As part of its ongoing response to support students, Trent University has provided $675,000 in emergency funding to more than 1,200 students – including domestic, international, undergraduate, and graduate students – who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“At Trent, we have a commitment to providing the financial support that students need to be successful,” said Tracy Al-Idrissi, University registrar at Trent. “With all of the change and uncertainty happening, it was crucial that we help alleviate the immediate financial pressures facing students, allowing them to keep their academic focus.”

The funding came from budget earmarked for student support through Financial Aid, the School of Graduate Studies and Trent International. The total was also enhanced by the #TrentUCares campaign, which attracted donations from alumni, staff, faculty and friends for the Student Rapid Relief Fund.

“The entire Trent community stepped up to help offer financial support at a critical time, and the students that I’ve spoken to and received emails from have definitely felt that support,” said Christopher Rooney, associate registrar of operations and client services. “Many students were able to purchase groceries and supplies, pay essential monthly bills, and acquire the tools and equipment necessary to finish up their term remotely because of the support they received.”

Following the successful disbursement of emergency funding to students in immediate need, the University is now focusing on student financial needs for the summer term, which runs May through August. Financial Aid has already started releasing funds through OSAP and bursary applications for the summer term are available in order to support students to continue their studies through this challenging time. Meanwhile, fundraising efforts continue, as increasing requests for support are anticipated due to the loss of summer employment opportunities students normally count on to carry them through the fall and winter term.

Trent will be participating in the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign, a global day of giving taking place Tuesday, May 5 with donations being requested for the Student Relief Fund (SRF). Students in need of financial support are encouraged to contact Trent’s Financial Aid office, Trent International, or the School of Graduate Studies for eligibility and application.

Trent University has a long-standing reputation for supporting students to finance their education and has been ranked #1 in Canada for scholarships and bursaries by Maclean’s magazine for 19 years in a row.