Trent University has received a total of $250,000 in funding from Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to implement projects supporting postsecondary learner mobility. 

ONCAT is flowing over $2.8 million to support 39 projects at 35 colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario, announced June 17 by Dr. Adrienne Galway, executive director of ONCAT, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber College. 

"Transfer students are an important part of Trent University’s student body. We aim to serve their unique goals and needs and are thrilled to receive funding for three ONCAT projects that will help our transfer students succeed at our Peterborough and Durham campuses," says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "As a transfer-credit friendly institution, we are pleased to strengthen our accessible pathways and tailored student supports." 

A 2020 ONCAT report noted Trent has been “singled out for providing comprehensive student transfer services.” To strengthen transfer systems even further, Trent will use the new funds to implement the following projects: 

• Development of a new University Transfer Credit Processing Policy: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop a transfer credit processing policy. This policy will enhance internal processes and further reduce wait times for incoming transfer students through standard practices for everyone involved in credit assessments.    
• The Bridge: An Expansion for Transfer Students: Building on a successful and pre-established bridging program, the $100,000 awarded for this project will help develop a transfer student-specific stream centered on academic success and social integration during student transition. Trent will take a comprehensive approach to this project through consultation and design with students, faculty, staff, and curriculum designers.  
• Transfer Student Success: Identifying and Piloting Challenges, Solutions and Outcomes: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop tools that will assess, monitor, and improve transfer student academic success and satisfaction. The project will research and pilot skill development opportunities to assist student transition, while developing systems for future use to track success over time.  

"Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,” said Dr. Galway. “The increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go."  

“The Ontario government is proud to support ONCAT’s important work to make it easier for learners of all backgrounds to pursue their educational goals,” said Minister Jill Dunlop. “By facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment to advance student success in Ontario.”  

In Fall of 2023, ONCAT initiated calls for projects for greater accessibility and impact within the postsecondary sector. This call was met with an unprecedented number of applications from postsecondary institutions, demonstrating a growing interest to support greater learner mobility, expand access to postsecondary opportunities and improve pathways to the labour market.   

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to reduce barriers for students seeking to transfer among the province's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. For more information, visit www.oncat.ca. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario. 

Students looking for more information about transfer at Trent University should contact transfer@trentu.ca.