Statement from the TCSA re: Conduct of Mayor Jeff Leal

The Trent Central Student Association is deeply saddened by the actions of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal when visiting our campus. On March 19th, 2025, Mayor Jeff Leal attended a Trent business class as a guest lecturer and used the n-word within his speech. Furthermore, he expressed racist sentiments that demeaned both the Black and Mexican communities. The City of Peterborough should hold its mayor to a higher standard. In response, the TCSA has filed a complaint to the Peterborough Integrity Commissioner regarding this incident.

The Trent Central Student Association calls on Trent University to; 

  • Provide assurance that Mayor Jeff Leal will not be invited back to campus. 

  • Ensure a BIPOC member of Trent staff conducts DEI and Anti-Black racism training for guest speakers.

  • Guarantee that future guest lecturers are properly screened and their content is reviewed before being presented to students.

The Trent Central Student Association calls on the City of Peterborough to; 

  • Conduct a review from the City of Peterborough's Integrity Commissioner on the conduct of Mayor Jeff Leal in line with the Peterborough City Council Code of Conduct: Conduct Respecting Others;  Section 10, Subsection A & B 

  • Mandate all city counsellors and city staff to receive anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion training.

  • Review and amend their 2023-2050 Strategic Plan to include anti-racism and race relations as a strategic priority under their Community and Wellbeing pillar. This should include but is not limited to addressing anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism, xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiments, anti-semitism, and Islamophobia within the Peterborough community. 

The TCSA will be hosting a sit-in at City Hall on Monday, April 28th, 2025, at 5:00pm; we invite Trent students and Peterborough community members to join us. We urge Peterborough residents to consider the values of the people representing them.  Individuals who spread hate do not deserve to hold political power. Anyone wishing to express their dissent can contact the Mayor’s office at (705) 742-7777 ext. 1870 or email cityptbo@peterborough.ca. 

Yours in solidarity, 

The TCSA Executive Team

Join Our Team!

We are growing! The TCSA is looking to fill the newly created position of Executive Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the functioning of the Association's Executive team, as well as ensuring clear organization, communication, and support for the Board of Directors under the direction of the TCSA Association Resource Manager.

Recently graduated undergraduates or current graduate students attending Trent University are encouraged to apply. This position is a 20-hour per week role, with staff benefits. For a full description of this position and for information about how to apply, click here.

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 11:59pm.

Nominations are Open for the TCSA Student Award of Excellence

The TCSA is now accepting nominations for our annual Student Award of Excellence, an award that recognizes Trent University undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding dedication, leadership, and involvement within the Trent and Peterborough communities.

Does this sound like someone you know?

Click here to nominate a peer or fellow Trent student. Nominations close February 28th, 2025.

TCSA General Elections: Candidate Registration Now Open!

Are you passionate about advocating for your fellow students? Do you want your voice to be heard by the University administration and make changes to issues that affect all students? Does creating new student services to meet the needs to students interest you? Than you should run in the TCSA general elections!

The TCSA’s annual general elections are held each year in February and March to elect our next Executive Team and student Board of Directors. Each of our four (4) Executive positions and all of our Commissioner positions are open, and we also accept questions for referendum during this period.

We encourage any and all interested students to run in our elections; it’s a great way to speak up about issues that you’re passionate about, while gaining leadership skills for your resume, and networking with other like-minded student leaders.

The candidate registration period runs for the entire month of February; visit the Elections page of our website to learn more about your elections processes and to download a candidate registration package.

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions: elections@trentcentral.ca

Transit News: Extra Exam Buses

The TCSA has been working with Peterborough Transit to bring extra buses to get students to campus for scheduled weekend exams during the December exam period.

We are happy to inform students, staff, and faculty that on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th there will be the following extra buses running in addition to regular scheduled routes:

  • Saturday, December 13th:

    • One (1) extra bus leaving the downtown terminal at 2:00pm and arriving at Trent University at 2:20pm

  • Sunday, December 14th:

    • One (1) extra bus leaving the downtown terminal at 2:00pm and arriving at Trent University at 2:20pm

    • One (1) extra bus leaving from Water Street at Parkhill Road at 2:30pm and arriving at Trent University at 2:45pm

Please leave extra travel time to travel to campus for your exams, and check @ptbo_transit on X (formerly Twitter) for any news and/or updates to Transit routes, including inclement weather updates.

TCSA Gives Back on Giving Tuesday

GivingTuesday is a global movement that envisions a world rooted in shared humanity and radical generosity. This year, it takes place on December 3, 2024.

In celebration of GivingTuesday, we are thrilled to support our students and our communities by covering grocery expenses for five Trent undergraduate students, up to $200 per student, in our continuous aim to combat food insecurity amongst Trent students. Additionally, the TCSA will match the total amount reimbursed to students, and donate it to a Peterborough-based charity that supports green initiatives and sustainability.

How to Participate:

  1. Submit a clear photo of your itemized grocery receipt. Ensure the date and items are legible, as only grocery items are eligible for reimbursement.

