Trent University Board of Governors met Friday February 1, 2013 for their regularly scheduled Board meeting. Over lunch they met with student leaders to hear their perspectives on the University and the sector.

Draft Strategic Information Technology Plan:

Members of the Board reviewed the draft Strategic Information Technology Plan. The draft plan was produced with significant consultation with the University community, including 30 focus groups and a survey completed by 598 students. The Plan considers increasing storage capacity, network infrastructure renewal, enhancing service for students, academic and administrative users, training, and ensuring readiness for new teaching approaches. The final plan will be brought to the Board for approval at their March 22^nd meeting.

Semi-annual Update on Integrated Plan:

Toward a Sustainable Future: The First Integrated Plan for Trent University (2010-2015) was approved by Senate in May 2011 and the Board in June 2011 following renewal of Trent’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Directions. Four Institutional Priorities were identified:

• Commitment to Academic Excellence
• Commitment to Strategic Enrolment Management
• Commitment to Achieving Financial Stability
• Commitment to Strengthening Community Engagement

Progress on these four Institutional Priorities and related Key Actions were highlighted in the President’s report including:

• New programs were launched in Fall 2012 including an Honours BA in Media Studies, BA/BSc in Archaeology, BA/BSc in Journalism, an Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science, a Materials Science PhD, and an expansion of the BBA (Business Administration) in Oshawa.
• Trent’s internal Financial Literacy Program included approximately 35 regular meetings and briefings.
• The Colleges Planning Committee is underway and discussing draft recommendations.
• Trent “Luminaries” ad campaign began in November with ads appearing in Maclean's, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, community newspapers across Ontario and subway stations in Toronto. The Luminaries campaign focuses on building Trent’s reputation by showcasing alumni and faculty of distinction. Six luminaries have been featured.
• Trent’s 50th Anniversary planning (August 2014-June 2015) is well underway with the Alumni, Program, Book and Marketing Committees active.

2013-14 Operating Budget Development:

The Board received a report on extensive internal consultations to improve the budget development process as the institution prepares to develop the 2013-14 budget in the context of the Multiyear Financial Framework developed in 2012. Revisions to the process include more widespread discussion about planning guidelines and assumptions, and the ability for staff, students and faculty to have more input earlier in the process. The budget will be presented to the Board in May 2013 for approval.

Pension Plans:

The Contributory Pension Plan for TUFA Employees of Trent University Funding Valuation as of July 1, 2012 and the OPSEU/Exempt Pension Plan – Actuarial Valuation Results as of July 1, 2012 were approved.

Update from Visitors to Senate:

Chancellor Search: The Nominating and Governance Subcommittee of Senate has undertaken a search for the University’s next Chancellor. The search process commenced in October and is expected to conclude with a recommendation to Senate in March.

For more information, please contact Alison Dresser, government and community relations officer, 705-748-1011 x6344, alisondresser@trentu.ca