Trent University Preps for 2009/2010 Academic Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Over 2,000 New Trent Students Begin
Introductory Seminar Week (ISW) September 7

Friday, September 4, 2009, Peterborough

On Monday, September 7 more than 2,000 Trent newcomers will be welcomed to the University for Introductory Seminar Week (ISW), a series of orientation activities designed to help new students adapt to the Trent environment.

ISW 2009 runs from Monday, September 7 to Saturday, September 12, 2009 (with training for volunteers starting September 2) and aims to help students new to Trent adjust to their exciting and new surroundings. Unlike other Introductory or Frosh weeks, Trent’s ISW focuses on engaging new students in everything the University has to offer both academically and socially. The purpose of ISW is to help new students connect with their College communities, Trent University as a whole, and with the City of Peterborough. Under the leadership of Trent volunteers, ISW tries to make the transition experience as smooth and positive as possible.

With the help of nearly 200 student volunteers, ISW 2009 is sure to be an outstanding experience for all involved. “We have an amazing crew of dedicated volunteers who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new students,” said Rachel Eades, ISW coordinator. “Our co-chair team has shown incredible dedication this summer and demonstrated a passion for making the first week great. Our staff brings a diverse mix of personalities and experiences together to create a welcoming environment for new students.”

During Trent University’s 2009 Introductory Seminar Week, students will be able to participate in a three-part rotational program, which will run September 8 and 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Each portion of the program will be available to all students during these two days of ISW. The first piece will include meeting College Senior Tutors who will speak about academic life at Trent and their rolls in helping students succeed. The second portion is the second annual Trent Reads, a seminar on Lawrence Hill’s award-winning novel The Book of Negroes. The book was selected during the previous academic year during a campus-wide voting process. These seminars will be led by faculty members from many different disciplines and departments and they will engage all students across a variety of programs and disciplines. In the last instalment in the program, students will be able to participate in an interactive play called Lifestyle Choices, which deals with real student experiences and university life at Trent.

Campus-wide ISW events are listed below. Please note the exciting photo opportunities in these highlights:

Registration and Move-In Day PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!
Monday, September 7, 8:20 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ISW staff from all Colleges will be on hand to assist new students and their families with registration and moving into residence. Teamwork, energy, and music will all be on display for this exciting part of ISW.

Opening Ceremonies PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!
Tuesday, September 8, 7:00 p.m., Bata Library Podium
Brought to the Trent community by the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), the Opening Ceremonies will officially kick off ISW. With a free concert with a live band and music by local nightclub, the Trasheteria, IntroFest is a night to remember for new students.

Clubs and Groups Day PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!
Wednesday, September 9, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bata Library Podium
Hosted by the TCSA, Clubs and Groups Day showcases all that Trent has to offer in regards to student-run extracurricular activities. From more social clubs like the Anne Shirley Theatre Company to academic clubs like Physics, there is something for everyone at Clubs and Groups Day!

Trent World Day and Varsity Lacrosse Game
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!
Thursday, September 10, 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., Bata Podium and Athletic Stadium
Trent World Day aims to bring a greater understanding and consciousness of the diversity at Trent. This year’s theme is “Global Citizens.” Check out the passport system where students can win prizes for visiting the booths. Trent World Day comes to an end with the fantastic Cultural Show highlighting different customs and cultural icons from around the world (3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). All students are also invited to attend a Varsity Lacrosse game, which gets underway at the Stadium at 5 p.m.

Closing Ceremonies – The Great Race PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!
Friday, September 11, 3:00 p.m., Athletic Stadium
The Great Race starts off with the Annual Cheering Competition. Each College is assigned the task of creating a new cheer for Shinerama, their College and Trent University. Following the Cheering Competition, join us for one of Trent’s time honoured traditions – the Great Race. This giant relay race, which ends at the Athletics Field, always brings out the College spirit in everyone.

Shinerama PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!
Saturday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., various locations in Peterborough
Shinerama is back for another year and Trent students are aiming to raise more than ever for Cystic Fibrosis by shining shoes, playing music, and washing cars around Peterborough. Shinerama is the largest fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis research in Canada. Kick Off will be held at Traill College starting at 9 a.m. The Shinerama Cup will be awarded at the kick-off as well as the ISW Cup that is awarded to the college with the best ISW Participation Rate (per capita).

In addition to the University-wide events listed above, each College will host their own College-specific events based on their themes for the week. Themes and events for 2008 include:

• Wild, Wild West Bank (Lady Eaton College) – September 11 at 8:30 p.m., Haunted Drumlin
• Champlain Neverland (Champlain College) – September 7 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Crazy Games and Bonfire
• ISW on a Boat (Gzowski College) – September 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ultimate Sports Showdown, Gzowski Quad
• OC Undercover (Otonabee College) – September 8 at 6 p.m., Otonabee’s Annual Boxsledding Competition

 

For a complete list of ISW events, please visit www.trentu.ca/isw

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Eades, ISW Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 ext. 7468; or racheleades2@trentu.ca