  2. Groceries must be purchased between December 1st and December 17th, 2024.

  3. You must be a Trent University Peterborough undergraduate student to qualify.

Click here to submit your grocery receipt. Student who are selected will be contacted on December 18th, 2024. 

TCSA Collaborates with Trent International to Create a New Student Bursary

The Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) is happy to announce our collaboration with Trent International (TI) to create a new bursary for international students to obtain photo identification while they reside in Ontario. This bursary aims to aid students who may not have an Ontario driver’s license or health card, and wish to apply for an Ontario Photo Card (OPC).

The TCSA recognizes the importance of an Ontario identification card for international students as it pertains to housing, employment, and access to community services. We have created this fund in partnership with Trent International to assist international students who are in financial need and are facing the barrier of the cost associated with obtaining their Ontario Photo Card.

If you are looking for information regarding obtaining your Ontario Photo Card please use the following website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-photo-card.

One application may be submitted. This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all full-time and part-time undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus. Approved Applications will receive a $30 reimbursement towards the cost of their Ontario Photo Card. 

All applications are received by the President, who will present your application to the Finance & Operations Committee for approval. If you have any questions about this bursary or the application process, please email finance@trentcentral.ca

Statement from the TCSA re: proposed budget cuts for the City of Peterborough

The Trent Central Student Association denounces the City of Peterborough's 2025 budget cuts as presented for consideration on November, 4th 2024 to Peterborough City Council. 

These cuts are intended to reduce a proposed increase in homeowners property tax while failing to recognize that homeowners are inherently more privileged than the majority of the Peterborough community who will be most adversely impacted.

This budget will impact downtown Peterborough businesses, artists, creatives and the overall sense of community in the city. Furthermore, these prospective budget cuts will significantly impact those who are low-income, students, renters, un-housed, survivors of sexual violence, newcomers to Canada and minority groups who are the most vulnerable members of our community.

We stand in solidarity with community organizers and call on Peterborough City Council to re-evaluate their financial priorities and re-affirm their commitment to essential community services and organizations.

Yours in solidarity,

Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) Executive and Staff
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Local 71


TCSA Fall By-Elections Update

Notice to the Membership: 

The TCSA Elections Committee has received information that the Fall 2024 By-Election ballot has been compromised. Due to this, the Association will be rehosting the voting period after Reading Week from October 31st to November 7th, 2024. 
Any questions or concerns regarding this can be sent to the Elections Committee at elections@trentcentral.ca.

Transit: Temporary Service Changes to The Link Rural Bus Service

Please note that the James A. Gifford Causeway in Ennismore will be closed overnight to all traffic except for emergency vehicles on weekday nights (Monday to Thursday). Closures began Monday, October 7th from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM and are expected to end Thursday, October 10th at 7:00 AM. This closure will affect The Link bus service on Route 32 to Ennismore. Service to Ennismore will be suspended after 5:05pm on the specified days.

The Link Route 32 will continue to operate, as per the normal route and schedule between Bridgenorth and Trent University. Full service is expected to resume once the Causeway reopens.

TCSA Launches New Student Funding

The Trent Central Student Association recognizes the high cost of on-campus parking, and the barriers it creates to accessibility and equal access to education. As a result, and after consultation with the TCSA Board of Directors, we have created a new parking bursary for students in financial need who struggle to afford the cost of a campus parking pass. 

This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all full-time and part-time undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus. The Association will reimburse:

  • $150 of the year-long parking pass

  • $75 of the semester-long parking pass

  • $100 of the 8-month-long School of Education parking pass

Individuals may apply once per year with an annual parking pass, or once per semester with a semester-long parking pass. Those who have purchased the month-long parking pass or the premium parking pass are not eligible. This funding line is available on a first come, first served basis, until the funding line has been exhausted.

More information about this bursary, as well as the Parking Bursary application, can be found here. All applications are received by the TCSA President, who will present your application to the Finance & Operations Committee for approval. If you have any questions about your application or the application process, please email finance@trentcentral.ca.

An Update on Our Punch-A-Lunch Program

Due to an overwhelming response to our Punch-A-Lunch program, we have decided to administer our cards on an appointment basis only. We appreciate feedback about the program administration and look forward to making this change to ensure all students have equal opportunity to participate in our Punch-A-Lunch program.

We are no longer accepting walk-ins. Students are required to book a time slot/appointment to pick up their card. You will need to present your student ID to pick up your card. Click here to book your time slot.

Please note this service is open to undergraduate and graduate students at the Trent University Peterborough campus.

The TCSA's collaboration with Trent Food Services: "Punch a Lunch" meal cards:

This program provides aims to help combat food insecurity for students throughout the academic year, supporting a total of 800 students monthly. This program provides students with $5 off any meal at an on-campus dining hall, including Traill College, and at The Seasoned Spoon. The cards can be redeemed five (5) times for $25 off your meals. Simply hand your card to the cashier and a discount will be applied to your meal.

To make this program widely available to students, Punch-A-Lunch cards are also available at Trent International, FPHL, or your college office. Please check in with these offices to see how they will be distributing their cards.

We appreciate Trent Food Services' financial contribution and support of this program.

