Report: Executive Committee - June 14, 2021

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REPORT  NUMBER  523 OF

THE  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE

Monday, June 14, 2021
 

To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto.

Your Committee reports that it held a virtual meeting on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. with the following members present:

Present:
Claire M.C. Kennedy (Chair), Brian Lawson (Vice-Chair), Meric S. Gertler (President), Olivia Batt, P.C. Choo, Janet Ecker, Sandra Hanington, Ernest W.N. Lam, Mark Lautens, Jiazhen (Diana) Li, Joanne McNamara, Salvatore Spadafora, Bruce Winter  
 
Non-Voting Member:  
Sheree Drummond, Secretary of the Governing Council  
 
Secretariat:  
Anwar Kazimi, Kristi Gourlay, Samantha Frost  
 
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  
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 
Anthony Gray, Director, Strategic Research, Office of the President 

Guests:
Tad Brown (Item 14b)
Nora Gillespie (Item 15a)
Chris Lang (Item 15a)
Carmelle Salomon-Labbé Item 15a)

Regrets:
Joan Johnston, Samra Zafar 

Pursuant to section 28 (e) and 38 of By-Law Number 2, consideration of
items 13-17 took place in camera.
 

The meeting was held in closed Session.

  1. Chair’s Remarks 

    The Chair welcomed the attendees to the meeting. 
     
  2. Report of the President

    The President began his remarks with reference to the recent discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the former Indian Residential School in Kamloops, B.C.  On behalf of the University community, he acknowledged the dignity of each of the children, their families, and their communities, and expressed feelings of horror, anger, and profound sorrow. President Gertler confirmed that the University remained committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation and that it would continue to implement the calls to action contained in the Report of the Steering Committee for the U of T Response to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

    President Gertler also expressed the University’s profound sorrow and outrage at the tragic events of June 6 in London, Ontario, when four members of a Muslim family had been killed, and one seriously injured, as a result of deliberate action motivated by hatred and racism. He reaffirmed that the University condemns Islamophobia and racism in all its forms and was offering support for members of the University community who had been affected by this senseless act of violence.

    The President went on to provide an update on the controversy at the Faculty of Law over the discontinued search for a new director of the International Human Rights Program (IHRP). He reported that the Faculty of Law had reopened the search upon the conclusion of two collegial processes: a consultation and listening tour with all members of the Faculty, led by Dean Brunnée, and a review of the IHRP by Professor Emerita Cook that had produced recommendations for strengthening the program. He expressed cautious optimism that the University was moving to a resolution of this matter.

    President Gertler also reported that the University was making progress on its commitments to undertake a comprehensive review of policies and guidelines related to advancement and to work with advancement professionals across the University to ensure that their practices were fully informed by the findings of the Report of the Honourable Thomas Cromwell after his independent review of the IHRP matter. 

    Federal Matters
    The President went on to comment on the work of the federal government to implement the more than 250 initiatives articulated in the April 19th budget. He noted in particular that the government’s proposed investments related to biomedical sciences, for which the University had advocated strongly, were moving forward. He also made reference to the recent federal announcement regarding the exemption from quarantine rules for fully vaccinated Canadians, permanent residents, and international students. The University was waiting for provincial authorization to allow unvaccinated international students to enter directly into the University’s Quarantine Program.

    University Pension Plan
    President Gertler then provided an update on the University’s transition to the new University Pension Plan (UPP) on July 1. He reminded members that all assets and liabilities under the current pension plan would be assigned to and assumed by the UPP. The UPP would ultimately be responsible for providing member services and investment management of pension assets for the three founding institutions – UofT, Queen’s University, and the University of Guelph. The President acknowledged and expressed his gratitude to members of the administration, UTAM, and the UPP for their considerable efforts to date.

