s transcript as “TR” unless the course was completed at a consortium school. A student may transfer no more than six credits toward 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 participate in special programs and take 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. 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 students are eligible for Consortium privileges. Exceptions require approval by Trinity’s Consortium Coordinator.
- Students in their last semester before graduation 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.
- Students must demonstrate the relevance of proposed Consortium course(s) to their academic and post-College goals. This rationale must be submitted with the registration form.
- Before receiving advisor approval, students must obtain approval from the appropriate Trinity Program Chair in the subject area involved (or the Trinity Consortium Coordinator 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 Trinity’s Consortium Coordinator.
- Students wishing to take more than two Consortium courses in any given semester must obtain approval from Trinity’s Consortium Coordinator.
- All registrations for Consortium courses must receive final approval from the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
- 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.
Credit Through Non-College or Experiential Learning
Trinity recognizes that learning may occur in a variety of settings. Graduate students who can demonstrate by submission of a portfolio that they have already acquired the knowledge, skills, and competencies taught in a Trinity graduate program course may receive credit for that course.
Eligibility for experiential learning credit is as follows:
- Degree-seeking students who have completed nine credit hours at Trinity with a grade point average of at least 3.0 may apply, with approval of their advisor, for a maximum of six credits for experiential learning.
- The student will then be required to submit a portfolio through their advisor for review by an appropriate faculty member.
- The portfolio must provide appropriate evidence that the student has acquired the competencies required to pass the course for which they are requesting credit.
- If the portfolio is approved, this credit may be applied toward the requirements of the student’s respective graduate degree program.
All cases involving experiential learning credit will be considered on an individual basis by the student’s academic advisor, respective program chair, and the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. All portfolios must be completed and presented to the advisor for approval prior to the semester in which one plans to graduate.
Students applying for experiential learning credit must follow these procedures:
- All students who wish to apply for experiential learning credit must discuss their experiences with their academic advisor prior to applying. This will give both parties an indication of whether the experiences are credit-worthy.
- After meeting with the advisor, the student may apply to develop an experiential credit portfolio. The student will fill out the experiential learning application form and acquire a receipt from the business office indicating payment of the application fee. The student submits the application and the receipt to the advisor.
- Upon receipt of the advisor’s, program chair’s, and the Dean’s approval on the portfolio application form, a copy will be sent by the Dean’s office to the Business office so the applicant will be billed by the Business Office for the appropriate tuition for experiential credit. NOTE: Submission of a portfolio does not guarantee awarding of credit. Credit will be awarded on the basis of the merit of the portfolio.
- The Dean, program chair, and the advisor will mutually agree as to the most appropriate faculty member to be given the portfolio for the review.
- The faculty reviewer will notify the advisor and the dean as to the acceptance or rejection of the portfolio on the appropriate form. The dean’s office will forward a copy of the form to the Registrar, the student’s file in NHP, and Human Resources.
Degree Requirements
- General Requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling
- General Requirements for the Masters in Occupational Therapy
- General Requirements for the Master of Public Health
General Requirements for the Master’s Degree
Master of Arts in Counseling
To earn a Trinity Master of Arts in Counseling degree, students must:
- Successfully complete all program requirements.
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
- Meet ethical standards and professional behavioral expectations as determined by faculty review and as outlined on the professional behavior plan.
- Successfully pass all practicum and internship placements.
- Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program must take and pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination[BN1] (CPCE).
- Students in the School Counseling Program, admitted Fall 2019 and after, must take and pass the Praxis[BN2] II Exam for the Professional School Counselor examination.
- All degree requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation as a degree candidate. Any request for an extension must be made in writing to the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Master of Occupational Therapy Graduate Program:
To earn a Trinity Master of Occupational Therapy degree, students must:
- Successfully complete all program requirements.
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
- Meet ethical standards and professional behavioral expectations as determined by faculty review and as outlined on the professional behavior plan.
- Successfully pass all Level 1 and Level II fieldwork placements.
- Document ongoing compliance with required health, insurance and life support skills requirements.
Master of Science in Public Health:
- Successfully complete all program requirements
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
- Complete a final project that “meets standards” as outlined by the program.
- Meet ethical standards and professional behavioral expectations as determined by faculty review and as outlined on the professional behavior plan.
All degree requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation as a degree candidate. Any request for an extension must be made in writing to the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Grading System
- Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Incomplete Grades
- Grades for Withdrawals
- Grade Changes
- Grades for Repeated Courses
Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
A student’s grade point average (GPA) is determined by the average of grade points earned in a semester. The School of Nursing and Health Professions uses the following system to assign grade points to graduate students:
Graduate Grading Scale for Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs:
| 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 | B- | 2.7 | 82-80 |
| A- | 3.7 | 92-90 | C+ | 2.3 | 79-77 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 89-87 | C | 2.0 | 76-73 |
| B | 3.0 | 86-83 | F | 0.0 | 72 and below |
Graduate Grading Scale for the Counseling Program:
| Letter Grade | 4-Point Scale Equivalent |
100-Point Scale Equivalent | Letter Grade | 4-Point Scale Equivalent | 100-Point Scale Equivalent | |
| A | 4.0 | 100-95 | B- | 2.7 | 83-80 | |
| A- | 3.7 | 94-90 | C+ | 2.3 | 79-77 | |
| B+ | 3.3 | 89-87 | C | 2.0 | 76-75 | |
| B | 3.0 | 86-84 | F | 0.0 | 72 and below |
| AU | Audit | TR | Transfer Credit |
| I | Incomplete | U | Unsatisfactory |
| IP | In Progress | W | Withdrawal |
| S | Satisfactory | [ ] | Repeated Course |
Designations carrying no grade points include:
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 completed before the grade and credit for the course will be recorded and the date by which the work must be accomplished.
