School of Professional Studies Graduate Academic Policy Handbook
I. Student Status
II. Advising, Enrollment, & Registration
III. Attendance and Examinations
IV. Transfer Policies
& Courses at Other Institutions
V. Degree Requirements
VI. Grading System
VII. Academic Standing
VIII. Academic Appeals
IX. Student Information, Records, and Transcripts
I. Student Status
A. Degree and Non-Degree Status
B. Full-Time and Part-Time Status
C. Leave of Absence
D. Withdrawal from Trinity
E. Commencement Participation
A. Degree and Non-degree Status
1. All degree and non-degree graduate students in the School of Professional
Studies must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Degree or matriculated students have been formally admitted to a
graduate degree program in the School of Professional Studies at Trinity.
3. Non-degree graduate 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 Continuing Education.
a. Enrollment in courses as a non-degree student does not denote or
imply admission to a degree program.
b. No more than six credits earned at Trinity as a non-degree student
may later be applied toward a degree.
c. Special policies apply to credit earned in Professional Development
Workshops; in general, these credits may not be applied toward a degree.
4. Students with non-degree status may apply for degree status by meeting
all admission requirements; the student's faculty advisor must approve
in writing all credits earned as a non-degree student that will count
toward the student's degree.
B. Full-time and Part-time Status
1. A full-time student in the School of Professional Studies registers
for nine credits or more in a semester.
2. A part-time student in the School of Professional Studies 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.
C. Leave of Absence
1. A leave of absence is a voluntary leave from campus for up to one
year, with the intention of returning to Trinity. The student will not
have to apply for readmission as long as she or he returns within this
time frame.
2. A leave of absence allows the student to continue an affiliation
with Trinity. Unlike a withdrawal (see Section I.D
below), a leave of absence allows Trinity to keep the student on a mailing
list and continue to send important information, such as registration
materials.
3. Students receiving financial aid must have an exit interview with
a representative of Student Financial Services before the leave of absence
is approved because lenders perceive a leave of absence as a withdrawal.
Students are responsible for all tuition associated with course registrations
and any other fees associated with Trinity.
4. Students requesting a leave of absence should adhere to the following
procedures:
a. 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.
b. 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 Section II below).
c. The student meets with an academic advisor for an exit interview.
d. The student meets with a representative of Student Financial Services
if the student is receiving or has received financial aid.
e. Student arranges payment for all outstanding bills with the Business
Office.
D. Withdrawal from Trinity
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Students who withdraw from Trinity should follow these procedures:
a. Notify the Dean of intent to withdraw.
b. Withdraw from all classes in accordance with the policy for course
withdrawals (see Section II.E below) if the student
withdraws from Trinity in the middle of a semester in which the student
is taking classes.
c. Meet with an academic advisor for an exit interview.
d. Meet with a representative of Student Financial Services.
e. Arrange payment for all outstanding bills with the Business Office.
f. Order an official transcript and ensure that it indicates withdrawal
from Trinity after the completed withdrawal request has been processed.
E. Commencement Participation
1. Only students who have fulfilled all degree requirements may participate
in Commencement and related activities.
2. To participate in Commencement, students must adhere to the following
procedures:
a. Submit application for graduation to the Registrar by the printed
deadline.
b. Pay graduation application fee and receive financial clearance.
c. 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.
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II. Advising, Enrollment, and Registration
A. Advising
B. Registration
C. Course Schedule Adjustments
D. Audit
E. Withdrawal from a Course
F. Late Withdrawal from a Course
A. Advising
1. Advising for Degree Students
a. Students admitted to a degree program must meet with an academic
advisor to discuss their career options and degree requirements; students
and advisors collaboratively develop an Academic Plan.
b. Once an Academic Plan is on file in the School of Professional
Studies, students register following their chosen course of study
on a semester-by-semester basis by obtaining the permission of their
advisor.
c. If students propose to deviate from their Academic Plan (e.g.
take an additional course or take a course out of sequence), they
must first discuss the proposed course of study with their advisor
and obtain the advisor's signature.
2. Advising for Non-Degree Students
a. 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.
b. To register, non-degree students must obtain the signature of
the Director of Admissions for the School of Professional Studies,
the Dean, or the Dean's designate.
3. Advisor Assignment and Change of Advisors
a. Students are assigned advisors specific to their course of study.
b. Only in extenuating circumstances may a student change advisors
if an option is available.
