The Ashley Fellowship is administered by the Colleges at Trent University and is awarded to a visiting scholar each year. The fellowship is funded by a bequest from the late Professor C.A. Ashley, long-time friend of Trent University and an enthusiastic proponent of the importance of collegiate life in the academic pursuits of the University. The Ashley Fellow is therefore a visiting scholar who is a resident guest in one of Trent's residential Colleges. By the terms approved by Senate in 1976, and in keeping with Professor Ashley's wishes, "scholar" should be broadly interpreted to include persons not necessarily holding an academic appointment.

Since its inception, the Ashley Fellowship has brought renowned intellectuals, creators and innovators, and public figures to Trent, enriching the University’s academic and cultural life and inspiring generations of students. The Ashley Fellow resides at one of Trent's Colleges during their term, delivering lectures and workshops as well as meeting informally with faculty and students.