School of Education 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 Status
Full-Time and Part-Time Status
Leave of Absence
Withdrawal from Trinity          
Retention Policy
Commencement Participation

Advising, Enrollment, and Registration

Advising
Registration
Course Schedule Adjustments
Audit
Withdrawal from a Course
Late Withdrawal from a Course

Attendance and Examinations

Attendance
Final Examinations

Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions

Transfer Credits Satisfying Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Requirements
Courses at Other Institutions
Courses through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Credit through Non-College or Experiential Learning

Degree Requirements

General Requirements for the Master's Degree (M.A., M.A.T., M.Ed., M.S.A)
The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (B.A./M.A.T.)
Capstone Projects, Practica, and Student Teaching

Grading System

Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
Incomplete Grades
Grades for Work In Progress
Grades for Withdrawals
Grade Changes
Grades for Repeated Courses

Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing
Academic Probation
Academic Dismissal
Readmission

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
All Other Appeals
Procedural Rules for Dispute Hearings Before all Curriculum and Academic Policy Committees

Student Information, Records, and Transcripts

Disclosure
Maintenance of Student Records
Transcripts

Student Status

Degree and Non-Degree Status
Full-Time and Part-Time Status
Leave of Absence
Withdrawal from Trinity
Retention Policy                                                                                
Commencement Participation

Degree and Non-degree Status
All degree and non-degree students in the School of Education are graduate students and must hold a bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution of higher learning. Undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences may major or minor in education.  These students are governed by the appropriate academic policies of the College of Arts and Sciences. Degree or matriculated students have been formally admitted to a degree program in the School of Education at Trinity.

Non-degree students have not been admitted to a degree program; they enroll for a maximum of six credits. Non-degree students must complete appropriate application forms. Enrollment in courses as a non-degree student does not denote or imply admission to a degree program.  Non-degree students must satisfy all course prerequisites, and ordinarily, only designated courses may be taken by non-degree students.  No more than six credits earned at Trinity as a non-degree student may later be applied toward a degree. Special policies apply to credit earned in professional development/continuing education; these credits may not 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 any credits earned as a non-degree student that will count toward the student's degree.

Full-time and Part-time Status
A full-time student in the School of Education registers for nine credits or more in a semester.

A part-time student in the School of Education registers for eight or fewer credits 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 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  year. A leave of absence allows the student to continue an affiliation with Trinity. 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 information. Students receiving financial aid must have an exit interview with a representative of Student Financial Services before the leave of absence is approved as lenders often perceive a leave of absence as a withdrawal. 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 from the Dean; the approved Leave of Absence Form is distributed to the student's advisor and the Registrar.
• 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 Student Financial Services if the student is receiving or has received financial aid.
• Student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.

Withdrawal from Trinity
A withdrawal from Trinity indicates that the student has no intention of returning to Trinity. If the student decides to return at a later date, the student must apply for readmission.

Since withdrawal from Trinity 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 Trinity.

Students who withdraw from Trinity should follow these procedures:

• Notify the Dean of intent to withdraw from Trinity.
• Withdraw from all classes in accordance with the policy for course withdrawals (see below) if the student withdraws from Trinity in the middle of a semester in which the student is taking classes.
• Meet with an academic advisor 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 Trinity after the completed withdrawal request has been processed.

Retention Policy
The Faculty of the School of Education is deeply committed to the professional development of each student in the program.  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 educator’s role and obligation in maintaining the integrity of the educational profession is found in the ethical codes of the professional organizations for teachers, administrators, and counselors.  Specifically, The Code of Ethics of the Education Profession of the National Educational Association and the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice states:

 (National Educational Association) Commitment to the Profession (Principle II):

The education profession is vested by the public with a trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service. It is the belief that the quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens, the educator shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the exercise of professional judgment, to achieve conditions that attract persons worthy of trust to careers in education, and to assist in preventing the practice of the profession by unqualified persons.

In fulfillment of the obligation to the profession, the educator (Principle II, 3) shall not assist any entry into the profession of a person known to be unqualified in respect to character, education, or other relevant attribute.

(American Counseling Association) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice - Section F.3 Students and Supervisees

a. Limitations.

Counselors, through ongoing evaluation and appraisal, are aware of the academic and personal limitations of students and supervisees that might impede performance.  Counselors assist students and supervisees in securing remedial assistance when needed, and dismiss from the training program supervisees who are unable to provide competent service due to academic or personal limitations.  Counselors seek professional consultation and document their decision to dismiss or refer students or supervisees for assistance.  Counselors assure that students and supervisees have recourse to address decisions made, to require them to seek assistance.

