THREE

Special Programs

Learning at Trinity extends beyond the classroom, and Trinity students find that the nation's capital is an exciting place to learn. The White House, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, embassies, countless government agencies, national and international associations, and businesses all become sites for research, field trips, internships, and part-time jobs.

Trinity is dedicated to empowering women and men to make a difference in our society and provides special programs which develop leadership skills in our students and expose them to the workings of public policy.

The Washington Consortium

Trinity College is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, which consists of 11 institutions (American University, Catholic University of America, George Washington University, George Mason University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Marymount University, The University of the District of Columbia, the University of Maryland, College Park, Southeastern University, and Trinity).

Through the Consortium, Weekday and graduate students at Trinity can participate in special programs and take courses offered by other institutions of higher education. Enrollment is subject to the regulations of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (available from the Office of the Registrar) and Trinity regulations (see the Graduate and Undergraduate Academic Policies sections of this catalog).

Elderhostel

Trinity College extends a welcome to older adults to take advantage of a unique opportunity for intellectual and social renewal. The Trinity College Elderhostel program is a full-time, year-round program for students 55 years and older, that offers week-long courses taught by experts on a variety of topics, such as the information superhighway, impressionism in Washington, D.C., and politics and the media. Elderhostel guests stay in Trinity's Elderhostel quarters and have access to college facilities such as the library, tennis courts, and the chapel. For information on the Elderhostel program, contact the Director of Elderhostel by telephone at 202-884-9399 or via email at eshaml@trinitydc.edu.

Engineering Dual Degree Program The "3-2"Program

Trinity College, in conjunction with George Washington University and the University of Maryland, offers a dual degree program in physical science and engineering. After three years of academic study in mathematics or a physical science at Trinity College, the student will apply for transfer to George Washington University or the University of Maryland and complete two years of study in mechanical engineering with optional medical preparation. At the end of the five years, the student in the program will earn a B.A. degree from Trinity College and a B.S. in Engineering from George Washington University or the University of Maryland.

Mechanical engineering encompasses a vast diversity of industrial activities. Mechanical engineers conceive, plan, design, and direct the manufacture, distribution, and operation of complex systems. Applications include aerospace, energy conversion, computer-aided design and manufacturing, power and propulsion systems, robotics, and control systems.

The medical preparation option leads to a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and prepares the student for application to medical school. The student is also prepared to work in research and development or to pursue graduate study in the fields of biomechanics and biotechnology.

Intercultural Programs

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed to meet the needs of Trinity students for whom English is not the first language. Classes focus on all areas of English skills speaking, listening, reading, and writing to help students gain proficiency in communicating clearly and effectively. An English placement test and/or interview is used for entering students. Students take appropriate ESL courses in conjunction with their regular course load. All ESL courses carry regular college credit and are applicable toward the Trinity degree.

Study Abroad Programs

One of the most exciting possibilities Trinity students have is the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program. Trinity offers the chance to study outside of the United States for a year, a semester, or even two weeks. A study abroad experience is one of the best ways to increase student awareness of the ever-increasing global community. Students can gain fluency in another language or study the political, social, and economic issues facing a particular region. As students learn more about another country and culture, they learn more about themselves.

For those interested in study abroad options, Trinity helps students learn about and apply to approved programs offered by accredited schools and institutions. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be at least a second-semester sophomore to participate in a semester- or year-long program. To learn more about the range of study and travel opportunities for Trinity College students, contact the Director of Intercultural Programs.

Trinity's Short-term Travel and Study Programs

Trinity College offers several short-term travel and study programs both abroad and within the United States. Students may participate in these programs for degree credit, and different travel and study courses are offered each year. Perennial travel and study programs include the International Business: Emerging Markets Program, the May Term in Latin America Program, and the Environmental Science Travel and Study Program.

International Business: Emerging Markets is offered in the spring semester and focuses on a different area of the world each year. Combining classroom work with a 10-day overseas study tour, students focus on the challenges of and changes taking place in the global environment. In recent years, students have visited Germany, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, and France.

Trinity's May Term in Latin America, affiliated with various Spanish language schools, offers students a two-week immersion program in the Spanish language and Latin American history and culture. Students combine small-group classes in Spanish with field trips to sites emphasizing Latin America's rich cultural heritage, from the pyramids near Mexico City to coffee plantations in Costa Rica.

The Environmental Science Program has offered off-campus study tours to the Florida Keys, Hawaii, and the Appalachian Mountains. Future programs will study the rainforests of Costa Rica and other global regions. Students have the opportunity for hands-on exploration of the plants and animals associated with different ecosystems, and their unique ecological interactions. Environmental science study tours let students investigate how humans have affected the biodiversity and "natural" processes in these ecosystems.

Internships

At Trinity College, the goal is to educate students for life. This goal is achieved not only through academic training but also through aggressive career preparation. Work experience is an important factor in the competitive process of applying for a professional position. Whether students wish to start their careers upon graduation or to go on to graduate school, it is imperative that they have experience in their chosen field. To this end, Trinity's internship program is an integral part of a student's education.

