Trent University Receives $250,000 For Transfer Student Support

Trent University has received $250,000 in funding from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to implement projects supporting postsecondary learner mobility, announced on Wednesday.

ONCAT is flowing over $2.8 million to support 39 projects at 35 colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Trent received the news by Dr. Adrienne Galway, executive director of ONCAT, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber College on Monday.

“Transfer students are an important part of Trent University’s student body. We aim to serve their unique goals and needs and are thrilled to receive funding for three ONCAT projects that will help our transfer students succeed at our Peterborough and Durham campuses,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor.” As a transfer-credit friendly institution, we are pleased to strengthen our accessible pathways and tailored student supports.”

Trent has been ‘singled out for providing comprehensive student transfer services,’ according to a 2020 ONCAT report. The University continues to say that to strengthen transfer systems even further, they will use the new funds to implement the following projects: 

• Development of a new University Transfer Credit Processing Policy: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop a transfer credit processing policy. This policy will enhance internal processes and further reduce wait times for incoming transfer students through standard practices for everyone involved in credit assessments.    

• The Bridge: An Expansion for Transfer Students: Building on a successful and pre-established bridging program, the $100,000 awarded for this project will help develop a transfer student-specific stream centered on academic success and social integration during student transition. Trent will take a comprehensive approach to this project through consultation and design with students, faculty, staff, and curriculum designers.  

• Transfer Student Success: Identifying and Piloting Challenges, Solutions and Outcomes: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop tools that will assess, monitor, and improve transfer student academic success and satisfaction. The project will research and pilot skill development opportunities to assist student transition, while developing systems for future use to track success over time.  

“Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,” said Dr. Galway. “The increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go.”

“The Ontario government is proud to support ONCAT’s important work to make it easier for learners of all backgrounds to pursue their educational goals,” said Minister Jill Dunlop. “By facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment to advance student success in Ontario.” 

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