Trent University Campuses and Colleges
Trent University operates as a collegiate university, a system where the student experience is divided into smaller, supportive communities known as colleges. These colleges provide a blend of academic affiliation, residential living, and student governance, creating a "small college" feel within a larger university framework. From the historic streets of downtown Peterborough to the expanding Durham GTA region, Trent's infrastructure is designed to support diverse academic disciplines and student needs.
The university's primary presence is centered around the Symons Campus and the unique downtown hub of Traill College, with a significant satellite presence in Oshawa.
Key Facts
- Symons Campus: The main hub in Peterborough, currently featuring four active colleges with dedicated residences and student governments.
- Catharine Parr Traill College: The oldest remaining college and the only one located in downtown Peterborough.
- Durham GTA Campus: A major satellite campus in Oshawa serving over 3,000 students.
- Gidigaa Migizi College: The newest addition, slated to open in fall 2028 with a focus on Indigenous design and LEED Gold sustainability.
- Collegiate Structure: Each college typically features its own residence halls, amenities, and a student government known as a Cabinet.
The Symons Campus Colleges
The Symons campus is the heart of the university's collegiate system. Each college operates with its own dons (faculty mentors) and student governments that collaborate with the College Office to organize events, including guest speakers, dances, and bi-annual College Weekends.
Champlain College
Opened in 1966 and situated along the Otonabee River, Champlain College is named after Samuel de Champlain, the 17th-century French explorer who visited the region in 1615. Originally an all-male residence, it now houses the Political Studies department, the Trent International Office, the university bookstore, and the Alumni Association.
Lady Eaton College
Established in 1968, Lady Eaton College was founded as an all-women's college but has since become co-educational. Named after local resident Flora McCrea Eaton, Lady Eaton, it serves as the academic home for the departments of History, Philosophy, Classics, Women's Studies, and French and Francophone Studies.
Otonabee College
Founded in 1972, Otonabee College takes its name from the Otonabee River (from the Anishinaabemowin word Odenabe, meaning "river that beats like a heart"). The residence consists of eight "houses" connected by an interior walkway called "the Link." The college is closely integrated with the Science Buildings and houses the School of Education and departments including Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Forensic Sciences, Nursing, and Computing & Information Systems. It also features the Wenjack Theatre for multimedia and theatrical productions.
Peter Gzowski College
Named after the university's eighth chancellor and CBC broadcaster Peter Gzowski, this college was founded in 2003. It is centered in the Enwayaang building (Anishinaabe for "the way we speak together"), which houses the First People's House of Learning and the departments of Indigenous Studies, Economics, Mathematics, and Business Administration.
Future Expansions: Gidigaa Migizi College
Announced in November 2023, Gidigaa Migizi College (meaning "spotted eagle") is named in honor of the late Elder Doug Williams of Curve Lake First Nation. Scheduled to open in fall 2028, the college will be a landmark of sustainability and inclusivity.
- Facilities: Up to 700 residence beds, flexible lecture halls, a rooftop balcony, and a Student Services Hub.
- Sustainability: The building is aiming for LEED Gold certification and will utilize geothermal heating and cooling.
- Design: The college will incorporate Indigenous design elements and a crest featuring a spotted eagle, pike, and human profile designed by artist Jared Tait.
Catharine Parr Traill College
Named after pioneer biologist and writer Catharine Parr Traill, this college is the oldest remaining college at Trent and is uniquely situated in downtown Peterborough. It serves as the base for undergraduate studies in English, Cultural Studies, Media Studies, and Canadian Studies, as well as the Trent-Swansea Dual Degree in Law.
Traill College also hosts several graduate programs and the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies. Additionally, it is the home of the Continuing Education program, which recently introduced an "AI for Business Leaders" program in 2025 led by strategist Sofie Andreou.
Trent University Durham GTA Campus
Located in Oshawa, the Durham GTA campus has provided educational opportunities for over 50 years. After evolving from rented classrooms to a renovated former elementary school on Thornton Road (inaugurated in 2010), the campus now serves over 3,000 students.
While not all main campus programs are available here, students can take courses in fields such as Biology, Economics, Geography, and Philosophy, which can later be transitioned into majors or minors at the Peterborough campus.
Campus and College Summary
| Campus/College | Location | Key Academic/Administrative Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symons Campus | Peterborough | Multi-disciplinary (Collegiate system) | Active |
| Traill College | Downtown Peterborough | Humanities, Law, Continuing Education | Active |
| Durham GTA | Oshawa | Undergraduate and Graduate programs | Active |
| Gidigaa Migizi | Peterborough | Indigenous-centered design and residence | Opening 2028 |
| Peter Robinson | Peterborough | First university college | Defunct (2004) |
| Julian Blackburn | Peterborough | Part-time programs | Defunct (2011) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a collegiate university?
A collegiate university is an institution where the student body is divided into smaller colleges. Each college typically provides its own residential facilities, student government (Cabinet), and specific academic affiliations to create a more intimate community within the larger university.
When will Gidigaa Migizi College open?
Gidigaa Migizi College is slated to open its doors to students in the fall of 2028.
Which college is located in downtown Peterborough?
Catharine Parr Traill College is the only college situated in downtown Peterborough and is the oldest remaining college at the university.
What is the purpose of the Durham GTA campus?
The Durham GTA campus in Oshawa provides undergraduate and graduate programs to over 3,000 students, offering a satellite location that allows students to begin certain majors before potentially transferring to the Peterborough campus.
What happened to Peter Robinson College?
Peter Robinson College was the university's first college, but it ceased operations in 2004 after its apartment-style residence was sold to a private landlord.