Trent University :: Trent in Oshawa-Durham Region Steering Committee

“I have created this steering committee because I believe it is imperative that we clarify Trent’s purpose in Oshawa and Durham, within the context of our University’s overall academic mission. We will continue to work closely with our partners to build on Trent’s historic 35 year presence in that community and chart our course for the types of academic programs we intend to deliver to students in the region and the GTA. Through this integrated planning initiative, Trent University is committed to expanding its collaborations with UOIT and Durham to meet the growing demands for postsecondary education programs.”

Dr. Steven E. Franklin
President and Vice-Chancellor

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Renewal of Planning Processes at Trent University

Terms of Reference

Trent has operated for almost 40 years in Oshawa under various facility and program delivery arrangements, initially with Durham College and most recently with Durham College and UOIT. A memorandum of understanding which loosely outlines the working relationships, program delivery model and financial obligations between Trent and UOIT/Durham College is due for review in 2010 and renewal or expiry in 2012. Trent has decided to acquire its own facilities in Oshawa, a 35800 sq. ft. vacant elementary school on 3.5 acres. Trent has also acquired an adjacent 3.5 acres of vacant property. The existing school on the 7.0 acre lot can satisfy present Oshawa program requirements as well as provide opportunity for growth.

The terms of reference for the Trent in Oshawa–Durham Region Steering Committee are:

review the business case for expansion in the Oshawa-Durham region
position the renovation of the existing school as Phase I of the new Trent presence in Oshawa. Determine tasks and consultations necessary to ready the school for September, 2010 occupancy including:

possible expansion and strengthening of existing programs
new programs possible within the renovated school
strategies to meet our current commitments to and joint programs with UOIT and Durham College
move of existing Trent specific programming and students from the shared UOIT/Durham College Campus
student support and administrative support services required
ways to enhance student engagement and sense of community
move of Trent faculty (offices and labs)
campus infrastructure requirements (e.g. parking, transportation, library, information technology, printing, security, custodial services)
communication of the plan to the Trent community and to the broader community

The planning process will include a series of input discussions with:

Oshawa faculty and students regarding existing and new programs including facility requirements
chairs of undergraduate departments regarding existing and new programs in Oshawa
campus service providers regarding delivery of academic support services, student services and infrastructure requirements
an architect regarding renovating the existing school, including cost estimates, and guidance through city site plan process
partners at Durham College and UOIT

The Steering Committee will delegate tasks to sub-committees, providing them with objectives and timelines for reporting.

Phase 2 will include identifying future program opportunities and the planning of required facilities to support programs. The timing of Phase 2 and implementation of new programs will be determined by the success of Phase 1.

Members of the Steering Committee:
Prof. Christine McKinnon, Acting Provost and Vice President Academic
Prof. Rita Bode, Associate Dean – Trent in Oshawa, academic liaison
Student Members – Amanda Daley, Valerie Naylor (SAVP), Lindsay Timmins
Prof. Joe Cebek, Faculty Member – Biology, Trent in Oshawa
Prof. Nancie Im-Bolter, Faculty Member – Psychology, Trent in Oshawa
Prof. Robert Wright, Faculty Member – History, Trent in Oshawa
Robert Clarke, University Librarian
Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations
Don O’Leary, Vice President, Administration
Karen Maki, Director, Distance Education and College Partnerships
Meri Kim Oliver, Interim Associate Vice President, Student Services and Acting Registrar
Anne Parker, Manager, Support and Instructional Technology
Prof. Jim Parker, Vice President, Research, International and Strategic Enrolment Management
Pete Wood, Director of Information Technology
John Wordley, Director, Physical Resources

July 23, 2009