I heard Trent Durham GTA is expanding. Why is an expansion needed?
Trent University Durham GTA is a community of scholars on the grow. With increased enrolment at our Durham campus, thanks to our transformative learning experience and dynamic academic programs, we require new space to accommodate this growth. Construction has begun on a new residence and academic building, slated to open in fall 2020. This exciting expansion allows Trent Durham to meet all of the needs for our current and future students.
How many more students will there be at Trent Durham GTA?
Currently, Trent Durham GTA enrolment is home to approximately 1,400 students. Based on recent growth trends, the University expects to have up to 2,200 students at our GTA campus within five years - a 57% increase.
How long will construction take?
The University celebrated the official groundbreaking in May. Construction is underway now and is slated for completion in fall 2020.
What are the features of the new building?
The new building is a student’s dream: bright and contemporary, with full integration of both living and learning spaces. Four of the six floors will be devoted to the creation of 200 residence spaces, with single and double room, as well as common hangout spaces with a kitchenette (and laundry). The first two floors will offer state-of-the-art academic space including a 100-seat tiered lecture hall and two 64-seat classrooms. Other features include group study spaces, expanded hands-on learning spaces, and public forum space to celebrate our rich community culture. And when you need a breath of fresh air, you can catch up with friends in a new central outdoor courtyard.
Are any updates or changes planned for the existing campus?
As our campus community grows, we know the food options should too. That's why plans are underway to build expanded dining facilities in the current building. You can expect to see more food options for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week to help fuel you for your academic endeavours. New dining facilities are expected to be open in fall 2020 to coincide with the opening of the new building.
How will the growth of the campus affect classes being offered for different subjects?
We are seeing more and more students enrolling in our unique programs offered at the Durham campus, hence the new building. As enrolment grows year after year for various programs, class offerings will expand to reflect program growth.
With residence life and programming coming to the campus for the first time, will there still be the opportunity for commuter students to be involved in activities outside of the classroom?
Definitely! There will always be a space for local and commuting students to get involved on campus. Events and activities such as the leadership program, peer mentoring, orientation, student government, events, and other activities will continue to be available for all students to participate in.
What about parking?
When you come back to campus this fall, you will find expanding parking is already complete. Be sure to check out the addition of 90 new parking spaces, now located behind our current campus building.
How can I find out more?
We’ll be keeping you up-to-date on our expansion through our website. Be sure to check back regularly for updates and details as they become available. You can also follow us on social media, using #GrowingTrentUDurham. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions about the expansion, or would like to share an idea, please email durhamexpansion@trentu.ca.