REPORT NUMBER 518 OF
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto.
Your Committee reports that it held a virtual meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. with the following members present:
Present:
Claire M.C. Kennedy (Chair), Brian Lawson (Vice-Chair), Meric S. Gertler (President), P.C. Choo, Janet Ecker, Sandra Hanington, Joan Johnston, Ernest W.N. Lam, Mark Lautens, Jiazhen (Diana) Li, Joanne McNamara, Salvatore Spadafora, Bruce Winter
Regrets:
Olivia Batt
Non-Voting Member:
Sheree Drummond, Secretary of the Governing Council
Secretariat:
Anwar Kazimi and Kristi Gourlay
In Attendance:
Cheryl Regehr, Vice-President and Provost and Member of the Governing Council
Anna Kennedy, Chair, Business Board and Member of the Governing Council
Paul Kingston, Chair, UTSC Campus Council and Member of the Governing Council
Andrew Szende, Chair, University Affairs Board and Member of the Governing Council
Nicholas Terpstra, Chair, Academic Board and Member of the Governing Council
Samra Zafar, Chair, UTM Campus Council and Member of the Governing Council
Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships
Nadina Jamison, Assistant Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives, Office of the President
Bryn MacPherson, Assistant Vice-President, Office of the President and Chief of Protocol
Tony Gray, Director, Strategic Research, Office of the President
Christopher Lang, Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances
Guests:
Lisa Dolovich, Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy
Pursuant to section 28 (e) and 38 of By-Law Number 2,
consideration of items 13 to 15 took place in camera.
The meeting was held in Closed Session.
- Chair’s Remarks and Orientation
The Chair welcomed members, Board and Council Chairs and Vice-Presidents to the meeting and made brief introductory remarks.
- Report of the President
Report of the President
Rankings
The President began his report by commenting on the University’s exceptional results in the Times Higher Education rankings. For the 2020 Global University Employability Ranking, the President reported that the University of Toronto was ranked eighth in the world, up seven positions from last year. The University was fourth in the world among public universities and 1st among North American public universities.
Research
President Gertler reported that the University had been very successful in the annual Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Award competition. He noted that the following U of T scholars were recipients of awards:
- Molly Shoichet (Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering) was the recipient of the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal, Canada’s top science prize. He noted that this was the second year in row that a scientist from the University had won this award.
- Karen Maxwell (Temerty Faculty of Medicine) received the John C. Polanyi Award.
- Tovi Grossman (Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Arts & Science) and Marc Johnson (Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga) were each awarded one of six E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowships.
- Jonathan Abbatt and Jennifer Murphy (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts & Science), leaders of the project NETCARE, received the Brockhouse Canada Prize for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering.
The President remarked that these were exceptional results.
Fall Convocation
The President reported that the virtual Fall Convocation had been a great success. It had featured a Convocation address from Professor Maydianne Andrade and heartfelt and congratulatory messages from students and academic leaders. He noted that the video of the ceremony had been posted for viewing on November 21 and had already been viewed more than 11,000 times.
100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Insulin
President Gertler reported that that the University had planned a series of events throughout 2021 to mark the centennial of the discovery of insulin and to celebrate and showcase current research that continued to advance human health.
Federal Matters
The President reported that the Fall Economic Statement delivered on December 2 had focused largely on fiscal projections in light of the pandemic. It outlined plans for future stimulus spending, though details would likely not be revealed until the spring budget. He noted that the Statement did not include many specific measures for the university sector.
President Gertler commended the contributions divisions and individual researchers have made to Canada’s COVID response. He noted that there were more than 110 research teams working on issues related to pandemic, including more than 20 that were specifically focused on social and community impacts.
The President reported that in November he had taken part in the Fall U15 meetings where he had had the opportunity to meet with senior government officials. He noted that while the government’s current priority was the pandemic and related business, officials were beginning to turn their minds to ‘what comes next’ — recovery and renewal.
Provincial Matters
President Gertler reported some of the highlights of the Ontario budget which had been presented on November 5 including:
- The development of a strategy to fund and support micro-credential initiatives in Ontario.