    Convocation
    The President concluded his remarks with reference to the second virtual Spring Convocation ceremony that would be held on June 23. He reported that 15,500 students from 105 countries would be graduating in absentia. He noted that the Office of Convocation would be undertaking the massive task of couriering the degree parchments to every graduating student in the weeks following the ceremony. He also noted that the University would be celebrating 13 honorary graduates with a video degree conferral and a story in the UofT News, featuring one honouree per day in the two weeks leading to the June 23 ceremony. 

    Covid-19 Update
    At the invitation of the President, the Provost provided an update on the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the following:

    Students
  • Students living in residence in the fall would be required to have at least one dose of a vaccine recognized by either Health Canada or the World Health Organization and were expected to be vaccinated before moving in. This requirement was flexible for students unable to be vaccinated prior to moving in who would be provided with a two-week grace period. The requirement was also flexible for those who could not be vaccinated on medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The University was working actively to support students and help facilitate their vaccinations and the initial response to this requirement from students had been overwhelmingly positive.
  • As a result of ongoing pandemic conditions worldwide, the suspension of student international travel (Study Abroad Program) had been extended until December 2021.  The decision had been made in part because many partner institutions were unable to accept exchange students for the fall 2021 term. 
  • The University was monitoring Canadian border restrictions and federal quarantine rules, advising students as the situation evolved.
  • The University’s quarantine programs remained strong, with over 3,000 students registered and more than 2,800 who had completed them.
  • The University’s Emergency Bursary program had provided more than $10 million in emergency bursaries to students affected by the pandemic.
  • Outdoor athletic and recreation programming had resumed with Stage 1 restrictions in place to keep groups small and support physical distancing.

    Research
  • The easing of pandemic restrictions had allowed some faculties to prepare to phase in increased capacity in their research facilities while continuing to follow all Public Health directives. 

    Academic Continuity
  • Leaders across the three campuses were preparing for a gradual and safe return to in-person activities for the fall term and faculties and divisions were tailoring their plans to serve the needs of their students and their program requirements.
  • After months of tireless advocacy, the provincial government had agreed to lift restrictions on dentistry programs, avoiding delays in the graduation of dentistry students.  

    Business Continuity
  • The University was continuing to prepare for a safe return to its campuses in the fall and was now sharing information about the safety measures in place with the community through social media and other channels.

    Vaccine Clinics
  • The University’s vaccine clinics continued to provide a valuable service to communities across the city. 
  • The University of Toronto Mississauga clinic had administered more than 213,000 vaccinations.
  • The University of Toronto Scarborough team had transformed their testing site into a vaccination clinic and was prepared to provide more than 1,000 vaccinations a day. 
  • The St. George team had administered more than 18,000 doses of vaccine on campus and nearly 13,000 doses in off-campus pop-up clinics. 
  • The Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health in collaboration with Na-Me-Res had run four culturally appropriate and safe vaccination clinics for the downtown Toronto Indigenous community, providing nearly 1,400 vaccinations. The team was currently planning a Vaccine Pow Wow at Varsity stadium for later in June.

    The Provost concluded her remarks by noting that plans were underway and the University was continuing to open as quickly as it was able. 

    A member echoed the words of the President about the hard work of the Office of Convocation, thanking it for its tremendous efforts.

    In response to a member’s question about whether the University would be encouraging all students to get vaccinated, the Provost responded that the University was working hard to do this and would facilitate on-campus vaccines to the extent it was able.
  1. Item for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
    1. Proposal to Establish an Extra-Departmental Unit A (EDU:A): Faculty of Arts & Science, School of the Environment 

      Professor Regehr provided highlights of the proposal for the establishment of an Extra-Departmental Unit A (EDU:A) at the Faculty of Arts & Science, School of the Environment . 

      Professor Nick Terpstra, Chair of the Academic Board, provided a brief overview of the discussion at that body on May 27, noting that members had had no questions and that the proposal was recommended for approval.