Transit: Campus Service Changes for Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Please be advised of the following temporary changes to buses servicing Trent's campus this Thursday, September 26th, 2024:

Between the hours of 12:30pm and 4:30pm, any buses coming to campus will be using the Woodland Drive (back) entrance of Trent University. The first stop will be by Trent Conferences at Lady Eaton College (across from Bata Library), followed by the regular bus stop across from Blackburn Hall.

During this time, the following bus stops on campus will NOT be in use:

  • Northbound Blackburn Hall coming into campus

  • Northbound Athletics Centre Stop across from Trent Day Care

  • Bata Bus Loop Stop

  • Trent Day Care Stop (across from Trent Athletics)

Please leave yourself extra travel time to reach your destinations this Thursday, September 26th if you are travelling to and from campus between the hours of 12:30pm to 4:30pm. There will be signage placed at the transit stops to remind students and community members of these temporary changes.

Transit News: #2 Chemong Returns to Trent Campus

We are pleased to announce that the Peterborough Transit route #2 Chemong will be returning to Trent’s Symons campus beginning Sunday, September 1st, 2024.

This city transit route travels from campus to the areas of Chemong Road, Lansdowne Street, and back to Trent. Route maps and schedules can be viewed on the Peterborough Transit website, the TCSA app, or on Google Maps.

Your Trent Transit Pass can be used on all Peterborough Transit routes, as well as The Link rural bus routes servicing the areas of Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Lakefield, Selwyn, and Curve Lake.

Questions about transit or your transit pass? Email bus@trentcentral.ca.

Transit News: Temporary Re-Location of Blackburn Hall Bus Stop

Due to construction on Trent University Symons campus, please be advised that the transit stop at Blackburn Hall will be moved temporarily north (in-bound) to the three-way stop sign by the Athletics Centre driveway.

The transit stop at Blackburn Hall will be covered, and a temporary transit stop will be placed at the three-way stop. This temporary re-location will begin on Monday, July 29th, 2024 and last approximately two weeks.

Questions? Contact bus@trentcentral.ca.

Transit News: Trent Convocation Bus Detours

Due to 2024 Convocation ceremonies from Tuesday, June 4th to Tuesday, June 11th, the following transit routes that travel to/from campus will be using Blackburn Hall as the pick-up/drop-off/turn-around point. These Routes will not pick up/drop off at Bata Library.

  • Route #3 Park

  • Route #6 Sherbrooke

  • Route #8 Monaghan

  • Route #31 Curve Lake

  • Route #32 Ennismore

There will be signage placed at Blackburn Hall and Bata Library as a reminder; please allow yourself extra travel time this week.

Statement from the Association re: Trent University Health & Wellness Director

The Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) would like to express our condemnation of the actions of Trent’s Student Wellness Centre Director, Stewart Engleberg, during and immediately following the Students 4 Palestine Trent Protest on May 14th, 2024. This includes the filming of student demonstrators, and inflammatory comments made via Instagram.

Every student has the right to peacefully demonstrate their political beliefs without fear of retribution from the Trent University administration. They also have the right to access healthcare and other on-campus services without fear of political or religious discrimination. The actions of the current Wellness Centre Director do not reflect these rights. Student activists should not have to fear who has access to their personal information.

The TCSA stands in support of equitable access to healthcare without fear of discrimination or retribution, as well as the right of any student to peacefully protest.

Trent University Administration must condone the actions of faculty and staff who attack the religious and political affiliations of any student in such a public and demeaning manner. The TCSA calls on Trent University Administration to conduct a formal investigation into the Director's actions to assess his ability to effectively continue his role as a student healthcare administrator. Discrimination has no place in healthcare and post-secondary education. 

Yours in Solidarity, 

The Executives of the Trent Central Student Association


Job Posting: Services Manager, Full-Time

The TCSA is hiring for the position of Services Manager, Full-Time.

The Services Manager works in close collaboration with TCSA part-time staff and other full-time staff members while overseeing the Association's services and promotion of Association services to TCSA members, including but not limited to, student funding, the One-Stop Chop food pantry, Direct2U and Wrapped N’ Ready orders, consignment books, and more.

Click here to view the full job posting and details regarding how to apply for the position. Applications will close on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024 at 4:00pm.

Statement Regarding Canada-wide & World-wide Student Protests

The Trent Central Student Association would like to reaffirm its support for student protests across Canada and the world. Student protests have long been crucial to the democratic process, ensuring marginalized voices are supported and uplifted. University institutions have always been a space for open dialogue and exchange of ideas. We encourage students to continue peaceful, non-violent protests, free from hate speech and intimidation. The Association remains hopeful that a ceasefire will be adopted.

The Association further demands that the federal and provincial governments, as well as individual institutions, protect student autonomy and the right to protest. The Association would like to voice our support for the peaceful sit-in that will occur on May 15, 2024, on Trent's campus. We have been in contact with the Students for Justice in Palestine Nogojiwanong/Peterborough to support their event in the most effective way possible.

If students seek to further their knowledge on association stances regarding global conflict, protests and policing, we encourage them to read our recently passed policies regarding Policing & Militarization and Decolonization.