Trent University's Board of Governors convened its final meeting of the academic year on June 19, approving the 2026/27 operating budget, reviewing progress on transformative campus development projects, recognizing the outstanding service of Trent champions and celebrating national award-winning achievements.
Outgoing Board Chair Doug Kirk (far left on bench) gathers with the Board of Governors and Trent senior administration outside Champlain College for the bench dedication in his name.
In his opening remarks, acting chair Mike Lavallée recognized the service of outgoing Board chair Doug Kirk 70 and departing governors Ufuoma Rose Mrabure 24, Krista Scaldwell 86, and Professor Hasmet Uluorta, thanking them for their dedication to Trent University and for the collegiality and leadership they brought to the Board. He also reflected on recent Convocation celebrations, welcoming Trent's new chancellor Dr. Zabeen Hirji '25 (hon), while expressing gratitude to outgoing chancellor Dr. Stephen Stohn 66, 15 (hon) for his seven years of leadership and his enduring commitment to the University.
The meeting also featured a special tribute to outgoing Chair Kirk, including the dedication of a new bench located outside Champlain College, honouring his six years of service on the Board and his commitment to strengthening Trent and its connections with the communities it serves.
Doug Kirk was first appointed to the Board of Governors in 2020 and served as Board chair from 2024 to 2026, following leadership roles as vice-chair and chair of the Finance & Property Committee. During his time on the Board, he provided thoughtful governance and strategic leadership through a period of significant change for the post-secondary sector, helping advance major initiatives including Gidigaa Migizi College, the new Otonabee College residence, the Trent Farm Research Centre, the Long-Term Care Home and the successful transfer of the Staff Pension Plan to the University Pension Plan.
In her remarks, President Cathy Bruce highlighted Trent University's recent national recognition, celebrating six Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) prix d'excellence Awards that placed the University among Canada's top three performing institutions. She also reflected on recent government engagement and funding announcements, including the expansion of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant to include Trent's Nursing program, and $57.7 million in provincial funding to support the University's continued growth and its role in preparing graduates for in-demand careers.
Additional highlights from the June 19 Board meeting include:
Trent Lands & Nature Areas Plan Update
The Board received an update on the implementation of the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, highlighting continued progress on initiatives that balance campus growth with environmental stewardship and Indigenous collaboration. Updates included the implementation of the Ggwepnandizamin University Green Network plan, continued development of the Trent Research Farm, progress on major campus infrastructure projects including the Long-Term Care Home and upper-year student housing, and ongoing planning for Indigenous placemaking and active transportation improvements.
Capital Projects Update
The Board received a progress report on several major initiatives shaping Trent's campuses, including work on site preparation for the Gidigaa Migizi College and new Otonabee College residence project. Infrastructure renewal projects continue across the Symons campus, including the rehabilitation of the Faryon Bridge. Renovations are also underway to enhance student housing and classroom spaces, and donor-funded college renewal projects like the Champlain College Junior Common Room and Otonabee College Wilder House Lounge.
Approval of 2026/27 Operating Budget
With the recent announcement by the provincial government of Trent's allocation of new funding, the Board was able to review and approve the 2026-27 operating and ancillary budgets. The budget reflects the challenging fiscal environment facing universities and assumes moderate enrolment decrease largely due to ongoing federal restrictions on international student enrolment and heightened competition for domestic students. The budget includes the University's funding allocation under the new provincial funding model announced by MPP Dave Smith in an event on the Symons campus on June 17. The budget also outlines key strategic priorities focused on restoring long-term financial sustainability through a multi-pronged, multi-year approach that includes departmental budget reduction strategies, enrolment recovery efforts, additional revenue-generating opportunities, and continued operational efficiencies.
