Academic Guiding Principles

As we look to the future, we are pleased to announce that Senate has approved 12 Academic Guiding Principles as part of our academic planning process.  These Academic Guiding Principles provide direction on operationalizing our academic values and are meant to be enduring. This integrated approach to academic planning will allow overarching university-wide principles to guide the planning decisions of academic departments and other units on campus that support our academic endeavours.

Academic Guiding Principles (.pdf)

Trent’s Academic Guiding Principles 2022-2027
 

Guiding Principle 1: Trent University will innovate in both program delivery and curriculum to provide the experiences that prepare Trent graduates with the critical thinking, communication, discovery skills and knowledge required for immediate and long term success in life.

Guiding Principle 2: Trent University has been a system leader in Indigenization, Indigenous resurgence and reconciliation. Trent will continue to reflect this priority, in instructional, scholarly and community initiatives. Specific directions for this response will be established through discussion and engagement with local Indigenous partners and communities, Elders and Knowledge Holders, as well as Indigenous peoples more broadly.

Guiding Principle 3: A core value of Trent University has been the recognition and response to a diversity of views on environmental and social justice concerns. Programming and scholarly response to urgent and contemporary issues of climate, the environment, and social justice will continue to be a focus. Trent will reflect principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of academic endeavour.

Guiding Principle 4: Trent University has always showcased the strengths of a personalized, student focused, research informed, liberal arts and science university. Trent is committed to the unique symbiotic relationship between research, scholarship and instruction that distinguishes it from other types of educational institutions.

Guiding Principle 5: Program development will be guided by balancing temporal student preferences, labour market demands, enrolment and responsible resource allocation, with the enduring components of a student centered, liberal arts and science grounded academic institution.

Guiding Principle 6: Academic and personal development of students at Trent will be enhanced through collaborative initiatives, inter and multidisciplinary approaches, and pathways that expand opportunities for student engagement. The Trent College system and extracurricular activities complement the student experience, scope and breadth of learning, and scholarship of students at Trent University.

Guiding Principle 7: Recognising that international students and global partnerships are an essential part of the Trent identity and experience, Trent’s academic programs and culture hold significant importance to international students. The University will continue to be responsive to the increasing diversity of the student body, while balancing the dynamic nature of international enrolment to maximize the global experience and reach for learners and scholars.

Guiding Principle 8: The Trent Durham campus is an important and growing component of Trent’s identity. Trent will ensure that Durham’s distinctive programming and approach continue to flourish while allowing shared programming to develop a unique Durham identity in alignment with Trent’s Academic Guiding Principles.

Guiding Principle 9: Trent University will explore and implement innovative methods to assist students in developing and applying critical thinking skills and knowledge to experiential learning, including co-op, internships, practicums and other labour market pathways that will enhance student development and success.

Guiding Principle 10: Trent’s tradition of deep community engagement through faculty and student research, applied learning projects, and relevant curriculum remains a priority that is complementary to our global focus. Trent will continue to engage with its various communities through local to global relevant curriculum, research and innovation, while advancing initiatives important to Trent's role as an international university.

Guiding Principle 11: The work of Trent’s faculty is the primary factor in the maintenance and enhancement of the University’s academic culture and values. Based upon University and program priorities, Trent will use current, comparative historical, and predictive data to guide academic decisions and faculty investments that will uphold Trent's values and enhance our academic and research mission.

Guiding Principle 12: Responsible resource allocation and targeted investments for all academic directions and service units — new or continued — will ensure that allocations conform to the budget parameters provided by the Board of Governors (through the President.)

Approved by Senate May 17, 2022
Office of the Provost & VP Academic