- Who is eligible to participate?
Tri-Co second semester, first year students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, in good academic standing, are eligible to participate in the program.
- What are my options for participating in Tri-Co Philly?
There are two ways to participate in the program: 1) by being part of the program cohort of students, taking two courses and exploring the city in twice-monthly cohort activities or 2) by taking a single course offered through the program.
Students who want to apply to the program attend an info session and submit a brief application. Students who want to take a Tri-Co Philly course go through the standard preregistration process.- Where are the classes held?
Tri-Co Philly classes are taught at the Friends Center, in Center City Philadelphia, at 15th & Cherry Streets, but they are often out at locations throughout the city.
- How will I get to class?
Swarthmore students will take the Media/Wawa Line of Regional Rail (SEPTA), using their college-issued SEPTA Key Cards.
- Does taking a Tri-Co Philly course cost extra?
No, there is no additional cost for taking Tri-Co Philly courses.
- What about meals?
- Meals on cohort events are covered for Tri-Co Program students.
- Students on the full meal plan can order lunches to-go for the days they are in the city.
- Do courses I take through TriCo Philly count toward my distribution requirements at Swarthmore?
Yes. For courses taught by a Swarthmore professor, this will happen automatically. If a course is taught by a Bryn Mawr or Haverford professor and you would like it to count toward distribution at Swarthmore, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@swarthmore.edu with the course details.
- What is the best semester to take Tri-Co Philly classes?
Some majors may find participation earlier, in a first or second year easier, while others find time freed up for this in their junior or senior year. The best semester is when the courses align with your interests and the schedule works in conjunction with your other required classes on campus. This is a conversation to have with your advisor about how participation in Tri-Co Philly can work with your academic plan.
- Do Tri-Co Philly classes count as SWAT classes?
Tri-Co Philly courses count like any other class taken in the Tri-College Consortium. See above for counting them towards Swarthmore distribution requirements.
- How do I register?
Program students who take 2 classes, will be given priority registration for the classes. Program students will be automatically registered for their two courses. Students who take one class, do not need to apply and go through the standard registration process.
- Can I make this work with athletics?
Yes, the classes end in time for athletes to return to campus in time for practice or games.
- What if I have a lab schedule?
With careful scheduling, participation in Tri-Co Philly could work in conjunction with a lab-based course.
