Trent University Revives In-Person Open House After Two-Year Hiatus

Trent University is back to welcoming future students and their guests to their Peterborough campus for their first in-person open house in over two years this Friday.

Trent University is the number one undergraduate university in Ontario for the eleventh year and number three in its category in all of Canada in the 2022 Maclean’s University Rankings. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The Durham campus has their open house on April 9.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome students back to experience Trent for themselves, in real life,” said Marilyn Burns, Trent vice-president. “Our In-Person Open House events come at an ideal time as future students are making important decisions about their postsecondary journey.”

Trent University’s is profiling 19 new co-op streams within the humanities and science programs that are showcased at the event.

Academic and student services fair and program sessions as guests can learn from extracurriculars, clubs, groups housing and scholarships. Campus and residence tours are available on-site that include Trent’s new residence and academic buildings.

Highlights from Trent’s In-Person Spring Open House events include:

• Accept an Offer on the Spot: Visit with our admissions team will help you accept your offer on the spot and take a celebratory photo.

• Apply on the Spot: Visit the “Apply Now” table to start your Trent journey. Remember to bring your OUAC code.

• Learn about fresh career-focused programs and new co-op streams: Meet the Careerspace team and attend information sessions to find out more about a growing range of programs focused on your future: Nursing; Business; Forensic Science; Education; Law & Arts/Law & Business; Environmental Studies and Science; as well as our new competitive co-op streams for Humanities and Social Sciences students.

• Get to know our community: Speak one-on-one with Trent professors and students, and find out more about support from Canada’s #1 ranked academic advising team at the academic and student services fair.

• Tour campus spaces: From a dynamic new residence and academic building at Trent University Durham and state-of-the-art classrooms and labs like those in the Forensic Crime Scene Facility, to light-filled study spaces in the Student Centre and Bata Library, Trent’s campuses will be fully open to explore; be sure to snap and share a photo at one of the selfie spots to win prizes;

• “Get the T-shirt”: Purchase Trent gear at a discounted price from the Campus Store.

All students who attend Open House are also automatically entered in a draw to win free first-year tuition.

Geusts can register for open house-events for both Peterborough and Durham campuses.

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Dr. Cathy Bruce Appointed Vice-President of Research And Innovation at Trent University

Dr. Cathy Bruce, leading educator and researcher, has been appointed vice-president of Research and Innovation at Trent University, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Bruce, who has been serving successfully as interim vice-president since September 2020, is a highly-regarded researcher with an established career at the University for nearly 20 years. In the role, she will continue to oversee the Office of Research & Innovation, strengthening and expanding research activity at Trent, both within academia and through strategic partnerships.

“Dr. Cathy Bruce is an inspirational exceptional administrator with a passion for research, innovation, and mentorship. She brings an exceptional combination of skill and experience to this key role,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with her in a way that will advance Trent’s reputation and performance as a leading research-intensive institution.”

In the role, Bruce will build on the successes of her term as interim vice-president, during which time she led the development of new policies, created Early Career Researcher Awards, and established a new Trent-specific Research Grant Incentive Fund of $265,000.

As vice-president, Bruce will coordinate the development of a set of strategic research priorities for the University to deepen connections between academic programming and research, intensify existing research activity, and identify diverse and interdisciplinary areas of research potential. She will oversee all research activity at Trent and research partnerships with government, industry and community partners, while supporting priority initiatives for the University such as Trent’s long-term care research partnership, Cleantech Commons research and development, and the work of the EaRTH District.

“I am thrilled and also humbled by this opportunity to build on the considerable success of the Office of Research & Innovation at Trent,” said Bruce. “I consider this role as one of service and support to the University, local and global communities, faculty, staff and students—and as I have spent most of my career in education, my approach will be, and as it always been, to focus on nurturing the potential, passion and expertise of others.”

Bruce is also a full professor in the Trent School of Education, where she has been conducting and publishing federally-funded research throughout her career.

Her research focus is mathematics learning and the role of spatial reasoning and self-efficacy in that learning. Bruce acts as lead researcher for the Trent Math Education Research Collaborative (TMERC), a research program that enables collaborative research with teachers, other researchers, mathematics educators, early childhood educators, and school districts. She also recently served as president of the Association of Canadian Deans of Education.

A co-author of two math professional texts based on her research program, with a third coming out this spring, Bruce has been recognized as a leading educator and researcher.

She was named one of Ontario’s most outstanding university teachers by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) in 2012 and was recipient of the Eduardo Flores International Leadership Award in 2015 for her leadership in action research.

