REPORT NUMBER 40 OF THE CAMPUS COUNCIL
To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto
Your Campus Council reports that it met on March 10, 2020 at 4:10 p.m. in the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) Council Chambers (AA160), with the following members present:
Present: Preet Banerjee (Chair), Paul Kingston (Vice-Chair), Rose Patten (Chancellor), Andrew Arifuzzaman, Shadi Dalili*, Tarun Dewan, Arda Erturk, George Fadel*, Liben Gebremikael, Jason Glover*, Brenda Librecz, Gillian Mason, Sonja Nikkila, Tayyab Rashid, Annie Sahagian*, Dorinda So, Lynn Tucker
Regrets: Wisdom Tettey (Vice-President and Principal), William Gough, Fareed Amin, Elaine Khoo, Daniel Lysak, Silma Roddau
Secretariat: Emma Thacker (Secretary), Anwar Kazimi (Deputy Secretary of the Governing Council)
In Attendance: Bernie Kraatz, Sheila John, Desmond Pouyat, Nadia Rosemond, Zahra Bhanji, Aileen Cabrea, Ian Cole, Greg Hum, Jeff Lennon, Helen Morissette, Mari Motrich, Gray Pitcher, Rena Prashad, Trevor Rogers, Fran Wdowczyk, Larry Whatmore
*Telephone Participants
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members and guests to the Council meeting, including members from the Campus Affairs Committee (CAC) who were invited to participate in the discussion of the institutional budget. The Chair remarked that Campus Council had circulated a call for nominations for community members for two vacant seats – one on Campus Council and one on CAC.
The Chair offered a special welcome to Chancellor Rose Patten. He commented that Dr. Patten had served on the Governing Council for nine years, including three years as its Chair, from 2004 until 2007. When invited to say a few words, Chancellor Patten commented on her tour activities that day on UTSC campus, and of her memories at UTSC as it had grown and changed over the years.
- Report of the Vice-President and Principal
The Chair noted that Wisdom Tettey, Vice-President and Principal had sent his regrets, and thanked Professor Bernie Kraatz, Vice-President Research for attending as Acting, Vice-President and Principal. He invited Mr. Andrew Arifuzzaman, Chief Administrative Officer, to share a few words about the University response to COVID-19.
Mr. Arifuzzaman shared the steps that the University had taken to plan and prepare for community transmission of the COVID-19 virus. He indicated that the risk of community transmission in the Greater Toronto Area remained low, and that the University was following the advice of public health authorities. He outlined all of the measures that were taken and reminded members and guests that assessment of risk should be based on travel and exposure history, not on race or ethnicity.
- Budget Report 2020-21 & Long Range Budget Guidelines 2020-21 to 2024-25
The Chair informed members that the Budget Report was recommended for approval by the Planning & Budget Committee on February 25, 2020, and was presented today for information. He invited Mr. Trevor Rogers, Assistant Vice-President, Planning & Budget and Mr. Jeff Lennon, Executive Director, Institutional Planning & Budget Administration, to address the Council.
The presenters provided an overview of the key budget priorities across three themes: students, diversity, and research excellence. Resources would be marshalled to support student wellness initiatives. Other highlights were provided as follows:
- The institutional budget of 2.99 billion (2020-2021) was balanced, with an average revenue increase of 8.0%;
- The provincial tuition fee framework imposed a 10% cut to domestic tuition fees for 2019-20, which resulted in a $113 million loss in revenue for the University relative to the previous framework. Fees would remain frozen at 2019-20 rates for 2020-21;
- Revenue sources had changed over time, with a smaller proportion coming from government operating grants (22% in 2020-21), and domestic tuition revenue (20% in 2020-21) and an increase in the proportion from international tuition (38% in 2020-21);
- Compensation continued to be the largest expense, at 58% of the budget expenditures for 2020-21;
- The Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA) with the Provincial government governs performance-based funding, and SMA3 would phase in the proportion of funding tied to the metrics throughout the term of the agreement (2020-2021 to 2024-2025);
- 2019-20 saw total undergraduate enrolment at 63,127, which was a variance of +1,085 students, from the enrolment target;
- The University increased its proportion of international undergraduate enrolment to 26.8% in 2019-20;
- The University would provide $258 million in student financial aid (2020-2021), including $15 million in a new International Scholars program;
- The diversification of the international student population was discussed, as a priority to ensure a broad view of the world within classrooms;
- The University Fund of $42 million would be dispersed over various institutional supports and initiatives including student experience and success ($6 million base), faculty diversity and renewal (2 million base), and budget support to the divisions (34 million base and OTO);
- With University Pension Plan approval, the University would be required to fund the initial pension deficit over a period of 15 years.
A member asked about the SMA metric ‘community and economic impact’, asking how this was demonstrated. Mr. Rogers responded that this metric was calculated based upon the University’s enrolment share as a proportion of the population of the city in which the institution was located. He clarified that this measure may not best reflect community engagement, however was not chosen by the University.
