Trent Graduate Students' Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is in charge at Trent?

• Trent University operates under a bicameral (i.e. two-chamber) governance model. (Trent University)
• The two “chambers” are the Board of Governors and the Senate. Each has distinct responsibilities and areas of authority. (Trent University)
• In broad strokes: the Senate handles academic policy, program approvals, academic standards, curriculum, admissions, degree requirements, etc. (Trent University)
• The Board of Governors deals with financial, property, budget, administrative, strategic, and oversight matters. (Trent University)
• The President (and other senior administrators) serve as a bridge between the two bodies. (Trent University)

Can students access Board of Governors meetings or minutes?

• The Board of Governors publishes information about its meetings, governance, and related documents on the Trent Governance website. (Trent University)
• Meeting minutes (or summaries) are often made publicly available (or at least accessible) via the Board’s governance pages. (Trent University)
• Whether meetings are open to the public (i.e. you may attend) depends on Board policy and whether parts of meetings are “in camera” (closed) for confidential matters — you would need to check the Board’s meeting schedule and agenda notices.
• If you are unsure, you can contact the governance office (see “Who to Contact” below).

What does the Senate do?

• The Senate is the principal academic governing body of the university. (Trent University)
• Its responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
    • Approving new academic programs, modifications to existing programs, and program discontinuations. (Trent University)
    • Oversight of academic regulations, standards for progression, degree requirements, academic appeals, academic integrity, etc. (Trent University)
    • Matters of admissions policy, transfer credit, grading, and academic standing. (Trent University)
    • Senate also has various subcommittees (e.g. Senate committees) which handle specialized domains (curriculum review, academic planning, appeals, etc.) (Trent University)
• The Senate’s membership includes ex officio members (e.g. President), elected faculty, student senators, and others. (Trent University)

What is the role of the TGSA?

The Trent Graduate Students’ Association (TGSA) is a not-for-profit, student-run association that represents graduate students (advocacy, governance, services).

What is the difference between a not-for-profit student association and a student union?

This distinction is partly semantic, and the practices vary by institution. Here’s how it applies at Trent (or generally):

• At Trent, the
• Teaching assistants, markers, and other graduate student academic workers are represented by a union — specifically CUPE Local 3908 (Unit 2) at Trent.
• The TGSA and the union may work closely: the TGSA advocates as a student association, while CUPE 3908 handles collective bargaining rights for GTA/students as workers.

What union represents GTAs (Graduate Teaching Assistants) at Trent?

• Graduate Teaching Assistants, markers, and other student academic workers are represented by CUPE Local 3908, specifically Unit 2.
• In TGSA documentation, the association works closely with CUPE 3908 and notes that CUPE 3908 provides funding and support for graduate students who are Unit 2 workers.

Colleges

What are the Trent colleges, and how does college affiliation work for graduate students?

• Trent University uses a “college” system (especially on the Peterborough campus) — e.g. Traill College, Champlain College, Lady Eaton, Otonabee, and Peter Gzowski College, etc.
• Undergraduate students are normally affiliated with one of these colleges.
• For graduate students, your undergraduate college affiliation carries through by default: you remain affiliated with the same college as you had in your undergraduate program.
• That means your graduate work does not require you to choose a new college — you continue to belong to your original affiliated college during graduate studies.
• Graduate students will also automatically be enrolled in TGSA (graduate student association) by virtue of being graduate students.

What do the colleges do for graduate students?

College Affiliation

All new graduate students are automatically affiliated with Traill College. If you completed your undergraduate degree at Trent, your original college affiliation normally continues into your graduate studies unless you request a change.

Students who wish to change their affiliation—whether to or from Traill College—can do so by contacting the College Office or submitting a request through the MyTrent portal.

Study and Community Spaces

Traill College provides graduate students with access to Scott House, which contains a graduate reading room, a small college library, and the Senior Common Room. These areas are designed for quiet study, informal meetings, and relaxation. Access is arranged through the College Office, ensuring that graduate students have dedicated academic and community space on campus. Email [email protected] to obtain key card access to Scott House.

Lady Eaton College has generously provided access to graduate students to their “Sr Common Room” which has been used exclusively by faculty and staff to date. The TGSA has purchased a fridge for graduate student use, and the electrical panel is being updated currently. A form to register your keycard will be forthcoming.

Academic Advising and Skills Support

Your college office offers advising and academic support for graduate students.

Staff members assist with course planning, scheduling, and understanding program requirements. They can also help students develop academic skills such as writing, research, and study techniques.

Graduate students are encouraged to contact the office whenever they need help navigating university procedures or resolving academic questions.

Professional Development

Symons Seminar Series for Graduate Research
On the first Wednesday of each month, Traill College hosts the Symons Seminar Series for Graduate Research. This long-standing, student-led symposium provides graduate students in the humanities and sciences an opportunity to present their research and explore interdisciplinary connections.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition challenges Master’s and Ph.D. students to present their complex, specialized research in just three minutes, using only a single PowerPoint slide. Today, it has expanded globally, with students competing in university, regional, and international events.

Traill Visiting Fellow
Each year, Traill College welcomes a Traill Visiting Fellow who lives in the college, engages in student life, and delivers public lectures. The fellowship is designed to enrich and support the college’s graduate community.

The colleges features several event and performance venues, including the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, Nozhem Theatre, and the Lady Eaton Music Room, providing a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Community and Events

The colleges foster a strong sense of community through regular events and social gatherings. Activities such as open mic nights, trivia evenings, networking events,  free college breakfasts, “Pizza Fridays”, and Sunday Dinners provide opportunities for graduate students to connect and unwind.

The colleges also encourage graduate participation in leadership roles through the college cabinets, which helps shape programming and community initiatives. These events and opportunities allow graduate students to engage with the wider Trent community while building interdisciplinary networks.

Departmental Connections

Several graduate programs have offices and faculty located within the colleges.

This close proximity to faculty and staff helps graduate students feel part of a scholarly community and promotes collaboration between programs.

Event and Performance Spaces

Graduate students may attend events hosted at these locations or request to use them for departmental lectures, conferences, and performances.

First Point of Contact

Your College Office serves as a first point of contact for many student needs.

Staff can provide guidance on academic issues, refer students to appropriate university services, and help them connect with resources such as student wellness, accessibility, or financial support.

Services, Rights & Access

Can graduate students access Student Accessibility Services?

• Yes. Graduate students at Trent are eligible to register with Student Accessiblity Services.
• If you need help, your program, TGSA, or the graduate studies office can help you navigate the process.

Where can we see our fee breakdown / tuition & ancillary fees?

• Trent publishes Tuition & Fees schedules on its Student Finances / Registrar pages. (Trent University)
• There is a page “What’s in your tuition?” explaining that tuition includes registration, ancillary, and levy fees. (Trent University)
• For graduate students, the Graduate Studies – Student Account and Tuition page gives details on program-specific fees, due dates, and breakdowns.   

Contact & Resources (Who to Contact)

Here is a list of useful contacts and offices you may need: