The Board of Governors held its third regular meeting of the academic year on January 30, 2015, at the Symons Campus in Peterborough.

Student Leader Presentations

As part of this meeting, the Board met over an extended lunch with student leaders from several student associations and college cabinets. The lunch provided an opportunity for students to present their perspectives on current issues and strategies for the future, and engage in conversation with the Board regarding important challenges and opportunities. The Board recognized the work of student governors Dorcas Mensah and Sara Pieper in organizing this event, and thanked all student leaders for their insightful and thought-provoking comments.

Sustainable Trent Rally

A rally organized by Sustainable Trent and the OPIRG Peterborough made a brief appearance at the Board’s Open Session, challenging the Board to hold a vote on divestment of fossil fuel investments. A Board spokesperson and member of the Investment & Pension Committee saluted students’ commitment to this cause, and commented that the Board is continuing its analysis of this complex matter and its dialogue with those on both sides of the issue. She also noted that as a first step, key issues concerning administration of the faculty pension plan are being addressed by the Board, and a recommendation on divestment will be considered once those decisions are in place.

President's Report

President Leo Groarke provided an overview of current undergraduate student application numbers for the 2015-16 academic year, and noted the recruitment and budget challenges that Trent as well as other universities are facing. The introduction of innovative interdisciplinary programs, enrichment of the student experience through development of the new Student Centre, and engagement of academic leaders in a Strategic Enrolment Management committee are among the initiatives that Trent is undertaking to address challenges in student recruitment and retention.

President Groarke also highlighted recent and upcoming special events, noting in particular the student-led “Your Trent” symposium (January 30-31, 2015), Divestment Week (January 26-30, 2015), 10^th Anniversary celebration of Gzowski College and First Peoples House of Learning (February 7-8, 2015), and the first 2015 North at Trent lecture (February 3, 2015) featuring Perry Bellegarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Student Centre

The Board received a progress report on development of the new Student Centre. A Request for Proposal for architectural services closed earlier in January, and attracted many high-quality bids that are faithful to Trent’s built environment and its already renowned architecture. A consultation process that will help inform building features is currently underway with student, faculty, staff, alumni, and community constituents. The Board will hold a special meeting on February 27, 2015 to review the outcome of the RFP process and to award the architect contract to the successful proponent. The project remains on track for a 2017 opening date.

Institute of Integrative Conservation Biology

Following Senate’s approval in December 2014, the Board approved the establishment of an interdisciplinary Institute of Integrative Conservation Biology (IICB). Integrating Trent’s state-of-the-art technologies and building upon existing research strengths and momentum, the IICB will provide a vehicle for engaging collaborators, industry, and government sponsors, with the goal of developing a robust approach to wildlife conservation that will serve as a model for the next generation of wildlife conservation professionals.

Financial Update and 2015-16 Budget Planning

The Board received an update on the 2014-15 operation budget from Michelle Willson, newly-appointed associate vice-president, Finance. She reported that 2014-15 revenues and expenditures are tracking to budget, with current projections showing a modest surplus at fiscal year-end (April 30, 2015).

Development of the 2015-16 operating budget has commenced, with an analysis of the current fiscal environment and the key budget drivers expected to have a material impact on finances for the coming year. A consultation and review process will culminate in a budget recommendation to the Finance & Property Committee in May 2015 and presentation to the Board for approval at its June 23, 2015 meeting.

Board Leadership

The Board approved the reappointment of chair Bryan Davies and vice-chair Rod Taylor for a further one-year term (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016). The Board will consider recommendations from the Nominating & Governance Committee for appointment of 2015-16 committee chairs at a future meeting.

In Memoriam

The Board paid tribute to honorary governor and former Board chair Jalynn Bennett who passed away suddenly on January 23, 2015. Honorary governor and former Board chair Jon Grant recounted Ms. Bennett’s generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure to Trent and the broader community, and the lasting impact and legacy she leaves behind. The flag atop Bata Library at Trent has been lowered to half-mast in honour of Ms. Bennett. A service for Ms. Bennett is being held Tuesday February 3, 2015 in Toronto.

Next meeting

The Board will hold its next regular meeting on March 13, 2015 at the Durham Campus in Oshawa.