- New, though limited, funding for:
- capital and deferred maintenance;
- Advanced Research Computing; and
- intellectual property and commercialization.
Changes in Senior Administration
The President reported on several recent changes in senior administrative roles at the University.
He spoke positively about the recent appointment of Michael Sabia, Director of the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, as Canada’s new deputy minister of finance starting on December 14. He reported that the Faculty of Arts & Science would soon be announcing an interim director after which the search for a permanent director would commence.
President Gertler congratulated Professor Vivek Goel on his recent appointment as the next President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo. He commended Professor Goel for his extraordinary contributions to the University of Toronto’s success over his 30-year career at U of T and most recently for his contributions to the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The President welcomed Professor Salvatore Spadafora, Vice Dean, Strategy and Operations at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, into his new role as Special Advisor to the President and Provost on COVID-19 from January 1 to June 30, 2021.
The President also welcomed Professor Karen Chapple as the new Director of the School of Cities starting on July 1, 2021. He noted that Professor Chapple was previously at the University of California, Berkeley and is an authority on inequalities in the planning, development, and governance of urban regions and a pioneer in the innovative use of data analytics in urban studies.
President Gertler closed his remarks with reference to his November 20 letter to the University community in which he had announced the University’s decision to delay the start of classes in 2021 to January 11 for most students. He noted that this was intended to help students and teaching staff rest and recharge over the break while preparing for the new term. He confirmed that the University would reopen on January 4 and, to help support staff wellness during this stressful and demanding time, the University was providing staff with three additional paid days off (‘wellness days’) to be taken before August 31, 2021.
Update on COVID-19 Response
At the invitation of the President, the Provost provided some additional remarks on the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Regehr observed that while it had been disheartening to see the Toronto and Peel regions’ return to lockdown on November 24, the University continued to be encouraged by the resilience of the community. She noted that in response to the changing conditions in the broader community, the University was continuing to update its policies and practices based on the new public health guidelines.
Students
The Provost reported that in October, the University had been recognized by the Federal Government as a Designated Learning Institution with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. This meant that international students could continue to come into Canada provided that strict quarantine protocols were followed. She said that the University’s comprehensive quarantine program was ready to welcome the number of students expected to arrive in the coming months. Professor Regehr reported also that the University was continuing its emergency bursary program to meet the ongoing needs of students faced with challenges during the unprecedented disruption to their studies.
Research
The Provost reported that the lockdown restrictions had not required any immediate changes and research was continuing with measures in place to follow public health guidance.
Academic Continuity
Professor Regehr remarked that she continued to receive positive reports about the amazing and creative work of faculty members and instructors delivering their courses remotely. She reported that the University and its health-care partners had successfully advocated with the provincial government on behalf of students for changes to the in-person teaching limits imposed by the lockdown restrictions allowing students in certain health science disciplines to continue their in-person studies, complete their programs on time, and join efforts to respond to the pandemic.
The Provost confirmed that the winter term would look much like the fall term with in-person instruction limited to areas where it was essential such as in the health sciences.
Business Continuity
The Provost provided a brief overview of the restrictions that had come into effect with the move into lockdown. They included:
- closing indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities;
- limiting the capacity of gatherings; and
- updating the University’s ‘safety plan’ to ensure that it covered all operations.
She confirmed that with these new measures in place, the University remained focused on teaching, research, and supporting students.
Update on Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA) with the Province
The Provost reported that the new agreement, SMA3, would increase the percentage of funding that was tied to performance metrics.
She noted that the University had worked with the Council of Ontario Universities to provide feedback to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities on this new funding mechanism. In response, the Ministry had agreed to adjust the target-setting process to provide the University with additional flexibility to allocate its funding, increase funding stability, and decrease financial risk. She said that at this point, it was unclear what impact COVID-19 might have on specific metrics and targets, and the Ministry had agreed that no funding would be at risk until 2023 or later.
The Provost concluded her remarks by expressing gratitude to all members of the University community for their ongoing resilience and dedication during this challenging and ever-changing situation.
The Chair thanked the President and Provost for their reports.