The Request for Incomplete form must be submitted to Enrollment Services to be valid. A copy of the Request for Incomplete form must be delivered to the student’s advisor and the respective program chair.
Graduate students must complete all work as specified in the Request for Incomplete before the end of the subsequent semester, whether they register for courses in that semester or not. All summer sessions constitute one semester. Students must submit work sufficiently in advance of the end of the semester to allow instructors time for grading, and instructors must submit a valid grade within 72 hours of the end of the final examination period. Extensions of the Request for Incomplete require the approval of the program chair and the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dean.
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 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. Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student’s GPA.
Grade Changes
Faculty, at their discretion and only after serious consideration, may change a student’s grade. Any grade change must be finalized with Enrollment Services no later than one hundred twenty calendar days following the last day of the academic term in which the original grade was posted. To appeal a grade received in a course, refer to the section on Academic Appeals.
Grades for Repeated Courses
A graduate student may repeat a course only once. Transcripts will indicate all semesters in which the course was taken, but only the most favorable grade will be reported and used to calculate the GPA. The notation “[ ]” will appear on the transcript to indicate that the course has been repeated.
Academic Standing
Good Academic Standing
Good academic standing for students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions constitutes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students receiving a grade of “F” in a course are not considered to be in good academic standing regardless of their GPA and may be dismissed from the College.
Academic Probation
Students who are not in good academic standing are placed on academic probation. Students may be placed on academic probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 or if they have completed less than two-thirds of their attempted credits. All courses, except audits, that appear on a student’s transcript constitute attempted credits. Courses for which the student has earned grades of “F,” “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. Students on academic probation are limited to two courses comprising a course load of no more than six credits during the semester for which they are on academic probation. Students may be removed from academic probation once their cumulative GPA is raised to the minimum standard of 3.0. A student may remain on academic probation for no more than one semester. Failure to raise the GPA to the minimum standard of 3.0 during a student’s semester on academic probation may result in dismissal from the University.
Academic Dismissal
Students may be dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons, including:
- Carrying a GPA below 3.0 after spending one semester on academic probation.
- Earning a final grade of “F” in a graduate course.
- Violating the Honor System in an academic matter, as detailed in the Trinity Honor Code and Procedure Manual.
Trinity reserves the right to dismiss students because of poor academic performance or unsatisfactory conduct. Trinity reserves the right to dismiss students because of academic standing or unprofessional conduct.
To appeal decisions regarding probation and dismissal, students may submit a written request to the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dean.
Readmission
Students who have been dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons may reapply after one year following the dismissal by making a written appeal to the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions presenting compelling evidence for why they should be readmitted. Following the Dean’s approval, students must then apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions and be reaccepted to Trinity before attending classes.
If the student is readmitted, she or he will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions that details specific provisions and conditions of their readmission.
A copy of the acceptance letter will be sent to Enrollment Services, the respective program chair, and the student’s academic advisor, and it will become a part of the student’s permanent academic record.
For students readmitted after academic dismissal, conditions for readmission 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.
Academic Appeals
- General Policy for Appeals
- Appealing a Final Grade in a Course Below a “B” (3.0), Excluding Grades of “F”
- Appealing a Final Grade of “F” in a Course
- Appealing an Academic Dismissal
- Other Academic Complaints
General Policy for Appeals
Appeals may be made to change only grades lower than a “B” (3.0). Separate procedures should be followed for appealing grades of “F” (see below).
Appeals regarding academic probation or dismissal should be directed to the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dean.
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 in a Course Below a “B” (3.0), Excluding Grades of “F”
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.
The program chair’s decision about the issue represents the final resolution of a dispute for grades below a “B,” excluding grades of “F.”
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 appeal formally 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.
The (NHP CAP) Committee informs the student, the advisor, the instructor, the program chair, the Provost, and Enrollment Services 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:
- The student may write a letter of appeal requesting reinstatement to the NHP Dean stating the reasons why she should not incur academic dismissal.
- The Dean will review the appeal with the chair or chair of the student’s major academic program.
- The Dean will inform the student 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 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:
- 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 program chair. In cases where the complaint involves the program chair the student should register the complaint with the academic dean of the collegiate unit. Email directly to the program chair is the best method for registering the complaint since the written complaint gives the program chair the opportunity to review the complete set of facts clearly.
- The program chair 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 program chair 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 NHP Dean, who will review the matter and direct the appropriate outcome. The dean 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 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 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 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.
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:
- Transcripts will not be issued to a third party without written authorization of the student.
- A faxed transcript request will be accepted provided a credit card number, including expiration date, is included. This request must be signed by the student.
Licensure and Certification Notification
Students completing a pre-licensure, e.g., Nursing, OTA-B, and MOT program at Trinity Washington University are eligible to sit for their respective discipline’s national licensure examination. Successful completion of the examination is required for practice and for licensure in most states. In most cases, state licensure is based on the results of the respective national examination (NBCOT for OTA-B and MOT; NCSBN for nursing). Students should contact the appropriate state licensing board for your place of residence to determine if the program at Trinity Washington University can lead to licensure in your state. Students should contact the appropriate state licensure board where the student plans to practice should that be in a jurisdiction other than the student’s place of residence. You may access this information at these respective links:
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing;
• National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing – https://www.ncsbn.org/licensure.htm
National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy – https://www.nbcot.org/-/media/NBCOT/PDFs/State_Contact_List.ashx?la=enhttps://www.nbcot.org/
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.