January 10, 2000
Dear Science Faculty members,
The recent plans for closing the downtown colleges have deep-reaching implications for present and incoming students attending Trent. Most of the opposition to this proposal has been from the humanities students and faculty. While it is generally thought that this proposal will only affect arts students, this is not the case. As science students we feel the need to voice our concerns regarding the closing of the downtown colleges. Personally speaking, we chose Trent for the close connection that it has to the Peterborough community. The option to live in the downtown area (which includes Peter Robinson College and Catherine Parr Traill College) is an important consideration for many students. Although the future of Trent is unclear we feel these changes will be detrimental to a potential student’s experience. We fear for the integrity of the college system, a distinguishing characteristic of Trent. According to the proposal, the incoming finances from Superbuild could still be appropriated for building additions to the Science Complex whether or not the downtown colleges are sold. The idea that the sale of the downtown colleges is required for the construction of increased science facilities unnecessarily creates tension between potentially displaced humanities faculty and those associated with Symons campus. As representatives of many science students’ concerns, we hope you consider our opinions in your dealings with this matter.
Sincerely,
Darcie Death
Sam Yeaman (fourth year biology/(second year environmental science/ anthropology major) biology major)
Kellie Bonnici (third year biology major)