Information for newly admitted students
GRADUATE ORIENTATION
Welcome to the School of Graduate Studies at Trent!
Orientation is a key part of your preparation for studying at the graduate level at Trent University and is a great opportunity to connect with new graduate students from Canada and around the world.
Orientation for May 2022 was hosted virtually. A recording from the event can be found below..
We are very hopeful that we will be able to host an orientation in person for students beginning September 2022 and have the opportunity to personally welcome you to Trent. Details on the format for Orientation events will be updated as they are known.
Our team at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is looking forward to meeting and welcoming each of you. We look forward to welcoming you in person in the coming months but until that time we have developed a number of virtual events and resources that will prepare you well to begin your studies. To start, if you have not already done so, please visit our Welcome Site.
Additionally, you will find below targeted resources and recordings of events, offering information on a variety of topics including registration, becoming a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), health insurance, finances, everything you need to know as a new international student, student services and more!
SGS Orientation, Overview and Team Welcome
Orientation Overview and Welcome - Spring 2022 Start Term
Recording of Spring Term Orientation
Recording of Winter Term Orientation Overview - from the winter 2022 term
This event included a welcome and introduction to the School of Graduate Studies team as well as an overview of supports and available resources.
Recording of Orientation Overview Event from the fall 2021 term
Recording of Official Welcome Orientation from the fall 2021 term
Fall orientation events included a welcome from the Provost and useful introductory information on Traill College, the role of the Research Office and how TGSA can support you throughout your time as a graduate student at Trent University.
Many of our graduate programs offer program-specific orientation events prior to the start of the new term. Your program will communicate with you directly about any program specific events.
Useful Resources & Events for all new graduate students
Review your Offer of Admission
Take time to carefully look over your offer of admission and understand the details of your offer. Confirm that any outstanding conditions have been met to finalize your entrance to graduate school. Review your finances and understand your funding and your costs.
Registration
Registration for the 2021-2022 year is open. Students have until May 10 to select and adjust their 2022 spring/summer term classes.
Drop in sessions for students who have questions about registration:
- Anytime upon request to graduate@trentu.ca (subject line: Registration Drop in)
Resource: Presentation on Registering for Classes and Term
Students can obtain their TrentU card through the card office.
Student Services
Trent has a wide range of services to support graduate students and we are pleased to offer a session that will cover topics such as mental health, accessibility, academic skills & integrity and Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) resources.
Event:
Recording of Orientation to Student Services at Trent presentation
Resource:
Campus Resources and Services
Student Services PDF presentation
Health Benefits / Student VIP
Graduate students starting their program in January 2022 are billed Health & Dental coverage within their posted fees. The option to OPT-OUT is available for those with proof of alternative coverage.
Please join us for a session which will cover the services that Student VIP covers, how to make a claim, how to add family, how to opt out as well as the Student VIP app.
Event:
Recording of Student VIP & Health Benefits Orientation event
Presentation slides from Orientation event - available upon request
Resource:
Library Services
Resources:
The “Library Instruction 2021-22” course is a stand-alone Blackboard course to introduce students to library resources and the process of scholarly research. The library can also offer in depth workshops for topics not covered by the introductory Blackboard course. Information about the course, as well as other instructional services, is available at: https://www.trentu.ca/library/help
Leganto integrates copyright fair-dealing assessment, library acquisitions, access to Omni resources (including articles and videos), external links, and uploaded files allowing you to take care of all your course-related library requests in one place. Leganto can replace or augment Blackboard for providing readings and allows the library to facilitate reliable access for students across courses. For further information: Leganto
Trent Graduate Student Association
The Trent Graduate Student Association (TGSA), the student-run organization represents just over 800 graduate students at Trent. The GSA promotes, advocates and represents our members’ academic, political, social and cultural interests.
Resources:
Finances
There are all kinds of things to learn and understand when it comes to finances as a graduate student - from scholarships to funding to OSAP, we know you will have questions and we are here to help. Review the links posted below and if you have any questions, feel free to email us.
Financial Aid presentation with Affordability Coordinator
Resources:
Graduate Credit Refund
How to Make a Payment to your Account
Graduate Bursaries
Graduate Students & OSAP
Research Thesis Programs Overview - Awards Funding
Sponsored Students - Trent has an established process for any student having their fees covered by an external agency which they should ensure they review in the link provided as it is time sensitive to submit appropriate documentation.
Traill College
Traill offers Trent University students a welcoming space to study, or relax, in the university college tradition. Named after nineteenth-century author and naturalist Catharine Parr Traill, the College has forged a unique identity as Trent’s downtown location. Home to the Canadian Studies, Cultural Studies, English and History graduate programs as well as a number of undergraduate programs and the continuing Education program.
Resources:
Traill College website
Brief Overview of Traill College
Are you an International Student?
Please refer to the Trent International website for complete details on starting life as an international student at Trent.
Safe Arrival Webinars
Trent International Orientation Welcome Sessions
Resources:
International Sessions & Events
Additional Useful Information (some more relevant to graduate students)
UHIP
The University Health Insurance Plan is mandatory health insurance for all international students.
Resource: UHIP website
Will you be a GTA?
Eligible students in research-based programs are offered a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) in their offer of admission. As a first time GTA, we are here to support you and provide you with the tools and information you need to feel confident in your role. You will receive a communication outlining the instructions on how to complete the paperwork required for payroll. In addition, please review the resources below to help you succeed in your new role.
Presentations:
Presentation on Becoming a Graduate Teaching Assistant
GTA Discussion with the TGSA and CUPE II Information presented by representatives of TGSA and CUPE II to talk about first hand experiences and to provide advice and support
Other Resources:
Centre for Teaching and Learning
CUPE website
CUPE II Log Sheet
Graduate Teaching Certificate
Will you be conducting Research?
The Official Orientation presentation below by Vice-President of Research and Innovation, Cathy Bruce provides an overview of the Research Office and how it can support you as a graduate student. about all things research at Trent University.
Resource: Research at Trent Presentation Slides
Are you a Science Student?
Representatives of the Sciences provides an overview of resources available to graduate students including required safety training modules. Background information presented is important to your research time here at Trent and provide some details on what resources are available and who to contact.
Additionally, the Manager of Animal Care provides attendees with an introduction to the culture and expectations for working with live animals at Trent, whether it is lab or field based.
Recording of Sciences zoom presentation
Science Facilities presentation - available upon request
Animal Sciences presentation
Resource:
Information for Students in the Sciences Handout
Sciences website
Are you a Master of Management student studying at the Durham Campus?
Students registered in the Master of Management program will find this final Orientation session extremely useful. Representatives from the Durham campus will cover everything to make you feel comfortable on campus. From library services to academic skills to academic advisors to athletics to counseling and student accessibility services, to student life to international - this session will cover everything you need to know about the Durham campus!
If you have any questions about Orientation or any of the events listed above, please email graduate@trentu.ca