Trent University’s Board of Governors held its fifth regular meeting of the academic year on May 12, 2023 at the Durham Greater Toronto Area campus in Oshawa. 

In her opening remarks, Board chair Debra Cooper Burger spoke to President Leo Groarke’s recent announcement to not seek a third term, thanked him for his leadership, and announced next steps for establishing a search committee for Trent’s ninth president. Chair Cooper Burger also spoke to recent events she attended, including the Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research where she presented the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, as well as the Canadian Universities Board Association conference focusing on “governing through change”.  

President Leo Groarke also shared highlights of recent events in his opening remarks, including the Campaign for Momentous Change launch, the President’s Distinguished Scholars Dinner for future students in Peterborough and Durham, and the Heart of Trent employee appreciation event. President Groarke praised the outstanding contributions of Trent's faculty in research, innovation, and teaching and thanked staff for their hard work and dedication to the University. 

Further highlights from the meeting include: 

Governor Appointments

The Board approved the appointments of David de Launay and Anne Ramsay, to the seats designated for members of the external community, each for a three-year term, commencing July 1, 2023. 

David de Launay is an experienced public sector executive, Board member and project leader, known for his ability to build consensus among diverse interests from the boardroom to the community hall. Capping off over 30 years of service in various senior executive positions, he was the Ontario deputy minister of Northern Development and Mines, and of Aboriginal Affairs, working to build bridges with Indigenous people through innovative policy, creative partnerships, and mutually beneficial negotiations. He also led negotiations with Quebec and the eight Great Lakes states over a six-year period that resulted in agreements protecting the Great Lakes. Mr. de Launay is the founding chair of the Enterprise Advisory Board and also Board chair and president of Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation, which supports Treaty 3 First Nations in Northwest Ontario and a Board director of LOFT Community Services, which provides housing and other supports to marginalized people in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Anne Ramsay is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the financial services, digital asset and investment management industries in Canada and internationally. A lawyer and chartered professional accountant, she brings a unique perspective with industry and regulator experience in public practice, law, and accounting. Ms. Ramsay is the former chief operating officer, chief compliance officer and chief financial officer of EMJ Capital Ltd. She was also senior vice president of compliance and regulatory and vice president, legal and compliance, with CI Investments, Canada’s Investment Company, and senior associate at Stikeman Elliott LLP in Toronto. Ms. Ramsay brings extensive Board experience, having sat in multiple positions on several committees and Boards. 

The Board also approved the reappointment of Matt Keefer as designated staff representative, and the appointments of Dr. Sanela Martic as faculty representative, and Emma Kaszeki, as student representative, all for two year terms commencing July 1, 2023.  

Matt Keefer ‘00 is a Trent alumnus, and the manager of information systems at Trent. He is responsible for working collaboratively with members of the IT team and the University community, and directs the development of technically efficient new application systems and/or enhancements to existing systems. Mr. Keefer has previously served as a steward and as vice-president of OPSEU Local 365, as well as participated in numerous committees and working groups around the University. Mr. Keefer was the recipient of the Provost’s Award in 2016, in recognition of his commitment and service to the University. 

Dr. Sanela Martic is a faculty member in the Department of Forensic Science at Trent University, having previously held positions at Bishop's University, McMaster University, Queen's University, and Oakland University. She has published over 55 peer-reviewed journal articles, served on several committees, and has received funding from federal research grants and industrial grants/contracts, among other accomplishments. Under her leadership, the Martic lab at Trent is focused on the biological biomarker identification, detection and toxicology screening using a variety of bioanalytical and biochemical tools. She is also leading the Electro-EaRTH project, bringing together leading researchers from four postsecondary institutions to find clean, green energy solutions as alternatives to fossil-based petrochemicals. 

Emma Kaszecki has been a student at Trent for over seven years and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental & Life Sciences graduate program. She is the current president of the Trent Graduate Students’ Association (TGSA), after having served as environmental commissioner, tasked with ensuring the TGSA was operating sustainably. Ms. Kaszecki is also a member of the American Phycological Society, British Phycological Society, the student representative on the Euglena International Network, and sits on the steering committee of Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH). 

Tuition Framework Update

The provincially-mandated tuition freeze remains in effect for most programs and most undergraduate students at Trent. Through an initiative of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Trent’s Board has approved a multi-year tuition adjustment for three programs with lower than sector average tuition rates when compared with similar programs at other universities. As a result, starting in fall 2023, tuition for new, incoming first-year students in Business Administration, Computer Science and Data Science will increase by $458.89 (or 7.5%).  

Presentation of Trent’s Annual Report on Indigenous Community Relations

Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations and Development, presented to the Board the University's Indigenous Community Relations Annual Report, highlighting efforts to advance reconciliation and engagement with Indigenous communities, including collaborations on a land stewardship initiative with the Michi Saagiig First Nations. The report also showcases various activities and events that have taken place over the past year, including the Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering, held in person for the first time since 2019, and the Nuclear Energy Association (NEA) International Mentoring Workshop. The report underscores the University's commitment to maintaining relationships with local Indigenous communities. 

Trent Durham GTA Community Engagement Report

Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent Durham GTA, presented the Board with the Durham Community Engagement Report, showcasing campus activities to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with community partners in Durham Region. The report highlighted ongoing work in supporting community initiatives, expanding experiential learning partnerships, and engagement with municipal and regional government.