Report: Executive Committee - May 10, 2022

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Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall, 27 King's College Circle, 2nd floor

REPORT  NUMBER  530 OF THE  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto.

Your Committee reports that it met on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. with the following members present:

Present:
Brian Lawson (Chair), Janet Ecker (Vice-Chair), Meric S. Gertler (President), Sandra Hanington, Paul Huyer, Sarosh Jamal, Amin Kamaleddin, Ernest W.N. Lam, Mark Lautens, Kikelomo Lawal, Vishar Yaghoubian, Lara Zink  
 
Regrets:
Vina Goghari, Anna Kennedy, Grace Westcott,

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 
Vikram Chadalawada, Chair, University Affairs Board and Member of the Governing Council  
Salvatore Spadafora, 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  
Bryn MacPherson, Assistant Vice-President, Office of the President and Chief of Protocol 
Tony Gray, Director, Strategic Research 
Nadina Jamison, Chief Strategy Officer, Office of the President  
Asmaa Maloul, Director, Reporting & Analytics, Institutional Research & Data Governance
Susan Mazza, Special Projects Officer, Office of the President   
Kristin Taylor, University Counsel and Chief Legal Officer 

Pursuant to section 28 (e) and 38 of By-Law Number 2, consideration of items 14-18 took place in camera.

 

The meeting was held in closed Session.

  1. Chair’s Remarks 

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

    Ukraine Update

    The President began his remarks with an update on the University’s response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He reported that there had been an enthusiastic response to the University’s pledge to match all donations to the Scholars-at-Risk Fund up to $1 million. Divisions and campuses were also developing plans to forge partnerships with institutions in Ukraine and were raising funds to support those plans. The President reported that, to date, the University had attracted pledges and donations exceeding $4 million. These plans included the sponsorship of students wishing to study at the University for up to one year, and assistance to faculty and their families who would come to Toronto to support those students and develop research collaborations with the University. The President noted that 70 students had already confirmed they would be coming to Toronto and that the first of them had begun arriving.

    In response to a member’s question about whether the University was providing any trauma-related support to assist students from Ukraine, the President confirmed that this was the case. The Provost added that as it was not unusual for there to be students at the University who had been impacted by events in their home countries, the University’s range of mental health services were well equipped to manage issues of trauma, and efforts were made to ensure that students were aware of these services.

    Federal Budget

    President Gertler reported that the federal budget released on April 7th included several new investments related to the higher education sector. These included funding to help manage research security, funding to support Black researchers and Canada Excellence Research Chairs in STEM disciplines, funding for the Muslims in Canada Archive (a collaboration with U of T’s Institute of Islamic Studies), and additional support to expedite the processing of international student visas. The budget also announced the creation of Canadian Innovation and Investment Agency to help address the lagging innovation performance of Canadian businesses. 

    The President also reported that, while not mentioned in the budget, the Liberal campaign platform had included new base funding for fundamental research through the creation of 1000 new Canada Research Chairs. The President also emphasized that re-investment in fundamental research through the Granting Councils was essential for Canadian research and research institutions to remain competitive with other countries. He noted that this would be a major focus of sector advocacy.

    Provincial Updates

    The President reported that the government had released its pre-election budget on April 28th.  It re-announced the continuation of the tuition freeze through 2022-23, which had been anticipated and built into the University’s Budget and Tuition Fee Schedule. He noted that the budget also included investments in clinical, life sciences, and health education, as well as support for the development of a provincial Entrepreneurship Strategy, and venture capital funding. In addition, the budget provided an additional $204 million commitment to mental health and addiction services.

    In response to a member’s question about how the provincial governments intended to allocate the additional funds for mental health services, the President reported that this was not yet known.

    President Gertler requested that the Committee move in camera for the next part of his report.  

    The Committee moved in camera.

    The Committee returned to closed session.
     

  3. Item for Confirmation
    1. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal: Project Scope and Sources of Funding  

      Professor Mabury provided a brief overview of the project highlighting the following points: 
      • The Dentistry Building’s existing space at 124 Edward Street needed upgrading and modernization to meet the academic and clinical initiatives of the Faculty.
      • The project addressed the need for new equipment and updated space to enhance student learning, including the replacement of outdated lab benches with 124 new stations and four simulations labs. 
      • The project was the second of eight phases of the Clinical Master Plan initiated by the Faculty in 2019.

        Professor Salvatore Spadafora, Chair of the Academic Board, reported that members were enthusiastic about the project and had voted in support of it at the Board’s meeting on April 27th.

        There were no questions from Committee members.

