Trent University and Fleming College Partner in Conservation Biology Transfer Pathway Program

Graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology program can now transfer into Trent University’s conservation biology or biology programs in a new agreement between the two institutions announced Monday.

Trent University has been ranked number one in Canada for sustainability education and research by the 2021 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent’s Conservation Biology program is among the first of its kind in North America. Students benefit from the mentorship of faculty experts,” said Dr. Erica Nol, Trent biology professor. “The new Conservation Biology transfer pathway between Trent and Fleming allows us to together build on the rich higher education opportunities available in the Peterborough region.”

With 11 on-campus nature areas, state-of-the-art laboratories and one of Canada’s top 20 Biology programs, the opportunities to explore innovative solutions to counteract the growing loss of wildlife and habitat are virtually endless at Trent. Students also benefit from the department’s unique on-campus partnership and connection with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, enhancing interactions in teaching and research, as well as hands-on working experience through various field courses and placements with groups like provincial and federal ministries, local conservation authorities Nature Conservancy Canada, Toronto Zoo, and Parks Canada.

“Fleming’s Conservation Biology diploma is the only program of its kind in Ontario as it focuses on conservation efforts using the latest research and technology, including genetics and environmental DNA,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “Transitioning from our unique diploma program to the bachelor’s degree at Trent will provide students access to the latest tools and practical knowledge and give students a competitive edge when entering the job market.”

Through this agreement, graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology diploma program can obtain either their B.Sc. (Honours) in Conservation Biology or B.Sc. (Honours) in Biology with an optional Specialization in Conservation Biology through Trent – graduating with both their diploma and degree in as little as five years.

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Trent University Ranked First In Canada For Sustainability Education and Research

Trent University has been ranked number one in Canada for sustainability education and research by the 2021 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings announced on Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Trent is also recognized as one of Canada’s top three environmental universities.

“Trent prides itself on its commitment to positive outcomes for the natural environment, and is committed to the GreenMetric rankings because they are a way to judge what is working,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Our bump up into the top spot in Canada for sustainability education and research can be attributed to a variety of academic developments this past year, which include new degree programs and specializations.” 

The GreenMetric ranking is the first university ranking in the world that measures participating universities’ commitment in developing environmentally-friendly infrastructure.

The ranking is based on performance across six categories: education and research, setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, and transportation. Trent is among 956 universities from around the world that participated in this year’s global ranking.

For the second consecutive year, Trent has ranked as the third-most sustainable university in Canada and remains in the top 15 per cent of sustainable universities worldwide across all six categories.

This year’s rankings also position the University as #1 in Canada in the education and research category (up from #2 last year) and #2 in Canada in both the waste and setting and infrastructure categories.

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New Environmental Sciences Pathways Between Trent University and Sault College Plants Seed for Sustainable Future

Trent University has reached a new agreement with Sault College to have a School of Natural Environment degree available on the Peterborough campus in two to three years.

Both institutions have signed four new articulation agreements, allowing graduates from Sault’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Forestry Technician, Natural Environment Technician and Natural Environment Technician Advanced Diploma programs to complete their Environmental and Resource Studies/Science degree at Trent, one of the only Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada-accredited environmental science programs in the country.

“Over the last 50 years, Trent has gained a reputation as a leader in the field of environmental education, and we look forward to welcoming Sault College students to our School of the Environment, where we offer unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, dean of Science at Trent University. “This partnership builds on our commitment to creating pathways for students between college and university and draws on the strengths of both our institutions in providing environmental science programming that prepares students to address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.”

The new partnership gives students access to the broadest range of environmental courses available at any Canadian university, 12 on-campus nature areas and globally recognized experts tackling some of the world’s most complex challenges – from climate change to environmental policy and food security.

