Academic Catalog | Student Life

Student Life

Student Life PDF

Trinity College offers education designed to equip men and women for Christian service in a number of occupations. This sort of equipping demands growth and development in every facet of life and recognizes that true Christian maturity goes beyond academic achievement to include one’s lifestyle. At Trinity, we are committed to complementing classroom instruction with Biblical values and lifestyles.

Trinity College provides many opportunities for Christian fellowship and for the enrichment of Christian personality through a balanced program of social events throughout the year. The social program is correlated through the Office of the Vice President for Student Development. These events include a series of all-school socials sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Devotionals and interpersonal relationships in the residence halls provide shared experiences leading toward maturity. All of these are a vital part of the student experience at Trinity College.

Student Handbook
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:12, NASB)
In order to do this, clearly defined standards and guidelines are necessary. The Trinity College Student Handbook will be each student’s source for information regarding the College’s standards and guidelines. We acknowledge that it is impossible to create a community with behavioral standards with which each member totally agrees, but we believe that it is essential to specify certain patterns that will assist the community in realizing its objectives. It is the desire of the College that true freedom of thought and action be enjoyed by the students, but there can be no effective freedom without organization. This is particularly true of large groups of people living in close contact and interdependence. The guidelines set forth in the Trinity College Student Handbook are designed to regulate the activities of the student body so that the basic rights of all are protected. Scriptural standards, which are binding on the entire Christian community, have been taken
into consideration in the formation of all guidelines. It is the hope of the College that each student will have a value system based on scriptural concepts which will be reinforced by a set of strong inner controls.

The College expects, therefore, that all students will read and carefully observe the policies in the Student Handbook.

Medical Information Forms
The American College Health Association has recommended that all college students born after December 31, 1956, be given a second dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR). These vaccines must be obtained from a family physician prior to arrival on campus. Proof of these vaccinations must be submitted to the Office of Student Development.

Christian Service
The Christian Service program involves weekly participation in a specific ministry or community service activity approved by the Vice President for Student Development. This service is required for full-time students at the College. Freshmen and Sophomores can minister in a variety of programs, which may or may not correspond to their chosen major. Juniors and Seniors will need to minister in an area corresponding to their chosen major. Students involved in an internship or a Practicum are excused from Christian Service. All Christian Service sections must be recorded as “satisfactory” to be permitted to walk in graduation.

Chapel
The Chapel program of Trinity College is designed to be an important part in the development of students’ spiritual lives. Chapel takes place on Monday and Wednesday, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and all full-time students are required to attend. Students who are enrolled part-time, and who have a class immediately before or after Chapel are also required to attend. All Chapel sessions must be recorded as “satisfactory” to be permitted to walk in graduation.

Social Activities
Trinity College provides many opportunities for Christian fellowship and for the enrichment of Christian personality. In addition to the usual associations of residence hall life, the College sponsors special events such as banquets, informal sports events, college outings, and other activities in which the entire College participates. These activities provide an opportunity for students to mature in their relationships with others and their Lord. Through these activities, the College seeks to develop the whole student in social, physical, mental, and emotional areas.

Education in Action
Education in Action (EIA) provides students with valuable teaching experience and resources to help prepare them to teach in their directed areas of study. Students are able to apply their skills to
real educational experiences as well as have the opportunity to impact the youth they work with. EIA also organizes educational activities, student volunteering, and discussion forums designed to
further student learning and growth.

Great Commission Missionary Fellowship
Understanding that both prayer and awareness are essential elements for all missionary ventures, the Great Commission Missionary Fellowship (GCMF) organizes various student activities involving world missions. An annual missions conference brings church leaders, missionaries, mission organizations, and others to the campus for a special time of concentrated recognition of missions as the worldwide outflow of the church. Trinity College works with other Bible colleges and Christian institutions in sponsoring missions conferences and cooperative projects.

Speaking Truth Student Group
The Speaking Truth Student group was formed to promote the Great Commission and to build up and edify the students preparing for ministry. The student group preaches the gospel at a variety
of locations including local schools, churches and assisted living facilities.

Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) and its activities are an important part of the educational and social program of the College and can provide valuable leadership experience. All students are encouraged to participate in this balanced program of activities. The SGA is an elected body that coordinates various cultural, social, and intramural athletic programs for the College
student body. The SGA also serves as a way students can communicate needs and concerns to the College Administration.

Trinity’s Heart Against Trafficking
Trinity’s Heart Against Trafficking brings awareness in the College and in the community about human trafficking locally, nationally, and around the world.

