Within our College Office, we have a passionate set of faculty, staff, and student staff dedicated to assist with any question you may have. Our friendly student staff can help you with peer support, including scheduling your classes. Our Academic Advisor provides support with your academic goals and degree requirements, while our Academic Skill Instructor can help you improve your writing or studying skills.
We are committed to supporting the OC Community and welcome anyone to connect with OC or our College Principal, Stephanie Muehlethaler. Whether you need support and are not sure where to begin or if you just need to chat with someone, we are here for you.
If you want to host a special activity, or event, the Colleges at Trent University may be able to help you make it a reality. Reach out to Stephanie or any of the five principals with your idea. They will be happy to talk about its viability, timelines, and possible funding opportunities.
otonabee@trentu.ca
705-748-1011 ext. 7742
Otonabee College Room W102
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm
Meet our College Staff
Dr. Stephanie Muehlethaler
College Principal
While Steph did not go to Trent, she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this transformational community. Her goal here in OC is to create, with all of your help, a space that is safe, caring, a community where you feel that you can be your whole authentic selves. From developing programing that creates connection, to providing academic supports throughout your journey, she and OC are here for you!
Steph has been a student at three different institutions; earning her BA (Psych and English) at Laurier, MA in Higher ed and Student affairs at the University of Connecticut, and Ed.D in Higher Ed Leadership at Calgary. Yes it's true, she is a bit of a nerd.
Steph loves meeting the students, staff, faculty and alumni that make up this fantastic community and is here to help however she can.
Karen McQuade Smith
Academic Advisor
Karen is a two-time Trent graduate (2006 H. BSc. Biology & Psychology; 2009 MSc in Environmental and Life Sciences). After completing her master’s degree, she taught at Fleming College before returning to Trent to work in experiential learning and student placements.
Karen is very excited to join the Otonabee College community and have the opportunity to support students from across the university on their academic journeys.
Emma Grant
College Assistant
As a proud Trent graduate (twice!), with her B.A.H Psychology, and B.Ed., Emma has a wealth of knowledge and strong love of Trent that fuels her work. Of the many reasons that Emma loves Trent, the strong sense of community the university and the colleges provides is at the core.
Emma believes that every individual deserves to feel a sense of community and belonging, especially while at university. She is more than eager to answer any questions folks may have or provide assistance in any way that she can. In her spare time, Emma is either playing basketball, volleyball or pickleball, or taking her orange tabby cat, Cheddar, for walks in the neighbourhood.
Sumiko Polacco
Academic Skills Instructor
Sumiko started her Trent journey in 2012 as a student in forensic science where she completed a B.Sc.FS. She continued her Trent education by earning an M.Sc. in Environmental and Life Science in 2018. Upon graduating, she joined the Forensic Science Department at Trent where she instructed and supported courses in forensic science, law, and science communication.
Sumiko believes that University is an opportunity for students to build foundational skills they can use regardless of that path they are on. One of Sumiko’s favourite things about working with students is helping them recognize how the skills they are learning in the classroom are transferable between courses, programs, and beyond Trent. In her spare time, Sumiko enjoys reading fiction, cooking, and spending time outdoors.