The Senate plays a vital role in the academic governance of the University. It is responsible for reviewing policies, approving programs, and ensuring that the academic mission of the institution is upheld. Serving as a Senator provides an opportunity to contribute to the future of teaching, learning, and research at Trent University.
Senate Membership and Commitment
Trent's Senate membership is comprised of two categories: voting members and non-voting members.
Voting Members
In addition to the Ex-offico members of Senate (individuals who are automatically granted seats on Senate by virtue of holding key academic positions in the institution), the voting members include:
- Faculty members
- Department/Program Chairs
- Students (undergraduate and graduate)
These positions are filled in accordance with the provisions of the Senate By-laws.
Non-Voting Members
The non-voting members include representatives from each of the bargaining units, the Trent Alumni Association, the Board of Governors, Exempt staff, and junior student Senators from the colleges.
Elections
The Secretariat office manages the election for the following Senate and Senate subcommittee positions:
Senate Official Visitor, Exempt Staff Representative - This position carries full speaking rights, attendance at both open and closed sessions of Senate, but does not vote. All exempt staff members (excluding senior officers of the University) are eligible to nominate, vote, and stand for election for this position. Membership involves a time commitment of approximately two hours per month for meeting attendance, plus two hours per month for review of meeting materials. This position is for a 2-year term with the option of renewal.
University Honours Subcommittee, OPSEU/Exempt Representative - The University Honours Subcommittee is a standing committee of Senate Executive that calls annually for honorary degree and eminent service award nominations, and advises on ceremonial aspects of convocation. Membership involves a time commitment of approximately 10 hours in total between October and February. All members of OPSEU and Exempt staff (excluding senior officers of the University) are eligible to nominate, vote, and stand for election of this position. This position is for a 2-year term with the option of renewal.
Elections to fill these two positions are conducted in the late summer by the University Secretariat on a biennial basis
Resources
For further information regarding Senate recruitment and elections processes, please contact the Associate University Secretary (Senate), Tara Harrington, at tharrington@trentu.ca or secretariat@trentu.ca.