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried  

        YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THE DECISION OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD

        THAT the project scope of the Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal described in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal, dated February 28, 2022, be approved in principle; and,  

        THAT the project totaling 752.62 gross square metres (gsm), be approved in principle, to be funded by a combination of Faculty of Dentistry Operating Funds, Future Major Capital Project Reserve, F&S Deferred Maintenance, and Fundraising.  
         
    2. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion of the Koffler Student Services Building: Project Scope and Sources of Funding  

      Professor Mabury provided a brief overview of the project highlighting the following points:
      • The project was a direct response to the recommendations provided by University of Toronto’s Presidential and Provostial Task Force on Student Mental Health (January 15, 2020). 
      • It would renovate 3,400 gross square metres of existing interior space in the Koffler Centre, as well as significantly increasing the space available for health and wellness services.
      • It would improve access to functional therapeutic spaces for health promotion, mental health services and programs.
      • Construction was anticipated to start in September and would require the relocation of a number of offices.
      • The project represented a significant investment in student health and wellness services.


        Mr. Vikram Chadalawada, Chair of the University Affairs Board, and Professor Spadafora provided an overview of the discussions of the project at the meetings of their Boards on April 20th and April 27th.  They reported that members were enthusiastic about the project and had voted in support of it.

        A member spoke favourably about the relocation of Health and Wellness Services into an integrated space to reduce any possible stigma that might be attached to visiting mental health services. The member also emphasized the importance of ensuring that students were aware that these services had been relocated, especially during the construction of the project. 

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried  

        YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THE DECISION OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD

        THAT the project scope of the Health & Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion at the Koffler Student Services Centre, as identified in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for University of Toronto Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion at the Koffler Student Services Centre, dated February 14, 2022, be approved in principle; and,  

        THAT the project totaling 1,847 nasm is proposed, with 3,398 gsm renovated space, 456 gsm third floor new addition, and 408 gsm second floor new addition shell space, be approved in principle, to be funded by Donations Received, Deferred Maintenance (towards roof replacement), and Future Major Capital Project Reserves.  
         
    3. New Graduate Program Proposal: Master of Arts (MA) in Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE)

      The Vice-President and Provost, Professor Cheryl Regehr, provided a brief introduction to the item.

      She noted that the proposed MA in Kinesiology:
      • was intended as a companion to the existing MSc in Kinesiology program;
      • would better align with changes in the field and the interests of students pursuing social sciences and humanities research at the master’s level;
      • would leverage the expertise of existing faculty and require no new courses; and
      • directly responded to a recommendation of the 2019 University of Toronto Quality Assurance Process (UTQAP) review of the Faculty and its programs.


Professor Regehr also noted that the MSc in Kinesiology would continue to be offered for students pursuing areas in alignment with that degree program.

Professor Spadafora reported that there had been no discussion of the item at the Academic Board.

There were no questions from Committee members.

On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried  

YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THE DECISION OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD

THAT the proposed degree program, Master of Arts in Kinesiology as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education dated November 26, 2021 be approved effective September 1, 2022.    

  1. 2021 Performance Indicators for Governance 

    The Chair invited the Provost to provide a brief summary of the highlights of the Performance Indicators for Governance 2021 Report which measured the University’s progress towards long-term goals in a range of teaching and research areas. Professor Regehr made reference to the following areas:
  • the University’s success at exceeding the performance-based metrics introduced in the third provincial Strategic Mandated Agreement (SMA3);
  • the University’s strong financial position and budget model;
  • strong global support from donors;
  • international student enrollment;
  • investment in student housing;
  • investment in student mental health; and
  • the demand for services provided by Accessibility Services.

    In the discussion that followed, members raised questions about the percentage of students who lived in residence; challenges presented in creating a welcoming campus; University projects that contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and the SMA3 benchmarks and what was anticipated for the future.

    In response, the Provost and Professor Mabury advised the following:
  • The University was working on a strategic plan to address issues related to student residence space.
  • The University was discussing strategies for making the campus more welcoming with other large urban based institutions who experienced similar challenges.
  • Efforts were being made to foster a caring community on campus, in courses, and graduate supervision.
  • Mental health services had been increased, and a new student advising system developed as part of ongoing strategies to remove barriers and improve the student experience.
  • The University has been a leader in developing strategies to increase energy efficiency and this continued to be part of a long-term strategy.
  • It would be difficult for the University to increase further its performance on most of the SMA3 metrics because performance levels were already so high, but that it was anticipated that these levels would remain steady.

    The Chair thanked the Provost and her team, and in particular Ms Asmaa Maloul, Director, Reporting & Analytics, Institutional Research & Data Governance, for the work on this important annual report.

CONSENT AGENDA


On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried 
 
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED 
 
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 5 be approved. 

