More than 3,800 new students at both Trent’s Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses will discover the transformative Trent experience first-hand during Orientation Week 2019.

“There is nothing like the energy when new students and their families arrive on campus,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president & vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Orientation takes all those questions and turns them into opportunities for students to meet each other, learn more about the exciting academic journey they are about to embark upon, find out about support resources, and connect with their college community and faculty members. This week lays the groundwork for students’ connections to University community and one-another – and their success academically. It’s an invigorating time – and you’ll find that many staff and faculty take time on their long weekend to be a part of it.” 

Beginning on Sunday, September 1 with move-in day and running through Saturday, September 7, Orientation Week offers incoming Trent students the opportunity to take part in numerous events and activities that encourage forging friendships and familiarization with the community.

From tried-and-true O-Week favourites like the Great Race, to newer events like the Flavours of Peterborough which showcases the city's vibrant restaurant scene, Orientation Week at the Peterborough campus offers first-year students an opportunity to get fully-acquainted with the University. New undergraduate students will also have the chance to immerse themselves in the Trent experience as they meet faculty and staff from their programs of study, and prepare for upcoming classes with academic workshops and seminars. 

At Trent University Durham GTA, new and returning students will be greeted by new leadership, as Dr. Scott Henderson, new dean and head of Trent Durham GTA embarks upon his first academic year in the role. The year of change and development at the growing Durham campus will also be marked by the creation of a new residence and academic building on campus, currently under construction and slated for opening in fall 2020.

Amongst the students being welcomed to Trent’s campuses, are an increasing number of international students from a diverse number of countries around the globe. World Fest at the Peterborough campus on September 3, an annual event organized by Trent International, will celebrate and honour the growing diversity of Trent’s campuses.

“We are proud of the cultural diversity that both domestic and international students experience here at Trent,” said Glennice Burns, associate vice-president of Trent International. “We work closely with our students from around the world to ensure that they are supported academically, socially and spiritually on campus and within our communities. An inclusive experience is important to building a welcoming community.”

Highlights of campus-wide orientation events in Peterborough offering engaging photo opportunities for media include:

Move-In Day
Sunday, September 1, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Orientation Week staff from all colleges and staff from housing services at Trent will welcome and support new students and their families with registration and their move into residence.

Trent World Fest
Tuesday, September 3, 1:00p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Bata Podium
Bringing together Trent’s diverse student groups to share their cultures with the broader Trent community. Organized by Trent International, this event is open to all and celebrates on-campus diversity. Expect delicious food, music, dancing, and a chance to meet our diverse and vibrant Trent community.

Excalibur Varsity Rugby Game & BBQ
Tuesday, September 3, 6:00p.m. –8:00 p.m., Justin Chiu Stadium
The Trent Excalibur men’s rugby team take on the Laurier Golden Hawks, and the Trent Excalibur women’s rugby team take on York Lions in this year’s Orientation Week varsity games.

The Great Race
Wednesday, September 5, 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Trent Athletics Centre
The Great Race, a time-honoured Trent tradition, is run by the Trent Central Student Association and kicks off with the annual cheering competition. Each college is assigned the task of creating a new cheer for their college and Trent University. This giant relay race, which takes place at the Trent Athletics Centre, always brings out the college spirit in everyone.

Flavours of Peterborough
Thursday, September 6, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., LEC South Field
Students will kick off the first day of classes by enjoying great food from some of Peterborough’s finest food providers. The Flavours of Peterborough Food Festival is a fun event filled with music, games, and activities, and will feature some of the most popular food dishes in Peterborough. This year’s features include Black Honey, Curry Mantra, Dodrio (Bubble Tea) Island Cream, La Mesita, Nateure’s Plate, Reggie’s Hot Grill and Tiny Greens.

Trent Durham GTA Orientation Week highlights include:

Social Orientation Day
Tuesday, September 3, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies will welcome students to the Trent Durham GTA campus. Followed by a series of team-building games. Students will hear from a surprise motivational guest speaker, followed by an on-campus, backyard fair for all new and returning students complete with food trucks, inflatable games, swag, and games. 

Academic Orientation Day
Wednesday, September 4, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Inspirational guest lectures and specifically designed student success sessions will offer new Trent students the skills they need to give them a strong head start to the academic year.

TDSA Sleepover Event
Friday, September 6, 5:00 p.m. – Saturday, September 7, 10:00 a.m.
New and returning students will have an opportunity to spend the entire night at the Trent Durham GTA campus during the TDSA sleepover event. The night will include dinner, games, movies and more.