In response to a question from a member about the possible impact of the SMA3 on the proportions of students in graduate categories, Professor Regehr reported that there had been no observed change in the overall stream, but over the past couple of years, a shift had been evolving in which there was a greater emphasis on direct entry PhD students and less emphasis on research MAs.
A member thanked the President and Provost for the three wellness days and noted that this recognition and consideration for the stresses being experienced during these difficult times was greatly appreciated by staff.
- Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower
At the invitation of the Chair, Professor Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, provided a brief overview of the project highlighting the following points:
- The project was 77 meters tall and, had it been built today, it would have been the tallest wooden structure in the world.
- It would be situated between the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.
- The project would deliver great value to the University by offering an environmentally friendly third building material to add to existing concrete and steel. The relatively light weight of wood would allow for the addition of floors to existing buildings in place of tearing them down.
- The Tower would house a variety of complementary academic units.
Professor Nicholas Terpstra, Chair of the Academic Board, then commented on the discussion of the item at that body. He reported that as part of the discussion, Professor Mabury had noted the following: - Significant cost savings would be realized by moving faculty offices and administrative functions out of approximately 120,000 gross feet of off campus rental space.
- The project would advance the University towards its Carbon Reduction Action Plan of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- Construction times were notably faster with the use of timber, resulting in lower costs.
- Interest in wood as a building material would support scholarship and foster opportunities for active teaching and learning.
There were no questions or comments from members on this item.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE ENDORSED AND FORWARDED
To the Governing Council the following recommendation:
THAT the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower dated September 18, 2020 (revised November 10, 2020), be approved in principle; and,
THAT the project totaling 5,334 nasm (11,143 gross square metres (gsm)), be approved in principle, to be funded by Divisional Reserves, Operating Budget Contribution, Fundraising, Provostial Funds, Government Funding and Borrowing.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the New Woodsworth College Academic Building
Professor Mabury introduced the item and provided a brief overview of the proposed project which highlighted the following:
- The development would be built on the current site of Kruger Hall and would replace and expand upon the Hall’s function as an event space and academic/student life hub, strengthening the sense of community between the College and its students.
- The building would house a variety of academic units in addition to a student hub and learning commons.
- The project would greatly benefit Woodsworth College by providing additional space for students, particularly Woodsworth’s many commuter students.
Professor Terpstra reported that there had been no questions from members at the meeting of the Academic Board.
There were no questions or comments from members on this item.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE ENDORSED AND FORWARDED
To the Governing Council the following recommendation:
THAT the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the New Woodsworth College Academic Building, dated September 17, 2020, be approved in principle; and,
THAT the project totaling 2,399 net assignable square metres (nasm) (5,558 gross square metres (gsm)), be approved in principle, to be funded by Future Major Capital Project Reserves, Divisional & College Operating Reserves and Borrowing.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower
- Items for Confirmation by the Executive Committee
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough
The Chair explained that this was a Level 2 Capital Project which had been approved by the Academic Board at its meeting on November 18. She noted that while a project of this kind would normally have come to the Committee for confirmation as part of the consent agenda, the Agenda Planning Group had felt that given the inspiring design of the building and its significance to the UTSC community, the Committee might appreciate the opportunity to learn more about it.
Professor Mabury described the highlights of the project noting that:
- The Indigenous House was one of many projects being explored on all three campuses following the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- While small in size, it was a spectacular project located on the edge of a ravine beside the Earth Sciences building.
- It was designed by an Indigenous architectural firm.
- There had been substantial input from and consultation of the local Indigenous community as well as in the broader Indigenous community.
Professor Paul Kingston, Chair of the UTSC Campus Council, then commented on the discussion of the item at the meeting of that body on November 17. He reported that Mr. Andrew Arifuzzaman, UTSC’s Chief Administrative Officer, had shared the purpose of the Indigenous House with members, noting that the proposed building would be a visible signal in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Mr. Arifuzzaman also had described the broad consultation with the Indigenous community, proposed location, and highlights of the building design A member had inquired how the building design would reflect many different indigenous groups. Mr. Arifuzzaman had explained that various Indigenous groups would be represented inside the space through its use, activities, and with visuals such as art pieces. He noted that the architect’s design reflected the broad consultation and agreed upon design elements with a modern representation.
