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Contents
Student Status
Degree or matriculated students have been formally admitted to a degree program at Trinity College. 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. 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 workshops; in general these credits may not be applied toward a degree. A full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences registers for 12 credits or more in a semester. A fee is charged for each credit over 18 credits per semester. A part-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences registers for 11 credits or less in a semester. To be considered eligible for Federal financial aid, a student must register for a minimum of 6 credits in a semester. A leave of absence is a voluntary leave from campus that a student may request for a variety of reasons, including personal problems, stress, travel, mental exhaustion/illness, and illness or death in the family. A student may request a leave of absence for up to two years, with the intention of returning to Trinity. The student will not have to apply for readmission as long as she or he returns within this time frame. If a student is on financial aid, lenders perceive a leave of absence as a withdrawal; students on financial aid must have an exit interview with a representative of Student Financial Services before the leave of absence is approved. Students are responsible for all tuition associated with the course registrations and any other fees associated with the college. Unlike a withdrawal, a leave of absence allows Trinity College to keep the student on a mailing list and continue to send important information, e.g. registration materials. A leave of absence allows the student to continue an affiliation with the college. Students requesting a leave of absence should adhere to the following procedures:
A withdrawal from the College 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 college has immediate implications for financial aid, students must have an exit interview with a representative of Student Financial Services. Students are responsible for all tuition associated with the course registrations and any other fees associated with the college. Students who withdraw from the college should follow these procedures:
The number of completed credits determines a student's class status.
To earn the privilege of wearing the cap and gown, a student must have earned at least 92 credits prior to the ceremony and be in good academic standing. A student who is on probation for the semester of the ceremony may not wear the academic regalia since his or her eligibility as a degree student is in question. Although a minimum of 128 credits is required for a baccalaureate degree, undergraduate students who have completed at least 119 credits and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better at the time of commencement are eligible to participate in commencement activities and Senior Week. For non-graduating students participation in the actual commencement exercises will be limited; non-graduating participants will not wear the hood, their names will not appear in the program, and they will not be called forth to receive a diploma. All students expected to complete degree requirements by August of the same year will have their names read and be recognized as a group. Non-graduating students who have earned at least 119 credits and wish to participate in Commencement must follow this procedure:
II. Advising, Enrollment, and Registration
All students are assigned an academic advisor who will assist them with academic planning and interpretation of academic policies and procedures. During each registration period, students and their advisors select courses consistent with the overall degree objectives. With their advisors, students learn to explore academic interests, to recognize academic strengths, and to identify resources to address weaknesses. Frequent advisor contact increases opportunities for students to receive accurate and timely information about program and degree requirements, thereby ensuring that students are making progress toward the completion of the degree. Assignment of Advisors Entering students are assigned advisors upon matriculation to the College. Students who minor in education must meet with a faculty advisor in the School of Education who provides guidance for courses in education and certification requirements. Once any student declares a major, advising for the major is provided by the Program Chair or another faculty advisor in that academic program (see below). The Associate Dean for Advising in the College of Arts and Sciences is available to assist students in need of academic guidance or to address concerns about the advising process. Change of Academic Advisor A student wishing to change academic advisors must obtain the proper forms from the Office of the Registrar. All arrangements for changing advisors must be made between the student and the advisor. Students are encouraged to select advisors best suited to assisting their planning for academic work and career goals. During the registration period near the end of each term, matriculated students register for courses they plan to take during the following semester. Before registering, students meet with their advisors to help them select courses and to discuss how selected courses support students' degree programs and academic goals. After consultation with an academic advisor, each student must complete and sign a Registration Form, following all instructions on the form. Incomplete or unsigned forms will not be processed. Registrations will not be processed until all financial holds are cleared. Students may add or drop courses without academic penalty during the designated Course Schedule Adjustment period at the start of each semester; official deadlines are listed in the course schedule. During this period students may also change to or from the "P/NP" (Pass/No Pass) grading option (see Section II.C.4 below), change to or from a formal audit, or alter the number of credits in courses carrying variable credit. Payment for a financial obligation due to a course change must be arranged before the change will be processed. Following the Schedule Adjustment Period, students may elect the P/NP option for a course until the date for withdrawal. Once the P/NP option is declared, students may not elect to take a course for a letter grade after the Schedule Adjustment Period has elapsed (see below). Students seeking a Course Schedule Adjustment should follow these procedures:
