Friday, April 26, 2013, Peterborough

The Trent University Board of Governors met in Peterborough on Friday April 26, 2013 for its regularly-scheduled meeting. The Board’s Executive Committee also met over a working lunch to review progress on negotiations still in progress with the Trent University Faculty Association (TUFA).

New Student Centre Update:

The Board welcomed news that a recent undergraduate student referendum resulted in approval of a student levy that will contribute financial support for construction of a new Student Centre. Dr. Steven E. Franklin, Trent president and vice-chancellor reaffirmed the University’s intent to lend its support and to work in partnership with students on next phases of additional fundraising, architectural and site planning, etc. The Board was pleased to see the collaboration between the administration and student leaders on this important project, and noted that through such partnering, the Student Centre would create a much-needed venue for student-centred spaces and services, and also provide new multi-service facilities such as a large lecture theatre. While there remain many variables in the planning, it is anticipated that construction on the Student Centre could begin by spring 2015.

Trent Oshawa Strategic and Business Plan for 2013-17:

The Board reviewed a draft version of the Trent Oshawa Strategic and Business Plan at a previous meeting. The Plan was developed by a core steering committee in Oshawa, and refined through wide consultation across the Trent community over the past three months.

The goal for Trent Oshawa is to offer an unparalleled education, grounded in the social sciences and humanities, in the Durham region and eastern GTA. Seven areas of development are set out in the plan, covering academic programming, the student experience, enhanced campus identity and profile, and governance. Taken together, these developments are aimed at both increasing the number of student applicants who make Trent Oshawa their first choice, and improving student retention by enhancing the already-high quality of the learning experience. New programming in high-demand areas, such as social work and interdisciplinary offerings, is a key component of the plan. The plan also calls for building on the strong relationship Trent has with Durham College and UOIT, and developing new partnerships and synergies through complementary program delivery.

The Board approved the plan in principle, with the required investments being prioritized in the 2013-14 operating budget, still under development.

2013-14 Operating Budget Update:

The Finance & Property Committee and Trent’s vice-president Administration reported on progress to date on development of a balanced operating budget for 2013-14. The budget has been developed through an open consultation process, and refined through strategic decision-making aimed at protecting and advancing the academic mission of the University.  Finalization of Trent’s budget is expected after the provincial budget is brought down on May 2, 2013, and the implications of potential funding constraints are made clearer.