FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2003

TRENT UNIVERSITY WELCOMES PERMANENT INVESTMENT IN QUALITY ASSURANCE FUND FOR POST SECONDARY

Multi-year grant to provide stable funding

In response to today’s provincial budget, Trent University praised the government’s decision to commit an additional $75 million in base budget funding to address the increase in student enrollment associated with the double cohort, and a multi-year Quality Assurance Fund beginning with $75 million in new funds this academic year, rising to $200 million in 2006/07.

"The Quality Assurance Fund will provide much needed support to Trent University, particularly to improve our library, equipment for classrooms and laboratories, and student services, " said Bonnie Patterson, President and Vice-Chancellor. "While the performance measurement framework is yet to be developed, it is our hope that this will help fund our expansion of faculty and graduate teaching assistantships."

President Patterson added that the quality fund will also assist the University to respond to the Ministry’s goal to accommodate all applicants for September 03-04. Patterson emphasized that "Trent remains committed to taking its share of students through this period of growth." She also stressed that "Trent’s overall growth will continue to be guided by Trent’s tradition of focusing on the success of the individual student."

Other highlights of the budget included:

• An additional 20,000 student spaces to be created through SuperBuild. (Details about SuperBuild funding are expected to be announced in the near future.)
• $400 million to support Phase II of the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund that will create new scholarships and bursaries. This will enable Trent to raise its endowment above the $20 million level over the next few years.
• An increased expenditure of $14 million annually on programs to improve access and support to students with special needs.
• New steps to reimburse tuition for nurses willing to practise in underserviced areas.

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For more information contact:
Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs, (705) 748-1011, ext. 1224