Study Away Petition Processes

Study Away Program Petitions can be submitted for programs NOT on the Trinity College Approved List.

Study Away Petition Process and Rules:

• Petitions are submitted as part of the OSA Study Away application process.
• Petitions are required for semester study away only.
• Submitting a petition does not guarantee approval.
• Students should review the Trinity College International Travel Policy before submitting a petition. If the program country is at a US State Department Travel Advisory Level 3, you will be asked to submit a separate request for an exception to the policy. If the country is at a Travel Advisory Level 4, Trinity does not allow for exceptions and the petition will not be accepted.
• The OSA and the Dean of Faculty Office will review the petition for final consideration.
• For Program petitions the Office of Study Away will complete an in-depth review of the program to ensure it meets Trinity College’s requirements, including student support, academic accreditation, housing, medical/safety support, etc.
• The Trinity College Curriculum Committee will be consulted as needed.
• Study Away petitions can take several weeks to review and process. We recommend students submit a petition as early as possible and no later than the petition deadlines.
  • Fall/Academic Year Study Away: December 15th
  • Spring Study Away: April 30th
• Students may need to apply to the petitioned program before receiving official approval from Trinity College. Applying to the program does not indicate approval from Trinity and Trinity will not reimburse you for any deposits if the program is not approved.
• Students are responsible for applying directly to their program if the petition is approved.
• Trinity College reserves the right to revoke approvals if necessary.
• Denied petitions are final.

How to submit a Study Away Petition: Dear students, we are in the process of updating our petition application materials & have extended the deadline to April 30th – once ready, you will find them linked here on our website.

• Students must meet with Jessica Sztaimberg prior to submitting a program petition to discuss the process and your desired program. Schedule your appointment on Handshake.
• Please also review the Semester Study Away Process for further information on eligibility and requirements.

Please be aware that submitting a program petition DOES NOT guarantee it will be approved by the college. Students should have a back up program in mind.

Students should review the Semester Study Away Financial Planning website to learn about the Home School Tuition Policy and Financial Aid.

Rome Campus ONLY:

• The Rome Campus has a 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Applications below 2.5 – 2.99 GPA requires application form & additional materials by the application deadline.   

• • One page essay explaining how the Rome Campus fits with your academic trajectory towards your major and/or minor and how you plan to keep up with your academics while in Rome.  
  • Faculty Recommendation Letter  
• Additional materials should be submitted to the Rome Campus Adviser.

General Study Away:

• The Trinity College GPA eligibility for semester study away is 2.5.
• 2.05 – 2.49 GPA petitions will require:
  • One page essay explaining how study away and the program fits with your academic trajectory towards your major and/or minor and how you plan to keep up with your academics while studying away.
  • Faculty/Academic Adviser Recommendation Letter
  • Additional review by Academic Affairs and is only considered for extraordinary circumstances 
• Petitions should be submitted to the Office of Study Away by the study away deadlines. See the Semester Study Away Process website for more details.

Below 2.05 GPA will not be considered.

Students who are interested in studying away their final semester must obtain special approval from the Registrar’s Office.

Students should be aware of the following:

• The students graduation date may be postponed until the study away transcript is received and processed by the Registrar’s Office. This typically takes several months but in some cases can be much longer.
• Walking at Trinity’s commencement may not be possible.
• Students should work very closely with the Registrar’s Office to ensure the courses they take while away are approved. Not doing so may impact completion of the students graduation requirements.