Student Life Certificate Programs

The Champions of TrentU Durham GTA

Discover your strengths. Build community. Make an impact.

The Champions of TrentU Durham GTA is a flexible leadership and engagement program that helps students develop practical skills, build meaningful connections, and contribute to the Trent Durham community.

Leadership is not defined by a title. It can be demonstrated through the choices you make, the relationships you build, and the ways you contribute to your community. Whether you are beginning to explore leadership or already serving in a leadership role, Champions gives you opportunities to learn, participate, reflect, and grow.

The program runs from September to April and is designed to fit alongside your academic and personal commitments. You can choose opportunities that interest you, earn points throughout the year, and progress through the program at your own pace.

Three ways to grow as a leader

The Champions of TrentU Durham GTA is organized around three areas of leadership development.

Skills: Learn to Lead

Develop practical skills that can help you succeed at Trent, in your community, and in your future career.

Opportunities may include workshops and activities focused on:

• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Facilitation and public speaking
• Team development
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Bystander intervention
• Student rights and responsibilities
• Equity, inclusion, and social justice

Community: Lead with Others

Leadership grows through relationships. Connect with other students, strengthen your sense of belonging, and take an active role in the Trent Durham community.

Community experiences may include:

• Participating in campus events
• Joining student groups and campus initiatives
• Attending community conversations
• Supporting equity and identity-based programming
• Contributing to peer-led activities
• Helping create a welcoming and inclusive campus

Volunteerism: Lead Through Service

Put leadership into action by giving your time, abilities, and ideas to causes and communities that matter to you.

Volunteer experiences may include:

• Supporting Orientation
• Assisting with campus events
• Participating in community service
• Contributing to student-led initiatives
• Serving as a peer leader or facilitator
• Supporting projects that make a positive difference at Trent Durham or in the wider community

How the program works

Champions is flexible, student-paced, and open to Trent Durham students.

Throughout the academic year, you can:

1. Choose activities from the Skills, Community, and Volunteerism areas.
2. Participate in workshops, events, service opportunities, and campus initiatives.
3. Complete short reflections or other activities that demonstrate what you learned and how you applied it.
4. Earn points and badges as you progress.
5. Build a record of your leadership development and involvement.

You do not need to complete every available activity. You can build an experience that reflects your interests, goals, schedule, and previous leadership experience.

Earn recognition

Your accomplishments are recognized through Champions badges. Badges represent meaningful participation, demonstrated learning, and contributions to the community, not simply attendance.

Students can earn progressive recognition within each of the three program areas and work toward broader milestones by participating across Skills, Community, and Volunteerism.

Eligible experiences may also be recognized through Trent University’s Co-Curricular Record, providing a formal record of learning and involvement outside the classroom.

What you will develop

Through Champions of Trent Durham, students will have opportunities to:

• Make decisions with integrity
• Communicate effectively across differences
• Respond to challenges with resilience
• Articulate their identities and experiences
• Build healthy and respectful relationships
• Advocate for social justice
• Apply problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate critical curiosity
• Recognize leadership as an ongoing process of learning and growth

Who can participate?

Champions of Trent Durham is designed for students at every stage of their leadership journey.

You do not need previous leadership experience, a formal position, or a particular personality type. You only need an interest in learning, connecting with others, and contributing to your community.

The program may be especially valuable for students who want to:

• Become more involved at Trent Durham
• Meet other students and build connections
• Prepare for a student staff, volunteer, or leadership role
• Strengthen transferable skills
• Explore their leadership identity
• Receive recognition for their involvement
• Make a positive contribution to campus life

Become a Champion

Build skills. Find your community. Put your leadership into action.

Join Champions of Trent Durham and create a leadership experience that is meaningful to you.

Click Here to head over to the Champions Sharepoint to find more information and register for the program.

If you would like to stay informed about this program or have any questions, please email durhamstudentlife@trentu.ca.

The Foundations for Success Certificate Program is an extension of the Orientation Programming for incoming students to learn about the resources and services on campus and to connect with other first-year students with a 6-week plan. This certificate program involves workshops, podcast episodes, and events to equip you with essential skills that help you thrive during and after your post-secondary education.

Each week will have a theme for this program, including the following: 

• Introduction to Trent Durham Resources and Services
• Trent Durham Student Life and the TDSA  
• Mental Wellbeing
• Careers + Thinking Ahead after University
• Nutrition and Food Education
• Physical Wellbeing

You must complete 3 of the 6 weeks offered to earn our Certificate. To complete a single week, students must: 

• A. Watch a recorded workshop (which will become available on Monday) and submit a reflection on this workshop to durhamorientation@trentu.ca by the end of day on Friday
• B. Attend one of our various events offered throughout each week. 

*If you can’t attend the events for one week, please watch an episode of the Ahhdulting (and Transitioning into Post-Secondary) Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/adulting-and-transitioning-into-p… and send your reflection on this workshop to durhamorientation@trentu.ca by the end of day on Friday.* 

You must do the above three times to complete the Foundations Program.  

Students who complete the program will gain the Certificate and get a chance to win free admission to Canada’s Wonderland on October 18th for Halloween Haunt.  

Tell me more! 

Here is what will be offered throughout the 6-week Foundations program: 

Week One – Getting Started at Trent (September 9th – 13th)

Watch introductory presentations from various departments to learn about the services and resources available to you. Hear from Counselling, IT, Trent Durham Security, Academic Skills, and Financial Aid.

Week Two – Getting Involved at Trent (Sept. 16th – 20th)

Learn about how you can get involved on campus through clubs, events and other team-focused programs. Hear from the Student Life team to find out how you can make the most out of extracurriculars to boost your University career.

Week Three – Mental Wellbeing (Sept. 23rd – 27th)

Find out about the resources you can use to support your mental health and to find healthy coping strategies from Trent Counselling. Attend a yoga class and art therapy to learn about healthy ways to manage stress.

Week Four – Careers + Thinking Ahead (Sept. 30th – Oct. 4th)

Watch our workshop breaking down tools and resources available to you through Careerspace, offering appointments, online resources, and opportunities to connect with employers and recruiters. These services are free for all Trent students and alumni. For event this week, come to a drop-in resume table to gain helpful tips to be employer ready.

Week Five – Nutrition (Oct. 7th – 11th)

Hear from the Trent Durham Campus Pantry and the TDSA to learn about food resources available to you on campus. The workshop will cover healthy eating habits and how to navigate food insecurity. Attend a cooking class and get experience participating in the Campus Pantry.

Week Six – Physical Wellbeing (Oct. 14th – 18th)

Learn about the benefits of physical activity by watching a virtual tour of the Civic – where you have a gym membership. Go to an intramural session this week and try out our interactive dance class! 

Why should I complete this?

Co-Curricular Record (CCR): Alongside learning skills to set you up for success in university and beyond, students completing this program will receive the "Foundations for Success” certificate on their CCR. This looks great on a resume and indicates personal development, resourcefulness and initiative to employers and schools.

Foundations for Success Certificate:

You will receive a certificate you can add to your resume upon completion of the program.

A chance for free admission to Canada’s Wonderland!

In completing the program, you will be entered into a draw to win free admission to our Trip to Canada’s Wonderland on October 18, 2024, for Halloween Haunt at night! 

OK. I’m interested!

If this certificate program interests you, please fill out this form and we will be in touch shortly with further details! If you have any questions about this certificate program, please do not hesitate to email alexshammas@trentu.ca.

*Please note, accommodations may be made on an individualized basis*