Trent University is hosting hundreds in a line-up of events that stretches to September 8, 2012, including Trent International Camp ; Introductory Seminar Week (ISW); Trent Reads; and Pete Village, (a new student-run event downtown Peterborough on September 8.)

“Trent University’s reputation for providing an engaging learning environment and building community relationships is exemplified by the many events created by and for students on and off campus,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor. “We look forward to seeing the many new and returning faces from nearby and around the world as we prepare to embark upon another season of academic excellence.”

The Trent International Program (TIP) Camp is an orientation weekend for new international students, that took place at Camp Timberlane in Haliburton, Ontario, from Friday, August 31 2012 until Monday, September 3, 2012. International students gathered at the camp with students from over 50 countries as well as upper-year Trent students. Friendships with other students are one of the keys to cultural adaptation and to academic success and TIP Camp makes those friendships possible, in the utterly Canadian environment of a northern camp.

Introductory Seminar Week (ISW) is the perfect opportunity for first-year students to become part of the Trent community. Students new to Trent become acquainted with their affiliated college, meet upper-year students, adjust to their new setting, attend academic seminars to get a sneak peek of available courses, and meet with faculty, academic advising, and student services. A series of orientation activities coordinated by a team of staff and current students led by Sako Khederlarian, makes new student transitions into University life enjoyable and beneficial. ISW programming includes college, academic, athletics, and clubs & groups events. A full schedule of events including Trent Reads, The Great Race, volleyball tournaments, “Fear Factor”, canoe rides, pep rallies and an “Iron Chef” competition is available at www.trentisw.ca

FROSHFEST and Final Summer Bash, Trent University Oshawa

The Trent in Oshawa Student Association (TOSA) presented its Final Summer Bash, a two-day beach party to welcome new and current students back for the 2012-2013 academic school year at Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus.

On Tuesday, September 4, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. students mixed with faculty, staff, current students, peer mentors and volunteers from the community, to learn about all of the opportunities available to them for the coming year. Students picked up their I.D. cards, parking passes and learned about clubs, student services, the Walk Safe program, library services, health benefits, public transit and more. Afternoon activities will include beach volleyball, tug-o-war, a dunk tank and scavenger hunt, followed by an outdoor movie in the evening.

On Wednesday, September 5, students participated in “Take the University Challenge,” an academic “boot camp”, followed by the TOSA BBQ for all new and returning students and pub night at a local bar! For full details, visit: www.trentosa.com

Trent Reads

After an open call for nominations, public defence of four short-listed books and a week-long online voting period, Trent students, faculty and staff selected Sara Gruen’s highly praised novel, Water for Elephants, to be read by all new Trent students, as well as the University community, as part of Trent Reads 2012.

During Introductory Seminar Week (ISW) in Peterborough, seminars consisting of small groups of 20 or fewer students are led by Trent faculty in a variety of departments and programs, to provide a forum for new students to discuss the book. In Oshawa, discussion seminars also took place during the first few weeks of the fall term.

Pete Village

PeteVillage, a new initiative shared by Trent University and Fleming College students, will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., when Charlotte Street in Downtown Peterborough will be closed for pedestrian traffic only from George Street to Alymer Street. The family-friendly festival will welcome students and their families to town, featuring food and clothing vendors, sidewalk sales, live entertainment, slam poetry, and contests promising over $1000 in prizes to be won.

Street performances include Zumba with Laura, Capoeira, PyroFlys, Peterborough Performing Arts Centre, and Chuckles the Clown. Live music will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring The Nixons, The Crux, Missy Knott, Live on Fire w/ Tami J Wilde, and Sheeps Sleep. There will be a number of competitions from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. including a DJ contest, free style rap battle, spray-paint mural contest, and a dance competition. All ages are available to compete and it is free to register.