As Trent University’s largest college, Otonabee College has many special traditions that invite new current students into the fold of fellowship in their College.
Collegiate Leadership Competition - January to March 2026
CLC participants share one important quality: a passion for leadership. As a participant, you will develop leadership skills and gain an opportunity to build your resume and professional network while representing your college or university. This life-changing opportunity will increase your understanding of personal strengths and areas for improvement by stretching you to the boundaries of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Last year Trent WON the national competition and placed 4th internationally. Click here for more information!
Orientation Week College Welcome - September 1, 2025
At the beginning of each Orientation Week, the College Principal, Cabinet, Orientation and Housing welcomes the new incoming class to Otonabee College. The new students gather and are officially addressed as members of the College. The College Principal shares a couple of stories, a few wise words and explains what Otonabee College has to offer and what it means to be an Otonabee College student. This event is a great way to kick off Orientation Week and welcome the students to their new home.
Academic Achievement Week - Week of October 14-17, 2025
Every Fall we take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of those students who achieved an average of above 80% the previous academic year. You will receive an invitation to attend an event where you will receive a certificate of achievement and be treated to some light refreshments.
Fall College Weekend - November
Each Fall semester, the Otonabee College Cabinet organizes a College Weekend. College Weekends are a great opportunity to get a group of friends together and take part in various sporting and social activities, entertainment and College Traditions.
Wildside Weekend - March
Each Winter semester, the Otonabee College Cabinet organizes a College Weekend. College Weekends are a great opportunity to get a group of friends together and take part in various sporting and social activities, entertainment and College Traditions.
Trent Mudder - October
Formed in 2012, its goal was to reach out to students and get them active during a stressful time of year when the workload begins to pile up and one usually forgets to set some time aside to get out and be active. Enter Trent Mudder. As a team, students, faculty, and alumni alike are welcome to join in and take part in completing a series of challenges/obstacles to test one's endurance, get a little dirty, and have a great time with peers and colleagues as they race to complete the Trent wide obstacle course based off of the popular event “Tough Mudder”.
Appreciation Week & Chili Cook-Off for United Way - Week of November 17-21, 2025
The Otonabee College Chili Cook-Off is a longstanding tradition within the college community. Our beloved former College Porter, Bruce Shearer, was an avid supporter and annual participant – often taking home the top prize for his venison chili. Sadly, our College community said a physical goodbye to Bruce in July 2017. The Chili Cook-Off is hosted as a fundraiser for the United Way Campaign. Each fall, the College Office puts out a call for entries to the Otonabee College community. Our community has their bowls and spoons ready every November. This year's chili cook off with be Wednesday, November 19th from noon to 2 in the OC commons.
East Vs. West Hockey Game
The East vs. West Hockey game was started by a group of Otonabee College students and, over the short term it has been on the Trent campus, it has grown in popularity to be a campus-wide event. The planning co-chairs are Otonabee College students to keep the tradition alive where it originated. Each team is comprised of 17 students from the East Bank Colleges and 17 Students from the West Bank Colleges (15 players + 2 goalies). Proceeds from this event are donated to a local charity.
3-Minute Paper (3MP) Competition - March
Open to Trent students completing an honours seminar, an honours thesis, or a major project in any discipline, the 3MP competition challenges undergraduates to present their work to others, in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. Participants have three minutes to explain their research and challenges students to balance complexity and depth with clarity and concision as they explain their research question, their findings, and its relevance to the Trent community; participants can use up to three PowerPoint slides as visual aids to support their talk. For more information, visit the Trent 3MP website.
College Formal - March
Organized by the Social Representatives from your Otonabee College Cabinet, this is an evening to dress up and enjoy a great dinner with your College friends. There will be a theme to the evening and lots of dancing.
Annual College Prizes
Hosted by the College Office, Cabinet, and Residence Life as an opportunity to recognize any student who is selected as a recipient of an Otonabee College prize. Discover more about the Annual Otonabee College Awards.
Graduation Reception - March
This is an annual Otonabee College event to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating class as they complete their Trent University journey. Hosted by the College Office each year.
Last Lecture - April
This event, which is inspired by the story of Dr. Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who delivered his final lecture to his students after being diagnosed with cancer, serves as a send-off to graduates and aims to pass on final pieces of knowledge as they prepare for life after Trent. The Last Lecture features addresses from a distinguished alumna or alumnus as well as a graduating student, staff member, and faculty member who are selected by the graduating class. This is a popular event for all students, whether you are in your first or final year at Trent, as it is a wonderful end note to the academic year.
Otonabee Guests in Residence
Otonabee College sponsors a diverse guest list throughout the term. These distinguished guests can include visiting authors, artists, musicians, and scientists. These guests often host an event or workshop for all affiliated students to attend.
Community Lunches - October, November, February, March, June & July
Join the OC community for a catered lunch (capacity of 60) for connection and conversation, hosted by the College Office!