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Trent University Approves New Vision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Multi-Year Strategic Enrolment Plan targets growth in Oshawa

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 - FROM THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING

Integrated Planning - Update

Vision

As part of the University’s integrated planning process, approval was given to a new Trent University Vision, previously approved by Senate on April 6, 2010.  The Vision clarifies the type of University Trent aspires to be – one that balances its sense of heritage with its obligation to prepare for the future, in order to ensure the success of Trent students, faculty, staff and the broader community.

Mission and Strategic Directions

The Board received an update report on the preliminary outcomes of the Strategic Directions Advisory Committee for a new Mission and Strategic Directions document.  The document will be forwarded to the May 11 Senate meeting for consideration prior to the board meeting in June, 2010.  The Mission clarifies what Trent needs to do to be the University it wants to be and how it will fulfill its new Vision. 

Academic Structures

The report of the Special Advisory Committee on Changing Academic Structures was endorsed.  The recommendation will see the conversion of three existing positions into three Dean positions, within one Faculty of Arts and Science, and other changes such as the creation of a School of Graduate Studies.  The structure was endorsed in principle at Senate on April 6, 2010.

“Engagement and respect for processes have been fundamental to Trent’s integrated planning activities,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor.  “Trent’s new Vision is values based and will guide and provide context for university planning actions at all levels in the current integrated planning cycle to 2014, and possibly beyond.  I would like to thank all participants in the renewal planning process for their thoughtful contributions to this work. “

Multi Year Enrolment and Retention Plan Targets Oshawa Expansion:

The 2010-13 Multi-Year Enrolment and Retention Plan (ERP) for Trent University was approved, providing a framework for Trent to grow its enrolment in Oshawa for the next three years and strategically boost the University’s overall student numbers at both campuses by 6 per cent. The ERP will see total enrolment at Trent grow from its current base of 7,817 (2009-10) to 9,369 students (2012-2013).

An important priority in the growth plan is the continued promotion of Trent’s expanded presence in the Durham region and the eastern GTA, where it intends to widely promote its full time and part time degree programs and electives.   Under the plan, Trent’s Oshawa enrolment will grow from 782 students (2009-10) to over 1,125 students (2012-13).

“Trent has served the Oshawa region for over 35 years, producing hundreds of alumni who are contributing to the region’s economy and diversity,” said Dr. James Parker, Vice President of Research, International and Strategic Enrolment Management.  “Trent’s plan to expand its enrolment in Oshawa complements GM’s decision to add a second and third shift in Oshawa, and fits with the Premier’s recent statement on how public investment is adding to the economic vitality of the Oshawa region.  Trent is pleased to be a part of this expansion in this dynamic community.”

In addition to a new, half-year introductory Business Administration course to be offered in September at the new Trent in Oshawa Thornton Road campus, Trent degree program options will include: Anthropology; English Literature; Environmental and Resource Studies; History; Psychology; and Sociology.

Dr. James Parker, vice president, research, strategic enrolment management and international, also reported that total number of applications to Trent from high school students increased a substantial 14.6 per cent over the previous year, the highest percentage increase among any institution in Ontario.  “This most recent application report confirms that Trent’s scholarship programs and new marketing initiatives are continuing to have a positive impact,” said Dr. Parker.  Work is continuing across many University departments to convert applicants into registered students for the coming year academic year.

2010-11 Operating Budget and Tuition Fees

The University’s operating budget of $91,933,000 was approved.  Forecasts predict a balanced budget with a modest $323,000 surplus for the coming year.  To achieve this position, over $4.3-million was reduced from the budget including:

  • 5 per cent reduction in most department budgets
  • $2.4-million reduction to the instructional budget
  • $355,000 reduction in undergraduate scholarships (to be offset by increases in bursaries – see below)
  • Administrative budget reductions totalling $1.4-million

Balancing these reductions, over $655,000 was added back into the budget to support new investments:

  • increased student bursaries from tuition rate increases
  • advertising for student recruitment
  • a business process review of information technology
  • student retention initiatives
  • human resource information systems
  • integrated planning resources support
  • Oshawa expansion

The following domestic undergraduate tuition fee increases were approved for 2010-11:

  • First year -  4.5 per cent
  • Continuing students  – 4.0 per cent

Framework for Managing the Cumulative Deficit
Approval was given to a plan to resume annual contributions to the cumulative deficit.  Previously, the board approved the recommendation that further contributions to the accumulated deficit not be required in the 2007-08 to 2009-10 fiscal years.  Between 2000-01 to 2010-11, the cumulative deficit has been reduced from a high of $7,757-million to $4,959-million.  The 2010-11 contribution to the accumulated deficit will be $323,000.

New Supply Chain Code of Ethics
A new Supply Chain Code of Ethics, mandated by the province’s Treasury Board, was approved.  The code applies to public sector organizations receiving in excess of $10-million from select provincial ministries including the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  The code seeks to, “…define acceptable behaviours and standards that should be common for everyone involved with supply chain activities, such as planning, purchasing, contracting, logistics and payment.” 

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For more information contact:
Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations, (705) 748-1011, ext. 6181 or

Kate Shaughnessy, Planning and Administrative Assistant, (705) 748-1011, ext. 6180