Mr. Arifuzzaman had responded to another question that inquired about the inclusion of Indigenous apprentices and companies in the procurement and construction of the building by confirming that they would welcome bids from Indigenous companies in the tendering process.
Professor Kingston concluded his remarks by reporting that the proposal had been recommended for approval by the Campus Council.
Professor Terpstra then commented on the discussion of the item at the Academic Board. He reported that the project had been well received by the Board. He advised the Committee that in response to a member’s question regarding engagement, Professor Wisdom Tettey, Vice-President and Principal UTSC, had stressed that the UTSC Indigenous House was a complimentary and not separate endeavour to existing campus activities celebrating Indigenous culture. The project was meant to be an augmentation of the University’s research, teaching and community engagement commitments. Principal Tettey also had pointed out to the Board that the project would be an indication of the University’s commitment to ‘place’, and further UTSC’s strategic plan which spoke to inspiring inclusive excellence. To that end, the project would forge pathways and access opportunities for students and youth from Indigenous communities to ensure that the community found itself represented within the University and vice versa.
There were no questions or comments from members on this item.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THE DECISION OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD
THAT the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough, dated September 18, 2020, be approved in principle; and,
THAT the project totaling 481 net assignable square metres (nasm) and 962 gross square metres (gsm), be approved in principle, to be funded by UTSC Major Capital Project Reserve, the Major Capital Construction Account, and a fundraising campaign.
- Proposal to establish an Academic Pharmacy at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
After welcoming Professor Lisa Dolovich, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Chair provided a brief description of this item. She noted that it was a proposal to establish a fully accredited Academic Pharmacy with the primary twin goals of furthering both student experiential learning, and innovative and impactful research. She said that the Pharmacy would also be an operating pharmacy open to members of the University community only (students, staff, and faculty). She noted that the proposal had been approved in principle by the Academic Board in Cycle 5 of the last governance year on April 23, 2020 and, following this, the administration had worked with the Ontario College of Pharmacists to ensure that the accreditation requirements of the proposed Academic Pharmacy were met. She reported that at its November 25, 2020 meeting, Business Board had approved the incorporation of the Academic Pharmacy as described in the November 16 proposal.
Professor Terpstra then provided a report about the discussion of the item at the April 23rd 2020 Academic Board meeting. He reported that the Board had received a presentation of the proposal from the Provost and Professor Dolovich. In response to a member’s question, Dean Dolovich had clarified that the expectation was not that all students would only have their experiential learning in the Academic Pharmacy. She had noted that pharmacy students were already working with an impressive set of experiential sites across the province and country and receiving excellent training, and had added that the hope was that the Academic Pharmacy would become a hub for innovative practices, and another means of faculty development. In response to a Board member’s request for clarification about the restriction on public access to the pharmacy, and how the pharmacy would facilitate the restriction of services to faculty, staff, and students only, Provost Regehr had responded that the pharmacy was an extension of the university health and wellness centre and that the identity of students, faculty, and staff could be confirmed via T-Cards, as was done with flu-shot clinics on campus.
There were no comments or questions from members. The Chair observed that the project was a very positive development for on-campus student learning and innovation.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THE DECISION OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD
THAT the proposed creation of the Academic Pharmacy at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, as described in the Proposal: The Development of an Academic Pharmacy at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, dated November 16, 2020, be approved.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that item 10 be approved.
- Report of the Previous Meeting of the Executive Committee
Report number 517, from the meeting of October 20, 2020 was approved.
- Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.
- Minutes of the Governing Council Meetings – October 29, 2020
Members received the Report of the October 29, 2020 Governing Council Meeting for information.
- Business Arising from the Minutes of the Governing Council Meetings
There was no business arising from the minutes.
