News from the Trent University Board of Governors Meeting: November 30, 2018
Presentation by Board scholarship recipient, approval of pension plan financial statements, free speech policy & procurement process for new building at Trent Durham GTA
The Board of Governors of Trent University held its second regular meeting of the 2018/19 academic year in the newly transformed Bata Library on November 30, 2018.
Presentation from Board Scholarship Recipient Luke Meloche
Board members heard a presentation from Luke Meloche, the recipient of this year’s Board of Governors scholarship. Mr. Meloche shared the positive impact the scholarship has made on him as a first-year student in the Medical Professional Stream (MPS) stating, “Without all of you this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Prior to attending Trent University, Mr. Meloche was involved in volunteer work with the pediatric department of a local hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and Special Olympics Canada where he worked with young adults with special needs on a competitive swim team. Later this year, Mr. Meloche will be completing a placement at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in the emergency department as well as working with last year’s recipient of the Board Scholarship, Tessa Smith, on a project to advocate for people with special needs at Trent.
President’s Report
Trent President Leo Groarke opened the meeting with news of the successful Crush the College Challenge on Giving Tuesday. Showcasing their support for the college system, students, staff, faculty, alumni and donors not only met the Crush the College Challenge to raise $75,000 in 25 hours but surpassed it raising $80,275. The national day of giving back also spurred donations for other key Trent initiatives for an impressive Giving Tuesday total of $98,830 raised for Trent University.
In other philanthropic news, President Groarke provided an update from the 43rd annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering where three donations were announced that will benefit students in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space, and First Peoples House of Learning:
- Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space Renewal
- The Fred Wheatley Indigenous Student Support Fund
- The Harvey McCue Indigenous Student Support Fund
The President also shared news with the Board of Trent University international student Joshua (Yee Aung) Low who was recently selected as a 2019 Oxford University Rhodes Scholar – the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship award in the world.
Next Steps in Trent Durham GTA Expansion
Following the approval at the May 2018 meeting to move forward with development of a new building at the Durham GTA campus, the Board of Governors authorized administration to proceed with an open competitive procurement process seeking a proponent to build and finance a new Residence and Academic building at the Trent Durham campus at its November 2018 meeting. Approval was also given to proceed with a separate tender using traditional procurement processes for the redevelopment of food services and relocation of other space in the existing building on the Trent Durham GTA campus.
Approval of Free Speech Policy
At the meeting, the Board approved the University’s Free Speech Policy, developed in broad consultation with faculty, staff, and student group representatives. A discussion on implementation of the policy on free speech was also held at University Senate. Developed in response to government requirements to develop, post and implement a policy on free speech by January 1, 2019, the policy will apply to Trent University faculty, staff, students and guests. The policy is accessible through the University’s Policy Library.
Approval of 2018 Pension Plan Financial Statements
The Board also approved the 2018 financial statements of the Contributory Pension Plan for Employees represented by OPSEU Local 365, Exempt Administrative Staff and TUFA Employees of Trent University, based on external audits. In the opinion of the auditors, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Contributory Pension Plans and SRA as at June 30, 2018, and the changes in net assets available for benefits, and the changes in the pension obligation for the year then ended in accordance with the Canadian accounting standards for pension plans.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Kate Gennings, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kategennings@trentu.ca
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