B. Registration
1. During the registration period near the end of each term, matriculated
students register for courses according to the Academic Plan for the
following semester.
2. After selecting the appropriate courses, each student must register
online or 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.
C. Course Schedule Adjustments
1. 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.
2. During this period students may also change to or from a formal
audit or alter the number of credits in courses carrying variable credit.
3. If a schedule change involves increased tuition and/or fees, payment
arrangements must be made before the change will be processed.
4. Students seeking a Course Schedule Adjustment should follow these
procedures:
a. Obtain Schedule Adjustment Form.
b. Meet with advisor to discuss how the proposed change(s) may affect
the student's academic goals and progress toward degree.
c. Complete relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment Form and
obtain advisor's signature.
d. Return signed form to Registration Services or the Office of
the Registrar.
D. Audit
1. Formal audits
a. Classes audited on a formal basis will appear on the transcript,
but they do not carry credits applicable toward a degree.
b. Graduate students in the School of Professional Studies must
pay a fee per credit to audit a class.
c. Students must obtain formal permission from their academic advisor
to audit a class.
d. An auditor must register for the course and attend class meetings
regularly.
2. Informal audits
a. Informal audits of graduate classes in the School of Professional
Studies are not allowed; only enrolled students or formal auditors
may attend classes.
b. Children may not attend classes with or without their parents
(see Section III.A.3 below).
E. Withdrawal from a Course
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. Students are responsible for the partial or full payment for courses
from which they have withdrawn. Students should refer to the published
course schedule.
5. To withdraw from a course, students should follow this procedure:
a. Student obtains Schedule Adjustment Form.
b. Student confers with advisor to discuss how withdrawing from
the course will affect academic plans.
c. Student fills out relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment
Form.
d. Student obtains the signature of student's academic advisor.
e. Student returns signed form to the Office of the Registrar.
6. The Registrar will inform the course instructor(s) in writing that
the student has officially withdrawn from the course(s).
F. Late Withdrawal from a Course
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. Students are responsible for the full payment for courses from
which they have withdrawn late.
4. To pursue late withdrawal from a course, students should follow
this procedure:
a. Student obtains Schedule Adjustment Form.
b. Student meets with advisor to discuss how withdrawal from the
course will affect academic plans.
c. Student fills out relevant sections of the Schedule Adjustment
Form.
d. Student obtains the signature of student's academic advisor.
e. Student makes formal written application to the Academic Vice
President, detailing reasons for requesting a late withdrawal; a copy
of the Schedule Adjustment Form as well as supporting documentation
must be included.
f. The School of Professional Studies Curriculum and Academic Policy (SPS CAP)
Committee considers the merits of the request and makes the final
determination whether or not to allow the late withdrawal.
5. The Registrar will inform the course instructor(s) in writing that
the student has officially withdrawn from the course(s).
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III. Attendance and Examinations
A. Attendance
B. Final Examinations
A. Attendance
1. Students are expected to attend all class meetings; class attendance
means students are punctual and stay for the duration of the class.
2. 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.
3. 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.
B. Final Examinations
1. Course examinations or final assessments are held at the end of
each semester at the discretion of each instructor.
2. 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.
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IV. Transfer Policies & Courses at Other Institutions
A. Transfer Credits Satisfying Degree Requirements
B. Courses at Other Institutions
C. Courses Through the Consortium of Universities of
the Washington Metropolitan Area
D. Credit Through Non-College or Experiential Learning
A. Transfer Credits Satisfying Graduate Degree Requirements
1. A maximum of six credits (semester hours) completed at another
institution may be may be applied toward a degree program at Trinity.
2. Courses eligible for transfer must meet the following requirements:
a. The course(s) must have been completed at a college or university
accredited by the appropriate regional higher education accrediting
association.
b. The course(s) must have been completed with a final grade of
"B" or better.
c. The course(s) must have been taken at the graduate-level.
d. Each course must have been completed no longer than five years
prior to the date of matriculation in the degree program.
3. Requests for transfer credit must be relevant to the degree sought
and must be approved by the student's faculty advisor.
B. Courses at Other Institutions
1. While enrolled at Trinity, a student may earn credits on a limited
basis at other accredited institutions.
2. 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 Academic
Plan.
3. Students should obtain the appropriate forms from the Office of
the Registrar.