Formal audits Classes audited on a formal basis will appear on the transcript, but they do not carry credits applicable toward a degree. Students must obtain formal permission from their academic advisor to audit a class. An auditor must register for the course and attend class meetings regularly. Informal audits Classes audited on an informal basis do not appear on the transcript, nor do they carry credits applicable toward a degree. Students should obtain the instructor's permission to audit a class informally. Once the Course Schedule Adjustment period has passed, a course may not be removed from a student's academic record for any reason, but students may still withdraw from a course at any time up to the deadline for withdrawal from all classes; exact dates are listed in the Academic calendar. This policy is not applicable to Winter and May terms or other intensive sessions; in such cases withdrawal is not allowed after the published Course Schedule Adjustment period. When a student withdraws from a course, a designation of "W" (Withdrawal) will appear on the student's transcript. Students who fail to withdraw officially or to meet course requirements are liable to receive a grade of "F" (Fail). Students are responsible for the partial or full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn. Students should refer to the published course schedule. To withdraw from a course, students should follow this procedure:
Withdrawing from a course after the deadline to withdraw constitutes a late withdrawal; late withdrawal is a serious academic matter and an application for late withdrawal will be considered only in exceptional circumstances. Late withdrawals will not be considered after the last day of classes. When a student withdraws from a course, a designation of "W" (Withdrawal) will appear on the student's transcript. Students who fail to withdraw officially or to meet course requirements are liable to receive a grade of "F" (Fail). Students are responsible for the full payment for courses from which they have withdrawn late. To pursue late withdrawal from a course, students should follow this procedure:
Attendance and ExaminationsStudents are responsible for attending all class meetings unless they have made specific arrangements with the instructor. Advance notice of an absence should be given to instructors, and students are responsible for initiating a meeting with faculty to determine how all work will be completed. Faculty have the right to monitor attendance. Students are responsible for reviewing the attendance policy for each instructor as listed on the course syllabus. Absence in any course amounting to one-third or more of the class periods may result in a lower grade, including the grade of "F," at the discretion of the faculty member. Emergencies should be reported immediately to the Dean of Student Services and the Registrar, who will inform instructors. Only in an emergency may a student be absent during an assigned test, class presentation, or evaluation. No children may attend classes or be left unattended anywhere on campus; childcare is the responsibility of the student. We understand that child care emergencies happen. However, Trinity is not in a position to provide emergency child care on campus. We advise students, faculty and staff who have child care emergencies to choose to remain at home rather than trying to bring the child to campus. Course examinations or final assessments are required at the end of each semester. In accordance with the Honor System, Trinity's semester examinations are not proctored. The faculty entrusts the students and the Student Association with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of this system. Final examination dates are listed in the official Academic Calendar, and students' travel plans must take the dates of scheduled exams into account. No student may reschedule a final examination in order to leave or travel early. Students can resolve conflicts during the exam period (such as two exams scheduled at the same time or three exams on the same day) by filling out an Examination Conflict Resolution Request Form available through the Office of the Registrar. If a conflict exists, some exams can be rescheduled to the Conflict Resolution Day at the discretion of the Registrar. Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions
Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation Students transferring to Trinity before Fall 2002 from another accredited institution for a bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 32 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning. Students transferring to Trinity in or after Fall 2002 from another accredited institution for a bachelor's degree must earn a minimum of 45 of their final 60 credits through course work at Trinity, excluding credits for experiential learning. Additionally, students will be expected to satisfy the Foundation for Leadership Curriculum or the Core Curriculum requirements, as determined by their School/College, as well as meeting all requirements of their major field(s) through application of Trinity or transferred credits. As with all Trinity undergraduate students, transfer students must successfully complete the Senior Assessment. Transfer Credits Satisfying Undergraduate Degree Requirements Courses eligible for transfer must meet the following requirements:
