Report: Executive Committee - October 27, 2025 | The Office of the Governing Council, Secretariat

Mon, Oct 27 2025 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chairs' Boardroom, Simcoe Hall

REPORT NUMBER 562 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025

To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto,

Your Executive Committee reports that it held a meeting in the Chairs’ Boardroom, Simcoe Hall on October 27, 2025 with the following members present:

PRESENT: Sandra Hanington (Vice-Chair), Melanie Woodin (President)*, Donald Ainslie, Vikram Chadalawada, Evan Chan, Robert Cooper, Samuel Elfassy, Audrey Karlinsky, Indi Gopinathan, Andrew Petersen, Rishi Shah, Grace Westcott, Mary-Agnes Wilson

REGRETS: Anna Kennedy (Chair)

NON-VOTING MEMBER: Sheree Drummond (Secretary of the Governing Council)

SECRETARIAT: Lauren Turner (Secretary)

IN ATTENDANCE: Ann Curran (Chair, UTM Campus Council), Rajiv Mathur* (Chair, Business Board), Geeta Yadav (Chair, University Affairs Board), Trevor Young (Vice-President and Provost), Trevor Rodgers (Assistant Vice President, Institutional Strategy), Kelly Hannah-Moffat (Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture), Kristin Taylor (Chief Legal Officer), Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships and Vice-Provost, Academic Operations), Bruce Kidd (Former University Ombudsperson) (Item 4), Faye Mishna (University Ombudsperson) (Item 4), Chris Lang (Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances) (Item 12a), Karen Bellinger (Associate Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances) (Item 12a), Leora Jackson (Legal Counsel, People Legal Services) (Item 12a), Heather Boon (Vice-Provost, Faculty and Academic Life) (Item 12a), David Jacobs (Member, Governing Council)

*remote attendance

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

CLOSED SESSION

Chair’s Remarks

The Vice-Chair welcomed everyone to the first Executive Committee meeting of the academic year. She advised the Committee that in the Chair’s absence, she would be chairing the meeting.

She then provided a brief overview of the mandate and accountabilities of the Executive Committee. She reminded the Committee that items discussed in closed session are posted on the Office of the Governing Council website and that the proceedings of the Committee are reported to the Governing Council via the Executive Committee report. She noted that members of Governing Council may attend the closed session portions of Executive Committee meetings.
Report of the President

Due to attendance at the Association of American Universities in Washington, DC, the President participated in the meeting remotely.

The President covered an array of topics in her first report to the Executive Committee.

First, she spoke about the start of the academic year. She shared that the University welcomed over 100,000 students enrolled back to class across three campuses. University administrative staff are also returning to campuses in greater numbers; following discussions with academic and administrative leaders, the President announced plans to ensure a critical mass of staff on campus five days a week while honoring the institutional commitment to considering alternative work arrangements. Drivers of this decision were the importance of the student experience and ensuring that research and scholarship are both well supported.

Second, the President provided the latest enrolment numbers: approximately 17,000 new undergraduate students, 12,000 of whom were domestic and 5,000 of whom were international. While total enrolment is similar to last year, the proportion of domestic students has increased. The President commented on some enrolment trends across programs, including a 25-30% drop in demand for in computer science programs and continued strong interest in business and engineering.

Third, the President discussed the budget implications of the shift in enrolment as well as other factors. She advised that the University is forecasted to be 1.6% below planned revenue this year, a $60 million variance to the revenue plan. Both enrolment targets for next year and expense growth are being reviewed as a result. She advised the Committee that Trevor Rodgers’ recent appointment as Assistant Vice-President, Institutional Strategy, is part of this work; Trevor will help to lead operational excellence across the University to address some of the impacts of lower than planned revenue.

Fourth, the President reflected on her installation ceremony and shared that she has received positive feedback. She believed that her message that the University must rise to meet the moment has resonated with the community. She shared that the next step, building on her Installation Address, was to commence a strategic planning exercise to which the community will be invited to contribute.

Fifth, the President noted two significant gifts: Hal Jackman’s historic $80 million gift to name the Henry N. R. Jackman Faculty of Law; and a $2 million gift from Eva and Allen Lau to create the Commercialization Catalyst Prize for Computing and Engineering Innovation.

