Report: Executive Committee - June 15, 2026

REPORT NUMBER 568 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Monday, JUNE 15, 2026

To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto,

Your Executive Committee reports that it held a meeting in the Chairs’ Boardroom, Simcoe Hall on June 15, 2026 with the following members present:

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

REGRETS: Rishi Shah

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)

Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships), Kristin Taylor (Vice-President – Legal, Risk & Safety and Chief Legal Officer), Trevor Young (Vice-President and Provost), Karen Bellinger (Associate Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances) (Item 13), Heather Boon (Vice-Provost, Faculty & Academic Life) (Item 13), Leora Jackson (Senior Legal Counsel) (Item 13), Somayeh Sadat (Director, Reporting and Analytics) (Item 3)

*remote attendance

Pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2,
consideration of items 13 to 18 took place in camera.

CLOSED SESSION

1. Chair’s Remarks
   
   The Chair welcomed members to the second last Executive Committee meeting of the governance year.
2. Report of the President
   
   The President began her report by sharing celebrations taking place on campus. She remarked on the positive energy in the air around Convocation and the Alumni Reunion and highlighted the exceptional story of Hannah Chown, who led the Varsity Blues women’s soccer team to their first championship in 2025, and who has just graduated with a Master of Teaching degree, and now plans to pursue a professional soccer career. She encouraged members to look for Hannah’s story on CBC radio and Global TV.  She went on to note the large-scale watch parties of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the community pride and energy that comes from celebrating together. She also commented on Alumni Reunion, inviting Committee members to participate in the Alumni Association AGM and Alumni Fest taking place on June 20, 2026.
   
   The President reported that on May 27, 2026 she was delighted to welcome India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry to the Munk School. The Minister’s visit was intended to strengthen commercial ties and bilateral trade relations and was co-hosted by Vice-President Joe Wong and Dean Susan Christoffersen. On June 4, 2026, the federal government released its Artificial Intelligence strategy titled, “AI for All”. The strategy includes an expansion of the CIFAR Artificial Intelligence Chairs program from 130 to 200 researchers. Following the announcement, the President welcomed the Prime Minister and Minister Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, to the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, where they had the opportunity to visit the Vector Institute and tour innovative AI startups.
   
   The President then reported on ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism, discrimination and harassment. She noted that the Prime Minister recently drew national attention to the rise of antisemitism and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to combatting it.  She provided the Committee with updates on initiatives underway at the University, including the planned climate survey on Jewish and Israeli student experiences led by Professor Ron Levi at the Lab for the Global Study of Antisemitism, recent mandatory antisemitism training for Deans, Vice-Provosts and Principals, and the attestation form regarding past discrimination complaints for incoming Deans and Principals. She advised the Committee that she and the Provost had recently met with members of the Jewish community to discuss issues of concern and recent steps taken; she expressed continued gratitude for insights and input offered by the community.
   
   In response to questions from members, the President invited Kristin Taylor, Vice-President – Legal, Risk & Safety and Chief Legal Officer to speak about Campus Safety reports presented to the University Affairs Board in May, 2026. Ms. Taylor provided additional details about the 27 “hate crime/incidents” reported in the St. George Campus Special Constable Campus Safety Annual Report to UAB for 2025. She advised that the difference in reported incidents between St. George Campus and UTM and UTSC is attributable to definitions used in the preparation of reports; this will be reviewed before next year’s annual reports are prepared. In response to a member’s follow-up question about differences in risk preparation between campuses and concerns about a reoccurrence of the events of October 7, 2025, Ms. Taylor advised that risk assessments take place across the tri-campus. The member recommended that the assessments be equal in rigor and formality. Another member also expressed concerns about last October 7^th, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe environment for students.
   
   At the request of the President, the Provost then provided an update on the Policy on Human Rights Discrimination and Harassment. He advised that the Policy is in the final stages of consultation and that feedback had been received from the University of Toronto Faculty Association.  Productive discussions were underway with UTFA, and leadership anticipates bringing the Policy forward for approval in the early cycles of the 2026-27 governance year. The Human Rights Office will open as intended in July 2026.
   
   The Provost also provided an update on the Canvas cyberattack, summarizing the actions taken to ensure safety of student data and systems. He advised the Committee that Quercus is once again operational. There is no evidence that other systems were compromised, no financial data or passwords were disclosed, and no core content of courses, assignments or grades were accessed by the threat actor. The Provost reported that the Information Technology team continues to review the incident and advised that enhancements to cyber security and vendor management are underway. Members discussed the update. In response to questions from members, the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships described the standard approach to offering credit monitoring when appropriate, discussions with Instructure (the company that operates Canvas/Quercus) following the cyber attack, and engagement with other universities also impacted. The impacts of AI on cybersecurity were discussed.
3. Annual Report: 2025 Performance Indicators for Governance
   
   The Provost presented the Performance Indicators Report 2025, advising the Committee that the University is in a strong position in all metrics. He noted that the University consistently places in the top of globally ranked universities in major university rankings, and that the University is recognized for both its quality and its breadth of subjects. Financial ratios, which are reported to the province annually, remain solid and advancement and fundraising continue to surpass goals.
   
