Report: Executive Committee - May 07, 2024

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Chairs' Boardroom, Simcoe Hall

REPORT NUMBER 549 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2024

To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto,

Your Executive Committee  reports that it held a meeting in the Chairs’ Boardroom, on Tuesday, May 7 2024, with the following members present:

PRESENT: Anna Kennedy (Chair), Sandra Hanington (Vice-Chair), Meric Gertler (President), Paul Huyer, Sarosh Jamal, Ernest Lam, Seyedreza Fattahi Massoum*, Joanne McNamara, Grace Westcott, Mary-Agnes Wilson

REGRETS: Soban Atique, K. Sonu Gaind, Mark Lautens, Kikelomo Lawal

SECRETARIAT: Sheree Drummond (Secretary of the Governing Council); Joanne Chou, Committee Secretary 

IN ATTENDANCE: Douglas McDougall (Chair, Academic Board); Rajiv Mathur (Chair, Business Board); Vikram Chadalawada (Chair, University Affairs Board); Trevor Young, Vice-President and Provost; Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost*, Academic Operations; Kiren Handa, Executive Director, Institutional Research and Data Governance (for item 4); Heather Boon, Vice-Provost, Faculty & Academic Life (for item 12a); Leora Jackson, Legal Counsel (for item 12a); Chris Lang, Office of Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances  (for item 12a); Carmelle Salamon-Labbé, Office of Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances (for item 12a); Nadina Jamison, Chief Strategy Officer, Office of the President; Anthony Gray, Director, Strategic Research Office of the President

(*attended remotely)

Pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2,
consideration of items 12 to 16 took place in camera.

CLOSED SESSION
 

  1. Chair’s Remarks

    The Chair welcomed members, Board Chairs and Vice-Presidents to the meeting. She informed members that changes would be coming to the next Committee meeting regarding changes to By-Law Number 2 to bring the University into compliance with the Not-for-Proft Corporations Act 2010 (ONCA).
  2. Report of the President

    The President began his report by requesting to move in camera.

    The Committee moved In Camera.  

    The Committee returned to closed session.  

    Federal Updates: Budget 2024

    The President then shifted to the federal scene, and addressed the Federal Budget that was tabled on April 16th. He noted the key highlights announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland:

  • More than $3 billion in investments in Canada's research ecosystem over the next five years, including:

    • $1.8 billion in core research grant funding over five years for the three granting councils (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), starting in 2024-25, with $748.3 million per year ongoing. This represents a budget increase of approximately 30% over five years.

    • $825 million over five years, with $200 million per year ongoing, to increase the annual value of graduate scholarships significantly. This funding will also increase the total number of scholarships provided, building to an additional 1720 each year.

  • The President noted that the bulk of the proposed budget increases were planned for the outer years, ramping up from 3% in the first year to 8% in years four and five – likely beyond the date of the next election.

  • An investment of $30 million over three years to support Indigenous participation in research.
  • Additional funding for major research facilities and infrastructure, including TRIUMF, Canadian Light Source, the MacDonald Institute and CANARIE.
  • The Minister also re-announced an investment of $2.4 billion for AI-related initiatives as part of the Budget, including:
    • $2 billion to upgrade and expand computing capabilities and technical infrastructure.
    • $350 million to support AI start-ups and small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) and help firms adopt AI tools in critical sectors.
    • $50 million to establish the Canadian AI Safety Institute to ensure the safe development of AI, which will positively impact U of T and its affiliates including the Vector Institute, the Department of Computer Science and the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, all of which share research strengths in AI safety.

  • In response to the recommendations of the 2023 Bouchard report, the Budget signaled impending revisions to the structure and governance of the federal research system, including:

    • The creation of a new ‘capstone’ umbrella research funding organization that would provide improved coordination across the federally funded research ecosystem, providing a more strategic and mission-orientated focus. The granting councils would operate under the oversight and coordination of this new organization, and it was expected that additional community consultations will be undertaken prior to the finalization of the new structure.  

  • For undergraduate students, the budget announced the government's intention to extend the increase in full-time Canada Student Grants (from $3,000 to $4,200 per year), and interest-free Canada Student Loans (from $210 to $300 per week) for an additional year.
  • The Budget also increased funding and expanded access to the Apartment Construction Loan Program by post-secondary education institutions, as well as the removal of GST from student housing construction, which will reduce the overall cost of student housing projects.

    The President welcomed these investments, and noted they were a significant recognition of the critical role of research in driving Canada’s long-term productivity and prosperity.

    Provincial updates

    The President then provided a Provincial update, beginning with information regarding international students and the Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had required that provincial governments generate in order to receive their study permit allocations. He noted that the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) was administering the provincial PAL system, and that it was working well since Ontario had released its allocation numbers. He noted that May 1st was a major deadline for acceptance of offers by students, but that it would take several weeks to obtain an accurate assessment as to enrolment numbers for September.