- Reports for Information
Members received the following reports for information:- Review of Academic Programs and Units – Part 1
- Semi-Annual Report: April 2020 – October 2020
- Follow-up Reports from Previous Reviews:
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, MD Program (Provostial Review)
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Provostial Review)
- Health Studies Program (Faculty of Arts and Science)
- Report Number 88 of the Elections Committee (October 14, 2020)
- Report Number 44 of the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Council (November 16, 2020)
- Report Number 44 of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Council (November 17, 2020)
- Report Number 230 of the Academic Board (November 18, 2020)
- Report Number 220 of the University Affairs Board (November 24, 2020)
- Report Number 255 of the Business Board (November 25, 2020)
- Report Number 89 of the Elections Committee (November 30, 2020)
- Review of Academic Programs and Units – Part 1
- Governing Council and Executive Committee Meeting Dates, 2021-22.
Members received and approved the Governing Council and Executive Committee meeting dates for 2021-2022.
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
- Date of next meeting:
The Chair advised members that the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Other Business
- Governing Council Meeting
The Committee finalized the agenda for the Governing Council to be held on December 17, 2020.
In Camera Session
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
THAT, pursuant to section 28 (e) and 38 of By-Law Number 2, the Committee would move In Camera.
The Committee Moved in Camera.
- Items for Approval
- Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendation for Expulsion
On a motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
THAT the President’s recommendation for expulsion, as outlined in the memorandum and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated October 13, 2020, be confirmed.
- External Appointments: Pharmacy Clinic Board of Directors 2020-21
- Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendation for Expulsion
On a motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
The proposed initial slate of Directors of the Academic Pharmacy, namely:
- Lisa Dolovich, Professor and Dean, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (LDFP)
- Zubin Austin, Professor, LDFP, and Academic Director, Centre for Practice Excellence
- Natalie Crown, Assistant Professor, LDFP, and Director, PharmD Program
- Aleksandra Bjelaja Mejia, Assistant Professor, LDFP, and Academic Lead, Education
- Office and Office of Experiential Education
- Ernie Avilla, Project Development Lead, LDFP
- Senior Appointment
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
THAT the portfolio of Vice-Provost, Strategic Enrolment Management be created effective immediately.
- Senior Appointment
- Item for Confirmation
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough– Total Project Costs and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THE DECISION OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD
THAT the recommendation by Professor Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, in the memorandum dated December 1, 2020, regarding the Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough capital project, be approved.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Indigenous House at the University of Toronto Scarborough– Total Project Costs and Sources of Funding
- Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower – Total Project Costs and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE ENDORSED AND FORWARDED
To the Governing Council the following recommendation:
THAT the recommendation of Professor Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated November 16, 2020, regarding the financing of the Academic Wood Tower capital project, be approved.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the New Woodsworth College Academic Building
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE ENDORSED AND FORWARDED
To the Governing Council the following recommendation:
THAT the recommendation of Professor Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated November 16, 2020, regarding the financing of the New Woodsworth College Academic Building capital project, be approved.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre West/Phase 1 – Further Revised Total Project Cost Increase and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE ENDORSED AND FORWARDED
To the Governing Council the following recommendation:
THAT the recommendation of Professor Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated November 16, 2020, regarding the financing of the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre (formerly “Partners in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PIE)”) West/Phase 1 capital project, be approved.
- Appointments: Members of the Governing Council to Governance Bodies, 2020-21- Addendum
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE ENDORSED AND FORWARDED
To the Governing Council the following recommendation:
THAT the recommendation by Claire Kennedy, Chair of the Governing Council, in the memorandum dated December 1, 2020, regarding the appointments of Members of the Governing Council to Governance Bodies, 2020-21 be approved.
THAT, pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2, the Governing Council consider this item in camera.
- Appointment of an Assistant Secretary to the Discipline Appeals Board
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE ENDORSED AND FORWARDED
To the Governing Council the following recommendation:
THAT the recommendation by Sheree Drummond, Secretary of the Governing Council, in the memorandum dated December 1, 2020, regarding the appointment of an Assistant Secretary to the Discipline Appeals Board, be approved.
THAT, pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2, the Governing Council consider this item in camera.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower – Total Project Costs and Sources of Funding
- Committee Members with the President
Members of the Executive Committee, with the Board Chairs, met with the President.
- Committee Members Alone
Members of the Executive Committee, with the Board Chairs, met privately.
The Committee returned to closed session
The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
December 16, 2020