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Chairs' Boardroom, Simcoe Hall
REPORT NUMBER 559 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
To the Governing Council
University of Toronto,
Your Executive Committee reports that it held a meeting in the Chairs’ Boardroom, Simcoe Hall on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 with the following members present:
PRESENT: Anna Kennedy (Chair), Sandra Hanington (Vice-Chair), Meric Gertler (President), Donald Ainslie*, Vikram Chadalawada, Robert Cooper, K. Sonu Gaind, Indi Gopinathan, Mark Lautens, Joanne McNamara, Cameron Miranda-Radbord, Grace Westcott, Mary-Agnes Wilson*
REGRETS: Jovan Bursac, Geeta Yadav, Sheree Drummond (Secretary of the Governing Council)
SECRETARIAT: Miranda Edwards (Secretary), Tim Harlick
IN ATTENDANCE: Trevor Young (Vice-President & Provost), Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships), Douglas McDougall (Chair, Academic Board), Rajiv Mathur* (Chair, Business Board), Heather Boon (Vice-Provost, Faculty & Academic Life), Nicholas Rule (Vice-Provost, Academic Programs), Karen Bellinger (Associate Director, Appeals, Discipline, and Faculty Grievances), Nadina Jamison (Chief Strategy Officer, Office of the President), Leora Jackson (Legal Counsel), Chris Lang (Director, Appeals, Discipline, and Faculty Grievances), Susan Mazza (Senior Project Manager, Office of the President), Bryn McPherson (Assistant Vice-President, Office of the President & Chief of Protocol), Kristin Taylor (University Counsel), Jeff Lennon (Assistant Vice-President, Planning & Budget), Elizabeth Cragg (Director, Office of the Vice-President, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships), Professor Arthur Ripstein
*remote attendance
Pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2,
consideration of items 13 to 18 will took place in camera.
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members to the Cycle 5 meeting.
- Report of the President
Federal Matters
The President began his report with an overview of the federal political landscape, including the outcome of the recent federal election. Along with the U15 and Universities Canada, the University planned to focus its advocacy efforts on ensuring the government delivered on its commitments to increase research funding. The University also planned to continue to advocate for increased coordination between the federal granting councils, increased investments in student housing, the removal of graduate students from the international study permit quota system, and the adoption of a Responsible Institutions Framework.
Provincial Matters
The President reported that the University was continuing its provincial advocacy in collaboration with the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). COU recently published an open letter to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security and the Minister of Finance, which highlighted the sector’s ongoing financial constraints, and renewed its call for investments in talent development, targeted enrolment expansion, investments in research, and responsible tuition reform.
The President reported that the provincial government's recent $750M funding announcement for STEM enrollment support would be primarily used to cover past unfunded program expansions, rather than new expansions as originally expected. While the University had only a small proportion of such unfunded programs, it would continue to advocate for new STEM expansions, especially given the substantive demographic growth expected in the near future.
The President noted that the University had been exploring opportunities to invite the provincial government to partner on capital projects aligned with the government’s priorities to rebuild Ontario’s economy in the face of U.S. tariff threats. When asked by a member to share further details, the President responded that there was a compelling argument to be made about refocusing support on new industries such as biotech, AI, clean tech, and cybersecurity. A related capital project could include the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Medical Science building renovations, which would host cutting edge biomedical research and the education of future health care professionals.
International Matters
The President reported that he had recently attended the U7+ Presidential Summit in Ottawa. Members signed a communiqué which highlighted the critical role of higher education institutions in the responsible development of AI and in addressing AI safety and its social impacts. The President noted that the University continued to be a world leader in this field.
The President reported that he had also attended a recent meeting of the Association of American Universities (AAU) in Washington D.C. He noted that attendees had expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration’s interventions in the higher education sector, and that the AAU committed itself to defending universities’ academic missions. Regarding such interventions, he noted that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would likely terminate billions of dollars in foreign research grants. The University received just over $60 million in U.S. federal funding, most of which came from the NIH, with approximately two-thirds allocated to affiliated hospitals. He noted that the University would continue to monitor any further decisions by the US government to terminate research funding and their impacts on the University and partner hospitals.
Antisemitism
The President invited Vice-President & Provost Trevor Young to address the Committee regarding antisemitism.
The Provost told the Committee that a member had recently advocated for the University to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Association (IHRA)’s definition of antisemitism. The Provost noted that such a proposal had already been considered in the past academic year and in 2021 by the Antisemitism Working Group. The Group recommended against the adoption of the IHRA definition due to concerns about its potential to infringe on academic freedom. The Provost further noted that extensive work had gone into the development of the new web resource, Addressing Antisemitism at the University of Toronto, released on April 16, 2025. This resource was developed after extensive consultations with experts and the entire University community, including the Association of Jewish University Teachers (AJUT). With more than 300 responses received, feedback was positive overall.
