Case Details
Date:
December 15, 2025
Parties:
University of Toronto v. Y.G.
Hearing Date:
November 14, 2025
Board Members:
Sana Halwani, Chair
Professor Adam Stinchcombe, Teaching Staff Board Member
Susan Froom, Student Board Member
Appearances:
Ryan Shah, Counsel for the University of Toronto
Darryl Singer, Diamond & Diamond, Counsel for the Former Student
Hearing Secretary:
Karen Bellinger, Associate Director, Office of Appeals Discipline and Faculty Grievances
The Former Student was charged with one count of infamous conduct, one count of disgraceful conduct, and one count of conduct unbecoming a graduate of the University. The Former Student was alleged to have forged a document purporting to be a transcript of his academic history at the University and made use of that record in applying to graduate schools.
The matter proceeded by way of Agreed Statement of Facts (the “ASF”) and Joint Submission on Penalty (the “JSP”). In the ASF, the Former Student plead guilty to all three charges. The ASF detailed that the Former Student hired an organization (the “Agent”) to apply for admission to post-undergraduate programs on the Former Student’s behalf, paying them $160,000 USD. The Agent guaranteed that the Former Student would be accepted into at least on program. The Former Student admitted that that the Agent falsified the Former Student’s transcript on the Former Student’s behalf and made use of that record in applications to post-undergraduate programs. The Former Student admitted they did not review the application package before it was submitted.
The Board found the Former Student guilty of conduct unbecoming a graduate based on the admissions in the ASF. The Board found that, while the Former Student did not admit actual knowledge, the Former Student was reckless in their failure to supervise the Agent. They commented that a Student cannot contract out of their responsibility to ensure that University records submitted in applications are authentic. Further, the Board commented that the Former Student was reckless in their failure to investigate how the agency could guarantee admission to graduate programs and that such abdication of responsibility constitutes conduct unbecoming a graduate. The remaining charges were withdrawn.
In determining the appropriate sanction, the Board considered the high bar to depart from a JSP, relevant factors in determining sanctions, and typical penalties for similar cases. The Board noted that the Former Student admitted the offence, showing he had insight into their actions and remorse for their conduct, and that there is a low likelihood of repetition of the offence. On the other hand, the Board stated that a forged transcript is a very serious offence and that the detriment to the University is very high. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of extenuating or mitigating circumstances. The Board concluded that that the JSP was reasonable in light of the relevant factors and is in line with penalties ordered in similar circumstances.
The Board imposed the following sanction: a five-year suspension of the Former Student’s degree, the Former Student is to surrender the degree for the period of the suspension, and a permanent notation of the suspension on their record.