The Trent University Board of Governors met on Friday, May 31, 2013 for its last regular meeting of the academic year. The Board considered several important items of business, many of which represented the culmination of committee work and consultation with the university and public communities throughout the year.

Trent Land Use Framework Plan approved
The Trent Land Use Framework Plan was developed through extensive public consultation over the past year, and builds on the original Trent University Master Plan (1964) and the Endowment Lands Plan (2006).  The Framework Plan outlines intended general uses of the land in order to guide future decision making and ensure stewardship of this asset over the long term. With the Framework Plan approved, the University is now in a position to explore appropriate opportunities such as partnership with the city on sports fields and facilities; residential and commercial developments that enhance student recruitment /retention, respond to community needs, and generate revenue; and protection of land for research purposes. The Plan reconfirmed protection of Trent’s extensive nature areas, adding another 36 acres to this community asset.

As the Plan is a framework only, all proposals for specific developments will come before the Board for thorough review and approval in compliance with the University’s policies and procedures.  Along with the Framework Plan, the Board also approved a special resolution to govern use of future revenue from the endowment lands. The Framework Plan and results of the consultations can be viewed at http://www.trentu.ca/trentlandsplan/

Balanced budget for 2013-14
The Board approved a balanced operating budget for 2013-14, which was achieved through careful planning and consultation with academic and administrative departments throughout the institution. The budget addressed an approximate $4 million shortfall that Trent faced following the provincial government’s introduction earlier this year of a three per cent cap on tuition fees (down from five per cent in earlier years). The budget process was based on key principles of transparency and the need to protect the university’s academic mission and services to students. The final budget plan was the result of strategic (rather than across the board) decisions on both spending reductions and new revenue generation.

What makes Trent unique?
The Board considered and approved a final report on institutional positioning, based on broad consultation with university and community stakeholders on what makes Trent unique and distinctive from other universities. Key themes that emerged from this consultation included:  a collaborative learning environment; shared commitment to social justice, community development and environmental sustainability; and personal and transformative student experiences. This will form the foundation for Trent’s outreach, communications and engagement with its various constituents, and help draw additional exceptional students to Trent.

Award recipient and departing governors honoured
The Board meeting concluded with a year-end luncheon and presentations to honour this year’s recipient of the Nancy Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence and governors who were completing their service on the Board. Kathy Fife was recognized for her exceptional service and commitment to Trent, and the Board thanked the following governors for their many contributions to the university:

• Kate Gillespie Ahrens
• Craig Brunetti
• Noranne Flower
• Pamela Jeffery
• Brandon Koebel