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:

      THAT the proposal to establish the School of the Environment, an (EDU: B), as an Extra-Departmental Unit Type A, as described in the proposal dated April 12, 2021, be approved effective July 1, 2021

       
    2. Proposal to Establish a Department: Centre for Critical Development Studies (EDU:B) to the Department of Global Development Studies, University of Toronto Scarborough

      Professor Regehr provided the highlights of the proposal to transition the Centre for Critical Development Studies (EDU:B) to the Department of Global Development Studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough.

      Professor Paul Kingston, Chair of the UTSC Campus Council, commented on the comprehensive presentation of the item by UTSC Vice Principal Academic & Dean Professor William Gough at the  meeting on May 20, 2021. 

      Professor Terpstra then provided a summary of the discussion of the item at the Academic Board meeting noting that in response to a member’s question, the Provost had explained the differences between EDUs at the University and the importance of the Centre’s designation as a Department in allowing it to appoint faculty members and manage its own budget. Professor Wisdom Tettey, Vice President and Principal, UTSC, and Professor Gough had clarified that cross-appointments of staff would not impact students’ access to courses, nor undermine UTSC’s commitment to offer courses across programs.

      In response to a member’s question, Professor Regehr clarified that a majority appointment faculty hire meant that faculty at departments and EDU:As could have a 100% appointment to that unit versus faculty at EDU:Bs who had to have at least a 51% appointment at a home department. She added that this meant that tenure and other appraisals could be done by the single unit.

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:

      THAT, the proposal to convert the Centre for Critical Development Studies (EDU:B) to the Department of Global Development Studies, as described in the proposal dated April 13, 2021, be approved effective as of July 1, 2021. 

CONSENT AGENDA 

On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried  
  
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED  
  
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 6 be approved.  

  1. Item for Confirmation  
    1. Constitutional Amendments: School of Graduate Studies (Arising from Report Number 234 of the Academic Board (May 27, 2021)). 

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

      YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED 

      THAT the proposed amended Constitution of the School of Graduate Studies, which was recommended for approval by the Graduate Education Council on April 20, 2021 be approved, effective July 1, 2021.  
  2. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding 
    1. Revisions to the Terms of Reference of the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs (Arising from Report Number 234 of the Academic Board (May 27, 2021)). 

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:

      THAT the proposed revisions to the Terms of Reference of the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs, dated May 5, 2021, be approved, effective immediately.
       
       
    2. Revisions to the Terms of Reference of the Planning and Budget Committee (Arising from Report Number 234 of the Academic Board (May 27, 2021)). 

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:

      THAT the proposed revisions to the Terms of Reference of the Planning & Budget Committee, dated May 6, 2021, be approved, effective immediately. 

       
    3. Revisions to the UTM Campus Council and its Committees Terms of Reference (Arising from Report Number 48 of the UTM Campus Council (May 19, 2021)). 

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:

      THAT the proposed revisions to the UTM Campus Council and its Committees Terms of Reference, dated May 19, 2021, be approved, effective immediately. 

       
    4. Revisions to the UTSC Campus Council and its Committees Terms of Reference  (Arising from Report Number 48 of the UTSC Campus Council (May 20, 2021)). 

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:

      THAT the proposed revisions to the UTSC Campus Council and its Committees Terms of Reference, dated May 20, 2021, be approved, effective immediately. 

       
    5. Summer Executive Authority  

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
       
      1. THAT until the next regular meeting of the Governing Council or its appropriate committee or board, authority be granted to the President for: 
        1. decisions on other matters the urgency of which does not permit their deferral until the next regular meeting of the Governing Council or its appropriate standing committee or board,  
           
        2. appointments to categories 21,   32,   and 53   of the Policy on Appointments and Remuneration approved by the Governing Council of the University of Toronto, dated May 30, 20074;  
           
        3. approval of such additional curriculum changes as may arise for the summer and September 2021; and 
           
      2. THAT all actions taken under this authority be approved by the Chair of the Governing Council prior to implementation and reported to the appropriate committee or board for information. 
         

