Trent University :: Trent in Oshawa-Durham Region Steering Committee

“I have created this steering committee because I believe it is imperative that we clarify Trent’s purpose in Oshawa and Durham, within the context of our University’s overall academic mission. We will continue to work closely with our partners to build on Trent’s historic 35 year presence in that community and chart our course for the types of academic programs we intend to deliver to students in the region and the GTA. Through this integrated planning initiative, Trent University is committed to expanding its collaborations with UOIT and Durham to meet the growing demands for postsecondary education programs.”

Dr. Steven E. Franklin
President and Vice-Chancellor

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Renewal of Planning Processes at Trent University

Durham learns its lessons on academic excellence

March 19, 2010

Courtesy Metroland East Media Group.

A double dose of great news greeted local residents last week with the announcement of construction of a new $11.5-million Trent University campus in Oshawa, along with a new bursary program for female students seeking to better themselves.

The new Trent campus is scheduled to open this fall in the former St. Michael's Catholic School just off Thornton Road, ushering in a new and expanded era of post-secondary studies for students across Durham.

The decision by Trent University officials to more permanently establish in Oshawa underscores its commitment to students here, and rounds out the academic choices for students. With a new Trent campus continuing to work in partnership with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College, the best and brightest young minds in Durham will have more opportunities than ever to pursue degrees right here at home.

In addition to the degree programs offered at UOIT and the diploma programs at Durham College, Trent's presence means expanded post-secondary pursuit choices in such disciplines as anthropology, cultural studies, history, psychology and women's studies, among other options.

In addition, $1.2 million bequeathed to Trent will help the school identify and assist women pursuing post-secondary studies in the academic disciplines of their choice.

The City of Oshawa benefits from the Trent decision as it will attract ancillary jobs, spur housing demand and help boost the local economy. As well, it will help to further raise awareness of Oshawa and Durham Region as an academic centre of excellence, begun with the opening of Durham College in 1967, expanded with the establishment of UOIT in 2003 and further enhanced with the new Trent campus.

However, we encourage government officials in Oshawa to look to the lessons of the recent past to avert the controversy related to local neighbourhoods trying to cope with the annual influx of young adults in their midst. It has an opportunity here to resolve housing issues around the new campus and ensure adequate transit service.

The new Trent site is well situated near athletic facilities, while the nearby Oshawa Centre addresses retail needs and would even offer employment opportunities for some students.

This move by Trent is a welcome and exciting initiative for Durham Region and Oshawa and will help transform the area. It creates more post-secondary academic opportunities for students; it results in greater academic choice and complements those programs offered by UOIT and Durham College and it signals to the larger community that academic excellence is available right here at home.