Transfer credits may be approved to satisfy the requirements of the Foundation for Leadership Curriculum or Core Curriculum (see Section V below). Transfer credits may be approved to satisfy the requirements of the major or minor field(s), as determined by the appropriate Program Chair(s). Disputed cases will be reviewed by the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS CAP) Committee. Professional Development Workshop courses taken at Trinity College or other approved organizations and institutions do not count toward a Trinity degree. Only under special circumstances may a maximum of three credits of course work be approved by the appropriate Program Chair and the appropriate academic Dean for transfer to a degree program. While enrolled at Trinity College, a student may earn credits on a limited basis at other accredited institutions. Students planning to take courses at another institution (during any semester or summer months) should first obtain approval from their faculty advisor and from the Program Chair(s) for the proposed area of study before the end of the semester prior to the semester they plan to take the course(s). A student who does not follow these procedures has no guarantee that the credits earned will apply toward the Trinity degree. Transfer courses will appear on a student's transcript as "TR" unless the course was completed at a Consortium school. A student may normally transfer no more than six credits from a single summer session and no more than 12 credits over an entire summer. Exceptions require approval by the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS CAP) Committee. Courses Through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area Through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, full-time degree students at Trinity can participate in special programs and 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 Registrar, who serves as the Consortium Coordinator. The following policies govern the participation of Trinity students in the Consortium:
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 College 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 the diploma. Students are responsible for checking with instructors at Consortium institutions to assure the timely report of grades to Trinity. Credit Earned Through Study Abroad Credits earned through approved study abroad programs may be counted toward a Trinity degree. Courses taken through a study abroad program will count to fulfill major, minor, and FLC requirements only with the approval of the appropriate Program Chair; students are strongly encouraged to obtain all necessary approvals prior to departure. In all cases, students should retain textbooks, course syllabi, reading lists, and any major papers produced for courses while abroad. The Director of Study Abroad approves programs on a case-by-case basis. These programs must be offered through an accredited university in the United States. Students should meet with the Director of Study Abroad at least five months before the planned term for study abroad; significant time is necessary for special consortium agreements to be processed. To qualify for study abroad, students must:
Students are responsible for fulfilling all application requirements of the sponsoring study abroad program. Courses taken through a study abroad program during Fall and/or Spring semesters are treated as though they were taken through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, and the grades received in these courses will be recorded on the transcript and calculated into the GPA. Courses taken through programs during summer and short, intensive terms appear on the transcript as "TR," and are not calculated into GPA. Students who participate in an unapproved study abroad program or do not follow the correct application procedures have no guarantee that their course work will transfer for degree credit or fulfill major or minor requirements. All students are responsible for meeting all financial obligations to Trinity College as well as the sponsoring program. For students receiving financial aid, a consortium agreement must be completed through Student Financial Services. Advanced Standing for Registered Nurses Students who have earned the R.N. degree from an accredited school of nursing may be awarded a maximum of 32 undergraduate credits for their clinical work in addition to any other transfer, or examination credit. Any applied credits of this type must be in addition to the minimum 45 Trinity College credits required for the Trinity degree (see Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation above). Credit Through Examination or Experiential Learning A maximum of 30 credits earned through any combination of approved examinations or college-level experiential learning may be applied toward the completion of a Trinity degree. Any applied credits of this type must be in addition to the minimum 45 credits taken at Trinity College (see Undergraduate Student Transfer and Matriculation above). Credit satisfying major field requirements will be determined by the appropriate Program Chair(s) (for the fulfillment of curricular requirements, see Fulfillment of FLC Requirements Through Non-Trinity Credits below). Credit for Performance on Approved Examination Students who successfully complete an Advanced Placement course at the high school level and who have earned a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement examination will be awarded three credits. Students may also receive credit for performance on approved standardized examinations, such as CLEP and DANTES. The threshold score for credit and the number of credits for performance on a standardized examination is determined by the appropriate Program Chair(s). It is recommended though not required that Program Chairs follow the guidelines of the American Council on Education (ACE). Students for whom English is not a first language will be granted CLEP or DANTES credit only for intermediate level work in their native language. Credit for Experiential Learning To receive credit through the Trinity Experiential Lifelong Learning program (TELL), which is administered by the School of Professional Studies, students must present documentation about the learning experience and evidence of the level at which learning occurred. Students wishing to receive TELL credits must adhere to the following procedure:
