REPORT NUMBER 233 OF THE UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS BOARD
MARCH 1, 2023
To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto
Your Board reports that it met on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber with the following members present:
Present:
Vikram Chadalawada (Chair), David Newman (Executive Director, Student Experience), Faraz Alidina, Matthew Benoit, Neil Chakraborty, Tarun Dewan*, Susan Froom*, Sherry Kulman, K. Sonu Gaind*, Indi Gopinathan, Syeda Hasan, Natasha Hanif, Madeline Kalda, Ron Levi*, Clayon Levy, Ana Kanza Tariq*
Non-Voting Assessors:
Mark Overton (Dean of Student Affairs and Assistant Principal, Student Services)
Neel Joshi (Dean of Student Experience & Wellbeing)
Melinda Scott (Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students)
Secretary:
Joanne Chou (Secretary)
Regrets:
Sandy Welsh (Senior Assessor), Robert Gerlai, Gretchen Kerr, Kikelomo Lawal, Dave Lehto, Geeta Yadav, David Walter Zingg
Guests in Attendance:
Beth Ali (Executive Director, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, KPE) Sherry Kulman (Interim Warden, Hart House), Walter Gitow Jr. (UTAGA), Joyce Hahn (Chief Administrative Officer), Stan Xiao (Director, Finance), Josh Haas (Coordinator, Student Policy Initiatives), Chad Nuttall (Assistant Dean of Students and International Initiatives), Tony Xun (Varsity)
*attended remotely
- Chair’s Opening Remarks
The Chair of the University Affairs Board welcomed members and guests. It was noted for members that the Senior Assessor, Professor Sandy Welsh was not able to join the meeting and Dr. Melinda Scott, Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students had stepped in. A speaking request had been received by the PEARS Project to address the Board regarding the University of Toronto's next steps for combatting gender-based violence, specifically, the recent implementation of the Sexual Violence Policy recommendations during the triannual review cycle, was declined as the item was not on the agenda.
- Reports of the Senior Assessor
The Chair invited Dr. Melinda Scott to share her report. Dr. Scott offered updates on the following matters:
Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
Dr. Scott began her report by acknowledging the earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye and Syria on February 6th, and the devastation reported in the region. She expressed deep sympathy for those here and abroad affected by the tragedy. She emphasised the services and supports made available, and through the international centers across the three campuses. She encouraged members to consider contributing to the Red Cross Relief Fund.
Ukraine
Dr. Scott acknowledged the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine and expressed support and empathy for all members of the University community and beyond impacted by the conflict. She reiterated the supports that remained in place for those in need.
No discussion from members.
The Chair thanked Dr. Scott for her Report.
- Operating Plans: Service Ancillaries
The Chair introduced the item, explaining that the UTM and UTSC plans were provided to the Board for information in order to provide context for members during the consideration of the St. George Service Ancillaries’ Operating Plans and to provide members with relevant information in relation to the Board’s responsibility and interest in University-wide campus issues.
Dr. Scott explained that a number of bodies or groups reviewed the operating plans. These groups included undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. At the University of Toronto Mississauga, these bodies include the Student Housing Advisory Committee, the Food Service Advisory Committee, the Resident Student Dining Committee, and the Transportation & Parking Advisory Committee. The UTSC operating plans were developed via a similar consultative process. The Student Housing Advisory Committee, Food User Committee and the Parking Advisory Review Committee provide advice and input.
-
University of Toronto Mississauga
The Service Ancillaries Operating Plan from the University of Toronto Mississauga was received for information.
-
University of Toronto Scarborough
The Service Ancillaries Operating Plan from the University of Toronto Scarborough was received for information.
-
St. George Campus
Dr. Scott noted that consultation on each of the ancillary’s plans occurred first at the local level at which students were involved. Draft plans had been reviewed by the Financial Services Department, whose report had been considered by the Service Ancillaries Review Group (SARG), which included several members from this Board. Dr. Scott thanked those who served on SARG.
No comments or questions.
On motion duly made, seconded and carried,
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the proposed 2023-24 operating plans and budgets for St. George service ancillaries, as summarized in Schedule I; the St. George service ancillary capital budgets as summarized in Schedule V, St. George service ancillary rates and fees in Schedule VI, and the St. George business ancillary rates and fees in Schedule VII be approved, effective May 1, 2023.
-
- Operating Plans and Fees - Student Affairs and Services, University of Toronto Mississauga
The Chair introduced the item, explaining that the Board had a specific role in respect of the consideration of Operating Plans and Fees for the St. George and University-wide student services and service ancillaries. With respect to the UTM and UTSC, consideration and discussion of those proposals occurred within their respective Campus Affairs Committee and Campus Council meetings, and they were provided for information.
Mark Overton, Dean of Student Affairs and Assistant Principal, Student Services shared that the pre-pandemic levels of participations to various programs had returned.
- Advice from the Quality Service to Students Committee (QSS)
The advice from QSS was received for information.