“Sault College is proud to partner with Trent University and offer our learners expanded and meaningful opportunities to continue their studies. This partnership is another great example of our commitment to enhancing the educational experience and providing innovative ways for our learners to learn and grow and build upon the quality education and foundational knowledge they receive at our College,” said Dr. Ron Common, president of Sault College. “Together with Trent University, we are providing a unique pathway for learners to pursue their passions and further contribute to this important area. We look forward to continuing a rich and long-standing relationship with Trent University.”

Both institutions believe in the importance of offering a range of learning opportunities to ensure transformative post-secondary experiences. At Trent, students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through on-campus fieldwork or community-based research projects. They can also take advantage of international study opportunities that offer a global perspective on the environment.

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Trent University Hosts "Trent Day" For Community Philanthropy Celebration

Trent University will celebrate its inaugural and virtual event, “Trent Day” to showcase school spirit, share empowering stories and promote giving to support student needs on Friday.

Each campus college including the Durham campus will host donation campaigns for their respective houses and their affiliated students. The University will match all donations dollar-for-dollar to the Trent Fund up to $15,000. The fundraiser will last for 24 hours.

“We were looking for creative ways to build more support for students,” said Lee Hays, alumni engagement and services director. “We really got talking about founding values about the community so we thought, how we can celebrate this in a big way on an annual basis.”

The free event will kick off with a virtual music performance from Trent alumni musicians such as The Jerry Cans and I, The Mountain on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. It will be hosted by culinary personalities, sisters and alumni Maddie and Kiki Longo; Canada’s favourite “Female Grill Masters”.

A presentation called “The Last Lecture”, will feature an address by Ryan Palaro, graduating student, Melissa Law, alumnus, Natalie Nelson, LEC academic skills instructor and Professor Bill Smale from the School of Education who will offer their words of inspiration on Friday at 4:00 p.m.

The lecture is meant as a motivating farewell address for graduating students before convocation.

Alumni and this year’s graduating class are encouraged to post memories of their campus experience on social media using the hashtag #TrentDay that will be featured by the university to show school spirit.

“It’s a great way for students and the local community to show how much that community supports them as a student,” said Hays. “We’re also giving thanks to the campus communities.”

Trent Day’s date is a reference to The Trent Act of Apr. 3, 1963. The date the university received its first charter and was founded.

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Ontario Increases Mental Health Funding To Support Fleming College & Trent University Students

The Ontario government is providing a total of $695,894 to help increase access to mental health and addiction services for students at Fleming College and Trent University.

The funding will strengthen community partnerships, increase the number of mental health workers and programs, and immediately expand access for students to the provincial mental health and addictions system during COVID-19.

“There is no denying the added stresses the COVID-19 pandemic has presented to many post-secondary students in Peterborough-Kawartha, and throughout the Province,” says Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, Dave Smith.

“Having to pivot to learning almost exclusively online, and the difficulties that can arise when learning from home has been a challenge for student’s mental well-being,” Smith adds. “Despite this, I have been continuously impressed by both Trent University and Fleming College’s supports available to students. That is why I am thrilled to see this additional investment coming from the Province, so we can continue to address student’s well-being and ultimately help them achieve their goals.”

This funding is part of the province’s total investment of $26.25 million for mental health supports for postsecondary students in 2020-21. It will support more services for students on-campus and virtually and can also be used to address the needs of vulnerable and diverse groups, such as Indigenous students, LGBTQ students and students with disabilities. 

Providing mental health supports for postsecondary students is part of Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, the government’s plan to build a connected and comprehensive mental health and addiction system that ensures children, youth, and adults in Ontario receive appropriate services where and when they need them.

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Trent University Mourns the Passing of Founding President Thomas H.B. Symons

The Trent University community is mourning the death of its founding President Thomas H.B. Symons, remembering the remarkable man and the industrious, highly regarded scholar who brought his vision for Trent to life and helped sustain it for over 55 years. 

Thomas H.B. Symons in his office at Rubidge Hall. (Photo courtesy Trent University)

“It was a privilege to know President Symons,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University.

“He was gracious, interested, and always obliging when I came to Trent. With great enthusiasm, he told me about Trent’s origins, the politics of Peterborough, and the lessons he learned from so many years in academic leadership,” Groarke adds.

