REPORT NUMBER 239 OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD
April 27, 2022
To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto
Your Board reports that it held a meeting on April 27, 2022 at 3:10 p.m. with the following members present:
PRESENT:
Professor Salvatore M. Spadafora (Chair), Professor Douglas E. McDougall (Vice Chair), Professor Cheryl Regehr (Vice President and Provost), Professor Scott Mabury (Vice President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships), Professor Susan McCahan (Vice Provost, Academic Programs & Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education), Professor Leah Cowen (Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives), Ashley Ahuja, Ms Bisma Ali, Professor Catherine Amara, Ms Laura Anderson, Professor Joshua Barker, Mr. Harvey Thomas Botting*, Professor Markus Bussmann, Ms Samantha Chang, Professor Carol C. Chin, Mr. Moses Cook*, Dr. Catherine Chandler Crichlow*, Professor James Davis, Professor Raisa B. Deber, Ms Teo Dechev*, Professor Stark Draper, Ms Sheree Drummond, Professor Juan Du, Professor Markus D. Dubber, Professor David Dubins, Professor Wendy M. Duff, Professor Darryl Raymond Edwards, Professor Angela Esterhammer, Ms Monique Flaccavento, Mr. Adam Fox, Ms Susan Elizabeth Froom, Professor Meric S. Gertler, Ms Seema Gupta, Professor Daniel A. Haas, Ms Sandra Hanington, Professor Tony Harris, Professor Ellie Hisama, Mr. Sarosh Jamal, Dr. Nadine Janes, Professor Linda Johnston, Professor Gretchen Kerr, Professor Jeannie Kim*, Dr. Lisa Kramer, Professor Ernest W.N. Lam, Professor Alexandra Elizabeth MacKay*, Professor Jan K. Mahrt-Smith, Professor Susan McCahan, Professor Rhonda McEwen, Dr. Nicole Mideo, Professor Amy Mullin, Dr. Rose M. Patten, Professor Matt Ratto, Dr. Nicholas Rule, Professor Leah Cowen, Dr. Rosa Saverino*, Ms Maureen L. Simpson*, Dr. Eric Stubbs*, Dr. Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, Mr. Evan Tang*, Mr. Ryan Teschner, Professor Steven J. Thorpe*, Professor Nhung Tuyet Tran*, Mr. Kenneth Javier Williams*, Dr. Melanie A. Woodin,
*participated remotely via Zoom
REGRETS:
Mr. Larry P. Alford, Professor Aarthi Ashok, Professor Nina Bascia, Professor Adalsteinn (Steini) I. D. Brown, Professor Jutta Brunnée, Professor Christian Caron, Mr. Andrew Chen, Professor Susan Christoffersen, Ms Rosa Ciantar, Professor Shadi Dalili, Professor Ettore Vincenzo Damiano, Ms Nathalie Des Rosiers, Ms Ana Djapa, Ms Maryanna Diab, Professor Lisa Rebecca Dolovich, Professor Paul Downes, Professor Robert B. Gibbs, Professor Emily Gilbert, Professor J. Roy Gillis, Professor William A. Gough, Ms Eloise Hirst, Professor Walid A. Houry, Professor William Ju, Dr. Rita Kandel, Professor Charlie Keil, Professor Anil Kishen, Dr. Grase Kim, Professor Philip Kremer, Professor Normand Labrie, Professor Brigitte Lavoie, Ms Natalie Lung, Ms Zhino Maanavi, Professor Lance T. McCready, Professor Bonnie S. McElhinny, Professor Mark McGowan, Ms Mozynah Nofal, Professor Nicole Novroski, Professor Fabian Parsch, Dr. Jesse Pasternak, Dr. Dana Phillips, Professor Jennifer Gillian Purtle, Professor Srilata Raman, Professor Michael J.H. Ratcliffe, Dr. Michael Shier, Professor Jastaranpreet (Jasty) Singh, Professor Markus Stock, Mr. David Tieu, Professor Charmaine Williams, Professor Patricia Windrim, Professor Christopher M. Yip, Professor Trevor Young
NON-VOTING ASSESSORS:
Professor Kelly Hannah-Moffat (Vice President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture), Mr. Jeff Lennon (Executive Director, Institutional Planning and Budget Administration), Professor Joseph Wong, (Vice-President, International)*
SECRETARIAT:
Tracey Gameiro, Secretary
IN ATTENDANCE:
Tad Brown, Counsel, Business Affairs and Advancement
Mary Choi, Chief Administrative Officer, Faculty of Dentistry
Nora Gillespie, Senior Legal Counsel, Offices of the Vice-President and Provost, and Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture
Archana Sridhar, Assistant Provost, Office of the Vice-President and Provost
Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students
IITEMS 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 AND 14 WERE APPROVED. ALL OTHER ITEMS ARE REPORTED FOR INFORMATION.
