Trent University's Board of Governors has approved the Request for Proposal (RFP) for architectural services for an integrated Humanities/First Peoples House of Learning and Residential College.

The issuing of the RFP is the first step in the design, construction tender and build process. Prior to the Board meeting, the nature of the planned integrated complex was reviewed and endorsed by the Site Development and Space Utilization Committee of Senate.

The integrated complex will include: a Trent owned-and-operated 250-bed residence; 64 faculty offices; 16 classrooms; and 6 academic department clusters.

The deadline for RFP submissions is December 21.

Next steps include an assessment of the respondents and the development of a short list in January. Input on the architect selection from the Native Studies department and experts on heritage architecture will be part of the process. Firms on the shortlist will be interviewed by an Architect Selection Panel which will forward a recommendation to the President, for consideration by the Board of Governors.

The Architect Selection Committee will be chaired by Professor John Earnshaw, Physics Department and Chair of the Senate's Site Development and Space Utilization Committee. The selection committee will include membership from: the Board of Governors; President's Executive Group; Physical Resources Department; Student Affairs; Peter Robinson College Head; First Peoples House of Learning; Humanities' reference groups; staff; undergraduate student; graduate student; and alumni.

Following the architect selection, the design process will continue from February to July with continual input through a newly formed User Group.

A copy of the RFP is also available on Trent's web site at: www.trentu.ca/prd/rfp

In a separate motion, the Board also approved the siting and schematic design for the new science facility, as illustrated in the architect's document, "Trent University New Academic Science Centre," subject to budget limitations.