ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

ADMISSION POLICY

Trinity University’s admission policy, established by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the administration, is to attract academically gifted and highly motivated undergraduate men and women students of varied geographic, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, religious, and national backgrounds who are eager to learn and develop their talents and leadership qualities.

Factors that influence the admission decision include grade point average unweighted on academic solids, course rigor, class rank if reported, high school quality, writing, standardized test scores, recommendations from high school counselors and teachers, special talent and creativity, and contributions to school and community. Students who have attended other institutions of higher learning wishing to transfer to Trinity University will be evaluated also on their academic achievement and courses completed at the prior institution. Final transcripts including any work in progress at the time of admission or done subsequent to admission (such as summer school) must be submitted as soon as available.

Within published requirements for admission, Trinity University does not and will not discriminate in admission of students to study at the University, enrollment in classes, housing, or use of facilities in the academic program because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability (if otherwise qualified for admissions), military/veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Students who have never attended Trinity University should contact the Office of Admissions at Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio TX 78212-7200; (210) 999-7207; 1-800-TRINITY; or admissions@trinity.edu.

ADMISSION MINIMUM COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum secondary school course requirements include four years/credits of English, three years/credits of college preparatory mathematics including either trigonometry or precalculus, three years/credits of natural science (including two years of laboratory science), three years/credits of social science, and two years/credits of a single foreign language. An average of C- or better must be achieved in each course.

ADMISSION DEFICIENCIES

Students admitted to Trinity who have not completed the minimum secondary school course work (outlined in the Admission Minimum Course Requirements section) must register for college courses that remove the deficiencies at the earliest time such college courses are available. The conditions are absolved for such courses in which a grade of C- or better is made. A one-semester course in a subject at the college level will absolve one year of deficiency and a full-year course will absolve two years of deficiency. A mathematics deficiency must be removed by completing a MATH course from this bulletin or an equivalent course.

The Office of the Registrar will enforce removal of deficiencies. Deficiencies may not be waived by faculty advisors. Any exception to policy regarding a deficiency would require approval by the Office of Academic Affairs.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

Citizens of countries other than the United States, whose first language is not English, are encouraged to submit results from the TOEFL (with a recommended score of 250 CBT, 600 Paper, or 100 iBT). In addition, international applicants who are not permanent residents of the United States must submit the Statement of Financial Support or signed, certified bank documents demonstrating one’s ability to fund a Trinity education (contact Office of Admissions for current demonstrated funds requirements). Students should submit certified English translation of documents. Trinity University will issue the I-20 visa application only upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit indicating acceptance of an offer of admission.

STUDENT LEAVE

A student may take personal leave from the university for one or two semesters.  The form applying for leave must be obtained from the Office of the Registrar and filed with the Registrar following consultation with the student’s faculty advisor and the Dean of Students or Vice President for Student Affairs. Leave for more than two semesters can be taken only with approval of both the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and will be granted only for compelling reason. A student on leave may register for the semester of return at the time of the November or April registration, but the student is responsible for establishing contact with the Office of the Registrar and the faculty advisor in order to achieve such registration.  The class schedule will normally be available on the Internet. The student on leave will also retain housing priorities similar to those that he or she was entitled to at the time of the leave.

If the purpose of the leave includes study at another college or university, permission for the leave requires the approval of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the justification for the leave must be the student’s access to curricula not available at Trinity that is central/critical to the student’s program of study. Permission to transfer credit is to be sought in the same manner as for summer school at another institution, and the student is not eligible for any kind of financial aid, including state or federally funded programs, through Trinity University. Reenrollment at Trinity for students on this type of term is dependent on satisfactory performance at the college attended. Behavior that would be deemed grounds for dismissal from Trinity will also be grounds for denial of reenrollment.  Such leave that includes study is not to be confused with approved Study Abroad or approved specialized Special Studies: U.S. semesters for which credit approval and eligibility for financial aid is arranged through the International Programs Office.

READMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY

Former Trinity students who have not been in attendance for one or more regular semesters must file an application for readmission. Readmission forms may be requested from the Registrar.

Applications for readmission must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar at least two months prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student applying for readmission wishes to enroll. The Committee on Academic Standing reviews applications for readmission from students who are not in good standing. Students readmitted to the University are responsible for making arrangements for housing and financial aid. Contact the Offices of Student Affairs and Financial Aid for more information.