Pursuant to section 33(i) of By-Law Number 2,
Items 13 and 14 were considered in camera.
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members and guests to the meeting. He encouraged Board members to participate in the Convocation Ceremonies planned for June 2022, and noted that these ceremonies marked a significant milestone for students as they pursued their academic and personal goals at the University. Information for faculty who wished to participate in the academic procession would be included in the Provost’s weekly digest in May. As well, the Office of Convocation would send an email to administrative staff with similar information.
- Report of the Vice-President and Provost
Professor Cheryl Regehr, Vice-President and Provost, provided an update on the following items:
Strategic Mandate Agreement 3 (“SMA3”)
As was reported during the annual budget presentations the previous cycle, the Provost reiterated that under the SMA3, the Province was shifting a significant amount of the University’s operating grant funding to performance-based funding that would be linked to 10 metrics in the areas of skills and job outcomes, and economic and community impact. Metrics would be phased in over the three years of the SMA3, and associated targets would be formulaic, informed by past results and allowing for annual variation. In the context of the pandemic however, the government announced that it would decouple funding impacts from metrics performance for at least the first three years of the agreement; though performance would continue to be measured and reported relative to annual targets.
The Provost announced that the University had exceeded targets on all active metrics in year two, notably in the areas of experiential learning (by 25%), and the number of start-ups supported by incubators and campus-led accelerators (by more than 80%). She stated that the University’s share of tri-agency research funding and research revenue from private sources continued to increase. The average employment income of graduates was also higher than the previous year and ahead of target.
In conclusion, the Provost stated that the University was well-equipped to deal with the performance based funding model and remained confident that it would continue to meet targets for the remainder of the SMA3 period.
COVID-19
The Provost reviewed institutional data about the pandemic period. She listed the precautions taken to curtail the risk of COVID-19 transmission with the return to in-person activities. She also explained that wi-fi traffic had been tracked as an indicator of on-campus activity, showing drastic drops in Winter 2020, and early 2022, and then increases in February and March 2022, commensurate with the transition from alternate to in-person and hybrid learning and administrative practices. The Provost stated that residence occupancy rebounded more quickly than anticipated, and was targeting towards full occupancy in 2022-23.
The Provost reported that 10,060 students had participated in the University Quarantine Program in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The program was established to support students arriving from outside of Canada to meet mandatory quarantine requirements upon arrival, and helped to reduce the financial burden by providing accommodations, transportation, and meals.
Critical to providing access to mental health services during the pandemic had been the My Student Support (“My SPP) program, which offered on-demand support in 60 languages, and provided students with access to trained counsellors. Since the program launched 30,775 hours of support had been provided to 5,176 students, with the number of real-time sessions and ongoing cases increasing from 1,776 prior to the pandemic to 6,687 from March 2020 to March 2021.
As part of her concluding remarks, the Provost reported that in-person exams were taking place successfully, and advised that masks continued to be required in classrooms and spaces where physical distancing could not be maintained in response to provincial COVID-19 data trends.
Members were advised that wastewater testing and monitoring activities were no longer continuing at the University because of an increase in city services in this regard.
- Annual Report: Vice-President, Research and Innovation, 2021
Professor Leah Cowen, the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives presented the divisional annual report for information. The 2021 Annual Report highlighted the accomplishments and impact of researchers and innovators, as well as the impact and role the Division had played in support of the endeavours. Professor Cowen reported that the University of Toronto (“UofT”) consistently ranked #1 in Canada according to the top-ranking metrics worldwide, was #2 among North American public universities, and ranked 18th among global public universities in Times Higher Education World University Ranking. In addition, UofT ranked in the top 5 in Medicine, Social Sciences, and Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health major fields.