Sixth, the President advised the Committee that emergency research funding has been made available to faculty members and top scholars who have been impacted by unexpected U.S. funding cuts. The University’s contingency fund has been used to provide up to one year of bridge support.

Seventh, the President provided an update on government relations. Federally, she has continued to engage with the Prime Minister’s office and senior cabinet ministers to reinforce the importance of research-intensive universities Canadian economic resilience and national sovereignty. She reported good engagement at the federal level and appreciation for the need for investment in talent recruitment and continued Tri-Council funding. Provincially, the President advised that she is focused on forming productive and trusted relationships with senior levels of government, including the Office of the Premier. Tuition policy, provincial operating funding, and capital investments remain a focus for the University. The University was deeply engaged in the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security’s consultation on the funding formula and is currently awaiting a decision from the Ministry.

Eighth, the President noted that President Emeritus Meric Gertler had committed to reporting data on complaints of prohibited discrimination and discriminatory harassment to the Executive Committee. Honouring that commitment and its continued relevance, she advised the Committee that the University is following established processes and complying with the requirements of Bill 166, Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024; complaints are being processed and consequences applied where warranted. The total number of complaints for the 2024-2025 Annual Complaints report, the first official report under Bill 166is 260. This number is consistent with the prior year (258 complaints). In 2022-2023, the number was 193. Analysis of data from 2022 to the end of 2024 has shown that anti-Black racism was the most common complaint (13%) followed by antisemitism (12.6%) and Islamophobia (9.6%).

The President then spoke about the UTM Students’ Union (UTMSU) event at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus on October 7, 2025. She described the administration’s attempts to work with the UTMSU, an autonomous student society, to address concerns about the event and the administration reminded UTMSU of their obligations under University policy. Campus Safety and Peel Regional Police were consulted with respect to safety risk, which was determined to be low. The President noted that autonomous student organizations are required to abide by the Policy on Open, Accessible and Democratic Autonomous Student Organizations, which includes respecting a range of member views. There is a process for members to bring complaints about transgressions of the Policy; if substantiated, this could result in the administration withholding fees from the student organization. She also advised that the UTM Jewish Student Association had a tabling event that had been disrupted. She expressed sympathy and concern and shared that the Vice President and Principal, UTM had written to the campus community about the incident and that Campus Safety is currently investigating. The President stated that all complaints, whether against faculty, staff or students are being taken with the utmost seriousness.

In response to a member’s question about the decline in demand for computer science, the President responded that it is not unique to the University of Toronto and is a global trend stemming from a decline in hiring and concerns about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs focused primarily on coding. In response to a member’s question, the Vice-President and Provost advised that international enrolment is lower from most source countries, but notably so from India. In response to a member’s question about strategic planning, the President shared that she intended to undertake consultations across the three campuses and with the broader University community. In response to a member question about the investigation into the October 7^th event at UTM, the President responded that the decision to have a full review of the event will depend on the results of the investigation of the tabling incident. A member then expressed a concern about Campus Safety’s ability to respond to such events.
Item for Confirmation
1. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the MacMillan Theatre Remediation – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
  
  The Chair of the Academic Board reported that the MacMillan Theatre Remediation received positive feedback at the October 9, 2025 Academic Board meeting. Bringing together teaching resources for new classrooms alongside a capital project was particularly well received. The Chair of the University Affairs Board reported a similar outcome at the Board meeting on October 9, 2025. In response to a question, the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships and Vice-Provost, Academic Operations advised that there are no heritage aspects to the capital project and that it is purely a deferred maintenance issue. In response to a member question, the Provost shared the benefits of the capital project for the Faculty of Music; the combination of performance and teaching space has allowed a renovation the Faculty would not otherwise be positioned to undertake.

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED

THAT the project scope of the MacMillan Theatre Remediation project as identified in the “Report of the Project Planning Committee for the MacMillan Theatre Remediation”, dated July 30, 2025 be approved in principle; and,

THAT the project totaling approximately 1,200 gross square metres (gsm), and 440 net assignable square metres (nasm) theatre space (main level), be approved in principle, to be funded by Provostial Funds.

