President's Column: Trent Impressions

by Bonnie Patterson,
President and Vice-Chancellor

This month represents one of the most anxious, exciting, nail-biting and thought-provoking times in the academic cycle.

New students will wander through the maze of buildings, corridors and rooms looking for "class" 101; their parents, families and friends worry about their new venture and wonder nostalgically about how their child grew up so quickly. New and returning students will nd themselves quickly enveloped within a rich academic and social learning environment, and enjoying the establishing or renewal of friendships.

We in the university community need to provide our students with the best advice and education that we can. Since joining Trent on July 1, I have been aware that members of faculty provide instruction in a splendid array of courses and through a tremendous variety of teaching styles and settings. I'm also profoundly impressed with the scope of our college system, the numerous special guests who lecture there and other places at the university, and the many opportunities available for small group interaction with our faculty, visiting scholars and other guests in residence.

One of my strongest impressions is an appreciation that each university community member recognizes that a Trent student is not just another student, but "our" student. That is what continues to make me proud of Trent, and so optimistic about our future. I encourage each of us to do our part to ensure that Trent continues to provide a quality educational experience for each student, and a learning environment in which everyone—faculty, staff and students—can reach their full potential.

We welcome faculty's return to campus. This requires adjustment to the nature of their activities, their regimen and pace to suit the rhythm of a new year, and as such, causes some anxious moments as well. Many have spent intensive time in laboratories and in eld work over the summer months and we hope that with a little vacation, they are rejuvenated and ready for the academic year.

As a newcomer, I am inspired by the outstanding and committed group of teachers and scholars at Trent. Through an emphasis on interactive learning, faculty members enrich the student experience and contribute to Trent's reputation for giving students the tools to articulate, to think and analyse, to solve problems, to understand teamwork, to take a leadership role, and to have a life-long ability and interest in learning.

Our dedicated staff barely see a lull in the pace of the university over a twelve-month period. A little catch-up is usually possible over the summer and preparation for the new academic cycle keeps everyone busy. I have been pleased to learn that a number of our staff participate as academic advisors and contribute signi cantly to Trent's outstanding and personalized educational experience.

Our alumni and their success continue to be an inspiration to us all. As the best examples of our collective success and as Trent ambassadors in the external world, we thank them for their continued involvement, interest and guidance. An exciting new mentoring program is part of their annual plan that we look forward to in the future.

We have an active Board of Governors and Senate at this university, willing and able volunteers, who lead the governance processes for the betterment of the university. We are fortunate to share in their talents, interests and time.

I am extremely proud to be your President and give you my guarantee to do the very best I can to ensure that Trent is highly-regarded, not only for the attributes I have mentioned, but also for the many new opportunities that our community's creative minds continue to pursue.

I wish everyone a great year.