Recreational/Sporting Activities
Intramural sports are an inner school sports program designed for relaxation, socialization, and healthy physical activity. The emphasis is on participation. Students and staff are encouraged to become active through the various individual and team sport contests. Intramural sports, which include basketball, soccer, frisbee, and flag football, cater to the interests of the student body.

Sports Equipment
The following equipment is available for checkout through Student Government: disc golf frisbees, footballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, orange cones, and games.

Athletics
The Athletic Department at Trinity College of Florida is dedicated to excellence both on and off the court. Practice, hard work, and commitment are key to developing successful teams which generate winning results. Our highly motivated coaching staff believes in mastering sport fundamentals, incorporating proven strategies, and creating positive team cultures which
produce great achievements. Trinity College of Florida is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Our men’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball teams currently participate in the NCCAA. If you share a desire for excellence in athletics, then Trinity College of Florida invites you to become part of its athletic program.

YMCA Membership for Trinity Students
All traditional students will have membership in the James P. Gills Family YMCA. The YMCA has the latest fitness equipment, a gym, two swimming pools, and the other usual YMCA programming available to members. The YMCA is adjacent to the College campus.

Residence Halls
In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12, NASB)
The experiences and relationships in the residence hall environment will become some of the most important of the student’s educational career. These opportunities enable the student to put into practice Christian principles that are learned in the classroom setting, enabling the student to grow and minister at the same time.

As a result, all students under the age of 24 are required to live on campus, with the exception of married students and persons living with one or both parents. Priority will be given to freshmen and international students. Room assignments are made through the Student Development Office and room deposits should be made as early as possible.

DISCIPLINE
Philosophy of Discipline 
The purpose of discipline at Trinity College is to assist in the maturity of its members and to aid the College in maintaining an atmosphere conducive to Christian growth. Discipline is designed to help students assume responsibility for themselves as mature Christians in the Trinity College community in particular, and the Christian community in general. The biblical model of confrontation taught in Matthew 18 is the primary model that College personnel seek to follow in their work with students. The requirements that may follow are intended to be developmental and
redemptive, rather than merely punitive.

Trinity College students are expected to conduct themselves in compliance with the Trinity College Student Handbook, and in such a way as to adorn the high calling of the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives. Accordingly, students are expected to assume responsibility for their personal conduct, and also to accept reasonable Christian responsibility for the behavior of others.

If the conduct of a student appears to be inconsistent with these standards, the Student Disciplinary Procedure will be employed in the investigation and disposition of the matter.

The Vice President for Student Development and Director of Student Life, the Student Development Disciplinary Committee, and/or the Student Disciplinary Review Committee, may make student disciplinary decisions. All time restrictions specified in this document refer to business hours. Twenty-four hours, therefore, means within the next business day; action taken on Friday, for example, will be completed on the following Monday.

Students discovered violating the College requirements as expressed in the Trinity College Student Handbook should expect a response, which will assure the maintenance of College standards and the call to integrity and responsibility on the part of the offender. The administration of Trinity College of Florida reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to evaluate any conduct it deems detrimental to the purpose and mission of the college.

Dual Enrollment Students
Students grades 10-12 simultaneously earn credits toward their high school diploma and a college degree, in-seat or online (attending a traditional semester). Visit the dual enrollment website page trinitycollege.edu/dual-enrollment for the list of courses offered at the reduced price of $390.00 per course. Additional costs for books and other materials may be required.

High school students may take general education courses, including first and second-year Bible/theology courses. Courses not designated as dual enrollment (see the downloadable list on the dual
enrollment page) will be charged at the regular tuition rate of $515 a credit hour.

TCF academic requirements for admissions as a dual-enrolled student: Students must be at least a sophomore in high school and have at least a 3.0 GPA to take dual enrollment courses. They must also process through the normal admissions process with the exception of the required SAT/ACT tests.

Home-Schooled Students
Home-schooled applicants will use the standard college application. Transcript options available to home-schooled students are an umbrella high school transcript, parent-issued high school transcript. Essential elements of a parent-issued transcript include but are not limited to: All courses taken in ninth through twelfth grade (listed by year and semester), final course letter grades, final GPA (based on a 4-point scale), graduation date, teaching parent’s official signature and date.

International Students
International students should request a copy of the “International Student Information” packet. This packet details the process for application, lists the approximate cost of attendance and contains all forms required for admission.

In addition to the general requirements, international students whose primary language is not English must submit a score of 500 or above on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language Examination (TOEFL) or 61 or above on the computer-based TOEFL.