Bruce holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto; an M.A. from OISE of the University of Toronto; and a B.A. and B.Ed. from York University.

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Trent University Student-Athletes Honoured in Return to Athletics Awards Banquet

Trent University celebrated its return to athletics with the 53rd annual Athletics Awards held at the Trent Athletics Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Coming together in-person for the 53rd Trent Excalibur Awards gives us an opportunity to celebrate the return to sport this year, highlight the accomplishments of our varsity student-athletes and coaches and recognize all their hard work in representing the Trent Excalibur,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

Varsity student-athletes Victoria Clark (women’s lacrosse) and Alex Zajac (men’s rugby) were awarded the Arthur Cup, the University’s most prestigious award for students who demonstrated outstanding contribution, sportsmanship, participation and leadership in athletics programs according to Trent.

Clark spent four seasons with the Trent Excalibur lacrosse team. The Biomedical Science student was a member of two-time OUA champion women’s lacrosse teams in 2019 and 2021 and earned a bronze medal in 2018. She has been named Rookie of the Year, a recipient of two OUA All-Star awards and served as team captain in her final two seasons.

Zajac was named captain in the final year of his rugby tenure. He was the team’s Rookie of the Year in 2018 and played a key role in the men’s 2019 OUA Bronze medal game.

“This year, Trent Athletics has seen the continued dedication, resilience, and unity of the One Excalibur student-athletes, coaches, and staff,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, Trent Athletics and Recreation director. “We are celebrating not only the award recipients and achievements from this past season but we also commemorate the perseverance and growth of the One Excalibur family through this past season.”

Brooke Driscoll of varsity women’s volleyball was awarded the Gary Wolff Leadership award, presented each year to a student-athlete who has demonstrated determination and leadership through balancing sport, community involvement and academic performance.

Driscoll was on the women’s volleyball team for the past five seasons, serving as the co-captain during the 2021-22 season. Brooke’s commitment to the sport was recognized by the OUA this past season, presented with the Award of Merit.

The archaeology student was also awarded the Academic All-Canadian Award in each of their years at Trent and now working on their Masters.

Women’s Rugby student-athlete, Alexa Vanderhorst received the Community Betterment Award. During her four years with the Excalibur, Vanderhorst was the community liaison for Trent Rugby in 2021, Trent Rugby’s fast and female ambassador in 2019, a volunteer firefighter with Asphodel-Norwood Fire Department and a member of Trent University Durham’s PLCW Care Student group (helping those who are less fortunate through food and clothing drives).

She was also named the OUA Russel Division All-Star this season. As a student-athlete, she uses her platform and knowledge of sport to continue to help younger athletes as a volunteer figure skating coach and wrestling coach.

There were 119 Trent Excalibur student-athletes were acknowledged for achieving academic honours by maintaining an 80 per cent or higher average while playing in their respective varsity sport.

The following student-athletes were honoured with the University Athletic Award, presented to students who have demonstrated a significant contribution to the varsity and campus recreation programs:

• Amanda MacCarthy (Women’s Rugby)

• Caleigh McMillan (Women’s Rugby)

• Genna Saunders (Women’s Volleyball)

• Taylor Bryan (Rowing)

• Rosalyn Shepherd (Rowing)

• Sofia Cutulle (Rowing)

• Gabrielle Gillet (Fencing)

• Jacob McPhee (Men’s Soccer)

• Curtis Romanchych (Men’s Lacrosse)

• Emily VanDamme (Women’s Lacrosse)

• Violet Hipkin (Women’s Soccer)

The following varsity student-athletes were also honoured for outstanding commitment and dedication to their respective sports:

Rowing

• Rosalyn Shepherd (Chris Leach Award)

• Tim Leubke & Sofia Cutulle (Rob DeJong Award)

• Michael Caryk (Rob Maryland Award)

Men’s Curling

• Enrique Ascaso (Rookie of the Year)

• Matthew Mayede (Coach’s Award)

• Evan Roitz (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Curling

• Leslie Inglis (Rookie of the Year)

• Paige Ballantyne (Coach’s Award)

• Brooke Ramsay (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Lacrosse

• Jack MacAlpine (Rookie of the Year)

• Mac Rahn (Coach’s Award)

• Curtis Romanchych (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Lacrosse 

• Natalie Fournier (Rookie of the Year)

• Cassidy Assinck (Coach’s Award)

• Emily VanDamme (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Rugby

• Caleb Hickey (Rookie of the Year)

• Grayson Tucker (Coach’s Award)

• Will Hoffmann (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Rugby

• Maddie Reid (Rookie of the Year)

