Special Programs

Trinity students find 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 of research, field trips, internships, and part-time jobs. Learning at Trinity extends beyond the classroom.

Trinity is dedicated to empowering women to make a difference in our society. Special programs which develop leadership skills in our students and expose them to the workings of public policy include the Trinity Center for Women in Public Policy, the Model Assembly of the Organization of American States, and the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN).

Engineering Dual Degree Program: The "3-2" Program

Trinity College and The George Washington University offer a Dual Degree Program in Mathematics/Natural Science and Engineering. After three years of academic study in a physical science or mathematics at Trinity College, the student will apply for transfer to The George Washington University 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 The George Washington University.

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. Students interested in this program should contact Dr. Hollis Williams, program chair.

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.

Internships

At Trinity College, the goal is to educate students for life, not only through academic training, but also through aggressive career preparation. It is well known that work experience is an important factor in the competitive process of applying for a professional position. Whether a young woman wishes to start her career upon graduation or to go on to graduate school, it is imperative that she have experience in her chosen field. To this end, Trinity's internship program is an integral part of a student's education.

Trinity College has an excellent reputation for matching students with internships that provide students 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, which contains all internship sites currently available, as well as information on past internship sites that have successfully 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. Students interested in receiving academic credit for an internship complete the application form, register and pay for the course, and complete all course requirements. Forms are available from both the Office of Academic Support and Career Services and the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs.

Mentor Program

The Mentor Program exposes Trinity students to specific work environments by providing supportive relationships with Trinity graduates who have achieved positions of influence in government, business, communications, the arts, or health care. Through a continuing relationship and meetings several times a year, the student gains valuable insight into the day-to-day reality of her mentor's professional life and develops important career contacts. Unlike an internship, the Mentor Program allows students to work out their own terms of involvement, and these alliances often become the start of lifelong friendships.

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 Annual Model Organization of American States General Assembly Program is coordinated by the Spanish Program at Trinity. For information on course requirements, see Interdisciplinary Courses in the Undergraduate Programs of Study section of this catalog.

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 believes 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.

Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program

The Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program at Trinity College is designed for women who want to design a career in the health professions, but need the basic science and mathematics courses required by most medical schools. Post-baccalaureate students attend classes during the weekdays, enjoying the advantages of Trinity College's small class size and personal attention. Generally, new students begin their studies in the fall semester.

Study Abroad

One of the most exciting possibilities students have is the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program. Trinity offers the chance to study abroad 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.

Trinity's Study Abroad Programs

Trinity College sponsors two short-term programs. "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 changes and challenges taking place in the global business environment.

Trinity's May Term in Mexico, affiliated with the Center for Bilingual-Multicultural Studies in Cuernavaca, offers students a two-week immersion program in the Spanish language and Mexican history and culture. Students combine small-group classes in Spanish with field trips to sites emphasizing Mexico's rich cultural heritage. In addition, living with Mexican families offers opportunities for cultural learning and discovery beyond the classroom.

Other Study Abroad Programs

For those interested in other study abroad options, Trinity helps students learn about and apply to approved programs offered by other schools and educational institutions. Students can learn more about the rain forests in Costa Rica, study Shakespeare at Oxford, or serve as a volunteer in Ghana, just to name a few options. To learn more about the study abroad options offered by Trinity, contact the Director for Intercultural Programs. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to participate and choose from programs approved by Trinity.

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 and 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. Documentation and evidence must be presented about the learning experience and the level of the learning that has occurred. Before applying for TELL, a student must successfully complete at least 12 credits at Trinity and a college-level English composition course. A student who wishes to apply for TELL must attend a TELL orientation workshop. After attending the workshop, the student applies for the TELL program by completing an application and paying an application fee. If accepted, the student registers for and completes a portfolio preparation course (INT 300 TELL Seminar). The TELL Seminar and submission of portfolios must take place at least three semesters before graduation.

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. The maximum for any type or level of experiential learning (TELL, CLEP, DANTES, ACE/PONSI) is 30 credits. Any experiential learning credits awarded must be in addition to the minimum 32 Trinity credits required for a degree. For additional information about TELL, contact the Office of Enrollment Services.

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 that offers week-long courses for students 55 years and older, taught by experts on a variety of topics, including 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 at 202-884-9399.

The 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 Academic Policies section of this catalog).

Special 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. Listed below is the procedure for admission:

1. The Admissions Director will review the following:

a. the student's official high school record;
b. the student's own statement of reasons for applying to the course, and;
c. a recommendation from a high school guidance counselor (assessment of maturity, personal, and social readiness).

2. If all the above warrant that the student's application be given serious consideration, the instructor of the course the applicant wishes to take will 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 credit hours in the fall semester and eight credit hours 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.