Section F.1. Counselor Educators and Trainers

a. Endorsement

Counselors do not endorse students or supervisees for certification, licensure, employment, or completion of an academic or training program if they believe students or supervisees are not qualified for the endorsement.  Counselors take reasonable steps to assist students or supervisees who are not qualified for endorsement to become qualified.

Unethical conduct by teacher educators and counselors reflects negatively on the professions, their related associations, and on the institutions of higher education who prepare them.  Obviously, it is not conducive to the development of the profession to condone or overlook such conduct

Students will be evaluated throughout the courses of study leading to degrees on three areas of functioning:
 

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: Each student is required to maintain a 3.0 (B) grade point average.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Each student is expected to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills considered requisite to the education field.  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 school personnel at their field placement 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.
   

ETHICAL BEHAVIOR: Each student is expected to demonstrate awareness of and adherence to the ethical standards of the relevant professional associations both in field experiences as well as in the classroom.

RETENTION REVIEW PROCESS

This Retention and Review Policy is not intended to supersede actions that may be taken against a student by Trinity for unsatisfactory academic progress or for violations for the Trinity Honor Code and Honesty Policy.

The Faculty of the School of Education has established the following policies to serve as a working guide when questions regarding student retention in the program arise:

1.   As a first level of action, the individual faculty member will meet with the student in question, will express specific concern(s) to the student, and will seek to establish a mutually agreed upon plan to resolve the situation before more action is required.

2.   If a mutually agreeable plan cannot be reached between the faculty member and the student, if the student fails to follow the agreement reached at level one, or if the plan of action agreed on in level one fails to resolve the problem, the faculty member is free, as a second level of action, to discuss the question of a student’s progress and/or competence with the student’s Academic Advisor.  This can be done in an informal discussion and may include other School of Education faculty members.  The goal of this level two action is to resolve the situation with the input of other faculty and to formulate a reasonable corrective action plan.

3.   If the student objects to the plan resulting from the level two action or if the informal approach developed at level two fails to accomplish the desired goal, the issue shall be forwarded for formal review to the Retention Review Committee.  The Retention Review Sub-Committee of the Education/Curriculum and Academic Policy (EDU-CAP) committee shall be composed of the Dean of the School of Education, the student’s Academic Advisor, and an EDU- CAP committee member faculty.  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.

During the retention review meeting the Sub- Committee will review the student’s academic performance, interpersonal skills, and ethical behavior, and will determine the student’s status in the program.  The student will be provided the opportunity to present any appropriate information specific to the situation that lead to the retention review.  The faculty member will also have an opportunity to elaborate on the nature of the concern and the resolution process completed at levels one and two.

After the Retention Review Sub-Committee has heard the concerned faculty member and the student, a decision will be made which may include one of the following:

a. 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.

b. The student will be placed on "Professional Probation" with specific requirements established for remediation.  Procedures will also be specified for progress to be monitored by the concerned faculty member, the student’s advisor, and the Dean of the School of Education.  The Retention Review Sub-Committee will also decide if and when the student may be removed from "Professional Probation."  While on "Professional Probation," the student will not be allowed to enroll in the Practicum, Student Teaching, or Internship courses, but may be enrolled in other courses.

c. The student may be terminated from the Program and may not enroll in further course work in the School of Education at Trinity.

After the Retention Review Committee makes a determination, the student will be informed of the decision through written communication within 10 days of the committee meeting.

The student may appeal the Retention Review Committee’s decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs of Trinity.  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 Retention Review Sub-Committee.  If no resolution is reached at the level of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Academic Affairs may forward the appeal on 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 the Registrar by the printed deadline.
• Pay graduation application fee and receive financial clearance.
• Participate in an advisor audit. Advisors will provide a written audit of each student's transcript and forward the signed transcript to the Registrar, indicating the student's status for graduation.

Return to contents

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 Education, students may choose to register by obtaining the approval of their advisor or the appropriate program chair in the School of Education 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 advisor and obtain the advisor's approval.

    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 by each graduate program. To register, non-degree students must obtain the signature of the Director of Admissions for the School of Education.

