Trent University students now have more opportunities to earn cocurricular credit. On November 25, Gzowski College celebrated high achieving students while also awarding students who are completing their Gzowski College Certificates.

Isabel Michaelson, a third-year Peter Gzowski College student in the Teacher Education Stream majoring in Indigenous Studies, was recognized as one of Gzowski’s Academic Achievement award winners for achieving the highest academic average in the college. Isabel has also successfully completed a Gzowski Certificate for her co-curricular engagement outside of her studies.

“I was looking to get more involved at Trent and wanted to find opportunities that would be useful in my future both professionally and personally,” said Isabel.

“Once looking into it further, I realized how easy the college makes it to apply, and how much flexibility there is in completing it.”

Extracurricular engagement made easy

The Gzowski Certificate is designed to reward students for participating in events outside their area of study to develop career readiness, civic engagement, and cultural awareness. Students are required to participate in six events to qualify and can earn the certificate at their own pace.

“Gzowski College certificates are a way for students to be recognized and celebrated for their extracurricular engagement,” said Dr. Melanie Buddle, principal of Gzowski College. “Our certificate options connect to our collegiate themes, while also increasing skills and knowledge for career-readiness and life after Trent.”

Isabel completed her application process and began receiving regular emails that highlighted in-person and virtual opportunities that would count towards completing the certificate. From there, she just had to engage with events that interested her and add them to her co-curricular record on myTrent.

Elevating your education

“Completion of a certificate is something you can put on your resume or in your portfolio that actively demonstrates your involvement on campus,” said Professor Buddle. “I love to be able to recognize our students for their passion and interests outside the classroom, and I am delighted that Isabel was one of our first students to complete a certificate- something she did while also achieving one of the highest academic distinctions in our college!”

“Earning a Gzowski certificate is a great accomplishment for me. I am proud that the certificate demonstrates my involvement beyond my classes here at Trent,” said Isabel. “It reminds me of all the awesome opportunities I have partaken in: The Curve Lake Pow Wow, Pine Tree Talks, The Elders Gathering, a series of Enwaayang: extraordinary talks, Social Fires at the Tipi and more. Each of these opportunities have enriched my learning and promoted personal growth and reflection.”

On November 25, a new group of students were recognized for their participation on campus. Among them was Olivia McEldon, a third-year Peter Gzowski College student majoring in business and media studies, who was recognized for earning the Community Engagement and Career-Readiness certificate.

“I felt great after earning my community engagement and career readiness certificate within a year of being a Trent,” said Olivia. “I was able to get involved in my school community and meet new people.”

Students interested in earning a Gzowski Certificate can find more information online.