If you have an accommodation need, please email admin@mytdsa.ca and I will work with you to make appropriate arrangements. Should you require any materials in an alternate/accessible format, please let us know.  
We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the First Nations for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings. 
Dear Class of 2020,

Class of 2020, it was about this time last year I had the pleasure of representing Durham Students at the installation of our new chancellor Steven Stone. It was a crystal-clear sunny day, and the ceremony was stunning. In his inaugural address as chancellor, Mr. Stone issued a challenge to the bright young students of Trent. He challenged all of us to “save the world.” Little did we know that the newly minted chancellor would have to knock on wood! 
None of us could have predicted how this year would end and the countless trials that go far beyond the stressful papers and assignments. These are times that test people in ways school never can, and as we are forced to separate, it is easy to forget one thing. YOU DID IT! In the most chaotic, uncertain time in living memory, you did it, got those papers done, finished those classes, and if there has ever been a group of students who have earned their degrees, it surely has been you. 
Nothing about this grad is going to be normal but one thing will remain the same. The passion, intelligence, and compassion that made this class so special. You are entering a world that will not be the same as the one we lived in mere weeks ago. But those very things that make you unique and extraordinary individuals will serve the world well in the months to come. Some things will have to change, the way we live with and around each other will not look the same way it did 6 months ago. Who is better to change that than a group who has spent the last four or so years challenging the way they think?
This class, the largest in our campus’ history, will be missed. Full of vibrant people who made events genuinely incredible. It was this class that started in 2016 that had such a hype orientation we had to introduce a campus cup to keep up!  You participated in fundraising, food drives, and countless other programs that have left a mark on the community you worked and studied in. Academically, you presented research to the city and regional officials, with a number being published in varying publications. This class really has done it all and will not be soon forgotten.
Usually in these kinds of messages, the speaker provides some sort of advice or wisdom. I make no illusion of being able to provide either of those things, but I can provide a few things to remember as you all go off to the world. Remember, in order to be a great person, it helps to start off as a good one. Doing the little things well makes the big things easy. Never put pineapple on pizza,  and always remember the lessons taught to you at this small campus with a big heart.
So, Class of 2020, you were challenged, go and save the world. I, for one, cannot wait to see the amazing things you will do.
Welcome to the Alumni family!
Nicholas Ryan, President Trent Durham Student Association
Hello All,
Please note that the TDSA office is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 precautions. 
During this time, we will be continuing to serve our members by working from home. 
If you have not done so already, please follow us on our social media pages:
Facebook: Trent Durham Student Association
Twitter: @TrentDurhamSA
Instagram: @TrentDuhamSA
For information on your health benefits visit www.studentvip.ca/trent or email admin@mytdsa.ca.
For any Direct2U prescriptions that have been coming into the office, please call 1-877-796-7979 to update your address to your home address to ensure prescriptions are not delivered to the school. 
If you would like to contact any of the Executives or Staff you may do so at:
Nick Ryan, President- president@mytdsa.ca
Hema Tikaram, Vice President of Campus Life- vpcl@mytdsa.ca
Rayna Porter, Vice President of University Affairs- vpua@mytdsa.ca
Bonnie Caruana, Operations Manager- admin@mytdsa.ca 

Thank you so much for your patience as we navigate these precautions.
SCAMS COMMUNICATION


There have been recent reports across Canada of scams that have been targeting students and specifically international students. It is important to get informed and protect yourself. A scam is a fraudulent scheme where a scammer attempts to collect money, account information and/or personal information through deception.


A recent scam has targeted students across Canada. This scam is of an individual posing as a Canadian government official or police enforcement stating that the victim's Social Insurance Number has been compromised. Victims are informed that they should disclose their account information to determine if there has been any suspicious activity. Scammers may have some basic information of the victims targeted already. They may have the victim's full name, date of birth, or telephone number. They will use this information to sound more convincing to victims.


Scams can come in the form of phone calls, texts, or emails. Scammers may also attempt to target you in person. Some other examples of potential scams that may target students in Canada are as follows:


  • Individuals posing as government officials (Canada Revenue Agency, Immigration officials, police officers, and other government authorities) that use threatening language, threaten deportation of international students, or request money
  • Individuals claiming that you have won the lottery or prize
  • Individuals claiming that you or a family member is in danger and requests cash or bitcoin payment
  • Individuals posing as bank officials asking for money and personal information and threatening to close your accounts


Protect yourself:
  • Protect your personal information, including passport information, telephone numbers, credit card information, bank information, and the names of your family members.
  • Let roommates, classmates, dons, or friends know where you are going and your expected return
  • Regularly and consistently contact your family back home
  • Use strong passwords for your accounts and do not share them
  • Add campus security to your contact list in your mobile phone (905) 435-5111
  • Call 911 for emergencies
  • Notify authorities if you or someone you know has been the target of a scam