1 Category 2 includes the positions of Vice-President, Secretary of the Governing Council, and University Ombudsperson, which are subject to the approval of the Governing Council.
2 Category 3 includes the positions of Deputy Provost, Associate and Vice-Provosts, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Legal Counsel and Deputy Secretary of the Governing Council, which are subject to the approval of the Executive Committee, and are reported for information to the Governing Council.
3 Category 5 includes the head of Internal Audit (approved by the Business Board) and the Warden of Hart House (approved by the University Affairs Board); such appointments are reported for information to the Governing Council.
4 Approval of Academic Administrative Appointments until the next regular meeting of the Agenda Committee of the Academic Board shall be approved by electronic ballot and shall require the response of at least five members of the Agenda Committee.  

  1. Report of the Previous Meeting of the Executive Committee

    Report Number 522 of the Executive Committee (May 4, 2021) was approved.
     
  2. Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting

    There was no business arising from the minutes of the previous meetings.
     
  3. Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting – May 13, 2021

    Members received the Report of the May 13, 2021 Governing Council meeting for information.
     
  4. Business Arising from the Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting

    There was no business arising from the minutes of the Governing Council meeting.
     
  5. Reports for Information:

    Members received the following Reports for information:
    1. Report Number 44 of the Pension Committee (March 24, 2021)
    2. Report Number 48 of the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Council (May 19, 2021)
    3. Report Number 48 of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Council (May 20 2021)
    4. Report Number 224 of the University Affairs Board (May 25, 2021)
    5. Report Number 234 of the Academic Board (May 27, 2021)
    6. Report Number 90 of the Elections Committee (June 2, 2021) 
       

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Date of Next Meeting

    The Chair advised members that the next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
     
  2. Other Business
    1. Governing Council Meeting

      The Chair reminded members that the next meeting of the Governing Council was to be held on June 24, 2021 and discussed the arrangements surrounding that meeting.

The Committee Moved In Camera.

In Camera Session

  1. Cyber Security Update

    At the invitation of the Chair, Professor Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships , to comment about the University’s involvement with the Canadian Shared Security Operations Centre (CanSSOC). 
     
  2. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
    1. Appointment of an Assistant Secretary to the Discipline Appeals Board

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT the motion from Ms Sheree Drummond, Secretary of the Governing Council regarding the appointment of an Assistant Secretary to the Discipline Appeals Board, be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council.

       
    2. Banting Research Foundation - Revisions to Letters Patent and Bylaws

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT the motion regarding the revisions to Letters Patent and Bylaws of the Banting Research Foundation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council: 
       
  3. Items for Approval by the Executive Committee
    1. Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendations for Expulsion

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

      THAT the President’s recommendations for expulsion, as outlined in the memorandum and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated June 7, 2021, be approved.

       
    2. Senior Appointment

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

      THAT Professor Joshua Barker be appointed as Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education (concurrent with his appointment as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies) from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2027. 

       
    3. External Appointments
      1. Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC) Inc Board of Directors

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

        THAT the following individuals be appointed/re-appointed as members and directors of the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC) Board of Directors, effective immediately, for a two year term, or until their successors are appointed: 

        Mr. Andrew Arifuzzaman 
        Mr. Tenniel Chu 
        Dr. Ira Jacobs 
        Mr. Richard Powers 
        Professor Wisdom Tettey 

         
      2. West Park Healthcare Centre Board of Directors

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

        THAT Professor Susan Jaglal be appointed as the University of Toronto’s representative on the Board of Directors of the West Park Healthcare Centre for a term of one (1) year, or until her successor is chosen, subject to approval by the members of the West Park Healthcare Centre’s Board of Directors at their Annual General Meeting on June 24, 2021. 
  4. Committee Members with the President

    Members of the Executive Committee, with the Board and Campus Council Chairs, met with the President.
     
  5. Committee Members Alone

    Members of the Executive Committee, with the Board and Campus Council Chairs, met privately.


The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.



June 23, 2021