As the year draws to a close, several members of the campus community have been actively engaging in a search to identify the next TRU President & Vice-Chancellor, who will serve the TRU Campus, filling the soon-to-be vacant position as President Fairbairn reaches the end of their term that concludes on June 30, 2025.
With the Presidential Search & Hiring Committee process underway, members of the campus community took time to provide input and feedback on the qualifications and requirements the Search Committee would use to identify the next TRU academic and administrative supervisor.
Members of the Union met earlier in August to discuss what exactly students are looking for in terms of a campus spokesperson and leader. Students shared that they were looking for someone who will be active on campus, approachable and responsive, and will understand the complexities and struggles that both international and domestic students face.
One student suggested, “It’s important for there to be a direct link of communication to build trust. Outside of the students who participate in governance, students don’t regularly interact with administrators, and it can be difficult to relate to them.”
When asked what students think the new TRU President should consider prioritizing when arriving at TRU, students shared suggestions, including that TRU should better accommodate students who require flexible learning options, explore more actionable equity, diversity, and inclusion improvements, and improve the campus relationships to the interior region. Students believed that TRU should set a new direction, one that was focused on building out opportunities that led to the highest-quality learning and a stronger connection to local communities.
“I hope to see the right candidate selected for this role,” said Loshima Shongo, who is currently serving as the student representative on the Presidential Search & Hiring Committee. “This feedback is valuable to consider as we move toward the review of these candidates.”
To learn more about other Student Voices activities your representatives have been engaging in on your behalf, click here.
For more information:
Jannat Bhullar
University Affairs Executive
j.bhullar@trusu.ca
Sierra Rae
University Affairs Coordinator
s.rae@trusu.ca