For more information on protecting yourself and staying safe in Canada:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - for information on common scams and fraudulent activities
Report a Scam or Fraud in Ontario - for information on how to recognize common scams, how to report it and what to do if you've been a victim of a scam
Jen Richardson, Manager of Student Affairs - for general information on scams, for assistance identifying scams, and for support if you think you have been a victim of a scam
Trent International - for general information on scams targeting international students, for assistance identifying scams, and for support if you think you have been a victim of a scam
A Statement by Trent Durham Student Association: OSHAWA, ON - On Sunday, December 8th, 2019 the Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA) was made aware of the failure to open the Trent Durham-GTA campus in time for scheduled exams. This resulted in exam delays and cancellations and left over 100 students and a number of faculty stranded outside for upwards of five hours.
This has been the second occurrence within 2019 (the previous being the spring semester) where the appropriate measures were not taken to ensure the campus was open on time for a Sunday exam.
It is unacceptable that students and faculty should be delayed in this way. Inconveniences like these severely impact the wellbeing of the student population who have made considerations to complete their studies and are already under the increased stress of the exam season. Furthermore, many Trent Durham-GTA students access their studies by use of public transit, meaning they were left exposed to the elements for an extended period, further impacting their health and safety.
Trent University Durham-GTA needs to do more to ensure that its faculty and students are treated with respect and dignity. We are asking for a formal apology from the university and an assessment of its processes that have allowed this to happen. That assessment, along with student impact statements, should be used to inform a new protocol which should be publicly available. Additionally, we are asking that affected students are given the opportunity to re-write the impacted exams.
Failing a swift response from the university to establish a better protocol, we are asking for any future weekend exams to be rescheduled to dates where building operations can be better assured.
Don't forget to check out our Facebook Live Streamed Board Meetings!
Click each image to find out more!
Please note that an emergency AGM was held on April 5th, 2019 to discuss a proposed change to the current TDSA fee structure. Please see below minutes for more information. 
TDSA TALES
Here is the second, long awaited, blog posting from our Vice President of Campus Life, Nick Ryan. Please enjoy!
The referendum for the new TDSA Board of Director positions has passed and has been ratified by the current Board of Directors. 

​The results are as follows:
Total Votes: 218
Yes: 183
No: 16
Abstain: 19

Please see updated policies and bylaws for changes. 

Thank you to all who voted and had their say in the way your student government is run! ​
​THE RESULTS ARE IN!!!
Your brand new directors areee

VPUA: Elizabeth Lindsay
Yes: 205
No: 14
Abstain: 39

First Year Director: Holly McAlpine

Fazila Shaikh: 29
Gennet Campbell: 40
Hafsa Hannan: 63
Holly McAlpine 67
Abstain: 59

Director of History: Alexander Rookes

Yes: 203
No: 15
Abstain: 40

Director of Sociology: Jamila Alleyne

Yes: 212
No: 8
Abstain: 38
TDSA TALES
Introducing our new blog series! This will be a series of posts by our Board of Directors and student employees about their lives on the board or working in the TDSA. This first blog post was done in by our Vice President of Campus Life about the struggles he faced in the first three months of the job. And a big shout out to our Director of Communications and Critical Thinking Rayna 'Potatoes' Porter for editing the first post.

 ​Statement From the Trent Durham Student Association Board of Directors 
Due to an unfortunate circumstance that took place within the 2017/18 election period, the Board of Directors have declared the election of the Vice-President of University Affairs compromised. As such, it has rendered the current appointment to VPUA as invalid. This means we are required to hold a bi-election in September.

There is no proven knowledge at this time that any of the candidates were aware of the tampering and all three VPUA candidates have been invited to move forward in good standing with the TDSA.

Transparency is crucial to a fair and democratic election. This was the option that best preserved student confidence in the voting process for the TDSA. We look forward to the involvement of the student body during the September bi-election following changes to the election policy to better ensure a fair and secure election process.
If any student has questions or concerns please contact the Chair to the Board of Directors, Don-Pierre Burnett.     

Statement From the President 
It is from the unfortunate actions of others that the TDSA 2018 Vice-President of University Affairs election process has been compromised, affecting all involved parties, including Daniel Salmers.

In no way should these actions reflect the reputation of Daniel, as there is no evidence revealing he partook in the election tampering. From the beginning, Daniel demonstrated his dedication to the organization and his excitement to advocate for our students. I enjoyed working with Daniel every moment he was in office, collaborating with him on multiple occasions. Daniel demonstrated honesty and maturity throughout the election, during his training and when in office.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding this issue please do not hesitate to reach out and contact me.