    Advisor Assignment and Change of Advisors

Students are assigned advisors specific to their course of study. Only in extenuating circumstances may a student change advisors if an option is available. Appeals for advisor change must be submitted to the Dean in writing.

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, each student must register online, following all instructions. Incomplete registrations will not be processed. Students cannot register until all financial and academic 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. 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 Schedule Adjustment Form.
• Meet with 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 the Registrar's office.

Audit

    Formal audits

Audits of classes will only be allowed after analysis of the request of the student by the Dean. 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 Education 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

Informal audits of classes in the School of Education are not allowed; only enrolled students or formal auditors may attend classes. Children may not attend classes with or without their parents (see below).

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 will 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 Schedule Adjustment Form.
• Confer with 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 the Registrar's office.

The Registrar 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:

• Obtain Schedule Adjustment Form.
• Meet with advisor to discuss how withdrawal 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.
• Make formal written application to the Vice President for Academic Affairs detailing reasons for requesting a late withdrawal; a copy of the Schedule Adjustment Form as well as supporting documentation must be included.

Return to contents

Attendance and Examinations

Attendance
Final 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 syllabus.

No children may attend classes or be left unattended anywhere on campus; childcare is the responsibility of the student. We understand that childcare emergencies happen. However, Trinity is not in a position to provide emergency childcare on campus. We advise students, faculty and staff who have childcare 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.

In accordance with the Honor System, Trinity's semester examinations are not proctored. The faculty entrusts the students with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of this system.

Return to contents

Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions

Transfer Credits Satisfying Undergraduate and Graduate 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 Undergraduate and Graduate 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.
• Courses taken as either Pass/No-Pass or Credit/Non-Credit are not eligible for transfer to Trinity.
• Courses that have been audited are not eligible for transfer to Trinity.
• For transfer to undergraduate programs, the course must have been completed with a final grade of "C" or better, although certain academic programs require higher grades to count toward major or minor requirements. Transfer courses taken at the undergraduate level must be applicable to Trinity's liberal arts curricula. However, transfer credits may be approved to satisfy the requirements of the major or minor field(s) as determined by the appropriate Program Chair(s).
• For transfer to graduate programs, the course must have been completed with a final grade of "B" or better, must have been taken at the graduate-level, and must have been completed no longer than five years prior to the date of matriculation in the degree program. Additionally, requests for transfer credit must be relevant to the degree sought and must be approved by the student's faculty advisor.

Professional Development Workshop courses taken at Trinity or other approved organizations and institutions cannot be used to fulfill Trinity degree requirements.

Courses at Other Institutions
While enrolled at Trinity, a student may earn credits on a limited basis at other appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning. 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 the Office of the Registrar.

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 (see above).

Courses through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, full-time degree students at Trinity can take courses offered by other member institutions during fall and spring semesters only. Enrollment is subject to Consortium as well as Trinity regulations. Students should confer with the Consortium Coordinator.

The following policies govern the participation of Trinity students in the Consortium:

1.       Trinity students may take Consortium courses only if the courses are not available at Trinity during the semester.
2.       Only full-time degree-seeking students, i.e., students enrolled in a full-time course load at Trinity, are eligible for Consortium privileges. Exceptions require approval by Trinity's Consortium Coordinator. First-year      students are ineligible to participate. Exceptions may be made for students wishing to take foreign language courses.
3.       Students in their last semester are discouraged from taking courses through the Consortium. Delays in reporting Consortium grades may prevent a student from graduating and/or participating in commencement activities.
4.       In consultation with the academic advisor, students must demonstrate the relevance of proposed Consortium course(s) to their academic and post-college goals.
5.       Students must be in good academic standing to participate in Consortium courses. Students carrying a grade of "Incomplete" should take Consortium courses only in extraordinary circumstances; approval is required from Trinity's Consortium Coordinator.
6.       The final grade received in a Consortium course is recorded on the Trinity transcript and calculated into the student's grade point average.
7.       All registrations for Consortium courses must receive final approval from the Academic Dean.
8.       Students participating in Consortium courses must arrange for their own transportation.

Grades of "I" (Incomplete) may be given for courses taken through the Consortium. Students who arrange grades of Incomplete at a visited institution should note that the time limits for making up the incomplete are not to exceed those dictated by Trinity’s policy for grades of Incomplete. However, a faculty member at the visited institution may require an earlier deadline.