   The Provost highlighted some aspects of the report for the Committee, including the significant increase in research funding – almost $200 million over the previous year.  He noted that there was a decline in international enrolment, with several external factors contributing to the decline. The student equity census, however, confirms that the student body, both domestic and international, is highly diverse across the tri-campus. Student financial support remains a priority; the University of Toronto spends 73% more per student than the average of other universities in Ontario. He noted the steady increase in the number of students registered with Accessibility Services and the concern regarding a possible increase in exam hesitancy post-COVID. He remarked with pride on the work of Health & Wellness, which delivered over 106,000 appointments in 2024-25, many of which were for mental health services. Second-year retention rates have remained steady at 92.5%. A decline in the graduate employment rate reflects broader market conditions. The Provost closed by thanking the team that compiled the report for their hard work.
   
   The Committee thanked the Provost and the report team for the report. In response to a member’s question, the Provost advised that there are not yet metrics for AI. In response to a member’s question about the second-year retention rate, Somayeh Sadat, Director, Reporting and Analytics, advised that comparator data has not been available since 2020, but efforts are underway to obtain comparator data for next year’s report. Historically, the University of Toronto had a higher second-year retention rate than system averages. A member suggested that academic integrity statistics be included in a future report; the Provost thanked the member and agreed to the addition. Members discussed drivers and predictors of student success.
4. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
   1. St. George Campus Plan 2040
      
      Members received an overview of the discussion of the St. George Campus Plan 2040 at Academic Board and were advised that there were no questions from members at the University Affairs Board. The Committee expressed support and enthusiasm for the Plan.
      
      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
      
      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
      
      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
      
      THAT the University of Toronto St. George Campus Plan be approved in principle.
       
   2. Capital Project (Level 3): Project Development Report for the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing – Real Estate Partnership – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
      
      Members received an overview of the discussion at the University Affairs Board with respect to the Initiative. The Chair of the Academic Board advised that the Initiative was supported with enthusiasm by the Academic Board.  Members did not have any questions.
      
      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
      
      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
      
      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
      
      THAT the project scope of the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing - Real Estate Partnership - Total Project Cost & Sources of Funding, described in the  “Build More Housing Initiative Project Development report On-Campus Housing dated April 22, 2026” for Student Residence Projects at 40-56 Harbord Street and 167-171 College Street be approved in principle; and
      
      THAT the project totaling approximately 37,165 square metres (sm) of gross floor area of student residence and amenity space with a total project gross construction area of 40,684 sm be approved in principle, to be funded by the Joint Venture Partnership.
       
   3. Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) Field House – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
      
      The Chair of the Academic Board and the Chair of the UTSC Campus Council provided overviews of discussions at their respective meetings. Members did not have any questions.
      
      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
      
      YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
      
      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
      
      THAT the project scope of the UTSC Field House, as identified in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for UTSC Field House, dated April 10, 2026, be approved in principle; and
      
      THAT the project totaling 7,194 gross square metres (6,332 net assignable square metres), be approved in principle to be funded through the UTSC Athletic Centre Facility Levy.

CONSENT AGENDA
 

The Chair noted that items 5(a) through (d) were for confirmation, item 6 was for endorsement and forwarding, and item 7 was for approval.

On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the consent agenda be adopted; and

THAT items 5(a) through (d) be confirmed, item 6 be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council, and item 7 be approved.

5. Items for Confirmation
   1. Closure of the Centre for Planetary Sciences as an Extra-Departmental Unit C (EDU:C) at the University of Toronto Scarborough
      
      Be It Confirmed,
      
      THAT, the Centre for Planetary Sciences, an Extra-Departmental Unit C (EDU:C) at the University of Toronto Scarborough, as described in the attached proposal, be closed effective June 30, 2026.
       
   2. New Graduate Program Proposal: Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
      
      Be It Confirmed,
      
      THAT, the proposed Master of Physician Assistant Studies, as described in the proposal from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine dated March 23, 2026 be approved effective September 1, 2027.
       
   3. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Dentistry Clinic 2 – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
      
      Be It Confirmed,
      
      THAT the project scope of the Faculty of Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal project as identified in the “Report of the Project Planning Committee for University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal, dated April 3, 2026 be approved in principle; and,
      
      THAT the project totaling approximately 2,945 square metres (sm) of renovated space, with a total project scope area of 3,168 sm, be approved in principle, to be funded by the Faculty of Dentistry Major Capital Projects Reserves and Future Faculty Reserves as well as by Clinic 2 Capital Donations, Central University Matching, ongoing Fundraising and Financing.
       
