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Frequently Asked Questions for Visiting, Extension, or Part-time Deerfield or Miami Students
When can I sign up?
You can sign up any day of the year. In the case of part-time Deerfield or Miami students, the DE course credits may not take you over 9 hours for the semester or you become full time, and the other set of FAQs apply to you.
How do I get started?
In order to take courses with us, you must have a bachelor's degree. It does not matter in what field you earned it or when, you simply need the degree.
The first step, if you've never submitted an application for a program at Trinity, is to fill out a Visiting Student Application (http://www.tiu.edu/forms/visitingapplication.php). After doing so you may immediately fill out a course registration and request that your transcript be forwarded to our Records Office. (There is a $25 one-time, nonrefundable fee for application as a Visiting Student).
If you've taken a course at Trinity before, or once you have filled out the VSA, simply fill out a course registration form (http://www.tiu.edu/forms/registrationde.php).
How long do I have to complete the courses?
You have six months to complete the course. If you happen to be residing outside of the USA, then you may receive additional time to allow for the shipping of course materials and exams.
What if I don't complete the course in time?
In the event of a severe disruption in a student's life (extended illness, death, unforeseen emergencies), an extension may be granted for up to four (4) weeks from the original completion date. In the most extenuating circumstances, a second extension may be given for up to an additional four (4) weeks. Each extension carries with it a $25 extension fee.
To request an extension, petition the Distance Education office (not your Course Tutor) in writing or by email one month in advance of your assigned completion date, indicating your reasons for requesting an extension and providing a proposed date for completion of the course. You will be notified of the status of your request as quickly as possible. Please continue your course work in the event that your request is denied. If your request is granted, a grade reduction may be recommended, or else no penalty will be given.
How much do courses cost?
Tuition for 2008-2009 is $330 per semester hour. Most of our courses are three semester hours, though a couple are four and a couple are two.
Are there any other costs for the courses?
Yes, you will also need to purchase lecture materials (for the courses that require them) and some additional books. You can look at a course's syllabus to see what materials are required.
Do you offer any financial aid?
If you are a full-time minister and are enrolled in the MA/CS (as an Extension student), MAR or MAR (UM), then you may be eligible to receive a $25/hour ministry rebate. Contact the DE Office for more details. If you are in any program at Trinity and are taking at least 5 credit hours in a semester, you may be eligible for some forms of financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid office for more details (finaid@tiu.edu or 847.317.8060).
Can I take DE courses concurrently with Deerfield or Extension site courses?
Yes!
How do I submit my work?
Once you have registered for a course we will give you access to TriNet, our online learning community. Here you will have access to your course tutor, the Distance Education Office, and other students (past and present). On TriNet you will find a copy of your syllabus, discussion rooms, chat rooms, a place to submit your coursework as well as other important documents (depending on the particular class).
How do I take the exams?
Simply go online (http://www.tiu.edu/forms/proctorarrangements.php) to fill out a proctor arrangement form. There you will find the requirements for an adequate proctor. Upon receipt of your form (you submit it electronically), I will send the exams to your proctor with instructions. Alternatively, if you live close to the Deerfield campus, you may schedule a time to take the exam in the Distance Education office.
What are your withdrawal policies?
Tuition may be refunded for a DE course upon written notice of withdrawal, according to the following policy: 100% refund within 30 days; 75% refund within 60 days; 50% refund within 90 days; no refund after 90 days. This policy is extended by 30 days in each instance for students overseas. Students enrolled in a degree program through Deerfield must abide by standard campus policies when making a withdrawal. Please contact the Records Office for the appropriate forms.
Upon withdrawal from a DE course before midpoint between enrollment and the due-date, a grade of "W" will be given. Upon withdrawal after midpoint or failure to complete the course, a grade of "F" will be given.
What degrees do you offer online?
I would strongly recommend that you talk with an Admissions Counselor (tedsadm@tiu.edu or 800.345.8337) if you are interested in pursuing a degree at Trinity. Though we do not offer any degrees online, there are three options available through Distance Education:
- You can simply take courses that would contribute toward your current or potential ministry, without ever considering a degree.
- You can take courses that could fit into a degree in the future at Trinity, or transfer to the school of your choice. The MA/CS is a flexible degree. You can view its details online (http://www.tiu.edu/divinity/academics/ma/christianstudies), and be sure to talk with an Admissions Counselor.
- You can apply for the Certificate, an extremely flexible 24 hour program that allows you to focus on a specific area or to enjoy a broad base of theological classes. This program may be completed online. This is probably not adequate preparation for ordination, but is great exposure for general ministry and a great foundation for launching into a degree.
Additional Questions
If you have questions about Distance Education that have not been addressed here please contact me via webform (http://www.tiu.edu/forms/contactde.php) or by phone at 800.588.7705 x6554.