Collegiate universities are part of a 900 year-old academic tradition creating robust communities that spark critical engagement and meaningful connections. Your Trent experience is steeped in history, but never afraid to step outside the box and rise to a new challenge – this fall, new and returning students alike can look forward to tradition with a twist, and experiences that bring students together in dynamic spaces for incredible experiences, with the opportunities to connect and engage virtually from anywhere in the world.

Read on for a sneak peek of what each of the five Colleges of Trent University have in store for students in this very different fall:

Catharine Parr Traill College

Traill Time, Anytime

For on-campus and virtual students alike, Traill is a welcoming student oasis where students love to get lost in their books but are never lost in the crowd. Our community of scholars can look forward to a series of traditional events offered by Trent’s oldest college:

• Does pineapple belong on pizza? Discuss this and many other things as you join in the fun that is Pizza Fridays and connect with the Traill community. Remember to BYOP (bring your own pizza) to these virtual or (physically distant) in person events.
• A time-honoured tradition at Traill’s own pub “The Trend”, Open Mic Music Nights will be given a virtual twist this year to allow students to connect from wherever they are.
• Get together with graduate studies for the Symons Lecture Series which brings grad students from the humanities and sciences together.
• Put your knowledge to the test as you engage in some friendly competition with Trivia Nights at Traill – live in person or online.
• Traill is where the Trent/Swansea dual law degree program students call home, and Law Nights bring students together for mini-mock trials, "case conferences", guest speakers, hang-out sessions and more.

“Traill time, anytime” is about you being part of your college when you want to be there. And we're here for you when you need us. If you are accessing us remotely or in person, Traill is open for you. And if you want to see the principal, I'm here. So drop me a note or come visit me in my office. Remember, it's not a bad thing to see the principal at Traill College.

Learn more and connect with Traill

Champlain College

Your home away from home – meeting you where you are

As a place that has always proudly encouraged students to be themselves while engaging in global perspectives and active living, Champlain offers incredible opportunities for students to come together and navigate the “new normal” this fall, whether they are masking through the Champlain hallways or connecting from around the corner or across the globe.

• Champlainers are proud of their tournament traditions – join in the competitive fun of a campus scavenger hunt.
• Enjoy a silver screen moment with your fellow Champlainers with Monday Movie Nights.
• Enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery that our campus has to offer with hikes in the Trent Nature Areas.
• Take part in a tradition that connects students with faculty and fellows – the time-honoured High Table Dinner will be delivered virtually this year.
• Stay tuned for details on International Education Week – where we celebrate the transformative power of education for people and communities around the world.

This is going to be a new term for us all. We are going to have to be flexible as we navigate what comes before us. To my Champlain community, I want to say, we are here for you. Our relationships are the core to the happiness in life, at Trent, we excel in developing those relationships. It’s what the colleges are all about.

Learn more and connect with Champlain

Lady Eaton College

Learning, Empowering, Creating Together

Whether you’re meeting on the lawn for safe, small-group events or connecting from wherever you are in the world – Lady Eaton College is approaching this fall with lots of imagination, keeping tradition in mind as it creatively brings students, faculty and fellows together.

• Get creative amongst your college fellows at a Paint Night with Trent Visual Arts Network
• LEC’s well-loved Halloween tradition the Haunted Drumlin and Escape Room will be reimagined for college community members who are tapping in remotely.
• Draw inspiration and empowerment from the Marjorie Seeley Women in Leadership Event which will go virtual this year.
• Hunt for that perfect photograph as your explore our scenic campus with Photography Walks
• Make your own pottery toad house with the Art School of Peterborough.
• Watch. Learn. Discuss. Watch parties for your favourite movies and shows will be held with your fellow LECers.

If I could give students one piece of advice for this semester, it would be to embrace the differences that we're going to have this year. There will be challenges, but there will be opportunities. And it's really up to us to see and seize them. One of those opportunities is the ability to connect with all of you in very different ways. And I really look forward to exploring the possibilities.

Learn more and connect with LEC

Otonabee College

Be part of the rhythm and go with the flow

Join a community where inclusivity is key, as you engage in leadership and contribute to a community created and nurtured by you and your fellow students. At Otonabee College, you can enjoy diverse, global spaces and experiences whether you’re on or off-campus this fall.