With faculty approval, a student may earn up to 16 experiential learning credits at the 200-level. Additional credits may be awarded for experiential learning evaluated at the 300-level or higher. Physical Education and Health Credit A maximum of four credits of physical education and/or health courses may be counted toward the 128 credits necessary for graduation. These credits may be earned either by enrolling in physical education courses or by participating in approved athletic programs. Of the four credits of physical education that may be counted towards the bachelor's degree, a maximum of three of these credits may be earned through participation in approved athletic programs. The following guidelines apply to the awarding of physical education credits to students participating in sports activities:
Degree Requirements
General Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree Students must meet four general requirements to graduate and receive a bachelor's degree:
The requirements to graduate from Trinity College with a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) include the successful completion of the following:
The Bachelor of Science Degree The requirements to graduate from Trinity College with a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in the sciences include the successful completion of the following:
The Bachelor's Degree with Honors in the Liberal Arts The requirements to graduate from Trinity College with a B.A. or B.S. with Honors in the Liberal Arts Degree include the successful completion of the following:
The Honors Degree is distinct from Latin Honors or other honors (see Academic Honors below). A graduate of Trinity College or any other accredited institution may earn a second baccalaureate degree from Trinity College by meeting the following criteria:
A second baccalaureate should not be confused with a double major (see Declaration or Change of Major below). The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching Degree In the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching (B.A./M.A.T.) teacher preparation program, students are required to major in the liberal arts and complete a structured and sequenced minor in education. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, the student must apply and be admitted to the master's program in an area of specialization: early childhood, elementary, secondary education, or special education. Once admitted to the master's program, the student is governed by academic policies pertaining to graduate students. Trinity students are expected to achieve a sophisticated level of synthesis in their major field that reflects more than just mastery of course content. The assessment is a requirement for the Trinity degree, and a student must pass the Senior Assessment to be eligible for the degree. Each Senior Assessment is designed by the individual program to be the capstone experience for the major. Specific details of the Senior Assessment for each academic program are listed with each program in the college catalog. The Foundation for Leadership Curriculum (FLC) The FLC is composed of the following curricular areas representing five distinct fields of knowledge: Communication Skills, Traditions and Cultural Expressions, Search for Ultimate Meanings, Scientific and Mathematical Exploration, and Perspectives on Self and Society. Students must also complete the FLC seminar sequence. Incoming first-year student must complete two seminars: the First-Year Seminar and an approved Level II Seminar; transfer students matriculating with sophomore status or above must take only an approved Level II Seminar. In addition, all students must also complete four elective courses (12 credits minimum) at the 200-level and above in at least two different disciplines outside of their major field of study. One of these electives must be a course that is global or international in scope. As a general rule, one course may be counted to fulfill no more than one FLC requirement. Except for FLC electives, a course may be counted to fulfill a FLC requirement as well as a requirement in a student's major as defined by each major program. All students admitted to Trinity College as first-year College of Arts & Sciences students must complete the first-year seminar in order to graduate. Seminar II must be completed at Trinity College. A waiver represents the fulfillment of one or more curricular requirements but is not equivalent to completed credits. Only three FLC requirements may be waived by earning a satisfactory score on the appropriate placement examination(s). These requirements are:
No other FLC requirement may be waived. Placement into English 199 Freshman Honors Seminar constitutes a waiver of the Area I writing requirement (ENG 107). Placement tests for writing are administered by Academic Support Services and placement includes the evaluation of a writing sample by Trinity's faculty. Placement into the third semester of French, Spanish, or other approved international language constitutes a waiver of the entire Area I foreign language requirement. Students who place into the second semester of a college-level language course need only complete the second semester of that language with a passing grade to fulfill the FLC requirement. Placement tests for foreign languages are administered by Academic Support Services and coordinated by faculty in the Language and Cultural Studies Program. Placement into Mathematics 125 Calculus or higher constitutes a waiver of the Area IV quantitative analysis requirement. Students may not waive the exploration requirement in Area IV. Placement tests for mathematics are administered by Academic Support Services and evaluated by Trinity's faculty. Fulfillment of FLC Requirements Through Non-Trinity Credits Requirements of the FLC may be fulfilled through credits earned through examination, such as Advanced Placement or CLEP Examinations, and through courses taken at other institutions. Approval of non-Trinity credits to fulfill major or minor program requirements does not guarantee approval of these credits to fulfill FLC or Core Curriculum requirements. The appropriate Program Chair or a Transfer Admissions Counselor in consultation with the appropriate Program Chair determines if non-Trinity credits may fulfill FLC requirements, pursuant to the following guidelines:
The Academic Major and Minor
Declaration or Change of Major Students must declare a major before the end of their second academic year or no later than the completion of 56 credits. In order to achieve junior status, students must have declared a major. A student who opts to earn additional majors must satisfy the major requirements of the additional academic program(s). To declare or change a major, a student must adhere to the following procedures:
Grades in Courses Counted Toward Major Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses applied toward their major(s), except for courses only offered on a "P/NP" (Pass/No Pass) basis, such as practica and internships. Courses taken "P/NP" (Pass/No Pass) do not count toward the fulfillment of major or minor requirements except when indicated by individual academic programs. Individualized concentrations are unique because they are not structured by a program or combination of programs, but rather they grow out of an individual student's interest in a particular problem; a given profession; or a period, place, or theme to be approached from multiple points of view. Individualized majors must be designed with and supported by a faculty advisor, in accordance with the student's abilities and goals. They must also display coherence and purpose. Proposals for individualized majors must include:
Students considering individualized majors must consult with their academic advisors and the Registrar, who can provide detailed information about the application, development, and evaluation of such a program. Proposals for individualized majors must be approved by the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS CAP) Committee. Proposals are usually submitted during the sophomore year or early junior year, and applications submitted after the beginning of the second semester of the junior year will not be approved. Declaration or Change of Minor Students may elect to complete a minor area of study. Requirements for minors are determined by individual academic programs and are listed with other program information in the College Catalog. The maximum number of minors a student may declare is two. Courses taken "P/NP" (Pass/No Pass) do not count toward the fulfillment of minor requirements except when indicated by individual academic programs. To declare a minor, except for a minor in education, a student must fill out the appropriate form with the signed approval of the program chair and present it to the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will be updated to reflect the minor once completed forms have been processed. To declare a minor in education or to pursue the B.A./M.A.T. Program, a student must meet with a faculty advisor in the School of Education. The student must then fill out the appropriate form and present it to the Office of the Registrar. Grading System
Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) A student's grade point average (GPA) is determined by the weighted average of earned grade points. Trinity uses the following system to assign grade points:
Designations carrying no grade points include:
Pass/No Pass (P/NP) Grading Option The quality of work in all classes graded "P/NP" must be equivalent to a "D" to receive a passing grade, and a "P/NP" grade does not count in determining a student's GPA. With advisor approval, students may take a maximum of two courses on a "P/NP" (Pass/No Pass) basis during the first 64 credits at Trinity and a maximum of two courses on a "P/NP" basis during the second 64 credits at Trinity. Courses with "P/NP" as the only grading option are exempt from this policy. Following the Schedule Adjustment Period, students may elect the P/NP option for a course until the date for withdrawal. Once the P/NP option is declared, students may not elect to take a course for a letter grade after the Schedule Adjustment Period has elapsed (see Course Schedule Adjustments above). A student may only change to or from the "P/NP" option during the Course Schedule Adjustment period at the start of each semester. Courses taken "P/NP" may not count toward the fulfillment of major or minor requirements except for internships or practica. 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 done before the grade and credit for the course will be recorded. The Contract for Incomplete Form must be attached to the instructor's final grade sheet to be valid. The following policies govern the resolution of Incompletes:
Grades that are still incomplete after the deadline are changed from "I" to "F" on the student's transcript. For Incomplete Grades in Consortium courses, see Courses Through the Consortium above. 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. Faculty, at their discretion and only after serious consideration, may change a student's grade. Any grade change must be finalized with the Registrar no later than one hundred twenty (120) calendar days following the last day of the academic term in which the original grade was posted. A student may repeat a course. Transcripts will indicate all semesters in which the course was taken, but only the most favorable grade will be reported and used to calculate GPA. In place of the less favorable grade(s), a notation will appear on the transcript to indicate that the course has been repeated. Academic Standing
