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 everyonefaculty, staff and studentscan 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.
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