College Welcome

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Catharine Parr Traill College. Traill was the first all-women’s college in the university. Now fully co-educational, it is beautifully situated on a drumlin just a 5-minute walk from the downtown core of Peterborough where it embodies the original link between the university and the greater Peterborough community. In 2016, an external review concluded that the College should be revitalized and “a new Traill which will embrace collegiate traditions” emerge.  I am excited to be a part of this collegiate renaissance and invite you to join us on the journey.

Currently, Traill College is the home for the academic departments of English, Cultural Studies, Media Studies, French and Francophone Studies, the School for the Study of Canada as well as graduate programs in Cultural Studies (PhD), English (Public Texts MA), History (MA) and Theory Culture and Politics (TCP MA).

The College boasts a rich mix of older houses of historic significance that stand alongside modern architectural structures predominately designed by Trent’s Master Planning Architect Ron Thom (1923-1986). Traill is also home to The Trend, a pub and restaurant that has regular operating hours and is open to the public.

Traill has a particular focus on the humanities and culture and hosts many cultural events to which all students and members of the community at large are invited. These include the Writers’ Reading series, open mic nights at The Trend, and many lectures by visiting guests. The Trent University Music Society (TUMS) practices at Traill and the College enjoys partnerships with community groups such as the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and Public Energy.

This year there are 350 undergraduates and over 500 graduate students that are members of the college!  However, every Trent student is welcome at the College which is conveniently located near the downtown. Traill is also home to Trent University’s Continuing Education program which brings over 200 members of the community to our classrooms every year. Again, I invite you to visit Traill, attend one of our special events, or just enjoy a meal at The Trend. You will always find someone around to engage you in lively discussion. Kristine Williams, College Assistant, and I hope to see you soon.

Dr Michael Eamon​

Principal, Catharine Parr Traill College
Director, Trent Continuing Education
Co-Chair, Trent Heritage Committee
Adjunct Graduate Professor, Canadian Studies, Cultural Studies, History and Public Texts