- Plans and Fees
The Student Services Plans from the University of Toronto Mississauga was received for information.
Members had no questions.
- Advice from the Quality Service to Students Committee (QSS)
- Operating Plans and Fees - Student Experience and Wellness, University of Toronto Scarborough
-
Advice from the Council on Student Services (COSS)
The advice from COSS was received for information.
-
Plans and Fees
The Student Services Plans from the University of Toronto Scarborough was received for information.
Neel Joshi, Dean of Student Experience & Wellbeing, highlighted the robust participatory process and support for the proposals that went forward.
Members had no questions.
-
- Operating Plans and Fees - St. George Campus and University Wide Services
The Chair invited Dr. Scott to introduce the item and speak to item 6a.
-
Advice from the Council on Student Services (COSS)
Dr. Scott advised that the Protocol on Non-Tuition Fees provided that the Operating Plans and Fees for University-wide and St. George Campus services was first considered by COSS, whose advice would be conveyed to the University Affairs Board.
Proposals for Student Life Programs and Services, the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education: Co-Curricular Programs, Services, and Facilities, and Hart House were considered by COSS.
Dr. Scott highlighted that for the Student Life Health & Counselling fee, Hart House and KPE St. George and University-wide fees, the majority of student members of COSS endorsed the plans. Therefore, the respective services are proposing permanent fee increases. For the Student Life, St. George Student Services fees and KPE, the majority of student members of COSS did not endorse the plan. Therefore, the service was proposing both a temporary and permanent fee increase.
Dr. Scott thanked the Chair of COSS, Justin Patrick for his work in this role.
-
Operating Plans and Fees: Student Life, St. George Campus
Mr. David Newman offered a presentation on student life, programs and services. He noted the four areas within the Division of Student Life portfolio: Student Experience, Programs and Services, Health and Wellness and Global Learning and International Student Experience and noted the recent launch of the Student Life Advisory Council. Highlights of the presentation included:
-
Engagement Examples: 5,152 students attended Student Engagement events (12% increase); 4,577 students participated in career education initiatives (11% increase); 49,289 visits to Health & Wellness; 9000+ students support by immigration advisors; 5,169 students attended international student experience event; 5,700+ students registered with Accessibility Services.
-
2021-2026: Strategic Goals:
- Whole student growth and development;
- Student support, well-being and access;
- Active inclusion and belonging; and
- Collaborative relationships and partnerships; and
- Staff commitments and engagement.
- Overall Budget Highlights:
- Overall budget (student fee and non-student fee) increased 9.7%;
- Revenues from student fees dropped from 59% to 58%;
- Although inflation is persistently higher, continued to use UofT’s long range target rate of 3.2% CPI for fee calculations;
- Funding for Work Study remained at $400K; and
- New funding for addressing supporting students affected by systemic barriers such as EDI initiatives.
- Budget Context:
- Appointed Compensation;
- Non-Appointed Compensation and Non-Salary Expenses;
- Revenue & Expenditures;
- Non-Appointed Compensation and Non-Salary Expenses.
A member asked for clarification surrounding the salary expenses in the budget and the application of Bill 124. Mr. Newman responded that the budget reflected a moderate increase in the budget with respect to salary increases to staff, and that this was reflected in the budget.
On motion duly made, seconded and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the 2023-24 operating plans and budget for Student Life, as presented in the documentation from David Newman, Executive Director, Student Experience, be approved;
THAT the Health & Counselling sessional fee for a full-time student on the St. George campus be increased to $91.14 ($18.23 for a part-time student), which represents a year-over- year increase of $3.78 ($0.76 for a part-time student) or 4.33%; and
THAT the Student Services sessional fee for a full-time student on the St. George campus be increased to $109.16 ($21.83 for a part-time student), which represents a year-over-year increase of $4.47 ($0.89 for a part-time student) or 4.27% (resulting from the removal of the temporary fee approved in Winter 2020, a permanent increase of 2.91%, and three-year, temporary increase of 10.35% on the eligible portion).
- Operating Plans and Fees: Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE): Co-Curricular Programs, Services and Facilities
Ms Beth Ali (Executive Director of Co-Curricular Athletics & Physical Activity Programs), offered a presentation which highlighted the many KPE offerings and programs, and reported the following considerations for the KPE 2023-24 budget:
- Seven priorities and the recognition as students as the most important stakeholder.
- Four areas of focus to enhance the student experience:
- Mental Wellness;
- EDI & Belonging;
- Engaging Students in Sports & Rec;
- Future Success
- Sport & Rec is the largest employer of students at U of T, providing opportunities to students from all faculties and colleges.
- KPE Sport and Rec presented a balanced budget for 2023-24.
- The calculations include 3.2% CPI (consumers price index), 4.5% increase in full time compensation and a 2% increase in part time compensation.
- There was an overall increase of 4.5% in budget expenses. Inflation and compensation costs were the main contributors to the increase in expenses.