   4. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus (DCS SRIC) – West – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
      
      Be It Confirmed,
      
      THAT the project scope of the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - West, as identified in the “Report of the Project Planning Committee for Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - West”, dated March 27, 2026, be approved in principle; and
      
      THAT the project totaling 3,486 gross square metres (gsm), 1,588 net assignable square metres (nasm) to be funded through: Faculty of Arts & Science: Future Major Capital Projects Reserves 107944.
6. Summer Executive Authority
   
   Be It Resolved,
   
   THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
   1. THAT until the start of the fall 2026 academic term (September 8, 2026), authority be granted to the President for:
      • decisions on other matters the urgency of which does not permit their deferral until the next regular meeting of the Governing Council or its appropriate standing committee or board,
      • appointments to categories 2[1], 3[2], and 5[3] of the Policy on Appointments and Remuneration approved by the Governing Council of the University of Toronto, dated May 30, 2007[4];
      • approval of such additional curriculum changes as may arise for the summer and September 2026; and
   2. THAT all actions taken under this authority be approved by the Chair of the Governing Council prior to implementation and reported to the appropriate committee or board for information
7. Report 567 of the Executive Committee (May 4, 2026)
   
   The Committee approved the report of the previous meeting.
8. Business Arising from the Reports of the Previous Meeting
   
   There was no business arising from the reports of the previous meeting.
9. Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting (May 13, 2026)
   
   The Committee received the minutes of the previous Governing Council meeting for information.

10. Reports for Information
    
    Members received the following reports for information.

    1. Report Number 74 of the UTSC Campus Council (May 25, 2026)
    2. Report Number 76 of the UTM Campus Council (May 26, 2026)
    3. Report Number 105 of the Elections Committee (May 20, 2026)
    4. Report Number 262 of the Academic Board (May 28, 2026)
    5. Report Number 252 of the University Affairs Board (May 27, 2026)

11. Date of Next Executive Committee Meeting – June 25, 2026 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

    The next meeting of the Committee will be held on June 25, 2026.

12. Other Business

    1. Governing Council meeting – June 25, 2026
       
       The agenda of the June 25, 2026 meeting of the Governing Council was shared for information.
       
       The Committee moved in camera.

IN CAMERA SESSION

13. Items for Approval

    1. Academic Integrity Matter: Laying of Charge and Establishment of Judicial Board
       
       The Committee approved the President’s recommendation for the laying of charges and establishment of a judicial board, as outlined in the memorandum and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated June 8, 2026.
        

    2. Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendations for Expulsions
       
       The Committee approved the President’s recommendations for expulsions, as outlined in two sets of memoranda and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated June 8, 2026.
14. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to Governing Council 

    1. Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower – Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
       
       On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
       
       YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
       
       THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
       
       THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated June 8, 2026 regarding the revised total project cost and sources of funding for the Academic Wood Tower be approved in principle.
        

    2. Capital Project (Level 3): Project Development Report for the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing – Real Estate Partnership – Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
       
       On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
       
       YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
       
       THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
       
       THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated June 8, 2026 regarding the total project cost and sources of funding for the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing – Real Estate Partnership be approved in principle.
        
    3. Capital Project (Level 3): Project Report of the Project Planning Committee of the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) Field House – Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
       
       On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
       
       YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
       
       THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council:
       
       THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated June 8, 2026 regarding the total project cost and sources of funding for the UTSC Field House be approved in principle.
       
       At the close of the capital project items, the Chair took the opportunity to recognize Professor Mabury, who was attending his final meeting of the Executive Committee as Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships. She noted that Professor Mabury had been a trusted advisor to the Committee for many years. She remarked on his leadership of the University's budget, capital program, and real estate portfolio, and recognized the lasting impact that his work would have on the University’s campuses. On behalf of the Executive Committee, she thanked Professor Mabury for his service, leadership, and dedication to the University of Toronto. Members applauded.

IN CAMERA CONSENT AGENDA 

The Chair noted that items 15(a) and (b) were for approval and items 16(a) and (b) were for confirmation.

On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the in camera consent agenda be adopted; and

THAT items 15(a) and (b) be approved and Items 16 (a) and (b) be confirmed.

15. Items for Approval
    1. External Appointments: Hart House Board of Stewards
       
       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, 2026 until April 30, 2027, 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, 2026 until April 30, 2027, or until his successor is appointed.
        
    2. External Appointments: Members and Directors, University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation (UTAM)
       
       On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
       
       YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED
        
       1. THAT Dr. Richard B. Nunn be approved and nominated as a member and director of the University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation and as Chair of its Board for a one-year term until the 2027 annual meeting of the Corporation or until his successor is appointed;
           
       2. THAT the following individuals be approved and nominated as members and directors of the University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation for one-year terms until the 2027 annual meeting of the Corporation or until their successors are appointed;
          
          Professor Melanie Woodin (ex officio)
          Mr. Chuck O’Reilly (ex officio)
          Mr. Jeff Lennon (ex officio)
          Professor Lisa Kramer (UTFA representative) 
          Mr. Rajiv Mathur
16. Items for Confirmation
    1. Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Dentistry Clinic 2 – 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 June 8, 2026 regarding the total project cost and sources of funding for the Faculty of Dentistry Clinic 2 Renewal be approved in principle
        
    2. ​​​​​​​Capital Project (Level 2): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus (DCS SRIC) – West – 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 June 8, 2026 regarding the total project cost and sources of funding for the Department of Computer Science at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - West be approved in principle
17. Committee Members with the President
    
    Members of the Executive Committee, with Board and Campus Council Chairs, met privately with the President.
18. 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 6:32 p.m.

June 18, 2026