Expanding Community Relationships & Experiential Learning for Trent Students
Trent Community Research Centre to formally integrate into Trent University as of July 1, 2018
Trent University students will continue to have the opportunity to gain important hands-on experience working on community research projects thanks to the formal integration of the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC), a charitable organization that connects students and faculty with local organizations, into Trent University on July 1, 2018.
The integration will give the TCRC the chance to expand its relationships in the community and ultimately increase the opportunities for students to engage in high-quality research that will address issues community organizations are facing. This transition builds on a longstanding relationship between the TCRC and Trent University in responding to the needs of the community.
“Community-based research is an important part of Trent’s commitment to offering all its students experiential learning opportunities. We are looking forward to being able to expand the community-based research we are doing through our Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses, and through our partnership with U-Links in Haliburton County,” said Tom Phillips, interim director, Co-op, Careers and Experiential Learning at Trent University.
For more than 20 years, the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) and its predecessor, the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education, have worked in partnership with Trent University to offer unique community-based research and education program to students that have contributed to community organizations in the city, and county of Peterborough. Recent examples of community-based research projects include an analysis of the outcomes of the Peterborough Community Support Court, the status of the artist in Peterborough, and a needs survey for mid-level seniors housing in Lakefield.
The integration will support Trent University’s commitment to providing every student with a meaningful experiential learning experience. The transition of the TCRC into the University will create more capacity to develop and maintain partnerships in the Peterborough and Durham GTA communities, and beyond.
As part of Trent University, community-based research will continue under the Trent Community Research Centre name, and the contact information for the TCRC will remain the same. TCRC representatives will continue to have input into the overall direction of community-based research being undertaken at Trent.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
About Trent Community Research Centre
For more than 20 years, the Trent Community Research Centre has been an independent, charitable organization that connects students and faculty at Trent University with local organizations to create community-based research, service learning, and experiential education opportunities that enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic health of our communities. Their mission is to be a catalyst for community change through research. The TCRC mobilizes the knowledge and expertise of community members, faculty and students to find solutions and identify opportunities that contribute to the development of healthy, vibrant communities. Central to their work is their commitment to provide opportunities for university and college students and community members to learn new skills and effect community change through direct involvement in research in the community. Students gain academic credit by undertaking supervised research projects for local community organizations.
Kate Gennings, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kategennings@trentu.ca