- There was a 2% decrease in non-student fee revenue as they strove to regain sponsorships and alumni donations which had been slow to return post-pandemic.
- Restricted Funds (non-operational budget) contribute an additional $475,000 directly to student accounts in the form of athletic scholarships. These funds were generated through alumni donations and fundraising and could only be used for athletic scholarships.
- As part of their Tri-Campus Agreement, they would transfer $451,365 of the UTM, UTSC and Aerospace student fees collected by Sport and Rec back to them to support the programs, facilities and services on those campuses.
- Proposed 2023-24 student ancillary fee increase was 5.61%.
A member asked about the reliance on student fees in the near and long term. Ms Ali responded that inflation posed additional challenges in the current year. She anticipated that in the near term, donations and sponsorship would increase.
A member asked for more information around the alumni and sponsorship engagement. Ms Ali responded that due to the pandemic, sponsorships had dropped. Several sponsors had returned and that a sponsorship manager was hired to improve and regain engagement. Alumni donations were slowly returning, with the current year having improved from the previous year. She noted the focus on alumni initiatives and fundraising.
On motion duly made, seconded and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the 2023-24 operating plans and budget for the U of T Sport and Rec Programs, Services and Facilities at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, as presented in the documentation from Beth Ali, Executive Director, Athletics & Physical Activity, be approved;
THAT the sessional fee for a full-time student on the St. George campus be increased to $212.03 ($42.41 for a part-time student), which represents a year-over-year increase of $11.26 ($2.26 for a part-time student) or 5.61% (resulting from a permanent increase of 3.2% and three-year, temporary increase of 2.41% on the eligible portion); and
THAT the sessional fee for a full-time student at UTM or UTSC be increased to $24.60 ($4.92 for a part-time student), which represents a year-over-year increase of $1.31 ($0.26 for a part-time student) or 5.61% (resulting from a permanent increase of 3.2% and three-year, temporary increase of 2.41% on the eligible portion).
- Operating Plans and Fees: Hart House
Ms Sherry Kulman, Interim Warden of Hart House, offered a presentation which outlined Hart Houses 2023-24 Budget and programming highlights. The Plan included the following five commitments:
- Foster a Climate of Inclusivity and Belonging in Our Spaces and Programs;
- Encourage Students to Explore Who They are and Who They Aspire to be Through the Arts, Dialogue and Wellness;
- Offer Students Rich Experiential Learning Opportunities;
- Deepen Student Engagement with Local and Global Communities and Issues; and
- Steward Resources and Relationships Carefully and Creatively to Meet the Challenges of Today and the Opportunities of Tomorrow.
Ms Kulman provided 2023-24 business plan highlights: - Indigenous Learning;
- New Revenue Sources; and
- Prioritizing Sustainability
Ms Kulman also provided an overview of the Hart House budget and fee increases with the following highlights: - Hart House continued to prioritize students;
- The 2023/24 operating budget for Hart House reflected reasonable assumptions around the continued recovery and growth of business activities from the effects COVID-19;
- Hart House was requesting a student fee increase of 6.00%; and
- Careful management of Reserves to support critical Infrastructure Renewal.
A member asked about the engagement and turnout of students and the proportion of various methods of revenue generation in comparison to student fees in the budget. Ms Kulman responded that at pre-pandemic, the ratio of student fees vs revenue generation, they were reliant at around ~52% on student fees. She noted that revenue generation had paused during the pandemic and has improved.
A member asked about the salary increment in the budget and the application of Bill 124. Ms Kulman responded that there was room in the budget to account for Bill 124 and the potential impact.
A member asked about the reliance on student fees, and what would be considered an appropriate combination between relying on student fees and generating revenues. Ms Kulman responded that it was a difficult prediction. She noted that external revenue sources needed to be aligned with the University mandates, and that revenue generation was vital to enriching programs and services for students.
On motion duly made, seconded and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the 2023-24 operating plans and budget for Hart House, as presented in the documentation from Sherry Kulman, Interim Warden, be approved;
THAT the sessional fee for a full-time student on the St. George campus be increased to $119.53 ($23.91 for a part-time student), which represents a year-over-year increase of $6.77 ($1.36 for a part time student) or 6%; and
THAT the sessional fee for a full-time student at UTM or UTSC be increased to $3.67 ($0.74 for a part-time student), which represents a year-over-year increase of $0.21 ($0.04 for a part time student) or 6%.
-
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and Item 8 be approved.
- University of Toronto Discipline Appeals Board (Academic Board Side Only) Rules of Practice and Procedure
The Rules of Practice and Procedure was received for information.
-
Report of the Previous Meeting: Report 232, January 18, 2023
The report of the previous meeting was approved.
-
Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.
-
Date of Next Meeting: April 19, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
The Chair confirmed the date of the next meeting was April 19, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
-
Other Business
Members had no questions.
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
March 10, 2023