Students on approved leave from the University or doing approved study abroad or special studies semesters are not required to apply for readmission.

REGISTRATION

Registration for continuing students will take place during the preceding semester. All continuing students planning to enroll for the upcoming semester must register during this period. Undergraduate students who miss this period may register late during the late registration or add/drop period of the new semester upon payment of a $100 late registration fee.

Registration for new students will be held on the opening days indicated on the Academic calendar. The late registration fee will be charged after the close of regular new student registration.

Registered students may enter modular classes starting after the beginning of the semester on or before the fourth day of the modular class by filling out the appropriate form in the Office of the Registrar. Permission of the instructor of the class is required.

ADD/DROP PERIOD

Students may add courses to their schedule through the sixth day of classes of a regular semester and through the fifth day of classes of a summer term. After those dates, which are specified in the Academic calendar, a student may not enter a new course and no further registration for the term will be accepted.

Students may drop courses from their schedule through the sixth day of classes of a regular semester and through the fifth day of classes of a summer term. After those dates, which are specified in the Academic calendar, a student may only withdraw from a class with a grade of W.

WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE

The University Registrar establishes a course withdrawal deadline for each semester and summer session. The last day to withdraw from a course shall be during the ninth full week of classes in fall and spring semesters and during the third full week of classes in the summer term. If a student withdraws from a course after the Add/Drop period, a grade of W will be entered on the student’s transcript.

Withdrawal deadlines for classes offered for a portion of a semester are established as follows. A student may withdraw from such a class with a grade of W until the end of the third week of the course during the fall or spring semester, or the first week during the summer semester. After these dates, withdrawal may be made only with approval from the Office of Academic Affairs. The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs: Curriculum and Student Issues shall consult with the instructor before approving exceptions to withdrawal policies.

Withdrawal forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. Students failing to file proper withdrawal forms by the appropriate deadline must complete classes for which they are registered or receive an F.

The date of the withdrawal is important with regard to deadlines for tuition refunds as indicated in the Student Expenses section of this bulletin.

After the withdrawal deadline no student may withdraw from a class except in an emergency such as hospitalization.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY

An honorable dismissal will be granted to any student who may desire to withdraw from the University if he/she is in good academic standing, is not subject to discipline, has made satisfactory arrangements for settling his/her financial account, and has had the requisite exit interviews by the residential life staff and student loan officer (if applicable).

After the established withdrawal deadline, students who withdraw from the University will receive grades of F in all courses for which they are registered except for students withdrawing as a result of an emergency such as hospitalization as certified by the Vice President for Student Affairs or Vice President for Academic Affairs.

A student who wishes to withdraw from the University must submit an application for complete withdrawal, signed by his or her advisor, to the Registrar. Official withdrawal from the University for an upcoming semester must be completed prior to the first day of classes in order to receive full refund of tuition. Refund of tuition and other charges will be in accordance with the schedule of reduced costs. (See Student Expenses and Financial Aid.)

Students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing will forfeit claim to honorable dismissal and will be given failing grades.

Students who have registered for classes but then choose not to attend the University must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing or submit an application for complete withdrawal prior to the start of classes. If written notification is not received by the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the Add/Drop period, grades of W will be recorded on the official transcript.

Students who withdraw from the University during a term will have their financial aid reviewed and adjusted as applicable in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and external regulations, rules, and policies.

HEALTH SERVICES, HEALTH RECORD, AND INSURANCE

Upon admission to Trinity University, students are required to file a health record form which includes the student’s medical history, documentation of a physical examination, immunization records, and a statement authorizing medical and dental procedures in emergencies. They must also provide information about current health and hospitalization insurance.

Students admitted for the fall may obtain the required Health Record and Insurance forms from the Tiger’s Lair under the “Forms and Info” tab. January admissions will receive these forms by mail. The Health Record and Insurance forms should be completed by the student and their healthcare provider and returned to Health Services before moving onto campus. Students who fail to meet these requirements may not be permitted to register for classes.

The Trinity University Health Services is a health care facility to be used by students in need of medical consultation. The service is staffed by registered nurses, and a family physician holds tri-weekly clinics by appointment. The range of service includes nursing assessment and care of illness, injuries and minor emergencies; throat cultures; administration of prescribed medications; limited laboratory testing; medical evaluation and treatment by a physician during clinic hours; and appropriate medical and dental referrals.

