Trent University Presidential Mandate: 2024–2029

Background

As required by SR III.2, approximately eighteen months prior to the conclusion of the President’s term, in the Winter of 2023, the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors established an Advisory Committee comprising external members, staff, faculty and student members of the Board, along with faculty and student senators, to conduct a review of the presidency and develop an updated presidential mandate for 2024–2029.

Approach

The committee conducted comprehensive internal and external stakeholder outreach to determine priorities, while building on existing Board of Governors Strategic Directions, Trent’s Academic Guiding Principles 2022–2027, and Trent’s Strategic Research Priorities overarching theme of healthy and sustainable environments and communities.

Outcome

Over a two-month period, substantial stakeholder feedback was generated through an online survey, group sessions, and one-on-one meetings held by various Committee members. The Committee reviewed the information in depth both individually and as a group.

The New Mandate 2024–2029

Based on this input and the Board of Governors Strategic Directions, the key themes of the new mandate are Proactive and Strategic Leadership, Stewardship, and Renewal.

None of these areas of focus stand alone, and they are not presented in order of importance. They are necessarily interdependent and have many crossover items. The mandate is intended to be a living document to be reviewed by the Board Executive Committee and the Board annually to establish priorities, a work plan, and to measure outcomes.

Key Areas of Focus

Academic and Research Excellence

The President will support academic and research excellence that strengthens academic programs; continue the promotion of high-quality research while prioritizing student engagement with research at both the graduate and undergraduate levels; and support the increasingly important role graduate studies plays at Trent, both in terms of research and teaching.¹

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Given the continued need to advance social justice, the President will champion equity, diversity, and inclusion as an important value, and will help create a welcoming, supportive, and culturally relevant environment that enriches the learning, research, and work of all.²

Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation Through Leadership in Indigenous Education

Trent University will continue to strengthen its leadership in Indigenous education, advancing the TRC Calls to Action, and incorporating Indigenous voices, values, and knowledge in all aspects of its work. The President will lead Trent to deepen its relationships with Indigenous leaders, Elders, and local Indigenous communities, and ensure Trent remains a place of dignity and respect for Indigenous peoples.²

Environmental Sustainability

The President will help establish tangible and quantifiable goals for environmental sustainability, and will accelerate the implementation of a systematic institutional approach to Trent decision-making, policies, and practices in pursuit of those goals.²

Collegial Governance

The President will respect the governance structures of the University, and consult and communicate in the spirit of accountability and transparency.²

Board Strategic Direction

Trent University is dedicated to academic achievement and scholarship, and to the pursuit of it in a way that is committed to diversity, social, environmental and governance responsibilities.

Culture

The President will protect and further the University’s unique identity with continued focus on the wellness and mental health of all members of the Trent community.³

Quality of the Student Experience

The President will support initiatives that enrich the quality of the student experience by enhancing services such as academic advising, health services, accessibility, international student support, accommodation, and on-campus social space.³

Experiential Learning

The President will support the expansion of experiential learning pathways available to students to broaden their education experience and strengthen skills needed for the future.⁴

Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area

The growth of Trent’s Durham Greater Toronto Area campus is a key element of the evolution of Trent University. The President will guide the building of increased capacity at Trent Durham GTA and the enhancement of campus life.⁵

Growth

The President will balance growth, financial viability, and the preservation of the essential qualities, facilities, and systems of the institution.⁶

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The President will help build strong and innovative partnerships with community, government, industry, non-profits, and other educational institutions.⁷

Board Strategic Direction

Trent University will continue to develop and maintain vibrant campuses that reflect the friendly, caring, personal and interconnected culture of Trent.

Financial Viability

In a challenging and evolving fiscal landscape, the President must ensure responsible fiscal sustainability, including identifying new and innovative revenue streams while remaining true to the University’s mission.

With the launch of the bold $100-million Campaign for Momentous Change — the largest in University history — it is important for the President to lead the philanthropic campaign to success by advocating, inspiring, and attracting individual donors and organizations.⁸

Government Relations

The President will effectively advocate for the University with all levels of government and within the community.⁸

Board Strategic Direction

Trent University will ensure that it is financially healthy and sustainable.

Leadership

The President is accountable to the Board of Governors and provides operational leadership for all aspects of University affairs, both internal and external, to ensure the performance, societal contribution, and vitality of the institution.

Working with many different stakeholders, the President is also the main spokesperson and face of the University. The President is accountable for the University’s reputation, partnerships, academic and senior administration, resources, the student experience, and academic programming.

In today’s climate, the President and leadership team must engage in a multi-stakeholder partnership that includes administration, community, students, faculty, staff, and alumni, operating in an environment of transparency and openness.

The ideal leader will exhibit and have demonstrated excellence in:

• Collaborative consultation with strategic decision-making and action
• Advocacy
• Communication
• Financial acumen
• Strategic innovation
• Relationship building

Advisory Committee Membership

• Krista Scaldwell, Chair
• Debra Cooper Burger
• Hugh Hodges
• Kristi Honey
• William Kim
• Mike Lavallée
• Valentine Lovekin
• Jennifer McGarrity
• Ashish Mishra
• Chris Nelan
• Heather Nicol
• Hasmet Uluorta

Notes

1. Relating to Academic Guiding Principles 1 and 4, as well as the Research Priority Areas of Student Engagement with Research and Research Leadership.
2. Relating to Academic Guiding Principles 2 and 3, as well as the Research Priority Area of Enhanced Communication of Research.
3. Relating to Academic Guiding Principles 6 and 7, as well as the Research Priority Area of Faculty Support and Mentorship.
4. Relating to Academic Guiding Principle 9, as well as the Research Priority Area of Student Engagement with Research.
5. Relating to Academic Guiding Principle 8.
6. Relating to Academic Guiding Principle 5, as well as the Research Priority Areas of Faculty Support and Mentorship and Research Leadership.
7. Relating to Academic Guiding Principle 10, as well as the Research Priority Area of Research Funding and Partnerships and Research Collaboration.
8. Relating to Academic Guiding Principles 11 and 12, as well as the Research Priority Area of Research Funding and Partnerships.