Frequently Asked Questions - Elections

Administrative staff, librarians, students, and teaching staff of the University of Toronto may be eligible to run in the elections. To review the specific eligibility criteria, please consult the Election Guidelines.

• Terms of Reference, Past Agendas and Reports for each body can be found in the menu on this page.
• Overview Videos for each body can be found on this page.

These resources provide insight into the Council’s composition, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

An individual must obtain the signatures of a defined number of Nominators from the same constituency as described in the Election Guidelines. 

Candidates will also be asked to provide a statement of 100 words or less which will be provided with the ballot in the election. The candidate statement is a public, written biographical declaration that represents a candidate during the voting period. Typically, it offers a description of a candidates motivation for running and will speak to a candidates background which qualifies them to serve on a Council or Committee.

If you are preparing a candidate statement, it is important to recognize that your role on the Governing Council or one of its governance bodies is fundamentally about stewardship and long-term decision-making for the institution. Members have a fiduciary duty to act honestly, with good faith, and always with the University’s best interests in mind, not just those of their own constituency or in pursuit of a single issue.

A strong statement should convey your commitment to the University’s overall health and future. Rather than focusing on narrow or specific issues, mention your readiness to work collaboratively with other governors to provide prudent oversight, help set strategic directions, and ensure the academic and fiscal integrity of the institution. Acknowledge the wide range of complex issues the Governing Council addresses and show you are prepared to approach these matters thoughtfully and impartially.

You might also emphasize your openness to diverse perspectives, willingness to listen, and dedication to ethical conduct. Express that you respect the responsibilities of governance and that your decisions will be guided by knowledge, consultation, and careful judgment for the University’s benefit as a whole.

Constituencies are defined in the Election Guidelines, and are provided in the tabs on the Elections page.

During the Nomination period, a link to the electronic nomination forms will be posted at the top of the Elections page.

The Call for Nominations for an upcoming election or by-election is broadly distributed within the University community and will also be posted at the top of the Elections page once it’s announced.

The voting period for an upcoming election or by-election will be posted at the top of the Elections page once it’s announced.

A by-election is an election held to fill vacancies on governing bodies that arise between regular annual elections. By-elections can occur at any time during the year when seats become vacant. The nomination, campaigning, and voting process is generally the same as for a regular election and the dates for upcoming by-elections are announced in advance at the top of the Elections page so members have time to participate.

No, members of the Governing Council, its Boards and Committees, do not receive remuneration and are not reimbursed for travel expenses. 

Most meetings are scheduled throughout the academic year between September and June. Meeting preparation may require 1 - 2 hours per meeting, while meetings typically run for up to 2 hours.

There are six governance cycles per year, meaning, each governance body typically schedules six meetings per academic year.

Members of the Governing Council and UTM/UTSC Campus Council are also expected to volunteer as members of 1 or 2 additional Boards and/or Committees of the Council. From time to time, members are also asked to serve on ad hoc, search, or advisory committees.