• Take part in Canada Part-EH – a celebration of diversity that introduces students to Canadian culture as well as ways to get involved with the international community.
• Learn what it takes to be a successful leader with the Collegiate Leadership Competition. This is an incredible opportunity to better understand your personal strengths and areas for improvement by expanding your boundaries
• Head down the road (or hop online to take part virtually) as you visit the otters at the Riverview Park and Zoo with Ottie (Otonabee College’s mascot)
• Get spicy with the OC Chilli Cook Off, where you can take part in virtually or in-person
• Find a new friend from wherever you are Pen-Pal where you can engage virtually with upper year students, incoming students and alumni.
• There might be leg-warmers, there might be laughter – join the principals from OC and Gzowski on Monday afternoons for Old School Sweat: An East Bank Workout.
• Get some face-time with your college principal. Starbucks with Steph is a great opportunity to chat about what you want to gain from your college experience. An added bonus? Your Starbucks order is on Steph – and don’t worry if you’re joining virtually, we will make sure that Starbucks gift card makes its way to you!

The colleges in Trent University are just so very special, they provide an opportunity for having a smaller community within a larger one. And I just want you to know that Otonabee College and all of the colleges are here for you this upcoming year. We are just so very excited to welcome all you and to welcome you back into this really special family.

Learn more and connect with OC

Peter Gzowski College

Welcome to the “Bammily” – your home and your hub this fall

With the help of their trusty mascot Bamm the Moose and a commitment to innovative sustainability, Gzowski College offers a fresh-faced way of finding community and connecting with services for on and off-campus students this fall.

• In times like these, mindfulness is key. Wednesday Wellness Walks bring students together whether they are joining from a distance or on a guided walk (bring your mask!) 
• A Gzowski Night In will welcome new residence students on September 5 with movies, games and bingo. Stay tuned for details on a “drive-in/walk-in” movie and fall stargazing events happening later this fall.
• Take part in Tuesday Tipi Tours with the First Peoples House of Learning (part of the Enwayaang Building) and experience unique cultural programming and learn what make the traditional spaces at Trent so special.
• How do I make bannock? Get a job? Learn to bead? Stop procrastinating? Now is a great time to try something new. Join in the Friday fun and learn some incredible new skills with Instagram Live “How do I…” Workshops.
• Get involved virtually and learn from you college principal with a weekly Instagram live where you can “Ask Mel anything”, 

Here in Gzowski College, we want to make sure that you have a great experience this fall. We are here to connect with you any way you feel comfortable at any time. As your principal, I am happy to connect with you on email, on Instagram, by phone, on a Zoom call. We can have a conversation about how to ensure you have a really supportive and engaging fall. The colleges are here to make this easier on you. We know it's going to be a strange fall, but we know that we can also make it comfortable, unique and truly special for you.

Learn more and connect with Gzowski

Supporting Your Studies

The colleges are here to support students through your entire Trent journey – in your academic life, as well as your social life. From your first steps in orientation or accessing your myTrent account, to academic advising and career mentoring, your college can connect you all of the services you need. Whether you are studying on campus or remotely this year, support is only a click (or phone call) away. 

Academic Advising & Academic Skills 

One-on-one appointments, course-based workshops, study groups, as well as academic and skills direct lines that make virtual “drop-ins” possible – just a few of the virtual and (limited) in-person offerings from Academic Skills and Academic Advising. Call the academic advising phone line at 705-748-1011 ext. 7333 for help or to schedule an appointment.

Online Learning Student Assistants

The Online Learning Student Assistant (OLSA) program is a new academic support program designed to help first-year students navigate the demands of, and thrive within, the online learning environment. Academic Skills instructors and student mentors (OLSAs) provide course-specific resources and answers to questions related to technical skills, study skills, time management skills, and communication skills.

A Safe and Welcoming Community

The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community are foremost in our considerations as we gradually open our campuses for this multi-access fall. Collegiality is all about community and doing our part to keep that community safe. 

Learn more about the ways we can work together to keep our campus community healthy and safe, including required education modules for students returning to campus (even for a latte at Starbucks), using the provincial self-assessment tool and following signs and guidelines around campus.