4. Transfer courses will appear on a student's transcript as "TR"
unless the course was completed at a Consortium school.
5. A student may transfer no more than six credits toward a Trinity
degree (see Section IV.A above).
C. Courses Through the Consortium of Universities
of the Washington Metropolitan Area
1. 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.
a. Registration is limited to a needed course or courses that cannot
reasonably be expected to be offered at Trinity.
b. The approval of the Dean is required for registration in any
course offered through the Consortium.
2. Enrollment is subject to Consortium as well as Trinity regulations.
Students should confer with the Registrar, who serves as the Consortium
Coordinator.
3. The following policies govern the participation of Trinity students
in the Consortium:
a. Trinity students may take Consortium courses only if the courses
are not available at Trinity during the semester.
b. Only full-time degree students are eligible for Consortium privileges.
Exceptions require approval by Trinity's Consortium Coordinator.
c. Students in their last semester before graduation are discouraged
from taking courses through the Consortium. Delays in reporting Consortium
grades may prevent a student from graduating and/or participating
in commencement activities.
d. Students must demonstrate the relevance of proposed Consortium
course(s) to their academic and post-College goals. This rationale
must be submitted with the registration form.
e. Before receiving advisor approval, students must obtain approval
from the appropriate Trinity Program Chair in the subject area involved
(or the Trinity Consortium Coordinator for courses in subjects without
corresponding programs at Trinity).
f. Students on probation or carrying a grade of "Incomplete"
should take Consortium courses only in extraordinary circumstances;
approval is required from Trinity's Consortium Coordinator.
g. Students wishing to take more than two Consortium courses in
any given semester must obtain approval from Trinity's Consortium
Coordinator.
h. All registrations for Consortium courses must receive final approval
from the Dean.
i. The final grade received in a Consortium course is recorded on
the Trinity transcript and calculated into the student's grade point
average.
j. Students participating in Consortium courses or programs must
arrange for their own transportation.
4. 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 Trinity. However, a faculty
member at the visited institution may require an earlier deadline.
5. Trinity is not responsible for delays in the reporting of grades
from Consortium institutions; all grades must be recorded by the Registrar
for a student to be eligible to receive credit. Students are responsible
for checking with instructors at Consortium institutions to assure the
timely report of grades to Trinity.
D. Credit Through Non-College or Experiential Learning
1. A maximum of 6 credits earned through experiential learning (learning
acquired from work, volunteer, or other professional experience) may
be applied toward the completion of a Trinity graduate degree.
2. The experiential learning acquired in the non-college setting must
be graduate level and appropriate to the student's degree program.
3. Experiential learning is not applicable to some courses; the applicability
of experiential learning is determined by the Program Director. Students
should consult their faculty advisor concerning courses that are appropriate
for experiential learning credit.
4. To apply for experiential learning credit, students must be matriculated
in a degree program and have completed nine credits at Trinity with
a minimum GPA of 3.0.
5. To receive credit for experiential learning, students must submit
an Experiential Learning Application for Portfolio Development Form
for approval of the Program Director before work on the portfolio can
begin. Experiential Learning Forms are available in the Dean's Office.
Experiential learning fees appear on the application form as well as
in the published schedule of tuition and fees.
6. Credits taken through the experiential learning program do not
count toward the minimum credits required for a student's full- or part-time
status, and such credits are not calculated in the determination of
financial aid.
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V. Degree Requirements
A. General Requirements for the Master's Degree (M.A.,
M.B.A., M.S., M.S.A)
B. Capstone Projects and Practica
A. General Requirements for the Master's Degree (M.A.,
M.B.A. M.S., M.S.A)
1. Students must meet three general requirements to graduate and receive
a master's degree:
a. Successful completion of all program requirements (refer to the
Trinity Catalog for specific requirements).
b. Successful completion of the capstone project (see
Section V.B below).
c. Be in good academic standing (see Section VII
below).
2. The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) required to graduate
is 3.0.
3. No student may count more than one course in which a "C"
was earned toward a degree.
4. 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 SPS Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee.
B. Capstone Projects and Practica
1. Near the end of their degree program, all graduate students, with
the exception of M.B.A. students, must complete a capstone project and/or
practicum, which provides them with the opportunity to apply, synthesize,
and evaluate knowledge and skills acquired during their graduate study.