A member asked for clarification on how international tuition fees are set. Mr. Rogers responded that the divisions establish tuition fees in consultation with the administration. Several factors were considered such as financial aid and the market competitiveness of the program.
A member asked about the availability of funding and scholarships for current international students. Mr. Rogers responded that there was a modest amount of funding for current international students.
A member asked about the Centre for Graduate Mentorship and Supervision, and inquired about the graduate skills being considered as part of this initiative. Mr. Rogers responded that much of the information to support this initiative came out the 10,000 PhDs Project which provided evidence that our graduates were working in academia, industry, government and elsewhere, drawing on many diverse skillsets.
- Operating Plans: Service Ancillaries
The Chair informed members that the Council considered operating plans for all UTSC service ancillaries on an annual basis. The Service Ancillaries plans were recommended by the Campus Affairs Committee to the UTSC Campus Council for approval, subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee.
The Chair invited Andrew Arifuzzaman, Chief Administrative Officer, to present. Mr. Arifuzzaman reminded members of the University’s four financial objectives – to operate without subsidy from the University’s operating budget; to provide for all costs of capital renewal including deferred maintenance; to create and maintain an operating reserve; and to contribute net revenues to the operating budget. He presented information on the operating plans, fee increases, highlights and challenges for the various ancillary portfolios - Student Housing & Residence Life, Retail and Conference Services, Food and Beverage Services and Parking Services.
The Chair invited the CAC Chair, Dr. Tayyab Rashid to share an overview of the discussion that took place at the UTSC Campus Affairs Committee meeting on Feb 11, 2020. Dr. Rashid commented that the proposal was recommended by the CAC to the Campus Council. In addition, a CAC member had raised a question about the parking fee increase. It was explained that the fee increase was related to the forthcoming parking structure for UTSC.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,
THAT subject to confirmation of the Executive Committee,
THAT the 2020-21 operating plans and budgets for the UTSC Service Ancillary, as summarized in Schedule 1; the Service Ancillary capital budgets as summarized in Schedule 5; and the rates and fees in Schedule 6, as presented in the Service Ancillary Report on Operating Plans dated December 20, 2019, be approved effective May 1, 2020.
- Operating Plans and Fees: Student Affairs and Services
The Chair reminded members that the Operating Plans for campus and student services, as well as co-curricular programs, services and facilities, were recommended by the Campus Affairs Committee to the UTSC Campus Council for approval, subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee. The Chair invited Nadia Rosemond, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs and Student Life, to present the advice shared from the Council on Student Services (CSS) and present the Student Affairs Operating Plans and Fees.
Ms Rosemond reported that at the pre-vote meeting, all resolutions passed except the Academic Support Fee. In consideration of the advice of CSS, and pursuant to the terms of the Protocol on Non-Tuition Fees, the administration presented plans which included a request for a fee increase with permanent and temporary components. Ms Rosemond provided an overview of the priorities across the Student Affairs portfolio and provided highlights from several priorities. She discussed the robust process to approve the operating plan, which is governed by the Protocol on Non-Tuition Fees. The five increases and one decrease to the six service fees were explained, as well as a summary of the total fees for full-time and part-time students. In closing, Ms Rosemond clarified that the Student Affairs operating plan posed no risk to UTSC’s operating budget or the university budget.
The Chair invited the CAC Chair, Dr. Tayyab Rashid to share an overview of the discussion that took place at the UTSC Campus Affairs Committee meeting on Feb 11, 2020. Dr. Rashid explained that the proposal was recommended by the CAC to the Campus Council. He commented that Ms. Nadia Rosemond presented advice from the Council on Student Services and an overview of the student services operating plans and fees. He concluded that no discussion was raised on the item.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,
THAT subject to confirmation of the Executive Committee,
THAT, the 2020-21 operating plans and budgets for the UTSC Student Affairs and Services (including the Health & Wellness Centre, Athletics & Recreation, Career Services, Academic Support, Student Buildings and Other Student Services), as presented in the documentation from Mr. Desmond Pouyat, Dean of Student Affairs, be approved; and
THAT the sessional Health & Wellness Service Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC- affiliated full-time student be increased to $77.04 per full-time student per session ($15.41 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 2.01 % ($1.52 for full-time student; $0.30 for part-time student);
THAT the sessional Athletics and Recreation Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC- affiliated full-time student be increased to $147.29 per full-time student per session ( $29.46 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 0.93 % ($1.36 for full-time student; $0.27 for part-time student);
THAT the sessional Career Services Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC- affiliated full-time student be increased to $88.64 per full-time student per session ($17.73 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 3.25 % ($2.79 for full-time student; $0.56 for part-time student);
THAT the sessional Academic Support Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC- affiliated full-time student be increased to $42.09 per full-time student per session ($8.42 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 5.50 % ($2.19 for full-time student; $0.44 for part-time student); (resulting from a permanent increase of 2.0% and three year temporary increase of 3.5% on the eligible portion);
THAT the sessional Student Buildings Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC- affiliated full-time student be increased to $33.45 ($6.69 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 0.03 % ($0.01 for full-time student; $0.00 for part-time student);
THAT the sessional Other Student Services Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC- affiliated full-time student be decreased to $19.78 ($3.96 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year decrease of -4.17 % (($0.86) for full-time student; ($0.17) for part-time student).