Item for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
1. Report of the University Ombudsperson for the period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 and Administrative Response
  
  Former Ombudsperson and Professor Emeritus Bruce Kidd presented the Report of the University Ombudsperson for the period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the administration for their responsiveness and commitment to strengthen communication, enhance civility and address policy currency. He noted that the University Ombudsperson’s Office has been consulted on major policy reviews as well as cases under the Supportive Leaves Policy. He highlighted that the long delays in academic misconduct decisions that grew after COVID-19 have been almost completely eliminated. He closed his remarks with a brief retrospective, looking back to the creation of the University Ombudsperson role in 1975 and the evolution from discretionary to policy-based decision-making at the University. He expressed pride in ending his career in the role of University Ombudsperson and support for his successor, Professor Emerita Faye Mishna.
  
  The Provost thanked Professor Emeritus Kidd for his tremendous service to the University as well as his sensitivity, wisdom and commitment. He welcomed University Ombudsperson Faye Mishna to the role. Turning to the Administrative Response, he noted that while there are no formal recommendations this year, there are important updates on matters the Ombudsperson’s Office continues to monitor. He highlighted the work of Professor Boyagoda on civil discourse and the 50% decline in incivility cases since 2022-2023. He noted the 75% decline in complaints about communications advised that the University is reviewing policies consistent with a new framework, with several recent or current reviews including the Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the Code of Conduct on Academic Matters and the Statement on Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment. In response to a question, the Provost committed to clarifying when the review of the Supportive Leaves Policy will commence.
  
  The Committee and the Chair thanked Professor Emeritus Kidd for his outstanding service.

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the Report of the University Ombudsperson for the period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 and Administrative Response be endorsed and placed on the agenda of the Governing Council meeting of November 6, 2025.

CONSENT AGENDA

The Chair noted that item 5 was for approval.

On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the consent agenda be adopted; and

THAT Item 5 be approved.

Report of the Previous Meeting - Report Number 561 of the Executive Committee (June 24, 2025)

The Committee approved the report of the previous meeting.
Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting

There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.
Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting (June 24, 2025)

The Committee received the minutes of the previous Governing Council meeting for information.
Report on Approvals under Summer Executive Authority

Members received a memo confirming that there were no matters within the Executive Committee’s authority that had been approved under the Summer Executive Authority.
Reports for Information

Members received the following reports for information.

Date of Next Executive Committee Meeting – December 1, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on December 1, 2025.
Other Business
1. Governing Council meeting – November 6, 2025
  1. Notice of Motion for Reconsideration

The Chair introduced the Notice of Motion for Reconsideration (“Motion”). She acknowledged that the Motion is unusual for the Executive Committee and committed to moving methodically through the procedure and materials to ensure clarity. To start, she reminded the Committee that it considered a motion that Governing Council make a statement condemning antisemitism on December 3, 2024. She noted that at the time, the Committee debated thoughtfully on the proposed statement; ultimately, the Committee was not supportive of Governing Council making a statement as this was not consistent with its role as an oversight body, which does not make statements on its own behalf. The motion was defeated.

The motion proposed in the materials speaks to the same matter – the Governing Council making a statement condemning antisemitism – as the Committee decided on December 3, 2024. The Chair advised that this item, therefore, was a motion for reconsideration. That is, whether or not the previous decision of the Committee should be reconsidered. She noted that section 31(e) of By-Law Number Two applies to a reconsideration decision. She explained that if a two-thirds majority supported reconsideration, then the merits of including the proposed motion in the upcoming Governing Council meeting agenda would be discussed. Following discussion, majority support would be required to put the motion on the agenda. If, however, two-thirds of the Committee did not support reconsidering the December 3, 2024 decision, then no further discussion would take place and the Committee would proceed to the in camera portion of the meeting.

She expressed empathy for the experiences of impacted members of the University community but emphasized the importance of keeping the role of the Governing Council firmly in mind as the Committee considered the Motion. That is, the Governing Council does not make statements on its own behalf; rather, it exercises oversight and responsibility. In order to frame the Committee’s consideration of the Motion, the Chair asked members to consider whether there were any additional information, developments or changes that would support reconsidering the December 3, 2024 decision.

