Three alumni members of Governing Council will be elected by the College of Electors on February 24, 2025.
Are you an alumni member committed to the mission of Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation? Are you looking for a way to make a significant volunteer contribution to the University of Toronto?
If so, consider applying for one of three (3) alumni governor seats on the Governing Council, the senior body that oversees the University’s academic, business, and student affairs.
The College of Electors is seeking candidates who are inspired to enrich the University with special perspectives, experiences, and connections; who will actively participate in the governance of the University; and who will reflect the diversity of the University’s alumni.
Each seat is for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028. The three incumbent Alumni Governors are eligible to seek re-election.
Collectively and individually, governors are stewards of the University who:
- support and advance its mission;
- provide relevant input into its vision; and
- advise on, oversee, and approve a range of University matters, within the framework of delegated authority.
Time Commitment
Members of the Governing Council make a significant time commitment in their volunteer service to the University. This is a minimum of 200+ hours per year. In addition to serving on the Governing Council, there is an expectation that governors will also serve on one or more of its Boards, Campus Councils, or Committees. Regular in-person meetings are scheduled from September to June, usually begin at 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., and continue for about two or two and a half hours. Governors also frequently attend University and community functions, where they serve as ambassadors of the University; along with being asked to serve on various ad hoc, search, or advisory committees. Candidates located in the Greater Toronto Area will find it easier to meet these expectations.
Desired Attributes for 2025
This year, there is particular interest in recruiting outstanding alumni who: reflect the diversity and lived experience of the University’s alumni; may contribute to the further diversification of ideas; are in their mid-career and beyond, and who will help "DEFY GRAVITY" with the following desired attributes:
Industry experience in:
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Risk management including reputational risk; financial services: audit, budget, investments
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Relevant fields such as real estate, capital projects, city building
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Working with various levels of government, and public/private partnerships
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International experience and/or exposure
Knowledge and skills in:
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Governance in complex organizations in a leadership role
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Consensus building, maintaining an open and innovative mindset, creativity, and adaptability to changing circumstances
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Human resources and/or senior leadership succession planning
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Mental health, as a critical factor in the well-being of university life and society
A robust volunteer service commitment demonstrated through:
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Active and passionate volunteer activity on behalf of the University
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Good knowledge of the University’s three campuses
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A strong community presence and networks
Have an interest in:
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Advocating for post-secondary education, internally and externally
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Shaping the student experience and promoting student success with empathy, and in a way that promotes civility
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Championing the University as a preeminent teaching and research institution
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A 2025 ALUMNI GOVERNOR APPLICATION PACKAGE HAS PASSED.
For additional information, please contact the Acting Secretary of the College of Electors, Ms Sheree Drummond at coe@utoronto.ca.
Diversity
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Aboriginal/Indigenous People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
Questions or comments? Please contact the Acting Secretary of the College of Electors, Ms Sheree Drummond by email (coe@utoronto.ca).
