What Are The Demands?
- Do not close the downtown colleges.
- Foster the interdisciplinary nature of Trent.
- Restore the democratic process AND have Patterson resign as president of
Trent University.
Why Demand These Things?
Downtown Colleges:
- They are key as unique non-institutional feeling spaces.
- They keep Trent's people and spaces diverse.
- Physical space and mental space are intertwined. People who have become
accustomed to those spaces will lose part of themselves, and the inspiration
for the work they've done in those spaces.
- They maintain crucial ties with the City of Peterborough.
- The students that occupy these colleges are crucial to Peterborough's economy.
- They are the only viable residence alternative to campus residences, which
are not an option for mature and upper year students.
- They provide easier access for community members and guest speakers and
lecturers.
- They are critical parts of Trent's history, tradition, culture, and ties
with the community. These are what Peter Gzowski commended Trent for, and
they are the reason that we all chose Trent. Not for what it will be, but
for what it has been.
Interdisciplinary Culture:
- The diversity of spaces, people, and disciplines intermingling is what makes
Trent a special place. Outside the classrooms it is common for science and
humanities students to "hang out" together. This is not typical of other universities.
It is coveted at Trent, and we are about to lose it!
Restore Democracy:
- Why was Senate's position disregarded by someone who has only 1 year of
experience at Trent, while Senate (combined) has many more?
- Why is there only vague information on Trent's website regarding "collegial
changes" in last years TCSA and Senate meetings? This information was not
complete enough to let anyone know what was in store.
- Why are there more members of the BoG that have been in the Ontario government
than there are Trent Alumni or students and faculty?
- Is it coincidence that Patterson has always been first to advocate change
in her previous jobs (see bio below), and that a mere year after her introduction
to Trent our entire system is changing?
- Why was there not a more active dissemanation of their knowledge of events
ongoing/upcoming that would have such a huge effect on Trent's future? Item
3a of the Trent Act specifically says "Objects and Purposes of Trent University:
a) advancement of learning AND the dissemanation of knowledge"?
THESE are our issues!