2. Students should consult their faculty advisor for a description
of capstone and practica options and guidelines.
3. 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 project will be charged a continuation
fee for each subsequent semester until the project is completed.
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VI. Grading System
A. Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
B. Incomplete Grades
C. Grades for Work In Progress
D. Grades for Withdrawals
E. Grade Changes
F. Grades for Repeated Courses
A. Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)
1. 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:
| A |
4.0 |
B- |
2.7 |
| A- |
3.7 |
C+ |
2.3 |
| B+ |
3.3 |
C |
2.0 |
| B |
3.0 |
F |
0.0 |
2. Designations carrying no grade points include:
| AU |
Audit |
TR |
Transfer Credit |
| I |
Incomplete |
W |
Withdrawal |
| IP |
In Progress |
* |
Repeated Course |
3. Graduate courses may not be taken Pass/No Pass.
B. Incomplete Grades
1. A grade of "I" (Incomplete) is recorded only in cases
judged sufficiently serious by the instructor.
2. 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.
3. The Contract for Incomplete Form must be attached to the instructor's
final grade sheet to be valid.
4. A copy of the Contract for Incomplete Form must be delivered to
the student's advisor.
5. Graduate students have a maximum of one semester to make up incomplete
work, with all summer sessions treated as one semester:
a. A final grade to replace an incomplete from the Fall Term must
be received in the Office of the Registrar no later than the last
week of class of the following Spring Term.
b. A final grade to replace an incomplete from the Spring Term must
be received in the Office of the Registrar no later than the last
week of class of the following Summer Term.
c. A final grade to replace an incomplete from any Summer Term must
be received in the Office of the Registrar no later than the last
week of class of the following Fall Term.
d. Students must submit work sufficiently in advance of these dates
to allow instructors time for grading.
e. Extensions of the Contract for Incomplete require the approval
of the School of Professional Studies Curriculum and Academic Policy
(SPS CAP) Committee.
6. Grades that are still incomplete after the deadline are changed
from "I" to "F" on the student's transcript.
7. For Incomplete Grades in Consortium courses, see Section IV.C.4
above.
8. For the purposes of determining good academic standing and satisfactory
academic progress (see Section VII.A below), grades of "I"
(Incomplete) are calculated into a student's GPA as grades of "C"
(2.0).
C. Grades for Work In Progress
1. The grade of "IP" (In Progress) is recorded only in cases
where a student has not completed the Practicum, Internship, Capstone
Project, or Master's Project during the semester in which the student
initially registered for the course(s).
2. A student who receives a grade of "IP" for a course is
required to register for the course, for 0 credits for the following
semester; a continuation fee is charged for each semester until the
required course work is completed.
3. For the purposes of determining good academic standing and satisfactory
academic progress (see Section VII.A below), grades
of "IP" (In Progress) are calculated into a student's GPA
as grades of "C" (2.0).
D. Grades for Withdrawals
1. 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.
2. Withdrawals are not used to calculate a student's GPA.
3. The process for withdrawal from a course is described in Section
II.E above.
E. Grade Changes
1. Faculty, at their discretion and only after serious consideration,
may change a student's grade.
2. 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.
3. To appeal a grade received in a course, refer to Section VIII below.
F. Grades for Repeated Courses
1. A graduate student may repeat any given course only once.
2. 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.
3. In place of the less favorable grade(s), a notation will appear
on the transcript to indicate that the course has been repeated.
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VII. Academic Standing
A. Good Academic Standing
B. Academic Probation
C. Academic Dismissal
D. Readmission
A. Good Academic Standing
1. Good academic standing for graduate students in the School of Professional
Studies constitutes maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average
(GPA) of 3.0.
2. To remain in good academic standing, students must also complete
two-thirds of their attempted credits.
3. Students receiving a grade of "F" in a course are not
considered to be in good academic standing regardless of their GPA and
may be dismissed from the Trinity (see Section VII.C
below).
4. For the purposes of determining good academic standing and satisfactory
academic progress, grades of "I" (Incomplete) and grades of
"IP" (In Progress) are calculated into a student's GPA as
grades of "C" (2.0).
B. Academic Probation
1. Students who are not in good academic standing are placed on academic
probation. Students may be placed on academic probation if their cumulative
GPA falls below 3.0 or if they have completed less than two-thirds of
their attempted credits.
a. All courses, except audits, that appear on a student's transcript
constitute attempted credits.
b. Courses for which the student has earned grades of "F,"
"I," "IP," "W," or "*" are
considered attempted credits that have not been completed.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Students may be removed from academic probation once their cumulative
GPA is raised to the minimum standard of 3.0.
5. A student may remain on academic probation for no more than one
semester.
6. 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 Section VII.C below).
C. Academic Dismissal
1. Students may be dismissed from Trinity for academic reasons, including:
a. Carrying a GPA below 3.0 after spending one semester on academic
probation.
b. Earning a final grade of "F" in a graduate course.
c. Violating the Honor System, as detailed in the Trinity Policy
on Academic Honesty.
2. Trinity reserves the right to dismiss students because of poor
academic performance or unsatisfactory conduct.
3. To appeal decisions regarding probation and dismissal, students
may submit a written request to the School of Professional Studies Curriculum
and Academic Policy (SPS CAP) Committee (see Section VIII below).
D. Readmission
1. Students who have been dismissed from Trinity for academic or other
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.
2. 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 readmission.
a. A copy of the acceptance letter 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.
b. For students readmitted after academic dismissal, conditions
for readmission typically include a mandatory semester on academic
probation, although other conditions may also apply.
c. Failure to comply with the provisions and conditions of admission
may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
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VIII. Academic Appeals
A. General Policy for Appeals
B. Appealing a Final Grade in a Course Below a "B"
(3.0), Excluding Grades of "F"
C. Appealing a Final Grade of "F" in a Course
D. All Other Appeals
E. Procedural Rules for Dispute Hearings
A. General Policy for Appeals
1. 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 Section
VIII.C below).
2. Appeals regarding academic probation or dismissal should be directed
to the School of Professional Studies Curriculum and Academic Policy
(SPS CAP) Committee.
3. Requests for an exception to an academic policy stated in the Trinity
Catalog or the Academic Policy Handbook should be directed to the SPS
CAP Committee.
4. 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 SPS CAP Committee.
B. Appealing a Final Grade in a Course Below a
"B" (3.0), Excluding Grades of "F"
1. 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.
2. 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 of 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.
3. The advisor's decision about the issue represents the final resolution
of a dispute for below a "B," excluding grades of "F."
C. Appealing a Final Grade of "F" in
a Course
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. If the advisor is unable to resolve the dispute, the student may
appeal formally to the SPS 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.
4. The Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written
appeal or may choose to hold a hearing (see Section
VIII.E below).
5. The Committee informs the student, the advisor, the instructor,
and the Registrar of its decision in writing.
D. All Other Appeals
1. The student submits a written appeal to the SPS 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.
2. Based on the written appeal, the Committee decides whether or not
to consider the dispute.
3. The Committee may resolve the dispute based solely upon the written
appeal or may choose to hold a hearing (see Section
VIII.E below).
4. The Committee informs the student and other appropriate parties
of its decision in writing.
E. Procedural Rules for Dispute Hearings Before
all Curriculum and Academic Policy Committees
1. 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.
2. The hearing will be held to take evidence and hear arguments concerning
the dispute. The following rules shall apply:
a. The Committee may exclude evidence and arguments that are irrelevant
to the case.
b. 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.
c. 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. Legal counsel is admitted. 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.
d. 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.
e. 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.
f. 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.
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IX. Student Information, Records, and Transcripts
A. Disclosure
B. Maintenance of Student Records
C. Transcripts
A. Disclosure
1. The following categories of student information are designated
as public or directory information:
a. Category I information includes name, address, telephone number,
dates of attendance, and class standing.
b. Category II information includes previous institution(s) attended,
major field(s) of study, awards, honors (such as Dean's List), and
degree(s) conferred.
2. Information from Category I or Category II may be disclosed by
the institution for any purpose, at its discretion.
3. 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.
4. 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.
B. Maintenance of Student Records
1. Trinity protects the reputation of its students by carefully maintaining
the confidentiality of their official Trinity 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
C. Transcripts
1. Current and former students of Trinity may request academic transcripts
from the Office of the Registrar.
2. 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.
3. Trinity adheres to the following policies on the release of transcripts:
a. No transcript will be released if the student has failed to satisfy
all financial obligations to Trinity.
b. Transcripts will not be issued to a third party without written
authorization of the student.
c. 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 24 hours
of receipt of the written request.
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Additional Information
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.
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