In response to a member’s question, Professor Cowen noted that research to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“UN SDGs”) was an area of priority. Institutional strategic initiatives in this area were focused on forming new interdisciplinary and global partnerships to produce a map for advancing the UN SDGs at UofT.
- Review of Academic Programs and Units – Part 2
- Semi-Annual Report on the review of Academic Units and Programs, October 2021 – April 2022
Professor Susan McCahan, Vice-Provost, Academic Programs and Innovations in Undergraduate Education, introduced the item, noting that the report included five external reviews (one Provostial and four Decanal).
At the invitation of the Chair, Professor Ernest Lam, Chair of the Committee on Academic Policy & Programs (AP&P), provided the Board with a summary of the Committee’s discussion of the review, which it considered at its meeting on April 12, 2022. The Committee found generally that the reviews were conducted in line with the University’s policies and guidelines, were managed properly, and that quality issues had been addressed or plans were in place to do so.
There were no follow-up reports requested by the Committee.
In response to a member’s comment, Dean Ellie Hisama provided an overview of the steps taken or planned to address the concerns noted by reviewers regarding the culture and climate within the Faculty. These included:- hiring an inaugural EDI Director;
- developing a best practices document around student-faculty interaction to supplement current policies;
- the external Climate and Culture Review;
- monthly meetings with representatives of the Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association, Music Graduate Students’ Association, and the Faculty of Music Anti-Racism Alliance, to discuss issues of concern to students including safety, culture, and policies at the Faculty and at the University;
- one-on-one sessions between the Dean and faculty, staff, alumni, and individual students which provided a foundation for action to be taken around healing and restoration at the Faculty;
- Semi-Annual Report on the review of Academic Units and Programs, October 2021 – April 2022
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion at the Koffler Student Services Building – Project Scope and Sources of Fundin
Professor Mabury, together with the Provost and Professor Sandy Welsh, (Vice-Provost, Students) provided an overview of the capital project, highlighting the following main points:- the project renovated 3,400 gross square metre of existing interior space, adding a new two-storey addition (which would not be outwardly visible, and was not contemplated in the 2011 University of Toronto Master Plan);
- the renovation and expansion offered improvements in accessibility and responded to a key recommendation made by the “Presidential and Provostial Task Force on Student Mental Health”, (released January 15, 2020), increasing access to functional and therapeutic space for health promotion, mental health services, and mental health and wellness programming;
- services were accessible to all full-time and part-time University of Toronto undergraduate and graduate students on all campuses;
- health and wellness services would be housed temporarily in leased renovated space at 700 Bay Street for the duration of the project, with no disruption to students;
- architects had provided a Heritage Impact Assessment for the project;
- initial project consultation had included two focus group sessions with students;
- consultation with students was undertaken during the design development;
- an accessibility consultation with students with lived experience was being organized with support from the University’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) office;
- the project would be funded through a combination of deferred maintenance funds, donations received, and future major capital project reserves;
- construction was anticipated to begin in September 2022, with occupancy targeted for January 2025; and,
- there was no foreseeable impact with adjacent campus construction.
Professor Jan Mahrt-Smith, Chair of the Planning & Budget Committee, then offered comments on the discussion that had occurred about the capital project at the Planning and Budget meeting, held on April 13, 2022.
Discussion
A member raised a question about staffing and wait times. In reply, the Provost indicated that extensive work had been done to implement a Stepped Care 2.0 model and eliminate wait times, including additional hiring (which would continue to be monitored to meet demand).
Addressing a member’s question regarding collaborations with the Discovery Pharmacy, Professor Welsh stated that discussions with the Executive Director were ongoing, and that to date the Pharmacy had provided great support with immunizations and facilitating access to medication.
In closing, the Provost clarified that students were not charged for health and wellness visits.