All students enrolled for nine or more hours of study must show proof of health and hospitalization insurance. This ensures that students can be treated in an emergency and minimizes the financial risk associated with serious illness or injury. Students who do not have a personal health insurance policy are required to purchase the group health insurance plan endorsed by the University. Continuing students are required to submit health insurance information annually in the spring and to update their insurance information with Health Services whenever changes occur.

CREDIT FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND BY EXAMINATION

TRANSFER CREDIT

Trinity University evaluates, and may accept, credit earned at other accredited educational institutions. The basis for approval of transfer credit is that the courses are appropriate to the Trinity curriculum. Thus credit may be given to courses whose content is such that they are or could be appropriately offered at Trinity University. Transfer credit will be evaluated and posted to the academic record only for students currently enrolled at Trinity University. Courses with a grade of D+ or lower will not be accepted for transfer credit. Courses completed at another institution at the lower-division level, including all courses completed at a community or junior college, will transfer as lower-division credit even if the closest equivalent Trinity University course is at the upper division. Transfer credit must be reported on official transcripts sent directly to Trinity University by the other institution.  Hand carried transcripts are not accepted as official documents.

The University does not recognize the Associate of Arts degree for a set number of hours of credit. Each course is evaluated separately to determine if it can apply toward a Trinity degree.

Trinity students who plan to take courses at another institution during the summer or during a semester’s absence and wish to transfer credit to apply toward a degree must have signed approval in advance from their faculty advisor, the chair of the department for the course being transferred, and the Registrar. Approval forms are available from the Registrar. In the case of foreign institutions, see the procedure under Study Abroad (below).

Students may transfer up to 64 semester hours to Trinity University. As an exception to this limit, students who transfer to Trinity with 50 or more credit hours may transfer an additional 15 hours of approved study abroad credit.

A maximum of 19 semester hours of transfer credit may be used to satisfy the Fundamental Understandings of the Common Curriculum, but no more than 10 of these hours may be transferred from another institution for work taken in this country after the student has matriculated at Trinity University. Transfer credit may include study abroad, appropriate credit by examination, and credit transferred from other institutions. Common Curriculum transfer credit is subject to the policy and procedure for credit from other institutions and by examination as stated in this bulletin.

Transfer credit shall satisfy the Common Curriculum requirements for the same Understanding as the equivalent Trinity University course shown on the current list of courses approved for the Common Curriculum. Transfer credit may also be approved if a course not offered at Trinity University substantially satisfies the criteria for an Understanding.

STUDY ABROAD AND OFF-CAMPUS STUDY

Trinity University believes that living and studying in another culture can be an essential part of a liberal arts education. Opportunities for such study are available to all Trinity students including those in the natural sciences and professional disciplines. Approximately 40 percent of Trinity students in the most recent graduating classes have spent a semester or academic year abroad.

Most academic majors are directly enriched through foreign study. This is the case for professionally oriented majors such as business, communication, music, theater, and even engineering, as well as for disciplines more traditionally associated with overseas study such as history and languages. Natural science students may take advantage of the opportunity to approach their disciplines through a different, more specialized, educational system in foreign universities (usually in English-speaking countries), although some natural science majors choose instead to focus for a semester on language or cultural studies. A growing number of specialized programs, internship programs, and field studies programs offer additional opportunities.

A wide choice of Trinity approved programs (many taught in English) allow for a semester or year abroad in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Russia, and other European countries, in Mexico, Costa Rica, and South America, in China, Japan, and other Asian countries, in Africa, in Australia and New Zealand, and in Israel and Egypt. Trinity is an affiliate of the distinguished IES:Institute for the International Education of Students, a coordinating institution for Denmark’s International Studies Program (DIS), a member of the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies (Rome) and of the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), and maintains close relationships with a number of other programs and universities. Trinity most directly sponsors programs as a member of Associated Colleges of the South (ACS). Trinity also has direct exchanges with the TEC de Monterrey in Mexico and several schools in East Asia, including Lingnan University in Hong Kong, National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, and Ewha and Yonsei Universities in Korea.

