Trent University Approves new Mission, Endorses Strategic Directions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From the Board of Governors Meeting – Thursday, June 24, 2010

Click here to download Trent University's new Mission and Strategic Directions document.

Trent University today approved a new mission statement for the University and endorsed a report outlining strategic directions that will support the implementation of unit-based planning across the University.

The mission, strategic directions and recently approved vision statements are the products of a wide-ranging consultative engagement process, designed to seek advice and feedback at all stages of the University’s integrated planning process.

“Trent’s mission is focussed on a select number of time-limited, action-oriented ideas that will lead to specific goals, and a serious commitment to choices,” said Dr. Steven Franklin, president and vice-chancellor.  “The mission specifies what actions are required to fulfill the University’s vision including preparing students, celebrating excellence, developing partnerships, fostering sustainability, and promoting dialogue and innovation.” 

Trent’s mission states:

“Over the next five years, Trent University’s mission is to:

• Prepare students to make significant contributions to an increasingly complex world by providing them with a distinctive liberal arts, science or professionally focused education, which is enhanced by global perspectives, experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches to personal and professional development;
• Encourage and celebrate excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, research and student development;
• Remain at the forefront of Indigenous education and scholarship;
• Develop strong partnerships and collaborations with external communities, professions, and other institutions, as well as within our Colleges, departments, and programs;
• Foster sustainability, in its environmental, social and economic dimensions, on our campuses and in all aspects of our work;
• Promote a culture which engages all members of the Trent community, favours dialogue and collegiality, and nurtures a sense of belonging.

Approved by Senate May 11, 2010”

Strategic Directions

The approved strategic directions for the university address six broad priority areas, each with specific strategies and examples of existing or future actions.  These strategies include: Graduate Studies, Internal/External Partnerships, Research, Student Engagement, Teaching and Learning, and Trent in Oshawa.

Enrolment

The University is pursuing targeted recruitment activities including the development of its presence at its new Thornton Road Campus in Oshawa.  The University views its on-going partnerships in Oshawa with UOIT and Durham College as opportunities to provide more students with access to a postsecondary education and the delivery of a growing range of degree programs, over time. 

A fast-tracked construction plan is underway at the new Trent campus to ensure the facility is ready for students and faculty for the coming academic year.

The dedicated campus will provide capacity for the introduction of new academic programs and allow for projected enrolment growth, over time.  Innovations at the campus will include new courses and potential for modified hours to enhance the participation of students in a university education. New programs for September include a half-year, introductory Business Administration course and new English-as-a-Second Language programs.

Report on Research

The University’s Annual Report on Research, 2009-10 was received.  The report confirmed that external research funding surpassed a record $15 million in 2009-10, building on a seven year trend that has seen research revenues increase 65 per cent.  Trent faculty currently hold 10 Canada Research Chairs.  In 2009-10, the University was awarded two additional chairs in Physics of Biomaterials and Sustainable Agriculture.  The University also successfully applied for a new Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering from the Ontario government, valued at $1,250,000. 

In 2008, Trent University faculty continued the trend of producing the greatest proportion of peer-reviewed journal papers compared to other Ontario universities of comparable size.  Trent faculty continue to perform above the average in securing external funding per full time faculty member, when compared to universities of a similar size.  The report revealed that Trent faculty also outperform comparator institutions in two categories:  the average number of citations appearing in publications; and the number of ‘Google’ hits related to a specific university, based on current full-time faculty members. 

Annual Reports

Annual reports for Health and Safety, Human Rights, Student Services and Undergraduate Program reviews were received.

Board Reappointments and Assignments

Fred Sherratt and Robert Butterworth were reappointed to the Board for a term of one year commencing July 1, 2010.  Mr. Butterworth was also appointed Vice-Chair of the Board for a one-year period commencing July 1, 2010.  The proposed committee, committee chair, board member and external committee member assignments, for 2010-11, as recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee, were approved.

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For more information contact:

Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs, (705) 748-1011, ext. 6181

Kate Shaughnessy, Planning and Administrative Assistant, (705) 748-1011, ext. 6180