Trent University Launches New Master’s Degree In Computer Science to Advance Canada's Technology Expertise

Trent University has launched a new Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science program, providing advanced training and hands-on research experience in fields that are shaping Canada’s digital future, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science.  

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The launch of Trent’s master’s in Computer Science responds to a clear and growing need for highly qualified professionals across Canada,” said Dr. Craig Brunetti, dean of Trent’s School of Graduate Studies. “This program directly supports regional and national priorities for job growth in the digital economy, where demand for skilled talent continues to outpace supply. Trent has strengths in applied research, personalized graduate training and a commitment to integrating computing investigations with real-world contexts. The degree ensures that graduates are prepared to be leaders in shaping the future of technology and contribute to Canadian initiatives like the AI for All strategy.”

Welcoming its first cohort this September, the new Computer Science M.Sc. builds on Trent’s established undergraduate programs in Computer Science and Data Analytics. All of which feature faculty expertise and research in artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science and computational modelling.

According to Trent, this further leverages Trent’s existing graduate research capacity and expertise in the Applied Modelling & Quantitative Methods program, supporting opportunities for advanced interdisciplinary computational research.  

“Research in Computer Science has defined and will continue to define how we work, play and communicate,” said Dr. Brian Patrick, chair and associate professor in the Department of Computer Science. “Over the short time of only a few decades, e-commerce, social media, data analytics and artificial intelligence, among other branches of computer science, have all had a major impact on how we conduct our day-to-day lives.” 

As part of the two-year program, M.Sc. students will complete a thesis project under the supervision of faculty experts. Students will be able to explore emerging topics such as intelligent systems, natural language processing, software testing, database systems, algorithms, cybersecurity and AI applications in software engineering, according to Trent University.

The program emphasizes hands-on application of advanced computing methods, including collaboration with industry partners on research questions, as well as theoretical depth and analysis and opportunities to present their work at sector conferences.

“With the launch of this program, the Department of Computer Science is helping more students from Canada and around the world embark on an exciting path forward and contribute to defining the digital future,” said Patrick.

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Tentative Agreement Reached Between Trent University and Employees’ Union

Negotiating teams for Trent University and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union have reached a tentative settlement on a new collective agreement.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

According to a press release, both sides have agreed to recommend the tentative settlement to their respective parties.

Union members are being provided information regarding a meeting to ratify the agreement. The settlement is also subject to ratification by the University’s Board of Governors.

Tentative agreement details will be released through joint communiques after ratification.

OPSEU represents over 520 employees at Trent University.

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Registration to Open For Fleming College's Fall Continuing Education Courses This Thursday

Online registration for Fleming College’s fall continuing education courses opens this Thursday.

File Photo.

The Fall 2026 intake features courses and certificate programs including Health and Community Services, Environmental, Business, Languages and Skilled Trades. 

Fleming’s Continuing Education full course and program offerings and registration are available online.

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Trent University's 20th Annual President's Excalibur Golf Tournament Raises Record-Breaking $101,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships

There was a record 24 teams swinging their clubs and raising $101,000 for Trent University student-athletes at the 20th annual President's Excalibur Golf Tournament at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday afternoon.

Trent staff and students witness Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) sink a putt prior to the shotgun start. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“At Trent, athletics is about much more than competition. It’s about developing leaders – students who build resilience, confidence, discipline and teamwork,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The record-breaking support shows our student-athletes that they have supporters rooting for them, that their efforts are recognized and valued. The Green & White Athletic Financial Awards give students the chance to be and become—embracing who they are and fully realizing their potential without financial barriers getting in the way.”

Proceeds went towards the Green & White Athletic Financial Awards, which provide financial assistance to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in sport, academic achievement and leadership within the Trent community.

During the 2025-26 varsity season, more than 70 student-athletes received a Green & White Athletic Financial Award, bringing the total number of recipients supported through the program to over 450. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Aly Saydam, Trent men’s volleyball student-athlete, said the awards helped him maintain an academic average above 80 per cent throughout his undergraduate degree which earned him recognition as a USPORT Academic All-Canadian. This year, he also earned a place on the President's Honour Roll for graduating with an average of 90 per cent or higher and received two of Trent Athletics' highest honours: the Bonnie M. Patterson Award and the Arthur Cup.

“No journey to success comes without challenges,” said Saydam. “Being a student-athlete is very challenging. You’re expected to train like a professional athlete, while still excelling at a full-time university education. A major part of my success is due to generous donors like those here today. Receiving a Green & White Athletic Financial Award during each year of study has allowed me to focus more of my time and energy towards volleyball and my studies.”

@ptbo_canada A record-breaking $101,000 was raised for student-athlete bursaries at Trent University’s 20th annual President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity ♬ Mario like action game 2 - Jun Takahashi

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Trent University Indigenous Scholar Given Top Provincial Teaching Award

Trent University professor Dr. Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall has been named a recipient of the 2026 Teaching and Academic Librarianship Award from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Dr. Wall’s teaching transforms how students understand their relationship with the land and community," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. "Interdisciplinarity is a cornerstone of a Trent education, and Barbara embodies that work wholly. Students who are fortunate enough to learn from her develop an understanding of care for the environment through their academic and cultural experiences.”