Trinity is not responsible for delays in the reporting of grades from visited Consortium institutions; grades for all Consortium courses must be recorded by the Registrar’s Office at Trinity for a student to be eligible to have the degree conferred and receive the diploma. Students are responsible for checking with instructors at Consortium institutions to assure the timely report of grades to Trinity.

Tuition for courses taken through the cross-registration program will be billed by Trinity at the applicable Trinity rate.  Any additional special course or lab fees charged by the visited institution are the responsibility of the student and will be billed separately.

The submission of a Consortium Registration Request does not guarantee enrollment as requests are subject to approval from the visited institution.

Credit 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 a Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, or the Master of Science in Administration degree.

All cases involving experiential learning credit will be considered on an individual basis by the student's academic advisor and the Dean's office. 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 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 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 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 EDU and to Human Resources.

Return to contents

Degree Requirements

General Requirements for the Master's Degree (M.A., M.A.T., M.Ed., M.S.A)
The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (B.A./M.A.T.)
Capstone Projects, Practica, and Student Teaching

General Requirements for the Master's Degree (M.A., M.A.T., M.Ed., M.S.A)
Students must meet three general requirements to graduate and receive a master's degree:

1. Successful completion of all program requirements (refer to the Trinity Catalog for specific requirements).
2. Successful completion of the capstone, student teaching, or internship.
3. Be in good academic standing (see Section VII below).

The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) required to graduate is 3.0.

No student who has more than one "C" on his or her transcript may graduate and receive a degree.

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 School of Education Committee on Academic Policy (EDU-CAP).

Students may not earn both an M.A.T. with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and an M.Ed. with a concentration in TESOL. Students earning either an M.A.T. or M.Ed. with a concentration in TESOL may pursue the other degree only with a concentration other than TESOL.

The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching Degree (B.A./M.A.T.)
In the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching teacher preparation program, undergraduate students are required to major in the liberal arts through the College of Arts and Sciences and complete a structured and sequenced minor in education through the School of Education.

Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, the student must apply and be admitted to a School of Education M.A.T. Program in an area of specialization: early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education.

Until admitted to the M.A.T. Program, the student is governed by academic policies pertaining to the College of Arts and Sciences.

Capstones, Final Projects and Student Teaching
Near the end of their degree program, all graduate students must complete a capstone or final project, student teaching, or an internship, which provides them with the opportunity to apply, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge and skills acquired during their graduate study. Students should consult their faculty advisor for a description of options and guidelines.

Admission into a degree program does not automatically guarantee admission into capstone projects, internships, or student teaching. To qualify for admission into these courses, students must meet the requirements of their specific program.

Students should register for the capstone in the semester in which they plan to complete the project. Students who require more than one semester to complete the capstone or final project will be charged a continuation fee for each subsequent semester until the project is completed.

Return to Contents

Grading System

Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
Incomplete Grades
Grades for Work In Progress
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 Education uses the following system to assign grade points to graduate students:

Designations carrying no grade points include:

AU	Audit	TR	Transfer Credit
I	Incomplete	U	Unsatisfactory
IP	In Progress	W	Withdrawal
S	Satisfactory	*	Repeated Course

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 Contract 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.

The Contract for Incomplete Form must be forwarded to the Registrar's offices for the instructor's final grade submission to be valid. Graduate students must complete all work as specified in the Contract 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 Contract for Incomplete require the approval of the School of Education Committee on Academic Policy.

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 Work In Progress
The grade of "IP" (In Progress) is recorded only in cases where a student has not completed the Practicum, Internship, Capstone Project, or Final Project during the semester in which the student initially registered for the course(s). Students who receive a grade of "IP" for a course must register for one credit in their program's Directed Research course for each subsequent semester until the project is completed. Directed Research courses are graded on the basis of "S"/"U" (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) and are not calculated in a student's GPA. Once all required work has been submitted for a grade, the supervising faculty member will replace the grade of "IP" with the letter grade earned in the course. Grades of "IP" are exempt from the 120-day limit for grade changes, although students must still complete all work for their degree within the five-year time limit.

Grades for Withdrawals
A designation of "W" (Withdrawal) will appear on the student's transcript if the student withdraws from the course following the Course Schedule Adjustment deadline. Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student's GPA. The process for withdrawal from a course is described above.

Grade Changes
Faculty, at their discretion and only after serious consideration, may change a student's grade. All grade changes must be approved by the Dean of the School of Education. Furthermore, any grade change must be finalized with the Registrar 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 below.

Grades for Repeated Courses
A graduate student may repeat a course only once. 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.