Sincerely yours
Karen Albrecht 

Statement From The Vice President of Campus Life
​Hello students
By now you have read the public statement and perhaps the statements of my colleagues. However it would be remiss for me to not speak my mind. During his time with the organization and throughout the entirety of the proceedings Daniel Salmers conducted himself in line with the highest standard of moral and ethical integrity. There is no proof that he had any knowledge of nefarious acts that have taken place. During his time in training and in serving with him Daniel has earned nothing but my highest respect. Daniel is the victim of forces outside of his control and deserves nothing less than the respect of his co-workers and fellow students. I thank Dan for his hard work and dedication to the organization and will miss his presence in the office deeply. If any student has any questions or concerns please email myself or the President or stop by the office.
Regretfully yours
Nick   
Unofficial Elections Results
February 17th, 2018

*Please note that these results will become official once ratified by TDSA Board of Directors at the February meeting* 

Congratulations to all running candidates for your hard work! You should all be very proud.
President: Karen Albrecht
Karen Albrecht (147 votes)
Alexandra Manikas (132 votes)
Abstain (63 votes)
Vice President of University Affairs: Daniel Salmers (Invalidated by BoD)
Daniel Salmers (112 votes)
Rachel Ball (111 votes)
Elizabeth Lindsay (79 votes)
Abstain (40 votes)
Vice President of Campus Life: Nicholas Ryan
Yes (290)
No (17)
Abstain (35)
Chair of the Board of Directors: Don-Pierre Burnett
Yes (283)
No (16)
Abstain (43)
Director of Anthropology: Christy Chabassol
Yes (261)
No (15)
Abstain (66)
Director of Business Administration: Hema Tikaram
Hema Tikaram (152 votes)
Halima Mohammadu (118 votes)
Abstain (72)
Director of Child and Youth Studies: Taryn Gilchrist
Yes (260 votes)
No (16 votes)
Abstain (66)
Director of Communications and Critical Thinking: Rayna Porter
Yes (273 votes)
No (8 votes)
Abstain (61 votes)
Director of English: Jessica Watters
Yes (276 votes)
No (5 votes)
Abstain (61 votes)
Director of Media Studies: Sabeela Bakridan
Sabeela Bakridan (164 votes)
Jagjot Samra (94 votes)
Abstain (84 votes)
Director of Psychology: Alyssa Petsinis
Alyssa Petsinis (141 votes)
Jessica Oosterholt (127 votes)
Abstain (74 votes)
Director of Social Work: Mackenzie Prine
Yes (271 works)
No (16 votes)
Abstain (55 votes)
Transfer Director: Julia Derdaele
Yes (274 votes)
No (9 votes)
Abstain (59 votes)

**Athletics Referendum** (Passed) 
Yes (252 votes)
No (36 votes)
Abstain (54 votes)

YEAR END REVIEW
April 26, 2017

Our executive have published the TDSA's first ever complete Year in Review document for the 2017 year. Please click the link for the PDF to see our summarized year of accomplishments. Enjoy your summer!

Health & Dental Plan Referendum
March 21st, 2016

The Trent Durham Student Association is conducting a referendum to improve the Health & Dental plan. The current TDSA  Health  and  Dental  Plan  is  funded  by  a  premium  each  student  pays  through  ancillary  fees.  If  students  show  proof  of  external  health  insurance  coverage,  they  can  opt-­‐out  of  this  plan  and  receive  a  reimbursement.      

The  cost  of  our  current  Health  and  Dental  Plan  is  increasing;  current  claims  made  by  
our  membership  far  exceed  (by  about  10%)  the  total  amount  of  funds  our  current  
provider  receives  to  offer  us  these  benefits.  The  TDSA  needs  student  approval  for  
fee  increases  in  excess  of  5%.  If  students  do  not  approve  the  fee  increase  of  
$62.00,  benefits  will  be  reduced  significantly.  

TDSA  is planning to  use  a  fee  increase  as  an  opportunity  to  seek  out  a  new  Insurance  provider  and  to  improve  and  rebrand  TDSA’s  Health  and  Dental  Plan  service  to  better  serve  our  membership  and  make  the  most  of  the  premium  they  pay  for  this  service.  

C&C  Insurance  (“VIP”)  is  our  new  Insurance  provider.  They  are  the  current  provider  
for  Trent  Central  Student  Association  (TCSA).  By  partnering  with  C&C  and  TCSA,  
TDSA  is  able  to  offer  our  membership  a  significantly  better  Health  and  Dental  Plan  
while  maintaining  a  “low”  premium  and  remaining  autonomous.  (For  instance,  
without  TCSA’s  partnership,  the  “new”  plan  would  actually  cost  the  TDSA  
membership  a  premium  of  $320+  so  while  we  are  approving  an  increase,  we  
are  still  getting  a  great  deal  on  this  new  plan).  C&C  Insurance  has  demonstrated  
their  commitment  to  a  responsible  business  philosophy  to  both  TCSA  and  TDSA,  and  
so  TDSA  is  looking  forward  to  this  new  partnership.  
 
The  TDSA  Health  and  Dental  Plan  Referendum  will  begin  March  23rd and  will  
conclude  March  30th. It  will  be  conducted  online.  Students  will  receive  an  
email  with  a  link  to  the  referendum  question. Email admin@mytdsa.ca for more information.