If a decision to grant admission is rendered, the prospective student will be pre-registered and an I-20 Form will be issued.

Tuition & Residency Deposits
Upon notification of acceptance, students are required to submit a tuition and residency deposit (if applicable).

The College requires a nontransferable, nonrefundable tuition deposit ($50.00). This deposit allows the College to officially register students for classes, issue their student identification number, and set up their College email account. This process occurs based on the order in which the College receives the deposit. Therefore, students should submit the tuition deposit promptly after receiving notification of acceptance.

Resident students are required to submit a residency deposit ($150.00). Room assignments are made based on the order the College receives the residency deposit. Therefore, it is imperative for students to submit this deposit promptly after receiving notification of acceptance. Please note, the residency deposit is refundable at the end of a student’s campus residency as long as there are no associated residency charges or damages.

Amnesty Policy
Students who struggle with issues that go against the standards put forth in the Trinity College Student Handbook are encouraged to seek support and help. Examples include, but are not limited to, drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual or inappropriate relationships, eating disorders, and homosexual behavior.

The amnesty policy was adopted by Trinity College to promote students to seek help without fear of possible disciplinary consequences. This policy allows students who want to receive help and support to work through these issues and accept accountability for these behaviors without going through the normal discipline process. Students requesting help are asked to abstain from
the behavior and may be asked to sign a behavioral agreement, which would be set up on an individual basis between the student and the Dean of Students upon requesting amnesty, and/or to seek professional help. Students must request amnesty before any disciplinary confrontation (by a faculty member, staff member, or RA) addressing the specific inappropriate behavior(s) occurs (including before notification of required drug or alcohol tests).

Students also must be honest, cooperative, compliant with amnesty requirements, and demonstrate a true desire to change. The student should also note that the behavior in violation will need to eventually change for the student to be able to remain at Trinity College. Students may contact the Office of Student Development to request amnesty, or learn more about the policy.

When students request amnesty, they are not suspended for behaviors they have engaged in prior to their confession. However, there are instances where a student may be required to withdraw for reasons of safety, or in order to get further help before returning as a student.

Classroom Misconduct
Ideally, college education is both voluntary and cooperative. There is a common focus on the subject at hand and a common appreciation for the privilege of learning in an exciting and challenging atmosphere. But in our society, such cooperation and appreciation is often neglected. At a minimum, the professor is charged with the responsibility of designing, creating, and maintaining an atmosphere where students feel safe and free to hear the lecture and ask sincere questions without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or repeated interruptions from disruptive students. In most cases, a word of rebuke given in class, or a brief warning after class, is sufficient to correct the misbehavior. Nevertheless, disrespect or abuse directed toward any faculty member, school administrator, or staff person is prohibited and disciplinary action will follow.

In order to help ensure that minimum level of classroom decorum, the following process has been established to guide professors in taking further action to correct misconduct in the classroom.

1. If initial informal efforts fail, the professor will give, within a week of the most recent offense, a written request to the student to meet with him/her in the professor’s office. In that appointment, the professor will explain what is objectionable about the behavior and what the possible consequences may be if it continues. The professor will keep a written record of the date, time, main topics, and necessary actions taken at the meeting.
a. If the behavior violates clear criteria in the syllabus for proper classroom behavior, (i.e., poor or improper participation in class discussion may have a negative effect on the final grade), any consequences included in the syllabus should be referred to and administered.
b. If the misbehavior does not violate any written criteria in the syllabus, or if the professor deems the offense serious enough to merit further action, he/she will give a clear warning about
specific disciplinary action that will be taken if corrections are not made. Possible actions might include any one or combination of:
(1) Restricting where the student sits and/or whom he/she sits near.
(2) Insisting on a written formal apology to the teacher and/or class.
(3) Dismissing the student from the class for a length of time commensurate with the offense.

2. If the student’s misbehavior continues, or if he or she refuses to comply with the professor’s discipline, a formal written reprimand will be sent to the student by the professor, with copies
kept in the professor’s file and sent to the Offices of the Registrar and Student Development. The reprimand should include the following:
a. A summary of the specific misbehavior(s).
b. A list of specific actions taken by the professor
in response to the misbehavior.
c. The warning that unless corrections are made, a formal complaint will be made to the Academic Affairs Committee. The committee will determine the validity of the complaint and decide the action to be taken, up to dismissal from the college.
d. In extreme cases, the Academic Dean may suspend a student immediately. This action will be submitted to the Academic Affairs Committee within two days for ratification.