    The President reported additional information regarding international enrolments:
  • International applications have declined across the provincial system (excluding U of T) by 18%; U of T’s international applications were down by only 7%, which highlighted that U of T was already differentiated within the system. This change was largely driven by a decline in applications from India, as well as a more modest decline from China.
  • In terms of acceptances, U of T was approximately 6% behind last year's rate.
  • However, with the new PAL process, it was expected that fewer students who had accepted U of T’s offer would change their minds later in the admissions cycle.
  • The university continued to put considerable effort into converting admissions offers and acceptances into enrolled students through various events and initiatives that would continue over the summer, including better connecting students with their programs and focusing on academic preparedness
  • The university would also continue to focus on diversifying the pool of source countries from which international students apply.
  • Professor Trevor Young, Vice-President and Provost, added that acceptance numbers were down and reaffirmed that they would focus on boosting the conversation rates into admissions.

    In response to a member’s question regarding any possible impact on the quality of students  being admitted, the President confirmed that the University’s high standards had been maintained.

    Bill 185

    The President then shifted to provide an update on Bill 185, the "Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act", which was introduced on April 10. If passed, this Bill would exempt public universities from the Planning Act and the planning provisions of the City of Toronto Act for university-led student housing projects both on- and off-campus. He noted that the University had strongly advocated for the government to support student housing initiatives through reforms such as these, to expedite the provision of new student housing. He cited the Spadina/Sussex Residence project, which had been delayed by 10 years through the current municipal planning system. The President expressed appreciation to both Premier Ford and Minister Dunlop for their commitment to expedite these processes.

    The President noted one possible example of the impact of this Bill with regard to the potential expansion of Graduate House, which could incorporate increased density on site. These changes would greatly assist graduate students with accessing housing. He concluded his remarks by noting that the University was in dialogue with the City of Toronto regarding this project, and that the Bill would be very positive news for the University and post-secondary education sector.

    Members had no additional questions.
  1. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to Governing Council
    1. Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for a New Student Residence at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)

      The Committee received an introduction on the project from Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost, Academic Operations. Professor Mabury provided the following highlights: 
      • The UTM student residence was well supported and validated by the UTM leadership.
      • The residence adheres to the UTM Campus Master Plan to meet the evolving needs of the university community.
      • Residence space at UTM plays a very important role in U of T’s internationalization strategy and UTM can meet the University of Toronto’s commitment to a first-year residence guarantee.
      • The Residence was much needed due to UTM enrolment and student housing demand.

The Committee received an overview of the discussion from Professor Doug McDougall, Chair of the Academic Board. The UTM Campus Council and the Academic Board supported the recommendation to approve the item by Governing Council.

Members had no questions.

On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried   

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED  

THAT the following recommendations be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council 

THAT the project scope of the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Residence (Phase IX), as identified in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the UTM Residence (Phase IX), dated March 8, 2024, be approved in principle; and,   

THAT the project totaling 6,538 net assignable square metres (nasm) and 10,088 gross square metres (gsm), be approved in principle, to be funded by UTM Residence Construction Reserve, UTM Operating Reserve, and Financing.  

  1. 2023 Performance Indicators for Governance

    The Chair invited the Provost to provide a brief summary of the highlights of the Performance Indicators for Governance 2023 Report, which measured the University’s progress towards long-term goals in a range of areas.

    The Provost provided highlights of the University’s progress and achievements in a range of areas.  He emphasized the University’s strong financial position and budget model including success at exceeding the performance-based metrics introduced in the third provincial Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA3), exceeding targets on all active metrics for 2022-23.

    The Provost highlighted the University’s top globally ranked positions in many subjects.  He also noted the reduction in the institution’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions, noting the University’s ongoing commitment to becoming a “net-zero” institution. The Provost also called attention to U of T’s strengths in the areas of student experience and learning, including positive responses on a range of student surveys regarding student well-being and sense of inclusion; expanded mental health services; enhanced investment in student aid; and positive retention and graduation rates.

    A member inquired about U of T’s student faculty ratio versus U15, in which the provost responded that the University had a broad range of disciplines and levels of instruction, including undergraduate, professional, and research-based graduate programs. He noted the mentorship and research programs in addition to the University’s many resources which enriched the scope of learning opportunities for students. Professor Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost added that U of T had the largest complement of teaching stream faculty, at approximate 20%.

    A member inquired about the demographic data cited in the racial and ethnocultural identity data section and the various EDI initiatives that had been presented.  The President responded that the domestic student body reflected, in broad terms, the diverse geographical region in which the University was located. U of T’s combination of location, scale, and academic and research excellence, coupled with top-tiered rankings, attracted a diverse set of students from many backgrounds. The Provost added that the University was developing a dashboard that would improve the University’s demographic data collection and data analysis.