Return to Contents

Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing
Academic Probation
Academic Dismissal
Readmission

Good Academic Standing
Good academic standing for students in the School of Education 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 Trinity (see below).

Academic Probation
Students who are not in good academic standing are placed on academic probation. Students may be placed on academic probation if their semester or 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," "W," or "*" 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 Trinity (see below).

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.
• Violations of the "Retention Policy."

To appeal decisions regarding probation and dismissal, students may submit a written request to the School of Education Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee (see below).

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 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 a notification from the Office of Admissions that details specific provisions and conditions of their readmission. 

A copy of the notification will be sent to the Registrar 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.

Return to Contents

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
All Other Appeals
Procedural Rules for Dispute Hearings Before all Curriculum and Academic Policy Committees

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 Education Curriculum and Academic Policy (EDU CAP) Committee.

Requests for an exception to an academic policy stated in the Trinity Catalog or the Academic Policy Handbook should be directed to the EDU 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 EDU 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 his or her advisor no later than one week after the date on the instructor's response. The advisor may mediate the issue for three weeks after the date on the instructor's written response to the student.

The advisor's decision about the issue represents the final resolution of a dispute for 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 his or her advisor no later than one week after the date on the instructor's response. The advisor may mediate the issue for three weeks after the date on the instructor's written response to the student.

If the advisor is unable to resolve the dispute, the student may appeal formally to the EDU 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 Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing (see below).

The Committee informs the student, the advisor, the instructor, and the Registrar of its decision in writing.

All Other Appeals
The student submits a written appeal to the EDU CAP Committee outlining the details of the dispute and the justification for the appeal. If the dispute involves one or more faculty members or academic administrators, those parties will receive a copy of the student's appeal. 

Based on the written appeal, the Committee decides whether or not to consider the dispute.

The Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing (see below).

The Committee informs the student and other appropriate parties of its decision in writing.

Procedural Rules for Dispute Hearings Before all Curriculum and Academic Policy Committees
The student must submit a written request for formal proceedings to the Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee no later than eight weeks after the opening of the first efforts to resolve the dispute. The faculty member or administrator shall receive a copy of the formal statement and have the opportunity to submit a written response.

The hearing will be held to take evidence and hear arguments concerning the dispute. The following rules shall apply:

1. The Committee may exclude evidence and arguments that are irrelevant to the case.
2. The Committee may call both the student and the faculty member or administrator as witnesses at the hearing. The Committee, the student, and the faculty member will have the opportunity to call other individuals as witnesses as well. The Committee cannot compel the testimony of any party. However, the student, faculty member, a witness, or the Committee itself may request that testimony be given only in the presence of Committee members.
3. For moral support, the student may bring another student or faculty member to the hearing, and the faculty member may bring another faculty member to the hearing. The Committee may question the student and all witnesses. The student, administrator, or their respective associates may question their witnesses and also any other witnesses who are present at the hearing. The hearing otherwise is closed and all information is confidential.
4. After the close of the hearing, the Committee makes its decision. The Committee may consult with authorities outside Trinity in making its decision. The Committee justifies its decision by a written opinion, which includes summaries of the evidence and findings of fact as well as a disposition of the case. All decisions of the Committee, including its written opinion, are by majority vote. Any Committee member may submit a dissenting opinion.
5. A written opinion of the Committee is retained by the Committee. The student and faculty member may read the opinion, but neither they nor anyone else is permitted to have a copy.
6. The Committee reports its decision (the results only) in a letter to the student, faculty member or administrator, appropriate Program Chair, and appropriate Academic Dean, who supervises a change on the student transcript if necessary.

Return to Contents

Student Information, Records, and Transcripts

Disclosure
Maintenance of Student Records
Transcripts

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

Category I information includes name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, and class standing.

Category II information includes previous institution(s) attended, major field(s) of study, awards, honors (such as Dean's List), and degree(s) conferred.

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

Under the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students may withhold disclosure of any category of information. To prohibit disclosure, students must provide the Office of the Registrar 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 the Office of the Registrar, and this statement serves as notification of rights protected by law.

Transcripts
Current and former students of Trinity may request academic transcripts from the Office of the Registrar. 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. A processing fee is payable at the time of the request.

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

• No transcript will be released if the student has failed to satisfy all financial obligations to the College.
• 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. Transcripts are processed within 3-5 business days of the of receipt of the written request.

Return to Contents