In response to a question, the Chair acknowledged that a number of motions were brought forward in the 2024-2025 academic year that were individually considered. In response to a request from a member to move in camera, the Secretary of the Governing Council advised that the Committee could move in camera if personal information or sensitive financial information were to be discussed. The member elected to make his remarks in the closed session, sharing an understanding that some students are fearful of being on campus because of their religion. He expressed concern about the October 7^th event at UTM and the necessity of having Campus Safety escort students for their safety, regarding it as a failure of the University to meet its obligations under the Human Rights Code. The Chair expressed deep personal concern for student safety while acknowledging that the administration’s efforts to address antisemitism are ongoing. A member expressed the view that circumstances have evolved since December 3, 2024, asserting that incidents of antisemitism have increased 600% in Toronto. He expressed concern about trust, the University’s reputation, and whether the Governing Council was exercising morally aligned oversight and responsiveness if it failed to make a statement condemning antisemitism. The President then spoke about the many times the administration had acknowledged and condemned antisemitism on and off campus. She cited the review of antisemitism at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and the subsequent official apology, the legal documents pertaining to the encampment and the motion passed by Executive Committee on October 28, 2024 requiring regular updates from the administration, an example of which was provided at the present meeting. She reminded members that in November 2024, then-President Gertler publicly stated that the University stands resolutely against antisemitism as it does all forms of hate and discrimination.

Prior to calling the vote, the Chair reiterated the role of the Executive Committee and the role of the Governing Council. She highlighted the three key functions of the University’s highest governing bodies: (i) to approve certain policies, plans and projects; (ii) to oversee the administration, monitoring the quality and substance of institutional leadership and decision-making; and (iii) to advise when requested – to be consulted and provide input.

On a motion duly moved and seconded, the Committee considered the following motion:

THAT the matter previously decided under agenda item 10, Other Business, of the December 3, 2024 Executive Committee meeting be reconsidered by the Executive Committee.

The motion was defeated.

The Chair thanked members for their thoughtful comments and careful consideration of this matter.

The Committee moved in camera.

IN CAMERA SESSION

Items for Approval
1. Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendations for Expulsion
  
  On motions duly moved, seconded, and carried,
  
  YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
  
  THAT the President’s recommendations for expulsions, as outlined in the memoranda and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated October 20, 2025, be confirmed.
  
  Following the approval of the motion, the Chair made the somber announcement of the recent passing of Professor Dionne Aleman, a deeply respected member of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. Professor Aleman’s significant contributions as the longest serving current faculty member of the University Tribunal were recognized. The Chair expressed her condolences to Professor Aleman’s family and to the University community who were mourning her loss.
2. External Appointments: University of Toronto Press Board of Directors 2025-26
  
  On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
  
  YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
  
  THAT the following individuals be appointed/re-appointed as members and directors of the University of Toronto Press Board of Directors, effective immediately, for terms to continue until the 2026 Annual General Meeting, or until their successors are appointed:
  
  Ms. Jessica Mosher (President, Publisher and CEO)
  Ms. Julia Woods (Chair)
  Professor Emeritus Carolyn Hughes Tuohy
  Mr. Larry Alford
  Ms. Ann Clavelle
  Professor Robert A. Davidson
  Ms. Martha Tory
  Dr. Amit Monga
  Mr. Jake Gilbert
  Mr. Bill Harnum
  Professor Scott Mabury
  Ms. Anne Macdonald
  Ms. Trish Wheaton
  Ms. Jessica Phin – new member
Item for Confirmation
1. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the MacMillan Theatre Remediation – Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
  
  On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
  
  YOUR COMMITTEE CONFIRMED
  
  THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated October 20, 2025 regarding the total project cost and sources of funding for the MacMillan Theatre Remediation, be approved in principle.
Item for Endorsement and Forwarding to Governing Council
1. Appointment: Assistant Secretary to the Discipline Appeals Board
  
  On a motion duly moved, seconded and carried,
  
  YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
  
  THAT the recommendation for an appointment contained in the memorandum from the Secretary dated October 20, 2025, be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council for approval, and
  
  THAT, pursuant to Section 38 of By-Law Number 2, the recommendation be considered by the Governing Council in camera.
Committee Members with the President

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

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

The Committee returned to closed session.

The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

October 30, 2025