In addition to this resource, the University undertook additional initiatives to fight discrimination over the past year, including the creation of the User Guide to Policies on Protests, two interim governance reports on complaints of discrimination, the launch of a complaints website in line with Bill 166, and ongoing reviews of policies and procedures including the 1994 Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, and a plan to review the Code of Student Conduct next year. The Provost emphasized that actions directed at individuals did not cease to be problematic because the word “Jewish” or “Israeli” was replaced with the word “Zionist,” but that this was distinct from criticisms of the government of Israel and its policies, or Zionism as an ideology.
The University’s policies aligned with Bill 166, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the University’s fundamental values. The Provost acknowledged that antisemitism remained a very serious issue and confirmed that the University was committed to undertaking further work on this issue in the long-term.
Encampment Retrospective
The President reported that his office had received a briefing from Deloitte on their draft report findings. Deloitte had focused largely on the University’s crisis management framework, and various ways the University could learn from past crises to improve the framework for the future. A few key themes to date included the University’s world-class personnel, benchmarking opportunities, and updating regular table-top simulation exercises. His office would continue to work with Deloitte to provide further input in response to the draft, and continued updates would be made to Executive Committee and Governing Council.
When asked by a member to elaborate on some of the changes being proposed to the draft report, the President responded that it involved primarily updating and gap-filling their awareness of various policies and procedures, for example confirming that the University had a risk management framework in place. - Annual Report: 2024 Performance Indicators for Governance
Professor Young began by thanking the staff who had produced the Performance Indicators Report. He provided an overview of three key strategic priorities: 1) mental health, 2) financial aid and access, and 3) SMA4. Regarding mental health, the Provost noted that the University had three health centres that had delivered over 100,000 health appointments in the prior year, 50% of which were for mental health concerns. The University was proud to offer same-day service in a variety of appointment formats. Regarding financial aid and access, the Provost told members that the University had invested 70% more per student than the Ontario university average. He noted that around 40% of first-year students had family incomes of $50,000 or less. This, in addition to the fact that over 50% of students graduated with no debt, suggested that the University’ strong financial supports were improving access and reducing the post-graduate debt burden. Lastly, regarding SMA4, the Provost reported that the University had exceeded all of its targets, including the prioritization of experiential learning, student participation, and partnership-based curricular learning.
A member congratulated the University on a strong strategic model and remarkable achievements over recent years. In response to a member’s question, Mr. Jeff Lennon, Assistant Vice-President, Planning and Budget, confirmed that student retention was a key priority.
In response to a member’s question as to how the University achieved such an excellent health care service model, the Provost responded that one factor was sufficient staffing levels as well as a triage approach and partnerships with CAMH and others. - Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
- Establishment of an Extra-departmental Unit B (EDU:B) - Institute of Forensic Sciences, (IFS), UTM
The Provost introduced this item and noted the longstanding popularity and distinction of the forensic sciences program at UTM.
The Chair invited Professor Doug McDougall, Chair of the Academic Board to provide a summary of the discussion that took place at the previous Academic Board meeting. The Chair delivered a summary on behalf of Ms Ann Curran, Chair of the UTM Campus Council of the discussion that took place at UTM Campus Council
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
THAT the proposal to establish the Extradepartmental Unit B (EDU:B) – Institute of Forensic Sciences (IFS), at the University of Toronto Mississauga, as described in the Proposal for the Establishment of an EDU:B, Institute of Forensic Sciences, UTM dated February 21, 2025, be approved, effective July 1, 2025.
- Proposal for the Academic Restructuring of the Department of Italian Studies and the Department of Spanish and Portuguese
The Provost introduced this item and noted that the proposal had been brought forward by a faculty grass-roots initiative. The proposal underwent thorough consultations and followed the established processes. He stated the proposal had strong support from faculty and staff members.
Professor Nick Rule, Vice-Provost, Academic Programs, noted that the two departments had been pooling resources for several years, and that this amalgamation now made the practice official.
The Chair invited Professor Doug McDougall, Chair of the Academic Board to provide a summary of the discussion that took place at the previous Academic Board meeting.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
THAT the academic restructuring described in the Proposal for Academic Restructuring of the Department of Italian Studies and the Department of Spanish and Portuguese (March 10, 2025), be approved, effective July 1, 2025.
- Establishment of an Extra-departmental Unit B (EDU:B) - Institute of Forensic Sciences, (IFS), UTM
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
THAT the consent agenda be adopted, that Items 5(a) and 5(b) be confirmed, and that Item 6, the Reports of the Previous Meetings, be approved.
5. Items for Confirmation
- Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees: UTM Student Societies - Proposals for Fee Increases for 2025-26, UTM Student Union
Be it Confirmed,
THAT, beginning in the Fall 2025 session, the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union (UTMSU; legally, Erindale College Students’ Union) fee be modified as follows:- an increase of $0.70 per session in the society portion of the fee ($0.02 for part-time students);
- an increase of $0.02 per session in the Academic Societies portion of the fee (full-time & part-time);
- an increase of $0.18 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee (full-time only);
- an increase of $0.02 per session in the Downtown Legal Services portion of the fee (full-time only);
- an increase of $0.01 per session in the Food Bank portion of the fee (full-time & part-time);
- an increase of $0.09 per session in the HOUSE UTM portion of the fee ($0.04 for part-time students);
- an increase of $0.01 per session in the On-Campus First Aid Emergency Response portion of the fee (full-time & part-time);
- an increase of $0.09 per session in the Regenesis UTM portion of the fee ($0.04 for part-time students); and
- an increase of $0.04 per fall and winter sessions and $0.02 per summer session in the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Levy portion of the fee ($0.02 per fall and winter sessions for part-time students).
