At Trent University Durham GTA, Going Back to School Means Full Steam Ahead
Why do we equate returning to school with going back? Since joining the campus earlier this summer as Dean and Head of Trent University Durham GTA, I have tapped into a palpable bustle. As we launch into a new academic term, it’s all systems go around here.
As a Trent alumnus, I can tell you that Trent never fully subscribed to the notion of robed professors and students confined to classrooms. Instead, knowledge and critical thinking informs experiential learning, real community impact and future job preparedness.
In other words, our students tackle water quality issues or electric car strategies right here in Durham Region. Through Child & Youth Studies or Policing & Community Well-Being, they are taking hands-on, thoughtful approaches to real issues. Our Master of Management program is also bursting at the seams. The list goes on.
As an educator, I love work that is project-based for students. I think it is the best experiential type of learning. Student efforts lead to tangible results and the nimble ability to apply their degree and its inherent skills.
The project-based format is also a win-win for the community looking for new ideas and talent. So is developing students who can put down roots or create their own start ups in the area.
With new industries, changing sectors and emerging technologies, Durham Region is bustling too. Trent Durham GTA is a key component of a local post-secondary education hub that is attracting a diverse, knowledge economy.
Since my arrival, I have met many community and business leaders. We would like to know your expectations of us. How can our knowledge and programs contribute even more? We’ll be hosting many community events on campus which are great forums for ideas, discussion and connection.
Trent Durham is not only a launch pad to the community, the GTA and the globe. It’s also a portal to study abroad experiences, knowledge resources and limitless potential.
Our robust campus on Thornton Road in Oshawa is evolving in so many ways. There’s no going back.
An alumnus of Trent University (’88) with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and History, Dr.Scott Henderson holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Arts degree in Film Studies from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. His research explores music and locality, youth culture, popular culture and identity, British cinema and popular culture, and Canadian popular culture.