Thomas H.B. Symons with Bata Library in background. (Photo courtesy Trent University)

Internationally renowned as a champion of education and student success, Professor Symons accepted the challenge posed by a committee of Peterborough citizens in 1961 to create a university for the city. He served as Trent University's president and vice-chancellor for 11 years until 1972.

Thomas H.B. Symons interacting with students. (Photo courtesy Trent University)

His leadership in education and his contributions to society and the nation were widely recognized, including his investment as a member of the Order of Canada in 1976 and the Order of Ontario in 2002. After retirement, Professor Symons remained an active member of the University community as well within Peterborough and beyond.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, had this to say about Symons in a tweet…

Thomas Symons was a beacon of intellectual light and Canadian scholarship. He loved this country and brought this love to the world. His legacy is an inspiration and his contributions will continue to benefit all who seek understanding and who ask the great Canadian questions. pic.twitter.com/Wc9l98brII

— Elizabeth Dowdeswell (@LGLizDowdeswell) January 2, 2021

You can read more about Professor Symons’ life and legacy at Trent and around the world on Trent University’s special tribute website.

Thomas H.B. Symons in Trent University's 50th Anniversary parade procession. (Photo courtesy Trent University)

In recognition of Professor Symons’ exceptional contributions to Trent University and as an expression of deep sympathies to family, friends and colleagues, the flag atop Bata Library will be lowered.

In lieu of flowers, the Symons family has asked that donations be made to the T.H.B. Symons Trust for Canadian Studies at Trent University. 

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24-Year-Old Legally Blind Trent Student Brett Michael LeBlanc Is Missing

On Friday, November 20th, Brett Michael LeBlanc was reported missing to the Peterborough Police Service.

Brett, 24, is a student at Trent University and was last seen late Tuesday night (November 17th) on campus. Brett is legally blind. He is able to walk without assistance and typically wears black sunglasses, according to a Peterborough Police media release. He is described as a male white, 5 ft 10”, 169 lbs, brown medium length hair, thin moustache, wearing white high-top sneakers.

Photo of BretT Courtesy Peterborough Police

On Saturday, November 21st, Peterborough Police, along with Trent University security, conducted a ground search on Trent University property with negative results.

If members of the public—including Trent University students—have any information on Brett’s disappearance, you are asked to call police at 705-876-1122.

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Trent U's Nursing Program To Introduce Virtual Reality Course Lessons Created By Peterborough Startup

Trent University’s School of Nursing and eCampusOntario has partnered with local tech company AVROD to develop virtual reality (VR) lessons for nursing students that will educate on incivility and how to deal with it in the workplace.

The project began when professors including Kim English at Trent University’s School of Nursing connected with eCampusOntario to consider creating a VR project. They were in contact with Jeremy Brooks, Founder of AVROD (Archaeological Virtual Reality Online Database) and Trent University  alumni. 

Photo courtesy Innovation Cluster

Brooks started with the help of the Innovation Cluster while an archaeology student at Trent University. Brooks and AVROD’s Lead Developer, Manan Patel, have been working alongside Professor English to bring the nursing simulation to life.

“We are excited to be working with Trent Nursing to deliver state of the art training simulations for nurses which go beyond traditional screen-based online teaching technologies,” says Brooks. “We believe that fully immersive VR online learning will become the new normal for Canadian educational institutions, and we are excited to help bring Canada into this next era of online education through AVROD."

Photo courtesy Innovation Cluster

Training tools via simulations are common in nursing education, but virtual reality has not been used as frequently.

“We thought, what if we created VR scenarios to allow students to walk through situations in a safe way, meaning they have the opportunity to leave when they need to, and provide debriefing afterwards,” says English. “Our initial goal is for students to one, experience it safely and two, learn how to deal with it.”

Jeremy Brooks, Founder of AVROD, using the platform

The team originally planned to have students use the project starting throughout May and June, but Covid-19 has prevented this as students will need to enter the university and share equipment. The project launch remains on hold until it can be safely implemented.