THAT, subject to confirmation of approval of the following fee change proposals by the UTMSU Board of Directors, beginning in the Fall 2025 session, the UTMSU fee be modified as follows:
- an increase of up to $12.35 per fall and winter sessions in the Health Plan portion of the fee (full-time only);
- an increase of up to $9.86 per fall and winter sessions in the Dental Plan portion of the fee (full-time only);
THAT, subject to confirmation of approval of the following fee change proposals by the UTMSU Board of Directors, beginning in the Fall 2025 session, the UTMSU fee charged to Mississauga Academy of Medicine students be increased as follows:
- an increase of up to $7.44 per fall and winter sessions in the Mississauga Transit Summer U-Pass portion of the fee.
THAT, subject to confirmation of approval of the following fee change proposals by the UTMSU Board of Directors, beginning in the Summer 2026 session, the UTMSU fee be modified as follows:
- an increase of up to $14.91 per session in the Mississauga Transit U-Pass portion of the fee.
- Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees: UTSC Student Societies - Proposals for Fee Increases
Be it Confirmed,
THAT, beginning in the Fall 2025 session, the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) fee be modified as follows:
- an increase of $0.55 per session in the society portion of the fee ($0.03 for part-time students);
- an increase of $0.82 per session in the Student Centre portion of the fee ($0.24 for part-time students);
- an increase of $0.17 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee (full-time only); and
- continuation of the WUSC Program portion of the fee through the 2025-26 academic period.
THAT, subject to confirmation of approval of the following fee change proposals by the SCSU Board of Directors, beginning in the Fall 2025 session, the SCSU fee be modified as follows:
- an increase of up to $10.36 per fall and winter sessions in the Health Plan portion of the fee (full-time only);
- an increase of up to $13.09 per fall and winter sessions in the Dental Plan portion of the fee (full-time only)
- Reports of the Previous Meetings of the Executive Committee
- Business Arising from the Reports of the Previous Meetings
There was no business arising from the reports of the previous meetings. - Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting (April 3, 2025)
The Committee received for information the Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting of April 3, 2025. - Business Arising from the Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting
- Reports for Information
- Report Number 246 of the University Affairs Board (May 1, 2025)
- Report Number 256 of the Academic Board (April 24, 2025)
- Report Number 284 of the Business Board (April 23, 2025)
- Report Number 71 of the UTM Campus Council (April 22, 2025)
- Report Number 68 of the UTSC Campus Council (April 21, 2025)
- Date of Next Executive Committee Meeting – June 12, 2025, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Chair advised members that the next meeting of the Executive Committee was scheduled for June 12, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. - Governing Council Meeting: Draft Agenda: May 22, 2025
The Committee received the draft agenda and meeting materials of the next Governing Council meeting for information. - Other Business
Members raised no other business.
The Committee moved in camera.
IN CAMERA SESSION
- Risk Report 2025
The Committee received for information, the Risk Report 2025. - Report of an Ad Hoc Committee for a Capital Project
The Committee received for information, the Report of the Ad Hoc Committee for a Capital Project dated April 9, 2025. - Items for Approval
- Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendation for Expulsion
The Committee approved the President’s recommendations for expulsion, as outlined in the memorandum and supporting documentation provided to Committee members.
- External Appointments: Sunnybrook Health Science Centre (SHSC) Board of Directors 2025-26
On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
THAT the following individuals be are-appointed to the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHCS) Board of Directors for one-year terms, effective the Sunnybrook’s AGM on June 18, 2025 to the AGM of the SHSC in June 2026:
Ms Carol Annett
Ms Donna Duncan
Mr. Colin Lynch
Ms Linda Mantia
Mr. Maneesh Mehta
Mr. Kevin Strain
Mr. Galen Weston
Dr. Lisa Robinson (UofT Governing Council Appointee)
- External Appointments: Hart House Board of Stewards 2025-26
On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
THAT Ms. Tee Copenace (nee Duke) be re-appointed to the Hart House Board of Stewards for a one-year term, from May 1, 2025 until April 30, 2026, 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, 2025 until April 30, 2026, or until his successor is appointed.
- Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendation for Expulsion
- Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council*
- Appointments: Members of the Governing Council to Governance Bodies, 2025-26
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.
- Appointments: Members of the Governing Council to Governance Bodies, 2025-26
- Committee Members with the President
Members of the Executive Committee, with Board and Campus Council Chairs, met with the President. No matters were raised. - Committee Members Alone
Members of the Executive Committee, with Board and Campus Council Chairs, met privately. No matters were raised.
The Committee returned to closed session.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
May 15, 2025