The Central is the student union that represents all full-time undergraduate and bachelor of education students at Trent University.

The Central represents the interests of its members to all levels of government and university administration. It is also a founding member of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). As a member local of the CFS, The Central is committed to bringing about necessary educational, administrative and/or legislative changes in those areas affecting students.

In addition to its advocacy and lobby efforts The Central also provides a variety of services and events for its members including a Community Resource Centre & Alternative Library, a Consignment / Used Book Service, student discount cards, free student dayplanner, a health and dental benefits plan, social events, concerts, speakers and more.

The Central is governed by 30-member Board of Directors made up of representatives from each college cabinet, as well as an executive committee and issues commissioners elected annually from the membership at large. General elections are held each February, with the term in office beginning in April and lasting for a full twelve months.

The Central also supports and sponsors more than 70 clubs, groups and societies on campus.

The Association continually works to improve and expand the scope of its advocacy, activities and programs. Students are encouraged to communicate ideas and opinions to their elected representatives on the TCSA Board of Directors, to participate and become involved in the activities of the Association, and to exercise their voting and membership privileges.

Please browse the rest of the website, or contact us for more information.

Founding Principles & Objectives

The Central is committed to the following fundamental principles upon which the organization was founded in 1995:

• To provide a high level of assistance to the membership through advocacy and services that are dynamic, tangible, relevant and timely;
• To provide a forum to discuss issues of importance to the membership and maximise communication of events and issues throughout Trent University;
• To facilitate and provide an environment wherein the membership can pursue academic excellence as well as personal and social growth free from all forms of discrimination and harassment;
• To encourage and financially support student clubs, organisations and societies thereby increasing the vitality of student life and the diversity of activities available to students of Trent University;
• To work with other stakeholders at Trent University to maintain its unique qualities, such as its college system, as an educational institution and a community of scholars and to seek the highest quality of accessible, publicly funded post-secondary education possible;
• To work closely with other student organisations at all levels as part of a unified student movement;
• To foster in students an awareness of community (local, provincial, national and international), and to promote action in relation to issues in these communities.

Rights of Members

All full-time undergraduate students and consecutive teacher education students are members of The Central and have the right to participate fully in all activities of the Association.

Meetings of the Board of Directors (the governing body of The Central) are open and members have full speaking rights. Members are encouraged to participate in the committees of the Association, vote in elections for Board representatives and to run for office.

Each year the Association holds at least one general membership meeting at which each member has one vote.

To find out more about exercising your rights as a member of The Central, elections or getting involved, please email info@trentcentral.ca.