What particularly distinguishes Trinity’s program for study abroad, however, is its determination to place each individual student in whatever program is most appropriate to the specific needs, interest, and abilities of that individual. To that end Trinity provides a comprehensive set of resources for information and advising. Any interested student should begin by visiting the International Programs Office, preferably as early as possible in his or her academic career. Most forms of financial aid may be applied toward the costs of the semester abroad. Students with financial aid should consult the Study Abroad Office and the Office of Financial Aid.

A Trinity student planning to study abroad and transfer the credits to Trinity must obtain approval for the program in advance. The deadline for processing program applications and approval is October 25, for Spring semester applicants; March 25, for Fall semester, Summer term, and Academic Year applicants. Students intending to study abroad should discuss this interest with their academic advisors as well as with the Study Abroad Counselors. In addition to providing for transfer of credit, approval to study abroad maintains one’s status as a currently enrolled Trinity student during the period abroad and provides for residence hall eligibility and arrangements for registration.

Study Abroad policies and procedures apply to a number of special programs that a Trinity student may pursue in the United States. These include the American University Washington Semester and the Semester in Environmental Sciences at Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole in Massachusetts (both of them formal Trinity affiliates), a United Nations semester, urban semesters in Chicago or Philadelphia, an art semester in New York, and semesters at major national research laboratories in several of the physical and biological sciences.

DUAL CREDIT

Trinity University accepts dual credit (college courses taken as part of the secondary school curriculum) only if the courses taken were not used to satisfy Trinity’s requirements for admission outlined in the Admission Minimum Course Requirements section and have met all other mandated transfer requirements as stated in the Transfer Credit section.

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION

College Board Advanced Placement Program

Trinity University allows students to earn credit prior to entrance through the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Trinity awards credit for most AP examination scores of 4 or 5. A current list of AP examinations showing the equivalent credit awarded by Trinity is available from the Registrar. The granting of credit is automatic upon receipt of official score reports. The student’s academic advisor will usually have this information before the student registers for classes at Trinity.

With respect to English AP credit, six credit hours representing two classes from the range ENGL 2301, 2302, 2303, or 2304 will be given as credit (one class in English literature and one in American literature). Before declaring a major, students must choose one class from the 2301, 2302 sequence and one from the 2303, 2304 sequence to count for AP credit.

Cambridge University International Examinations

Trinity University recognizes some Cambridge University International Examinations, and students may contact the Registrar for further details regarding placement credits in individual academic disciplines.

International Baccalaureate Program

Trinity University allows students to earn credit prior to entrance through the International Baccalaureate Program sponsored by the International Baccalaureate Organization of Geneva, Switzerland and the International Baccalaureate North American regional office in New York. Trinity awards credit for most IB Higher Level Examination scores of 5, 6, or 7. A current list of IB examinations showing the equivalent credit awarded by Trinity is available from the Registrar. Credit will be granted upon receipt of an official IB transcript.

Departmental Examinations

Departmental examinations in specific courses are available to qualified students upon approval of the chair of the department in which the examination is to be taken. Approval forms are available from the Registrar. After approval, but prior to taking the examination, the student must pay the non-refundable departmental examination fee (see Fees for Special Purposes) to the Business Office. The appropriate faculty member then administers and grades the examination. Credit for the course will be granted provided the student passes the examination with a grade of B or higher. Validation of the credit depends on completion by the student of 24 semester hours in residence. The student must be in good standing when the examination is requested.

Credit By Examination Policies

A maximum of 36 semester hours may be acquired through credit by examination. All credit by examination is recorded on the student’s permanent record as credit (CR) without a grade and becomes part of the official transcript. No credit is valid without the student’s enrollment for credit at Trinity University. Transfer credit will not be allowed for credit by examination which does not meet Trinity’s own requirements.

All credit by examination must be earned within the first 58 semester hours of college credit and only in disciplines in which the student does not already have credit more advanced than the level of the examination. Credit by examination may not be duplicated by subsequent enrollment in an equivalent course for credit. Upon recommendation of the student’s faculty advisor and with the approval of the appropriate department, the Registrar may delete credit by examination from the permanent record to allow the student to take the equivalent course for credit. Credit earned by examination satisfies degree requirements in the same way as does credit earned by passing the course, except that it does not count as credit earned in residence.

