First Day of Classes for New and Returning Trent University Students in Peterborough and Oshawa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Programs and Living Learning Communities Get Underway as Trent Heads into 44th Academic Year

Monday, September 8, 2008, Peterborough

The start of classes today is just one of many new experiences for new and returning undergraduate and graduate students at Trent University.

Two New Living Learning Communities

With the commencement of the 2008-2009 academic year, Trent University is building on the uniqueness of Trent’s college system with the addition of two new living learning communities on campus.  Living learning communities started in 2006 and join similarly interested students with faculty and staff around events and programming designed to enlighten and educate the community while continuing to enjoy the traditional life of residence at Trent University.  Living learning communities are not restricted to students from any particular discipline and are open to all students who want to come together and have a special experience in residence.  Community themes are initiated by students who collaborate with Trent’s Housing Office to establish them in college residences.  With the addition of the new Trent Adventure Living Community in Champlain College and Expressions at Otonabee College, Trent now has five living learning communities on Symons Campus.

New! Trent Adventure Living Community at Champlain College (CC) -  Trent Adventure Living is a community of students in CC who share a common interest in beginning or continuing to develop a holistic approach to health and wellness. Through shared passion for indoor or outdoor athletic activities, Trent Adventure Community members will participate in fun, hands on, dynamic programming. Students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and connect with their natural environment while living and learning together on a journey of physical, mental, emotional and community wellness.

New! Expressions at Otonabee College (OC)-  OC Expressions is a community of students who share a common interest in visual and performing arts and expressing themselves through these mediums. Students housed in OC Expressions have the chance to share their passion, talent and eagerness for learning with those who live around them. OC Expressions community members will work closely with the Residence Life Staff, College Cabinet, and College Office to provide all Otonabee students with opportunities to engage in the arts with such programs as art shows, improv nights, trips to live theatre presentations, coffee houses and music showcases.

Trent Global Living Community at CC
Since 2006, the Trent Global Living Community (TGLC) has been a home to students who share a common interest in global citizenship, diversity and working together to live, learn and grow from one another in a residence environment. Together, as members of TGLC, students strive to not only take in the world around us, but discover traditions and cultures abroad. This living-learning environment gives residents a great opportunity to build inter-cultural relationships. Through fun and dynamic programming and guest speakers, living in the Trent Global Living Community inspires new growth and understanding for those who are passionate about the world.

Teachers of Tomorrow at Lady Eaton College (LEC)
Now in its second year, this living learning community is designed for students enrolled in the concurrent education programs or for those who are interested in pursuing a career and/or emphasis in teaching. Students have the opportunity to learn about curriculum and instruction, special education, teaching oversees, classroom management, lesson planning and much more.  Activities are planned that enable students to interact with current teachers and administrators in the field of education. In addition, students also have the opportunity to connect with members of the community through service work and volunteering.
 
Trent Environment, Community and Leadership Program at Gzowski College
Founded in 2007, the Trent Environment, Community and Leadership (ECL) Program creates and extends opportunities for student learning, leadership, activities and volunteering with a focus on the local community and environment. ECL is a community intended to engage students with a strong interest in and passion for working through the adage of "thinking globally and acting locally".  As a group, students undertake activities ranging from social welfare volunteering to green businesses and from indigenous concepts of community to outdoor adventure to environmental education.

Graduate Studies Begins at Catharine Parr Traill College

A repurposed Catharine Parr Traill College will begin life this academic year as the new home for the University’s Graduate Studies program.  Dr. Doug Evans, recently named associate vice president and dean of Graduate Studies, is also the new head of Traill College.  Traill College is in the midst of its conversion which includes a new lecture hall, renovated apartments for graduate students, and new office space for students and faculty.

First Students Enter New Trent-Fleming Ecological Restoration Program

As part of Trent’s family of leading environmental programs, the 2008-09 academic year also marks the first intake of students in the unique Trent-Fleming Ecological Restoration Program.  Ecological Restoration is an emerging discipline that focuses on assisting the recovery of degraded, damaged or destroyed ecosystems at specific project sites. This new, collaborative program has been developed by Trent University and Fleming College to provide students with a strong combination of hands-on and theoretical skills preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.

New Head of Colleges Commences First Academic Year at Trent

Newly appointed Dr. Robin Lathangue is preparing for his first academic year as the inaugural Head of Colleges at Trent University.  Dr. Lathangue is responsible for community development within Trent’s integrated college system.  In the coming weeks, he will implement academically-rich programs for students, faculty and staff that support and enhance engagement in the life of colleges at Trent and in academic interests and success. Dr. Lathangue’s primary responsibility will be as Principal of Champlain and Otonabee Colleges.

Trent Welcomes New Spiritual Affairs Coordinator

In partnership with the Trent Chaplaincy Committee, Trent University is pleased to announce that Reverend W. Glenn Empey will serve as the Spiritual Affairs Coordinator, starting with the commencement of the 2008-09 academic year.  In this position, Rev. Empey will handle programming around multi-faith calendars in consultation and partnership with various interest groups on campus, and collaborate on programs that offer seasonal opportunities for sharing of traditions.

Office of Sustainability Expands Environmental Initiatives

Trent’s Office of Sustainability will continue expanding its efforts to reduce Trent’s environmental footprint in collaboration with the Trent community.  Compostable cutlery has been introduced into college dining halls.  In addition, all students who participated in Introductory Seminar Week received reusable water bottles that can be refilled at campus filling stations.

Trent University in Oshawa Kicks Off “Go Green Day” on September 12

New students at Trent University in Oshawa will enjoy their own orientation session on Friday, September 12 with “Go Green Day”.  Students will team up and have a chance to get to know one another while familiarizing themselves with the Oshawa campus through a series of engaging activities, including human foosball, a scavenger hunt, and talent show.  The 2008-09 academic year marks Trent University in Oshawa’s 34th year in Durham region.

These developments strengthen Trent’s vision to develop a learning environment which ensures that the individual student is knowledgeable, thinks critically, is socially conscious and is prepared to make a difference in society.  Official statistics reporting the number of new and returning students to Trent for the 2008-09 academic year will be calculated on November 1, 2008 as per ministry requirements.

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For further information, please contact Brittany Cadence, Communications Officer at (705) 748-1011, ext. 6185