• Jess Malcolm & Amanda MacCarthy (Coach’s Award)

• Caleigh McMillan & Lily Stewart (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Soccer

• Ainsley Bryan (Rookie of the Year)

• Jacob McPhee (Coach’s Award)

• Boluwatife Oluwaseyi (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Soccer

• Madison Walter (Rookie of the Year)

• Violet Hipkin & Eilidh Major (Coach’s Award)

• Alexis Wilson & Alyssa Nikkel (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Volleyball

• Nic Badalato (Rookie of the Year)

• Bryson Meadus (Coach’s Award)

• Ryan Austin (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Volleyball

• Taya Knier (Rookie of the Year)

• Brooke Driscoll (Coach’s Award)

• Genna Saunders (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Cross Country

• Owen May (Rookie of the Year)

• Eric Samtleben (Coach’s Award)

• Nathan O’Keeffe (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Cross Country

• Amberle MacDonald (Rookie of the Year)

• Madison Hammel (Coach’s Award)

• Jaime Bullas (Most Valuable Player)

Fencing

• Sydney Lutz (Rookie of the Year)

• Gabriel Gillett (Coach’s Award)

• Bradley Jung (Most Valuable Player) 

Golf 

• Karsen Gunter (Rookie of the Year)

• Mark Clarey (Coach’s Award)

• Joshua Staleri (Most Valuable Player)

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Fleming College Adds A Degree In Zoology Pathway With Hartpury University In United Kingdom

Fleming College is expanding its relationship with Hartpury University in the United Kingdom by establishing a new transfer agreement, allowing students in Fleming’s School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences the opportunity to complete a Zoology degree with just one additional year of study.

Photo courtesy of Hartpury University.

This arrangement provides graduates of Fleming’s Conservation Biology, Fish and Wildlife Technician, and Fish and Wildlife Technology diploma programs a new pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree at Hartpury University in Gloucester, England. The pathway agreement for Fleming’s Fitness and Health Promotion and Recreation and Leisure Services diploma programs remains in place.

Fleming graduates will be able to enter the final year of the BSc (Honours) Zoology program at Hartpury, which offers a broad range of study options. Students can tailor their studies to suit individual interests and aspirations by enrolling in modules in biodiversity, conservation, wildlife management and conservation genetics.

Students also prepare and undertake an independent academic research project. A small range of elective classes cover such topics as epidemiology, advanced animal microbiology and anthrozoology. Upon successfully completing the one-year program, students graduate with their bachelor’s degree. Hartpury also offers a range of complementary master’s degree programs, which can also be completed in an additional, single year.

“We are pleased to build on our long-standing partnership with Hartpury University and expand the breadth of options for Fleming students,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “This is the first pathway from a program in our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences to a degree in Zoology. This innovative effort provides students with an excellent opportunity. Students not only earn valuable credentials in just over three years, but they also gain a rich, international experience while doing so.”

“We are delighted to have extended our relationship with Fleming College,” said Doctor Wanda McCormack, Hartpury University’s Department Head for Animal and Agriculture. “This has been a successful pathway in the areas of sport and health, and we now welcome Fleming graduates into our animal department. Ontario students are attracted by our outstanding learning environment, as well as the opportunity to graduate with an honours degree in a single academic year and, potentially, a master’s degree in two.”

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Province Extends Tuition Freeze College and University Students

Ontario students and families can breathe as the provincial government has extended the tuition freeze through 2023 announced on Wednesday.

Students enrolled in a university undergraduate arts and science degree would pay an average of $660 less in tuition with the freeze according to the Ontario Government. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The freeze will provide financial relief and predictability for students and families seeking access to affordable post-secondary education according to the Ontario Government.

“Our government recognizes that students and their families make huge sacrifices to attend college and university, so our government will continue to look for ways to reduce financial barriers for learners,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of colleges and universities. “By freezing tuition for another year, we are saying yes to ensuring that students have access to affordable, high-quality postsecondary education and reducing the financial strain on families who have already faced so many challenges throughout the pandemic.”

The one-year extended tuition freeze for Ontario residents builds on Ontario’s 10 per cent reduction in tuition for the 2019-20 academic year, and the subsequent two-year freeze from 2020-22.

The freeze has provided students with tuition relief of about $450 million annually when compared to tuition costs in 2018-19 according to a press release.

“Increasing the affordability of college and university is part of Ontario’s plan to help people get the training they need to get good-paying jobs,” said Minister Dunlop. “By extending the tuition freeze, we will ensure that students can get the skills they need to succeed in a highly-competitive global economy.”