AIR FORCE RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS PROGRAM

General:

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is offered at Trinity University through a Crosstown Agreement with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Trinity students may attend Air Force ROTC classes at UTSA as part of their Trinity curriculum. Students who meet all Air Force ROTC standards will be commissioned as officers in the United States Air Force upon degree completion from Trinity. The Air Force ROTC program is offered regardless of a student’s major and does not of itself lead to a degree. A maximum of 16 credit hours may be taken.

The Air Force ROTC program provides management and leadership training to prepare students to serve as officers in the U.S. Air Force. The program is open to any U.S. citizen who meets the academic and physical standards.

The Air Force ROTC curriculum is comprised of four courses each semester conducted at the first year, sophomore, junior, and senior levels. Speaking and writing skills are progressively developed in all four levels of instruction.

“The Foundation of the United States Air Force” is the one-hour first-year-level course. It introduces students to the United States Air Force and provides an overview of the basic characteristics, missions, and organization of the Air Force as well as introduction to communication skills. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory must be taken in conjunction with the course. “The Evolution of USAF Air and Space Power” is the one-hour sophomore-level course. It features topics on Air Force heritage and leaders; introduction to air and space power through examination of competencies and functions; and continued application of communication skills. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory must be taken in conjunction with the course. “Air Force Leadership Studies” is the three-hour junior-level course. Students learn advanced skills and knowledge in management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing leadership skills. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory must be taken in conjunction with the course. “National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty” is the three-hour senior-level course. It provides students with the foundation to understand their role as military officers in American society. It is an overview of the complex social and political issues facing the military profession. As with the previous courses, a mandatory Leadership Laboratory must be taken in conjunction with the course. The Leadership Laboratory is approximately one hour and forty-five minutes; all cadets attend the laboratory, which is held once a week during the semester.

Four-Year Program:

The GENERAL MILITARY COURSE (GMC) is open to all Trinity students, and is generally taken during the first and second years. There is no obligation incurred by nonscholarship GMC cadets. Cadets will learn the history, role and structure of the U.S. Air Force, and basic military skills. Veterans who have been honorably discharged may be granted credit for part or all of the GMC.

The PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS COURSE (POC) is the upper division portion of the Air Force ROTC program. Admittance to the POC is based on competitive criteria and the needs of the Air Force. Prior to entering the POC, applicants will normally attend a four-week field training encampment. The POC is normally taken during the junior and senior years. All POC students are enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and receive a subsistence allowance. Upon completion of the POC and all degree requirements, cadets are commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and serve a minimum of four years on active duty. A maximum of 12 hours is allowed for the POC.

Two-Year Program:

Students not enrolled in the GMC may apply to enter the POC under the Two-Year Program. In order to enter the POC, Two-Year Program applicants must successfully complete a six-week training encampment. The Two-Year Program is more limited than the Four-Year Program. Interested applicants should contact the Professor of Aerospace Studies at UTSA (210-458-4624) during the fall semester prior to their last two years at Trinity.

Flight Training:

The AFROTC has a very competitive program for qualified people who desire to become a pilot or navigator. There are particular physical qualifications, which include vision, height/weight, Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores, and health history. AFROTC pilot candidates attend Introductory Flight Training, which pays for a private pilot’s license if the member does not have one already.

Scholarships and Remuneration:

Air Force ROTC offers 4-, 3-, and 2-year competitive scholarships. Four-Year Program cadets may compete for all scholarships, while Two-Year Program applicants can apply for 2-year scholarships. All scholarships provide tuition and fee assistance, a book allotment, plus $250-$400 a month subsistence allowance. These scholarships are awarded solely on academic merit. Students interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the Professor of Aerospace Studies at UTSA.

All students enrolled in the POC and contracted to the U.S. Air Force will be paid a $350-$400 a month subsistence allowance.

Uniforms and Equipment:

All uniforms, textbooks, and other equipment will be issued to students enrolled in Air Force ROTC courses. Students are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all items issued them.

Air Force ROTC Offices (210-458-4624) are located on the fourth floor of the Multidisciplinary Studies Building (MS 4.03.36) on the University of Texas at San Antonio campus.

CORRESPONDENCE STUDY

Trinity University does not offer undergraduate academic work by correspondence and does not accept such work.