Welcome Trident Students and Alumni

In March, Trident announced that we officially became a part of American InterContinental University (AIU). Since this announcement, we have listened to your feedback and remain steadfast in our commitment to maintain and protect what makes Trident unique and strong. As a result, today, we are excited to announce a major milestone toward this commitment as we share with you the establishment of a new University System model— the American InterContinental University System (or “AIU System”), where Trident will return to serving students under our original name, Trident University International.

We are committed to keeping you informed during this process. Please know that you can call 877-320-3612, email TUI_Info@trident.edu or click the chat live button below with any questions you may have.

Why is American Intercontinental University the right fit?

Compass

AIU is a regionally accredited university founded in 1970 on the premise that education should be more than theory-based; it should provide students with a curriculum that helps them prepare to pursue their professional interests. Today, AIU operates campuses in Atlanta and Houston and offers programs online (which they have been doing for 18 years). They currently offer programs in business, criminal justice, education, information technology, design and healthcare management. In addition, they have made a substantial investment in their online student platform, including mobile phone apps for both students and faculty for which they recently won technology awards.

They are the partner we have been looking for to help grow and expand what we have built here at Trident. AIU has significant financial resources and expertise to invest in critical areas that will continue to drive sustainability and advance our commitment to continuous improvement in the student experience.

AIU is committed to protecting the unique Trident learning experience and the culture of strength and resilience that we have built here at Trident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Student & Alumni Questions

How will this new model affect me as a Trident student?

Your experience will not change for you as a student at Trident. Your education and support experience will remain the same.

Will the new system affect my course credits?

No. Trident utilizes a semester-credit based while AIU uses a quarter credit-hour system. The programs under each school will continue to operate under the rules of their respective academic calendars.

Does this new system affect school policies?

Overall, policies will be defined at the system level; however, student policies will continue to reside and be managed by each University (i.e., Trident or AIU).

Will this new system impact the leadership of either University?

The AIU System President and Provost will provide leadership for both universities, and their roles will operate at the System level. The System will be supported by staff who may also have a dual role at the institutional level. The Office of the Ombudsman will be housed at the System level, helping all students.

Will my Office 365 account and My.Trident.Edu email account still be available?

Yes. There is no plan to change our Office 365 account or Trident email (My.Trident.Edu) accounts.

Will there be an impact to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process for doctoral students?

Trident will maintain the same IRB process.

Where can I find more information about courses at AIU?

If you are interested in enrolling in American InterContinental University programs, please visit www.aiuniv.edu for more information. Students who wish to transfer will go through the regular enrollment process, including evaluating transfer credit. Please see AIU’s transfer credit policy.

Accreditation

How does this affect accreditation or licensing for Trident?

It does not impact the University’s accreditations. The American InterContinental University System is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to grant degrees. The AIU System is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, the National Council approved the AIU System for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) through the Arizona SARA Council for distance education.

Financial Questions

Will the new system impact student tuition costs?

No. The new System will not impact student tuition costs.

Will scholarships still be available for students?

Yes. The new System will not impact student scholarships.

University's Name

What name will be on my diploma and/or transcripts?

If your final course ended prior to March 2, 2020, Trident University International will be on your diploma and transcripts.

If your final course ended after March 2, 2020 but before November 4, 2020, Trident at AIU will be on your diploma and transcripts. You will have an opportunity to request a reprinted diploma if you would like Trident University International on your diploma. You will have until May 5, 2021 to submit your request to registration@trident.edu.

If your final course ended after November 5, 2020, Trident University International, a member of the American InterContinental University System will be on your diploma and transcripts.

Has the Trident address changed?

Yes, the Trident address in Chandler, AZ has been updated to add a suite number (# 150) to provide a unique address for the University. If you need to reference the Trident address, it is 2200 East Germann Road, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286.

As an alumnus, should I continue to claim Trident on my resume and LinkedIn or do I change this to AIU?

Yes! You are a graduate of Trident and everything that represents will always be a part of you, your resume and your LinkedIn profile. We look forward to welcoming you into our expanded alumni community as we transition to be a part of AIU and will be sure to include you in the process so that we ensure the Trident legacy and name (and everything they represent) are honored and recognized.