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Fleming College Students Hosting Free Community Tax Clinics

Fleming College accounting diploma students are holding free tax clinics for any eligible individuals announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The tax clinic are held virtually and run each Tuesday from March 22 to April 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To be eligible for the clinic, individual or family income should be no greater than:

• 1 person - $35,000

• 2 persons - $45,000

• 3 persons - $47,500

• 4 persons - $50,000

• 5 persons - $52,500

For households larger than five persons, $52,500 plus $2,500 for each additional person.

To book an appointment: send an email to taxclinic@flemingcollege.ca. Once an appointment is scheduled, a Webex link will be provided that will be open during clinic hours.

Fleming asks any clients to have the following information on hand to have their 2021 tax return completed:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• T2202A Tuition Receipt which can be downloaded from your student portal

• Rent receipts for rent paid in Ontario in 2021

• Medical expense receipts

• T4 Statement of Income (provided by your employer if you worked in Canada during 2021)

• Any other tax related slips you may receive in the mail such as T5 and T3 slips (for investment income)

• International Students and New Canadians filing a tax return for the first time will need to provide their date of arrival in Canada

For more information about free tax clinics, click here.

Students can find more information about tuition tax credit and general income taxes at the following sites:

• Students: canada.ca/taxes-students

• International Students: canada.ca/taxes-international-students

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No Strike For Fleming College With Reached Agreement

The Ontario College strike has been called off and Fleming College has resumed classes after the College Employer Council and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have agreed to enter binding interest arbitration announced Thursday night.

Fleming College last had a strike in late 2017 college strike that lasted from roughly five weeks. Roughly 500,000 Ontario students were affected by the provincial college strike. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

"We are pleased to announce that the College Employer Council and the OPSEU academic union have agreed to enter binding interest arbitration and the strike that was scheduled to commence on Friday, March 18 is called off,” said Fleming College in a statement. “Classes will run as scheduled. We would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and professionalism during these negotiations.”

“We are pleased to advise that after 12 hours at the bargaining table, the parties have agreed to unconditional interest arbitration on both parties’ outstanding issues. Hearing dates mutually convenient to the parties will be scheduled soon,” said Dr. Laurie Rancourt, Chair of the Management bargaining team. “We remain committed to putting students and their education first”.

With the strike called off, Peterborough Transit has returned to regular routes serving Fleming College and the surrounding area.

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Fleming College Faculty Strike To Begin on Friday

Fleming College announced they will begin a full strike this Friday unless management agrees to return to bargaining or accept final interest arbitration.

Fleming College last had a strike in late 2017 college strike that lasted from roughly five weeks. Roughly 500,000 Ontario students were affected by the provincial college strike. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) represents roughly 16,000 faculty staff at 24 Ontario colleges. They notified the College Employer Council of the deadline, gave an open letter to college presidents and asked them to agree to the union’s proposal.

"Our members are fighting for the best education for students," said JP Hornick, OPSEU bargaining team chair. "We haven't made any unreasonable demands, and everything we have asked for is easily achievable."

Union members rejected a final offer from the council last month.

If a strike occurs, all in-person, hybrid, and online classes at all Fleming College campuses will be suspended. This includes full-time and part-time classes, on-campus continuing education classes, dual credit classes and apprenticeships. Fleming has yet to address student placements.

All Fleming campuses remain open during the possible strike as College staff will be crossing picket lines.

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Fleming College Offers Support to Ukraine By Selling Medical Kits

Fleming College is selling medical kit packages throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas in support of Ukraine beginning this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The first event is at all Peterborough Shoppers Drug Mart stores where customers can purchase a medical supply kit for $10 (retail value worth $40) to send to Ukraine. The College has a goal of at least 500 packages to send overseas.

The College has issued a statement regarding the situation in Ukraine:

“So many of us are concerned and unnerved by the events currently unfolding in Ukraine. Canada is home to the second-largest Ukrainian population in the world outside of Ukraine itself and there is no doubt that this would include many of our fellow colleagues, friends, neighbours and students. The struggles faced by the Ukrainian community are certainly difficult to comprehend, as people worry for the safety and well-being of their loved ones back home. We join the international community in denouncing this hostile and illegal invasion of a sovereign country.”

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming has given a list of places you can donate to online in case you cannot visit a local Shoppers Drug Mart:

• Canadian Red Cross: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal

• Canada-Ukraine Foundation: Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

• UNICEF: Emergency Response to Conflict in Eastern Ukraine

• United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR): Ukraine Emergency

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