Trent University Oshawa to Launch New English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Unique Program for New Canadians and International Students Starts at New Thornton Road Campus September 2010

Wednesday, June 9, 2010, Oshawa

To coincide with the opening of the new Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus, Trent is launching an innovative new English as a Second Language (ESL) program in September of 2010, the only program of its kind in the Durham Region, for new Canadians and international students.

The new Oshawa program builds upon ten years of successful ESL teaching and learning at Trent University’s campus in Peterborough. The Trent-ESL: English for University program is unique because it is fully integrated within the University. Students of the program are integral to the community of learning at Trent and are taught by highly-trained University professors and faculty, each with a master’s degree, or higher, and TESL certified.

Preparing for a September 2010 launch, international students at Trent University who need language support and academic preparation will be able to choose Oshawa as their home campus.

“Trent in Oshawa is very pleased about the expansion of the ESL program to Oshawa,” said Dr. Rita Bode, associate dean. “The program will now be able to offer academic preparation to international students for whom the Oshawa campus is more convenient for a variety of reasons.”

"On behalf of Members of City Council and the residents of Oshawa, I am thrilled that Trent University is growing and building on its 35-year history in our community with the new Thornton Road campus. The unique English as a Second Language Program offered to Trent students at the new campus will solidify a strong foundation for academic success," said Oshawa Mayor John Gray.

The Trent-ESL: English for University is an intensive English language and academic skills program that provides a strong foundation for academic success at the university level, and immediate progression to full-time undergraduate degree studies upon successful completion of the program through a conditional admission process. The program is fully-accredited through Language Canada.

Building on a 35-year history of granting degrees in the Durham Region, Trent University new Thornton Road campus in Oshawa will be a hub for learning and innovation. At the new campus, a tradition of strong academic programming in a variety of disciplines and dedicated student support will be complemented by contemporary and modern new facilities. Construction on the new campus is currently underway and the new building will open for students in September 2010. To learn more, visit www.trentu.ca/oshawa .

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For more information, please contact:
Cath D'Amico, Manager, Trent-ESL, Trent University, (705) 748-1805 or cathdamico@trentu.ca