The Student Body and Discipline
Discipline is an important part of our lives, and students may face varying degrees of discipline during their time at Trinity. They may also be involved in disciplinary procedures involving other students. This is an important part of maintaining a Christian environment, and we see appropriate discipline modeled in Scripture. The following guidelines and principles are meant to assist students in leading a disciplined life, and to help them properly interact with the disciplinary process.
1. Students should practice a lifestyle that clearly demonstrates Godly principles.
2. As members of a Christian community, students must be willing to confront fellow students (when appropriate) on behavioral matters. With this responsibility comes the need for forgiveness and restoration. The following guidelines should be used in matters of spiritual conflict:
a. Confront the person in a manner consistent with Matthew 18:15-20.
b. Work to forgive the offending student (when necessary) and pray for their restoration.
c. Contain details and discussion of the matter to the parties involved, whether students or faculty/staff.
3. After a disciplined student has been restored and the situation resolved, the details of the process and/or situation should be handled with
confidentiality and the College community should
be willing to assist the disciplined student in
changing any inappropriate behavior or practice.
4. Each student should examine his or her intentions and actions in relation to the disciplinary process of the College. Rebellious attitudes, arrogance, and gossip are all inappropriate, but common, reactions to disciplinary procedures. Students must be on guard against these things. It is impossible for all College standards to be included in the student handbook. Therefore, the Office of Student Development reserves the right to make decisions regarding policy that may not be mentioned in this publication in accordance with the philosophy of the College. The student has the right to appeal any action of Student Development to be heard by the President’s Cabinet.

Hazing
Trinity College prohibits hazing. “Hazing” means any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under the sanction of Trinity College. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such
as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity which would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.
Persons engaged in hazing are subject to the disciplinary process of Trinity College as delineated in the Trinity College Student Handbook.

“Drug-Free Schools and Campuses”
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), signed by President Bush on December 12, 1989, required all institutions that receive Federal funds to implement a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The following information is in compliance with the
Amendment.

Trinity College of Florida prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs on campus. Any student or employee found to be taking part in the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs or alcohol can expect severe disciplinary action up to expulsion or termination of employment, and referral for prosecution for violation of the standards of conduct.
Other disciplinary action can include loss of privileges, suspension, and completion of rehabilitation program. Each disciplinary case will consider the severity of the incident and the prior disciplinary history of the student or employee. Upon completion of a rehabilitation program, the employee or student’s future with the College will be decided by the administration of Trinity College. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the severity of the program, the evaluation of the rehabilitation service, and the prior disciplinary history of the individual. Trinity College of Florida will provide, upon request, a description of the health risks associated with the illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, plus information on
drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation or reentry programs that are available to employees or students. Any student engaged in these illegal activities will not be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant program.

Grievance Policy
A grievance is a complaint of an alleged unfair or discriminatory practice or decision by faculty, administration, or administrative staff. The central focus of a grievance is not a policy, but rather the actions of the one against whom the grievance is filed. A grievance must be supported by evidence that the unfavorable decision is in violation of institutional policy or practice, or that the person has been treated in a different way than other persons in similar circumstances have been treated. Any student wishing to file a grievance may do so by the following procedure:

1. Complete a Grievance Petition available from the Dean of Students or the Academic Dean. (Or you can submit the form electronically below)
2. Submit the Grievance Petition requesting reconsideration of the unfavorable decision to the faculty member or administrator in question. A written response must be given to the student no later than five class days after the receipt of the Grievance Petition.
3. If the student is not satisfied after step 2,the student may submit the Grievance Petition to their respective Vice President. The respective Vice President then has five class days to respond, in writing (letter or email), in hopes of bringing resolution to the situation.
4. If the student is not satisfied after step 3 and if the Grievance Petition has not yet involved the President, the student may file the original Grievance Petition with the President. The President must respond in writing no later than five class days after receipt of the Grievance Petition. The decision of the President shall be final.
5. The aggrieved student who receives no response within five class days at any level in the grievance process may appeal to the next higher level. Those hearing the grievance at the higher level shall secure the written opinion of those who failed to respond at the lower level.

Grievance Petition
Distance Education Student Appeal Process Students who have a complaint about instruction or grading should first refer them to the instructor. If the complaint is not resolved, then the student may refer the complaint in writing to the Academic Affairs Committee, as presented in the college catalog (Academic Information). This will usually bring about an appropriate resolution. If a student has exhausted Trinity College of Florida’s complaint procedures and remain unsatisfied, that student may consider contacting the Commission for Independent
Education at http://www.fldoe.org/policy/cie/file-acomplaint.stml.

Institutional Designation and Affirmation
Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process.