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Trine University promotes intellectual and personal development through professionally focused
and formative learning opportunities, preparing students to succeed, lead and serve.
time students as those who register for 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates, and 9 credit
hours for graduate students.
Dorm: The dorm (or also referred to as a dormitory or residence hall) will be your new home at the
university. Depending on the university you are attending, you may have your own room or you may
have to share with others. Your dorm room could be a suite with two rooms connected by a shared
bathroom, or it could be a stand-alone room with your bathroom somewhere on the same floor. Within
each dorm, there will be a handful of RA’s available to answer any dorm or campus life-related
questions you may have. For further information, contact housing department.
Major/Minor: A major is an area of interest you choose to focus your studies on. Most undergraduate
students will have to choose a major to graduate, and every school offers different majors for you to
consider. Find out when you need to ‘declare’ your major, which means informing the university about
your choice and how much time you have to change your mind. A minor is another subject in which you
are interested, but which requires a smaller number of credits. Most universities will allow you to have a
major and a minor.
Meal Plan: You like food, right? Make sure you sign up for a meal plan! When you sign up for a meal
plan, you estimate how many meals you will eat throughout the course of the semester or quarter and
pay in advance. This allows you to stroll into the cafeteria and use your student ID to gain access to
whatever food they have to offer. Many schools offer a wide variety of foods, and will accommodate
any dietary needs you may require.
Midterm Exam: In the middle of the term, you will have to prepare for midterm exams. Midterm exams
are given halfway through the term as a mutually beneficial way for students and teachers to assess the
progress in the course. For students, midterms are a great way to find ways to improve their study
habits for the remainder of the course while giving the professor feedback about their teaching
strategies. It may be a hectic couple of weeks, but studying for midterm exams can be something you do
with a group of friends, and it can be a good time to bring up any struggles to a professor or advisor.
Office Hours/Open Hours: At the beginning of the semester, your professors will typically give you a
syllabus that outlines the semester assignments, breaks down their grading techniques and contact
information needed to get in touch with them for help. Each professor will be available for office hours,
where they will be in their office for a set amount of hours dedicated to giving you some extra help in
the course or answering any questions you may have forgotten to ask during class. Some professors
require you to set up a meeting in advance, especially during midterms or final exams when a lot of
students need extra help, but it’s good to send them an email ahead of time in case they’re busy with
another student. Office hours are the best time to bring up any problems you’re having with homework
or to better understand the curriculum if you’re having trouble. Utilize their office hours to get help
before it’s too late!
*Note: Please email academic advisors/staff for an appointment before you meet with them. Walk-ins
are for emergency purposes only.