Now that the pandemic is pushing all forms of education, work and entertainment to go virtual, English says they are brainstorming ways to innovate their teachings.

“I think that the pandemic right now is making us consider some of these technologies in our approach to teaching,” she says. “Not everything can be virtual [while teaching nursing], but there are opportunities to look at VR to be a tool whether it be conversations or practicing medication administration with distractions around you and resolving. I absolutely think it is something we need to consider as we move forward.”

“We are expecting a global demand for our platform as people look to travel, explore, learn, and collaborate remotely and safely using more affordable VR headsets like the Oculus Quest,” adds Brooks. “We plan to launch AVROD globally in the Fall of 2020 and are working with young talent to develop cutting-edge skills to create new Canadian jobs, starting here in Peterborough.”

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Trent University Provides $675,000 In Emergency Funding For Students

As part of its ongoing response to support students, Trent University has provided $675,000 in emergency funding to more than 1,200 students— including domestic, international, undergraduate, and graduate students —who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

“At Trent, we have a commitment to providing the financial support that students need to be successful,” says Tracy Al-Idrissi, University registrar at Trent. “With all of the change and uncertainty happening, it was crucial that we help alleviate the immediate financial pressures facing students, allowing them to keep their academic focus.”

The funding came from budget earmarked for student support through Financial Aid, the School of Graduate Studies and Trent International. The total was also enhanced by the #TrentUCares campaign, which attracted donations from alumni, staff, faculty and friends for the Student Rapid Relief Fund.

“The entire Trent community stepped up to help offer financial support at a critical time, and the students that I’ve spoken to and received emails from have definitely felt that support,” adds Christopher Rooney, associate registrar of operations and client services. “Many students were able to purchase groceries and supplies, pay essential monthly bills, and acquire the tools and equipment necessary to finish up their term remotely because of the support they received.”

Following the successful disbursement of emergency funding to students in immediate need, the University is now focusing on student financial needs for the summer term, which runs May through August.

Financial Aid has already started releasing funds through OSAP and bursary applications for the summer term are available in order to support students to continue their studies through this challenging time.

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts continue, as increasing requests for support are anticipated due to the loss of summer employment opportunities students normally count on to carry them through the fall and winter term.

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Trent U Student Breaks Guinness World Record for Indoor Cycling & Does It For Great Cause

Peterborough’s Travis Samuel balances the rigorous training and travel demands of being a professional cyclist with his studies at Trent University.

Faced with racing plans dramatically changed for the upcoming season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 25-year-old Business and Economics student and his teammates dedicated themselves to a new effort—a 24-hour continuous indoor cycling event, with the goal of fundraising for community hospitals and a possible shot at a Guinness World Record.

Travis Samuel (photo courtesy Trent University)

“I was all for launching a 24-hour ride for raising money for our frontline health care workers with my team Toronto Hustle,” says Travis. “As I started to do more and more research on what it was going to take to break the record, I started realizing that I could do it if I had everything go perfectly.”

Through online cycling software, he was able to ride virtually with his teammates and cyclists from around the world. Throughout the record attempt, members of the cycling community rode alongside on their home trainers encouraging him along the way.

(Photo courtesy Trent University)

After an incredible 24 hours on the bike, a mentally and physically exhausted Travis climbed off his bike, completing an incredible 1,008 km and breaking the previous Guinness World Record. He maintained an average speed over 42 km/h for the entire event, and we’re exhausted just writing that.

The community-driven event was also an amazing success in exceeding its initial fundraising goal of $10,000. After the campaign was completed, more than $210,000 was raised in support of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation in Toronto to provide the necessary equipment to support frontline healthcare workers directly involved in COVID-19 patient care.

“I'm pretty speechless in what has happened over the past two weeks with the #CrushCOVID campaign,” adds Travis. “I just hope that our fundraiser will help ease the stress a bit off our healthcare workers.”

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