Event Recap: Ontario University Ombudsperson Roundtable
April 23-24, 2025 | Faculty Club, University of Toronto
University Ombudspersons from across Ontario convened at the University of Toronto’s Faculty Club on April 23-24, 2025, for a two-day roundtable aimed at sharing insights, exploring emerging issues, and strengthening collegial networks within the higher education landscape.
The event opened on the afternoon of April 23 with a welcome reception, informal networking, and opening remarks by Professor Emeritus Bruce Kidd, University of Toronto Ombudsperson. He highlighted the critical role of community-building and sustained dialogue in navigating a rapidly evolving post-secondary landscape.
Professor Randy Boyagoda, Provostial Advisor on Civil Discourse, delivered a timely keynote titled ‘Civil Discourse in a University Community.’ In his remarks, he emphasized the increasing importance of fostering respectful dialogue within the university, noting challenges such as a lack of trust and fear, and advocating for locally tailored approaches to address these issues. The evening continued with an engaging open discussion, collegial exchanges, and a shared dinner.
Day two began with an address from Steve Orsini, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, who offered a high-level overview of the Ontario higher education landscape, touching on demographic shifts, funding pressures, and opportunities for innovation. His presentation provided rich context and set the stage for engaged discussions throughout the day.
Archana Sridhar, Assistant Provost, explored how the Provost’s Office has drawn on collaboration with the Ombudsperson’s Office and insights from the Ombudsperson’s Annual Reports to strengthen policy and procedural fairness. She shared case studies of several university policies, illustrating how good governance was rooted in listening, reflection, and accountability.
The morning roundtable, facilitated by Professor Kidd centered on shared issues and challenges facing Ombuds offices—ranging from graduate student supervision to case complexity with academic accommodations, and systemic barriers.
Following lunch, Professor Susan McCahan, Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies and Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education, delivered an engaging talk on artificial intelligence, focusing on how universities can balance innovation with fairness in both policy and practice.
In the afternoon session, Emma Thacker, Ombuds Officer, University of Toronto, discussed the tensions Ombuds professionals encounter within university systems. The group then looked ahead to future initiatives and possible collaborative efforts to support the Ombuds role across Ontario’s higher learning institutions.
The event concluded with remarks from Professor Kidd and a closing reception, giving participants one more chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the strength of the provincial Ombuds community.
Thank you to all who participated and contributed to such a rich and collaborative exchange …
Heather Bellisario, Brock University
Elizabeth Garofalo, Lakehead University
Carolyn Brendon and Meghan Rego, McMaster University
Jessica Shabtai, Edmun Natkunarajah, and Jemmy Erhiaganoma, Toronto Metropolitan University
Chanelle Bouassali, University of Ottawa
Norma Barrett and Heather Trojek, Queen’s University
Bruce Kidd, Faye Mishna, Miranda Edwards, Cindy Ferencz-Hammond, Emma Thacker, and Stephanie Goldner, University of Toronto
Whitney Barrett, University of Waterloo
Kemi Oke, York University
Archana Sridhar (Assistant Provost) presenting to the Ombudspersons (April 24, 2025).