An annual performance indicator report presented to Trent's Board of Governors, indicates that the University has excelled in a number of key performance areas. The report , prepared by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, measures and analyzes Trent's performance as an institution in six key areas:

• Student performance;
• Teaching and Faculty Research;
• Enrolment;
• Supporting environment;
• Financial Indicators; and
• Maclean's Survey

This year's report highlights two outstanding performance areas; excellence in small classroom teaching and faculty research awards. Graham Taylor, Vice President Academic and Provost, says the report's findings show Trent's commitment to small and interactive teaching and learning methods. "Our small class sizes make a difference to our students and makes Trent an attractive University for prospective students. Our first year students are better equipped to make the transition from high school to University since they can get more personal attention from a faculty member they would not otherwise receive at a larger university". The report indicates that eight out of every 10 classes for students in first and second year are taught in an intimate setting of 1-25 students. This indicator gets better as students move into their third and fourth years of study. More than nine out of 10 upper year classes are taught in the same 1-25 student range. The key success factor also supports student success. Over 82 per cent of students who begin studies at Trent graduate. The indicators confirm that bursary support for students has grown from an average of $195 per student five years ago to $979 last year.

The report also confirmed Trent University's outstanding faculty research awards. Trent ranked fifth in Canada among all universities - comprehensive, medical doctoral and undergraduate - and first among primarily undergraduate institutions for the number of full-time faculty winning national awards. Chris Metcalfe, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, says the report shows that for every 1000 national research awards handed out by the federal granting agencies, Trent faculty members are winning nine of these awards. "It continues to affirms our track record for conducting world renowned research, as reported in Macleans' annual review of universities. This latest performance indicator pays tribute to Trent University's faculty who are doing a fantastic job to acquire new funding and conduct innovative research". The federal granting agencies accounted for $1.95M or more than a third of Trent's externally funded research the University received in the 2000-01 fiscal year.