According to Trent, the award recognizes the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies scholar, Knowledge Holder of mixed ancestry, Bodwewaadmii Anishinaabekwe, and geotechnical engineer, for her commitment to land-based learning and to bringing Anishinaabe ways of knowing, being and doing into Indigenous and environmental studies classrooms.

“Dr. Barbara Wall's classrooms are inherently different than students’ other classrooms. She teaches in a reflective, compassionate, intellectual way that breaks down barriers,” said Heléna Mauti of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences program. “Her lecture 'Trees As Knowledge Holders' brings students into a world where they see the power of trees from the perspective of Anishinaabe knowledges. In the students learning reflections year after year, they write about how unique of an experience this is.”

“I am honoured to receive the OCUFA award,” said Prof. Wall. “This is my life’s work and passion. Working alongside learners, practitioners and Indigenous communities to care for our lands and waters is the path forward to sustainability and the protection of biodiversity and all of life. This work brings hope in the midst of the global environmental polycrisis.”

Ruth Duncan of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Jessica Pauze of Garden River First Nation are former students of Wall. They were the nominators for her OCUFA award and contributed to chapters in the book based on their current Indigenous environmental practice.

“She has been one of the professors who has had the greatest impact on me,” said Duncan. “She has cared for me, taught me, and guided me through my journey as a student, both inside and outside the classroom. She has shown me how to carry myself with respect, how to approach challenges with courage, and how to ground myself in both knowledge and community.”

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Outgoing Trent University Board Chair Honoured with Special Bench Dedication

To conclude Trent University’s Board of Governors’ final meeting of the academic year, outgoing Board chair Doug Kirk received a dedication of a new bench located outside Champlain College, announced on Tuesday.

Outgoing Board Chair Doug Kirk (far left on bench) gathers with the BoG and Trent senior admin outside Champlain College for the new bench dedication. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The bench honours his six years of service on the Board. He was first appointed to the Board of Governors in 2020 and served as Board chair from 2024 to 2026, following leadership roles as vice-chair and chair of the Finance & Property Committee.

According to Trent, during his time on the Board, he helped advance major initiatives including Gidigaa Migizi College, the new Otonabee College residence, the Trent Farm Research Centre, the Long-Term Care Home and the successful transfer of the Staff Pension Plan to the University Pension Plan.

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Ontario Government Invests $56 Million to Fleming College For Post-Secondary Education Expansion

To protect students’ access to education and successful careers, the Ontario Government has invested $56 million into Fleming College announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This historic $56 million investment represents a vital commitment to the future of our region,” he said. “By delivering this targeted support directly to Fleming College, our government is ensuring that local students can continue to access world-class education right here at home. This funding provides the long-term stability needed to keep our postsecondary sector strong, while empowering the next generation with the practical skills required for rewarding, high-demand careers.”

“Fleming College plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and community leaders” said Laurie Scott, Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock MPP. “This investment will help ensure students continue to benefit from high-quality education and hands-on training while strengthening the college’s long-term sustainability. By supporting Fleming today, we are helping build a stronger workforce, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for future generations to launch rewarding careers right here in Ontario.”

The investment helps ensure that Fleming College can keep preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands, spanning several generations. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in fall 2026, with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour-market demands. The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world-class education.

According to the Ontario Government, through this new model, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in fall 2026.

“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this significant $14 million average annual investment in Fleming College, provided over the next four years,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President, Fleming College. “This funding will provide important stability for the College as we continue to focus on our students and their success. By investing in career-focused education and training, the province is helping ensure Fleming graduates are prepared with the skills they need to succeed in rewarding, in-demand careers and contribute to the communities and industries that depend on them.”

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Trent University Receives Investment of $57.7 Million From Ontario Government Over Four Years

To help launch students’ successful careers by providing access to postsecondary education, the Ontario Government has invested $57.7 million over four years at Trent University.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) with Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor (right) during a press conference in March. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This investment is part of the government’s new funding model, which will bring an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across the province to build long-term sustainability in the sector, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Investing in Trent University is a direct investment in the future of Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” he said. “This new funding model is a huge win for our community. It gives Trent the stability it needs to keep delivering top-tier programs in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. For local families, it means our young people can get a world-class education right here in their own backyard, graduate with the skills our local workforce needs, and step straight into good-paying careers without having to look outside our region.”

As stated in a press release, funding for Trent University can help prepare students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market demands, spanning several generations. Operating funding for the sector will increase by 30 per cent to $7 billion in the fall with a focus on delivering programs that align with student demand as well as regional and provincial labour market demands.

The model also includes specialized funding for small, rural, northern and French institutions, so that students in all corners of the province have access to a world-class education. Through this, the government is investing $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 in-demand seats across the province. This investment will expand enrollment in health care, skilled trades, teaching and STEM programs to build the highly skilled workforce businesses and communities depend on. A call for proposals to access this funding will launch this spring, with seats opening in the fall.

