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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: TRU in the news — for better or worse

Apr 7, 2023 | 6:30 AM

THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY IS PRETTY SMALL POTATOES in size compared to places like UBC, University of Alberta and the University of Toronto. But we certainly have made our share of the news lately.

From the bad — the investigation of two senior employees on charges of harassment, one of whom was cleared, the other since departed — to the better — the enrolment figures for international students — to the good — more student residential units being constructed.

While the complaints against Matt Milovick, TRU’s vice president of finance and administration, were found to be unsubstantiated, Milovick filed a claim of malicious defamation against several people who made the complaints public — in essence by doing so damaging his reputation. So, that is still in progress.

The enrolment figures for international students seem to indicate that many people continue to see the university as a good place for students from other countries to get a solid education.

Enrolment for homegrown students is not as strong. I’m not sure why, but it seems clear to me we have to convince more students to stay at home for their education unless they need to go elsewhere for specific programs. With high tuition and costs of living, staying at home should be a no-brainer.

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For those who do want to go elsewhere to school, TRU is working hard to ensure they have accommodations suitable for comfortable if not spacious living. Many students have in the past — and some still do — had to live in premises that resemble some of the SROs in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

TRU continues to work with various partners to continue development of student spaces. The newest concept involves a modular concept where modules can be combined in any number of configurations. They can be made into housing complexes, office structures, even hospitals. Almost like building with Lego. This kind of building has not received much public acceptance over the years, but the potential is enormous — especially in more rural areas. The building should be well-suited for TRU, and may be a forerunner for housing here and at other campuses as well.

As TRU hopefully continues to grow — and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t — controversies will continue to arise. But if leadership is strong, we will get by those and work to ensure they are stepping stones for growth, and creating a more positive, including and accepting culture. If we work to that end, most of the other problems will take care of themselves.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.