    A member inquired about the types of student data and metrics that would be captured in the dashboard and the Provost responded that the dashboard presents data-based metrics and will link to student outcomes in the future. 

    The Chair thanked the Provost and his team, and in particular, Ms Kiren Handa, Executive Director, Institutional Research and Data Governance for the work on this important annual report. 

CONSENT AGENDA
 

The Chair noted that of the items listed on the Consent Agenda, Item 5, the Report of the Previous Meeting of the Executive Committee was for approval. All other items were for information only.

No questions or requests to place these consent agenda items on the regular were received by the Secretary.

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 5 be approved.

  1. Report of the Previous Meeting of the Executive Committee

    Report Number 548 from the meeting of March 26, 2024 was approved.
  2. Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting

    There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.
  3. Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting – April 4, 2024
  4. Business Arising from the Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting  
  5. Report for Information

    Members received the following reports for information:
    1. Review of Academic Programs and Units – Part 2  
    2. Report Number 65 of the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Council (April 15, 2024) 
    3. Report Number 63 of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Council (April 16, 2024)
    4. Report Number 240 of the University Affairs Board (April 11, 2024)
    5. Report Number 250 of the Academic Board (April 18, 2024)
    6. Report Number 278 of the Business Board (April 25, 2024)

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Date of next meeting – Tuesday, June 18, 2024

    The Chair advised members that the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Chairs’ Boardroom.  
  2. Other Business
    1. Governing Council Meeting

      The Chair noted that the Governing Council meeting scheduled for May 16th would take place at UTM.

      The Committee Moved In Camera.

IN CAMERA SESSION
 

  1. Items for Approval
    1. Code of Behavior on Academic Matters: Recommendation for Cancellation and Recall of a Degree

      The Committee approved the President’s recommendation for the cancellation and recall of a degree, as outlined in the memorandum and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated April 30, 2024.
       

    2. External Appointments

      1. Hart House Board of Stewards and Finance Committee

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried   

        YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

        THAT Ms. Tee Duke be re-appointed to the Hart House Board of Stewards for a one-year term, from May 1, 2024 until April 30, 2025, or until her successor is appointed.

        THAT Mr. Paul Lindblad be re-appointed to the Hart House Finance Committee for a one-year term, from May 1, 2024 until April 30, 2025, or until his successor is appointed.
  2. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council 

    1. Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for University of Toronto Mississauga Residence (Phase IX) – Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT the following recommendations be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council

      THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated April 30, 2024 regarding the total project cost and sources of funding for the  University of Toronto Mississauga Residence (Phase IX), be approved in principle. 
       

    2. Appointment: Members of the Governing Council to Governance Bodies, 2023-24 – Addendum

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT the following recommendations be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council

      THAT the proposed assignment for a member of the Governing Council to be approved, and 

      THAT, pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2, the Governing Council consider this item in camera. 
       

    3. Appointments: Members of the Governing Council to Governance Bodies, 2024-25

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT the following recommendations be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council

      1. THAT the proposed Assignments of members of the Governing Council to Boards and Committees for 2024-25, be approved; and

      2. THAT, pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2, the Governing Council consider this item in camera.

      3. THAT, subject to the approval of the membership of the Elections Committee by the Governing Council on May 16, 2024, Vikram Chadalawada be appointed as Chair of the Elections Committee for a one-year term effective July 1, 2024.
         

    4. Appointments: Committee for Honorary Degrees Membership, 2024-25

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT the following recommendations be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council

      THAT the proposed memberships of the 2024-25 Committee for Honorary Degrees be approved. 
       

    5.  Appointment: Assistant Secretary to the Discipline Appeals Board

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT the following recommendations be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council. 

      THAT the appointment of an Assistant Secretary of the Discipline Appeals Board be effective May 16, 2024.  
      ​​​​​​

    6. Senior Appointment

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

      THAT Ms Gina DeVeaux be appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Governing Council, effective August 6, 2024.

  3. Committee Members with the President

    Members of the Executive Committee, with Board and Campus Council Chairs, met with the President.
  4. Committee Members alone

    Members of the Executive Committee, with Board and Campus Council Chairs, met privately.
  5. Presidential Search Committee Membership

    On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 

    YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

    THAT the proposed membership on the 2024-25 Presidential Search Committee be recommended to the Governing Council for approval.

    and

    THAT, pursuant to Section 38 and 40 of By-Law Number 2, the recommendation be considered by the Governing Council in camera.

    The Committee returned to closed session.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
 

May 14. 2024