Trent University, a public liberal arts institution in Peterborough, Ontario, recently sent senior leaders to Swansea University to strengthen their longstanding partnership. The delegation from Trent met with Swansea's Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellors, and other representatives to discuss potential collaborations.
The partnership between the two universities spans over three decades and has facilitated numerous student exchange programs. In recent years, they have developed dual degree programs in law and chemical engineering, with a new program in medical sciences underway. These programs allow students to study at both institutions and earn degrees from each.
During the visit, the Canadian delegation also engaged with Trent students currently studying in Swansea and Swansea students preparing for exchanges at Trent. Dr. Cathy Bruce, President of Trent University, led the delegation alongside Dr. Mark Skinner, Dr. Devin Penner, and Dr. Beth Torrens.
Future collaborations were discussed during the visit, including a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program in Criminology set to launch next academic year. Dr. Bruce also participated in a meeting of Swansea’s North America Geographical Regional Engagement Group.
Professor Paul Boyle, Vice Chancellor of Swansea University, emphasized the importance of international partnerships: "Trent University is one of our key international partners and we are proud to have developed a number of innovative degree programmes that afford students a unique opportunity to study in both Canada and Wales."
The visit included tours of the Children’s Law Centre Wales and the Awen Institute.