- Student Societies - Fee Increases
The Chair invited Desmond Pouyat, Dean of Student Affairs to present the item. He noted for members that the Student Society Fees were recommended by the Campus Affairs Committee to the UTSC Campus Council for approval, subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee.
Mr. Pouyat explained the University’s assumed obligations to students and the oversight role of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students. He reported that the fee changes requested by the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) are subject to the Policy for Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees and the Policy on Ancillary Fees.
The Chair invited the CAC Chair, Dr. Tayyab Rashid to share an overview of the discussion that took place at the UTSC Campus Affairs Committee meeting on Feb 11, 2020. Dr. Rashid commented that the proposal was recommended by the CAC to the Campus Council. He reported that Desmond Pouyat, Dean of Student Affairs, explained that the Scarborough Campus Student’s Union (SCSU) was requesting six fee increases and one continuation regarding the society fees. No discussion was raised on this item.
A member asked for clarification about SCSU budget approvals. Dean Pouyat responded that the SCSU budget presentations would occur at SCSU meetings, not at UTSC Campus Council.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,
THAT subject to confirmation of the Executive Committee,
THAT beginning in the Summer 2020 session, the SCSU fee be increased as follows: (a) an increase of $6.81 per session ($1.36 part-time) in the UTSC Sports & Recreation Complex Levy portion of the fee; and
THAT beginning in the Fall 2020 session, the SCSU fee be increased as follows: (a) an increase of $0.58 per session in the society portion of the fee ($0.03 part-time); (b) an increase of $0.86 per session in the Student Centre portion of the fee ($0.26 part-time), (c) an increase of $0.18 per session (full-time only) in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee, and (d) continuation of the WUSC Program portion of the fee through the 2020-21 academic period.
If approved, the total Fall/Winter SCSU fee will be $447.70 per session ($49.98 part-time), charged to all UTSC undergraduate students.
- 2020 Committee to Review the UTM and UTSC Campus Council (“CRCC”) Terms of Reference and Membership
The Chair invited Mr. Anwar Kazimi, Deputy Secretary of the Governing Council, to share information about the Committee convened to review the UTM and UTSC Campus Council Terms of Reference. Mr. Kazimi provided some background regarding the UTM and UTSC Terms of Reference creation and provisions for review. He confirmed that at its meeting on February 27, 2020, the Governing Council had approved the CRCC Terms or Reference and Committee membership, to fulfill the review mandate. He explained that several elements of the Terms of Reference for the Campus Councils and their Standing Committees would be considered, such as budget, leadership appointment and membership. The CRCC recommendations would be considered by the Governing Council at its meeting on June 25, 2020.
- Annual Report: Office of the Vice-Principal, Research
The Chair invited Vice-Principal, Research, Professor Bernie Kraatz to present the Annual Report of the Office of the Vice-Principal, Research (OVPR). Professor Kraatz shared the winners of recent awards and honours, highlighting to members the many scholarly accomplishments and achievements. He provided an overview of the UTSC research funding from grants and other sources. Professor Kraatz also discussed the many internal services provided to faculty seeking support and training. He noted that internal funding sources are not maxed out each year by faculty. The OVPR strategies were explained, and many initiatives were highlighted, such as the Science Rendezvous at the Toronto Zoo, the Hub (an entrepreneurship incubator), and the Research Excellence Lecture Series.
A member asked about community partnerships and local community business. Professor Kraatz responded that the Bridge was working with community partners through work integrated learning opportunities. At the Hub, community entrepreneurs coached the students and sat on an advisory community.
A member asked about community-based research. Professor Kraatz explained that Mitacs offered funding for this type of opportunity. He also commented that the research projects were student-interest driven, however the OVPR did facilitate exploration of student engagement in the community.
The report of the previous meeting was approved.
- Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.
- Reports for Information
Members received the following reports for information.
- Report Number 40 of the UTSC Agenda Committee (March 2, 2020)
- Report Number 42 of the UTSC Academic Affairs Committee (February 10, 2020)
- Report Number 36 of the UTSC Campus Affairs Committee (February 11, 2020)
- Date of the Next Meeting - Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 4:10 p.m.
The Chair advised members that the Council would meet again on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 4:10 p.m.
- Question Period
No questions were raised.
- Other Business
No other business was raised.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.