The Trent University Board of Governors held its third regular meeting of the academic year on February 3, 2023, which included the annual student leaders luncheon with the Board on the Symons Campus. 

At the luncheon, Board chair Debra Cooper Burger welcomed representatives from the Trent Central Student Association, Trent Durham Student Association, Trent Graduate Students’ Association, and the Trent International Student Association, as well as college cabinets. She also paid tribute to members of the Excalibur men’s lacrosse team – 2022 national Baggataway Cup champions. In her opening remarks to the Board, Chair Cooper Burger thanked governors for their generous support of the Board scholarship fund, which is nearing $28,000. She also encouraged members to attend the upcoming Elder’s Gathering taking place March 10-12 at Trent.  

In his remarks during the open session of the meeting, President Leo Groarke announced an upcoming review of Trent’s Durham Greater Toronto Area campus, to be led by a task force comprising Board members, regional representatives, and staff. He also spoke about Trent’s recent appointment of Dr. Cristine de Clercy as the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership. 

Other highlights from the February 3 meeting: 

Allan Marshall Pool Reconstruction Project Approved; Pool to Reopen Fall 2023

Governors approved the reconstruction and repair of the Allan Marshall Pool – a key feature of the Trent Athletics Centre. The project will include an extensive revitalization of the pool’s operating systems, bringing the pool up to current aquatic industry best practices, enhancing accessibility for users of all ages and abilities, and ensuring the longevity of this important community facility. The pool is expected to re-open to students, members, community and user groups in fall 2023. Public updates on the reconstruction will be shared on the Trent Athletics website.   

Board Approves International Recruitment Agreement with Edvoy

The Board authorized the University to enter a first-of-its-kind recruitment agreement with Edvoy, a tech platform supporting and enabling international study abroad. Through the agreement, Trent and Edvoy will focus on growing postgraduate certificates and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Trent will oversee the academic programming and teaching at a new home to be announced close to Trent Durham’s GTA campus.  

On-Campus Housing Development Update

The Board of Governors received an update on the University’s Housing Strategy, including timelines and next steps for the construction of a new college and residence along with the revitalization of the Otonabee College (OC) residence. These projects are in the final stage of a negotiated request for proposals process, working with short-listed proponent project leads. By 2027, Trent will add 500 to 700 new residence beds on the Symons Campus to meet a growing demand due to increased enrolment and to help ease pressure on the local housing market in Peterborough. 

Trent Continues to Hold “A” with Stable Trends Credit Rating  

The Board received confirmation of the University’s sixth consecutive year achieving an “A” with StableTrends Credit Rating. The credit rating is a key performance metric in measuring financial sustainability in alignment with Trent's mission to "foster sustainability, in its environmental, social and economic dimensions, on our campuses and in all aspects of our work" and Trent's Strategic Directions to "ensure that it is financially health and sustainable." 

Reappointment of Governor Krista Scaldwell

The Board approved the reappointment of Governor Krista Scaldwell ‘86 for an additional three-year term, commencing July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2026. Governor Scaldwell, also a Trent alumna, is chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee, previously serving as vice-chair to this committee during her 2021/22 term. She also sits on Executive Committee and is chairing the Advisory Committee to Review the Presidency. Governor Scaldwell is currently the interim president of the Canadian Beverage Association and past vice-president of Communications and Public Affairs for Canada Life.