Good academic standing constitutes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. First-year students in their first semester may achieve good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 1.75. To remain in good academic standing, students must also complete two-thirds of their attempted credits. For full-time students, the determination of good academic standing is made following Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. For part-time students in the College of Arts and Sciences, the determination of good academic standing is made following the attempt of every nine credits. Dean's List The Dean's List identifies full-time students (see Student Status above) in the College of Arts and Sciences who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or above with no incomplete or failing grades. The Dean's List is announced at the end of the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Latin Honors Latin honors are conferred on graduating students who have achieved the following minimum cumulative grade point averages:
To be eligible for Latin honors, a student must have earned a minimum of 64 credits at Trinity, excluding credits earned through examination or experiential learning. Phi Beta Kappa The Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Trinity College annually elects eligible juniors and seniors to membership based on their fulfillment of the requirements established by the Chapter and by Phi Beta Kappa. Members-in-course are elected on the basis of scholarly achievement, broad intellectual interests, and good character. All students must have demonstrated knowledge in mathematics and of a second language as appropriate to an education in the liberal arts. To be elected as a junior, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 in at least 75 credits of course work in the liberal arts, 45 of which must have been in residence at Trinity College. To be elected as a senior, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in at least 90 credits of course work in the liberal arts, 45 of which must have been in residence at Trinity College. All students must be nominated by a member of the faculty in order to be considered for election. Course work in applied or professional studies and grades earned in such work cannot be counted toward the credits required in the liberal arts. The number of graduates elected to Phi Beta Kappa from any class may never exceed 15% of the number of students receiving diplomas. Students maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 remain in good academic standing even if their GPA for one term or semester falls below 2.0, but these students are placed on academic watch. Academic watch indicates that while the student's academic progress is satisfactory, the student may experience future academic difficulties. Students on academic watch are limited to four courses comprising a course load of 12-14 credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic watch. Students on academic watch must also meet with a representative of Academic Support Services and may have to satisfy other conditions as determined by the appropriate academic Dean. Part-time students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 after attempting their first six credits are placed on academic warning and receive a warning letter from the Dean. Academic warning signifies that the student is not performing satisfactorily, and if the student's GPA remains below 2.0 after attempting nine credits, the student is placed on academic probation. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 or who have completed less than two-thirds of their attempted credits are placed on academic probation. First-year students in their first semester are placed on academic probation if their GPA is below 1.75. All courses that appear on a student's transcript constitute attempted credits. Courses for which the student has earned grades of "F," "NP," "I," "WP," "WF," "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. Full-time students on academic probation are limited to four courses comprising a course load of 12-14 credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic probation. Part-time students on academic probation are limited to a course load of six credits for the duration of the semester for which they are on academic probation. Students on academic probation are not eligible to participate in athletics or other intercollegiate activities that require students to maintain good academic standing. Full-time students on academic probation must also meet with a representative of Academic Support Services and may have to satisfy other conditions as determined by the appropriate academic Dean. Academic probation lasts until the student's cumulative GPA is raised to the minimum standard of 2.0. A student may remain on academic probation for no more than two consecutive semesters. For part-time students on probation, the completion of nine credits (even taken over the course of several terms) constitutes a semester, and a part-time student's academic standing is reassessed after the attempt of every nine credits. Students may be dismissed from Trinity College for academic reasons, including:
Trinity College reserves the right to require students to withdraw from the college because of poor academic performance or unsatisfactory conduct. To appeal decisions regarding probation and dismissal, students may submit a written request to the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS CAP) Committee (see below). Students must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions and be reaccepted to Trinity College before attending classes if either of the following conditions are applicable:
In all cases, the readmission process should proceed as follows. The student must reapply through the Office of Admissions by submitting a completed application for readmission, including the following materials:
Before evaluating application materials, the Office of Admissions will consult with the Office of Student Financial Services to identify financial holds and/or payments due to the college. No applications will be processed until all financial holds are removed. After all financial holds are removed, the student's application materials will be forwarded to the Assistant Dean for Academic Support Services as well as the Director of Student Financial Services. The student will typically be required to have an interview with a representative of both Academic Support Services and Student Financial Services before the reapplication process proceeds further. The Assistant Dean for Academic Support Services will consult the Associate Dean for Academic Advising as well as other relevant administrators, such as Health and Wellness Services, about the student's qualifications and fitness for readmission to Trinity. The appropriate academic Deans and the Dean of Student Services will consult on cases difficult to evaluate. A recommendation will be made to grant admission, grant admission with special provisions, or deny admission. If the student is readmitted, she or he will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions that details specific provisions and conditions of their readmission. For students readmitted after academic dismissal, conditions typically include a mandatory semester on academic probation, although other conditions may also apply. Failure to comply with the provisions and conditions of admission may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. A copy of the acceptance letter will be sent to the Registrar, Academic Support Services, and the student's academic advisor, and it will become a part of the student's permanent academic record. Academic Appeals
Appeals may be made to change only the grade of "F" for a specific course or the grade of "F" for a Senior Assessment required for a degree; such appeals will only be considered when the student alleges that the grade does not reflect appropriate academic criteria, i.e. achievement and proficiency in the subject matter. Appeals regarding academic probation or dismissal should be directed to the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee (CAS CAP). Requests for an exception to an academic policy stated in the Trinity College Catalog or the Academic Policy Handbook should be directed to the CAS 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 CAS CAP Committee. Appealing a Final Grade of "F" in a Course The student first submits a written letter to the course instructor in order to resolve the issue no later than three weeks after the beginning of the semester following that in which the grade was assigned. The instructor will respond to the student in writing within three weeks. If the student and instructor do not resolve the matter, the student may appeal the grade in writing to the Program Chair no later than one week after the date on the instructor's response. The Program Chair may mediate the issue for three weeks after the date on the instructor's written response to the student. If the Program Chair is unable to resolve the dispute, the student may formally appeal to the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS CAP) Committee in writing; this appeal must be filed no later than nine weeks after the beginning of the semester following that in which the grade was assigned. The CAS CAP Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing (see Procedural Rules below). The Committee decides either that the "F" will stand or that the "F" will be changed to a Pass. No other grade will be assigned. The Committee informs the student, the Program Chair, and the faculty member of its decision in writing. Appealing a Final Grade of "F" in a Senior Assessment The student first submits a written letter to the Program Chair, who will act to resolve the dispute in consultation with other program faculty, no later than two weeks after the grade is assigned. If the dispute remains unresolved, the student may institute a formal appeal in writing to the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS CAP) Committee no later than four weeks after receiving results of the Senior Assessment. The CAS CAP Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing (see Procedural Rules below). The Committee decides either that the "F" will stand or that the "F" will be changed to a Pass. No other grade will be assigned. The Committee informs the student and the Program Chair of its decision in writing. The student submits a written appeal to the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum and Academic Policy (CAS 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 reconsider the dispute. The CAS CAP Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written appeal or may choose to hold a hearing (see Procedural Rules below). The Committee informs the student and other appropriate parties of its decision in writing. Procedural Rules for Dispute Hearings The student must submit a written request for formal proceedings to the CAS CAP 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:
Student Information, Records, and Transcripts Disclosure
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 College 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 College 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 College 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 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. Current and former students of Trinity College 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 of $5.00 per copy is payable at the time of the request. Trinity adheres to the following policies on the release of transcripts:
Approval InformationThese policies are effective at the release date of this catalog pending approval from the CAS CAP Committee.
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