The Foundations for Success Certificate Program

What is it?

The Foundations for Success Certificate Program is an extension of the Orientation Programming for incoming students to learn about the resources and services on campus and to connect with other first-year students with a 6-week plan. This certificate program involves workshops, podcast episodes, and events to equip you with essential skills that help you thrive during and after your post-secondary education. 

Each week will have a theme for this program, including the following: 

• Introduction to Trent Durham Resources and Services 
• Trent Durham Student Life and the TDSA  
• Mental Wellbeing 
• Careers + Thinking Ahead after University  
• Nutrition and Food Education 
• Physical Wellbeing

You must complete 3 of the 6 weeks offered to earn our Certificate. To complete a single week, students must: 

• A. Watch a recorded workshop (which will become available on Monday) and submit a reflection on this workshop to durhamorientation@trentu.ca by the end of day on Friday 
• B. Attend one of our various events offered throughout each week. 

*If you can’t attend the events for one week, please watch an episode of the Ahhdulting (and Transitioning into Post-Secondary) Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/adulting-and-transitioning-into-p… and send your reflection on this workshop to durhamorientation@trentu.ca by the end of day on Friday.* 

You must do the above three times to complete the Foundations Program.  

Students who complete the program will gain the Certificate and get a chance to win free admission to Canada’s Wonderland on October 18th for Halloween Haunt.  

Tell me more! 

Here is what will be offered throughout the 6-week Foundations program: 

Week One – Getting Started at Trent (September 9th – 13th)

Watch introductory presentations from various departments to learn about the services and resources available to you. Hear from Counselling, IT, Trent Durham Security, Academic Skills, and Financial Aid.

Week Two – Getting Involved at Trent (Sept. 16th – 20th)

Learn about how you can get involved on campus through clubs, events and other team-focused programs. Hear from the Student Life team to find out how you can make the most out of extracurriculars to boost your University career.

Week Three – Mental Wellbeing (Sept. 23rd – 27th)

Find out about the resources you can use to support your mental health and to find healthy coping strategies from Trent Counselling. Attend a yoga class and art therapy to learn about healthy ways to manage stress.

Week Four – Careers + Thinking Ahead (Sept. 30th – Oct. 4th)

Watch our workshop breaking down tools and resources available to you through Careerspace, offering appointments, online resources, and opportunities to connect with employers and recruiters. These services are free for all Trent students and alumni. For event this week, come to a drop-in resume table to gain helpful tips to be employer ready.

Week Five – Nutrition (Oct. 7th – 11th)

Hear from the Trent Durham Campus Pantry and the TDSA to learn about food resources available to you on campus. The workshop will cover healthy eating habits and how to navigate food insecurity. Attend a cooking class and get experience participating in the Campus Pantry.

Week Six – Physical Wellbeing (Oct. 14th – 18th)

Learn about the benefits of physical activity by watching a virtual tour of the Civic – where you have a gym membership. Go to an intramural session this week and try out our interactive dance class! 

Why should I complete this?

Co-Curricular Record (CCR): Alongside learning skills to set you up for success in university and beyond, students completing this program will receive the "Foundations for Success” certificate on their CCR. This looks great on a resume and indicates personal development, resourcefulness and initiative to employers and schools.

Foundations for Success Certificate:

You will receive a certificate you can add to your resume upon completion of the program.

A chance for free admission to Canada’s Wonderland!

In completing the program, you will be entered into a draw to win free admission to our Trip to Canada’s Wonderland on October 18, 2024, for Halloween Haunt at night! 

OK. I’m interested!

If this certificate program interests you, please fill out this form and we will be in touch shortly with further details! If you have any questions about this certificate program, please do not hesitate to email alexshammas@trentu.ca.

*Please note, accommodations may be made on an individualized basis*