  1. Report Number 529 of the Executive Committee (March 22, 2022)
     
  2. Business Arising from the Reports of the Previous Meetings  
     
  3. Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting – March 31,2022
     
  4. Business Arising from the Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting 
     
  5. Reports for Information 
    1. Review of Academic Programs and Units – Part 2  
      1. Semi-Annual Report on the Reviews of Academic Programs and Units—Part 2: October 2021 – March 2022.  
    2. Report Number 228 of the University Affairs Board (April 20, 2022) 
    3. Report Number 53 of the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus Council (April 25, 2022) 
    4. Report Number 264 of the Business Board (April 26, 2022) 
    5. Report Number 239 of the Academic Board (April 27, 2022) 


END OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Date of Next Meeting

    The Chair advised members that the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
     
  2. Other Business
     
  3. Meeting of the Governing Council – May 19, 2022

    The Chair reminded members that the next meeting of the Governing Council was to be held on May 19, 2022.

The Committee Moved In Camera.

  1. Report of an Ad Hoc Committee for a Capital Project

    The Chair provided a summary of the highlights of a Report of an Ad Hoc Committee for Capital Projects.
     
  2. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
     
    1. Appointments: Members of the Governing Council to Governance Bodies, 2022-23

      The Chair provided an overview of the process that informed the proposed 2022-23 assignments of members of the Governing Council to governance bodies. 

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
      1. THAT the following motion be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
      2. THAT the proposed Assignments of members of the Governing Council to Boards and Committees for 2022-23, be approved; and 
      3. THAT, pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2, the Governing Council consider this item in camera. 
      4. THAT, subject to the approval of the membership of the Elections Committee by the Governing Council on May 19, 2022, Professor Mark Lautens be appointed as Chair of the Elections Committee for a one-year term effective July 1, 2022. 
    2. Senior Appointment

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

      THAT the following motion be endorsed and forward to the Governing Council

      THAT the recommendation by President Meric Gertler regarding the appointment of an Acting Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture (PSEC), for a six-month term, effective January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023, as outlined in the memorandum dated May 10, 2022, be approved in principle.  

      THAT, pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2, the Governing Council consider the proposed appointment in camera.  
       
  3. Items for Confirmation by the Executive Committee
    1. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal: Project Cost and Sources of Funding  

      On a 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 regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal, as outlined in the memorandum dated May 3, 2022, be approved in principle.  
       
    2. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion of the Koffler Student Services Building: Project Cost and Sources of Funding  

      On a 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 regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion of the Koffler Student Services Building, as outlined in the memorandum dated May 3, 2022, be approved in principle.  
       
  4. Items for Approval by the Executive Committee
    1. External Appointments
      1. University of Toronto Representatives to the Employer Sponsor Committee of the University Pension Plan

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

        THAT the individuals on the memorandum dated May 3 be reappointed to represent the University of Toronto on the Employer Sponsor Committee of the University Pension Plan (UPP) for a three year and one year term, respectively, effective July 1, 2022.

        THAT a designate representative be appointed for the period January - June 2023, and appointed as a member of the Sponsor Committee for a two-year term effective July 1, 2023.
         
      2. Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre Inc. Board of Directors

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

        THAT Ms. Gigi Pang be appointed as a member and director of the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC) Board of Directors, effective immediately, for a two-year term, or until her successor is appointed.  
         
      3. Hart House Board of Stewards

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

        THAT Mr. David Kim be re-appointed to the Hart House Board of Stewards for a one-year term, from May 1, 2022 until April 30, 2023, or until his successor is appointed.  

        THAT Mr. Paul Lindblad be re-appointed to the Hart House Finance Committee for a one-year term, from May 1, 2022 until April 30, 2023, or until his successor is appointed.  
         
      4. Sunnybrook Health Science Centre (SHSC) Board of Directors+

        On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED

        THAT the individuals identified in the cover sheet dated May 3, 2022 be re-appointed to the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHCS) Board of Directors for one-year terms, effective the Sunnybrook’s AGM on June 20, 2022 to the SHSC AGM in June 2023.
         
      5. West Park Health 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 30, 2022.  
    2. Senior Appointment

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried   

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED 

      THAT the recommendation by President Meric Gertler regarding the appointment of a Vice-Provost, Faculty and Academic Life for a five-year term from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028, as outlined in the memorandum dated May 10, 2022, be approved in principle.  

      THAT the recommendation by President Meric Gertler regarding the appointment of an Acting Vice-Provost, Faculty and Academic Life from January 1 to December 31, 2023, subject to the approval of the appointment of an Acting Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity, and Culture by the Governing Council on May 19, 2022.
       
  5. Committee Members with the President

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

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

    The Committee returned to closed session.


The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

May 15, 2022