Each semester, Trinity College students successfully complete numerous internships that provide them with the opportunity to explore their academic and professional interests. To assist the Trinity student, the Office of Academic Support and Career Services maintains an internship database that contains internship sites currently available as well as information on past internship sites that successfully have accommodated Trinity students. Recent internship sites include Senate and Congressional offices, the White House, research laboratories, television stations, hospitals, federal agencies, museums, and accounting firms.

Internships may be taken for credit or no credit, and all students participating in an internship must complete the Internship Agreement form and an evaluation of the internship. Students receiving credit for their internship must register by the Add/Drop deadline, pay for the course, and complete all course requirements. Forms are available from the Office of Academic Support and Career Services. Forms may also be downloaded from the Career Services web page at http://www.trinitydc.edu/current/career.

Model Assembly of the Organization of American States

The Organization of American States (OAS) invites select colleges and universities to send highly qualified students to represent a country at the annual Model Assembly. Selected Trinity students are given the opportunity to participate with students from more than 30 institutions in a simulation of the deliberative and political process of an international body. Representatives debate key economic, political, social, and cultural issues currently facing the Americas, from efforts to stop drug trafficking to the external debt crisis. The Model Organization of American States General Assembly program is coordinated by the Spanish Program at Trinity. Information on course requirements appears in the interdisciplinary courses section of this catalog.

Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program

The Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Certificate program at Trinity College is designed for students with baccalaureate degrees who wish to pursue a career in medicine or other health professions but have not taken the basic science and mathematics courses required for admission to medical school. Post-Baccalaureate students attend classes on weekdays, enjoying the advantages of Trinity College's small class size and faculty dedicated to student learning. Post-Baccalaureate students also have access to Trinity's Health Professions Advisory Committee. Generally, new students begin their studies in the fall semester.

Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN)

Trinity College is a member of the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), a consortium of women's colleges working together to prepare women for public leadership. PLEN asserts that "women's participation in shaping public policy is critical" and recognizes that "effective, ethical leaders are urgently needed." Through PLEN, students study the policy process with women leaders in PLEN seminars held in Washington, D.C., and abroad. Past workshops have included "Women and International Policy," "Women and Congress," "Women and Law," and "Women in Public Policy."

The PLEN network is a valuable source of information about internships, seminars, and other resources for women students wishing to take full advantage of the myriad of learning opportunities in the nation's capital. Since Trinity College is a member of the consortium, students receive the designated student discount.

Trinity Center for Women in Public Policy

The Trinity Center for Women in Public Policy brings together students, scholars, teachers, and policymakers to focus on the expanding role of women in a broad range of public policy issues, including health care, the environment, poverty, and education. This nonpartisan academic center offers lectures, workshops, and conferences that explore public policy issues affecting women; it also sponsors leadership development programs.

Trinity Experiential Lifelong Learning (TELL)

Trinity College recognizes that college-level learning may occur in a variety of settings. Trinity's Experiential Lifelong Learning program (TELL) enables students to claim this knowledge and receive appropriate academic credit. TELL emphasizes knowledge acquired since high school but not while enrolled in or under the supervision of a college or university. Knowledge may have been acquired through activities such as work, volunteer/community service, or travel. While enrolled in INT 300 TELL Seminar, students complete one or more portfolios that document their prior learning. Through TELL students can earn a maximum of 30 credits. Students interested in TELL should refer to the specific procedures listed under Undergraduate Academic Policies.

Trinity Programs for High School Students

Reflecting the college's commitment to assisting students in their transition from high school to college, Trinity offers several special programs to high school students.

High School Articulation Program

Qualified high school seniors and highly gifted juniors may apply for admission to any Trinity course open to first-year students. If accepted, the high school student will enroll as a special nondegree student at Trinity and pay the usual per-credit fee. At the student's request, an official transcript of the work completed will be sent to the college of her choice for consideration as credit eligible for transfer toward a degree. If the student decides to come to Trinity after high school, the credit is applicable toward her degree. The Admissions Director and course instructor will review the following:

• the student's official high school record
• the student's own statement of reasons for applying to the course
• a recommendation from a high school guidance counselor

After the student's materials and academic record are reviewed, the instructor of the course may choose to interview the student. Final approval is at the discretion of the instructor.

High School/College Internship Program (Hi-Scip)

Participants in the Hi-Scip program at Trinity are accepted as part-time special students for one academic year. Students choose from courses that are specifically identified by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and may receive a maximum of four credits in the fall semester and eight credits in the spring semester.

Trinity Upward Bound Program

The purpose of the Trinity Upward Bound Program, fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is to make a college education accessible to low-income senior high school students and potential first-generation college students. Through careful academic preparation and counseling, the program helps students to identify and understand their own goals and then learn about the tools available to achieve those goals. The process strengthens motivation and self-esteem. The Trinity Upward Bound Program is open to both young women and young men in high school.

During the academic school year, students receive tutoring and attend Saturday classes in reading, English, science, Spanish, and mathematics. There are also courses, seminars, and workshops to help develop the knowledge and dedication required of first-year college students.

A summer session, designed to give students a genuine academic experience, provides course work over a six-week period. During the summer, recreational and cultural programs are combined with required study hours, creating a balance between hard work and leisure and establishing a wholesome environment for learning and teaching. Students learn important skills, such as how to write an essay, study, and take examinations. Ideally, Trinity Upward Bound participants find a new respect for their own abilities and motivation as they learn how to succeed in an academic environment.