“Trent is preparing the highly qualified graduates that become the skilled professionals and leaders Ontario needs. Our students are working alongside leading experts and partners to address challenges across a variety of sectors, including health care, education, business and artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “This funding provides greater stability for long-term planning and helps ensure we continue delivering exceptional teaching, research and student experiences that contribute to healthy and sustainable communities here in Ontario.”

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Trent University’s Officially Installs Zabeen Hirji As Institution's 13th Chancellor; Ready to Lead Next Wave of Students to Success

Zabeen Hirji has been officially installed as Trent University’s newest chancellor; the 13th in the institution’s history, during a convocation ceremony on Wednesday morning.

Hirji (Right) dances with Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent President and vice-chancellor (Left) and other faculty during one of the convocation ceremonies for the class of 2026. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

She began as a bank teller before assuming prominent roles. She was an executive advisor at Deloitte on the future of work, a member of the Board of the Public Policy Forum and a special advisor to public service leaders. She serves on the Board of Junior Achievement Worldwide, a global youth-serving organization and a top 10 NGO. 

The newly installed chancellor holds a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and an ICD.D (from the Institute of Corporate Directors) and is a fellow of Centennial College.

@ptbo_canada Zabeen Hirji has been officially installed as Trent University’s newest chancellor; the 13th in the institution’s history. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #trentuniversity ♬ Graduation Day - Jhovanmusic

Hirji came to Canada from Tanzania in 1974. She says that, in assuming the role of chancellor, given the challenges she has faced since immigrating, she is ready to help the next wave of students achieve their goals and dreams, as she reached hers when she came to the country.

“When I think about the country that Canada is and the opportunities that people have (and not just regardless of where people come from but because of where we come from), we really value the different perspectives,” explained Hirji. “When I stop to think about it, it's reassuring that this is the Canada I came to and this is the Canada I think we all want for all Canadians so being part of Trent now is really that opportunity for me to support young people to achieve their potential.”

Hirji begins her tenure on July 1 on a three-year term. Serving as Trent’s ceremonial head and chief ambassador, Hirji will preside over convocation ceremonies to confer degrees and help advance the University’s public profile, community engagement and external relationships. She succeeds Stephen Stohn, who held the role since 2019.

“Go outside your comfort zone, push yourself into places you perhaps you don't think you belong, step into it, step into opportunities that are there for work,” Hirji explained. “Judge success by your own standards. There are so many different ways you can achieve success and be guided by your purpose.”

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Trent University Canada Research Chair Receives Polar Medal From Governor General of Canada

With his work for Arctic sovereignty and northern security, Trent University’s Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer has been awarded the Polar Medal from Mary Simon, former Trent chancellor and Governor General of Canada.

Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer (right) stands with fellow Polar Medal recipient Marie-Pierre Parenteau (left) and Governor General Mary Simon (middle) after the medal presentation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Whitney’s work on polar policy and research has helped shape Canada’s understanding and engagement in the North at a pivotal moment for our country,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Through leadership service and his role with the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, he is advancing Canada’s work in Arctic sovereignty and security. It is an exception honour for Trent to see Whitney recognized with the Polar Medal.”

The Polar Medal is awarded to individuals who have provided outstanding service in support of scientific research and exploration relating to Canada’s polar regions and interests. A professor in the School for the Study of Canada at Trent University, Prof. Lackenbauer’s award-winning research explores the historical and socio-political dimensions of Arctic governance and the relationships between Northern peoples, their environment and federal policy.

“In 2026, I cannot say strongly enough how vital this work is—how much it matters to our country and to our shared future. For a long time, there was a disconnect between the needs of Arctic peoples and the decisions that shaped their lives, not to mention the legacy of colonialism,” said Simon. “Today, the Arctic is seen as a region of opportunity. Issues of security and sovereignty are coming to the forefront. Dr. Lackenbauer: thank you for your research on Arctic governance and for your commitment to security, notably as honorary lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.”

“With a proliferation of perceived security and sovereignty challenges through, to, and in the Arctic, it is more important than ever to characterize threats appropriately and to ensure that the right actors are empowered with the right tools to mitigate risks and respond as needed,” said Lackenbauer.

Prof. Lackenbauer has worked with the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group forovern a decade, which has been a source of knowledge and guidance for much of his work on community-centred policy and advancing knowledge of Arctic governance, Northern sovereignty and security. In 2025, he published TAKUNIQ: The Canadian Rangers and Canada’s High Arctic in an Era of Strategic Competition, based on his ongoing engagement in this capacity, working alongside Northern communities.

“The Canadian Rangers are the Canadian Armed Force’s eyes, ears and voice in the North, and Northern communities’ voice in the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Prof. Lackenbauer. “Most of the ‘exploring’ that I have done is with experts who are operating in their homeland, which they know intimately. If anything, I have learned to become an ‘expert’ in following their lead, listening to them and then being entrusted with telling stories of what they or we have experienced in hopes that this will improve policy, practice and public awareness.”

Created in 2015 as part of the Canadian Honours System, the Polar Medal was last awarded in 2019. Prof. Lackenbauer is the second Trent faculty member to receive the honour, following the late Arctic historian and author Dr. Shelagh Grant, one of the medal’s inaugural recipients in 2015.

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