On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR BOARD APPROVED
THAT subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee,
THAT the project scope of the Health & Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion at the Koffler Student Services Centre, as identified in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for University of Toronto Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion at the Koffler Student Services Centre, dated February 14, 2022, be approved in principle; and,
THAT the project totaling 1,847 nasm is proposed, with 3,398 gsm renovated space, 456 gsm third floor new addition, and 408 gsm second floor new addition shell space, be approved in principle, to be funded by Donations Received, Deferred Maintenance (towards roof replacement), and Future Major Capital Project Reserves.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
Professor Mabury introduced the project. The Board then received a presentation from Dean Daniel Haas, (Faculty of Dentistry). Mary Choi, Chief Administrative Officer, was also in attendance to answer questions.
Highlighted of the presentation included:- the Lab Renewal sought to implement upgrades to meet the objectives of the faculty’s academic mission and current regulatory requirements;
- a potential secondary effect renovation area was included to provide necessary upgrades to building infrastructure, services and energy performance;
- modernization of the Pre-Clinical Lab was badly needed with the objective of it becoming more of a simulation lab to support student learning from the preclinical setting to the actual dentistry clinic run by the Faculty;
- the existing mannequin set-up was obsolete, with simulators more closely emulated the clinical environment and offered feedback on the treatment being delivered;
- the Clinic Master Plan initiated by the Faculty in 2019 identified opportunities for providing students modern clinic spaces to manage patients effective and efficiently and to meet clinic practice standards and pedagogical requirements;
- the project was the second implemented phase of the Clinical Master Plan;
- the design was not required to be reviewed by the University of Toronto Design Review Committee as it was an interior renovation with no impact on the public realm;
- the renovation would address deferred maintenance to base building systems with the implementation of new energy efficient mechanical and electrical servicing including sustainability and energy efficiency upgrades;
- the Clinical Master Plan project included graduate and undergraduate students on the Project Planning and Implementation Committee; and,
- construction was expected January 2023-June 2023.
Professor Jan Mahrt-Smith, Chair of the Planning & Budget Committee, then offered comments on the Committee’s discussion of the capital project at its April 13, 2022.
There were no questions from members.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR BOARD APPROVED
THAT subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee,
THAT the project scope of the Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal described in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal, dated February 28, 2022, be approved in principle; and,
THAT the project totaling 752.62 gross square metres (gsm), be approved in principle, to be funded by a combination of Faculty of Dentistry Operating Funds, Future Major Capital Project Reserve, F&S Deferred Maintenance, and Fundraising.
- New Program Proposal: Master of Arts (MA) in Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE)
Professor McCahan introduced the proposal. She stated that the proposed MA degree in Kinesiology would better align with the interests of students pursuing social sciences and humanities research at the master’s level. Professor McCahan also noted that the creation of the program directly responded to a recommendation of the 2019 University of Toronto Quality Assurance Process (UTQAP) review of the Faculty and its programs.
Addressing a member’s question regarding the length of the program, Dean Gretchen Kerr (KPE) indicated that the program was a two-year degree. She added that there would not be any additional resources or faculty required to offer the program as these already existed in the current Master of Science program.
Professor Lam, Chair of the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs noted that Committee members had no questions regarding the proposal and recommended its approval.
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR BOARD APPROVED
THAT subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee,
THAT the proposed degree program, Master of Arts in Kinesiology as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education dated November 26, 2021 be approved effective September 1, 2022.
OPEN SESSION CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR BOARD APPROVED THAT
the consent agenda be adopted
- Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 238 – March 10, 2022
Report Number 238, from the meeting of March 10, 2022 was approved.
- Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting. - Items for Information
Members received the following reports for information:- Report Number 285 of the Agenda Committee – April 6, 2022 (Special Meeting)
- Report Number 286 of the Agenda Committee – April 19, 2022
- Report Number 213 of the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs – April 12, 2022
- Report Number 203 of the Planning and Budget Committee – April 13, 2022
END OF CONSENT AGENDA
- Date of the Next Meeting: May 26, 2022, 3:10 – 5:10 p.m.
The Chair reminded members that the next meeting, the last of the 2021-2022 governance year, would be held on May 26, 2022 at 3:10 p.m.
- Other Business
There were no matters of other business.
THE BOARD MOVED IN CAMERA.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for University of Toronto Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion at the Koffler Student Services Building - Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR BOARD APPROVED
THAT Subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated April 20, 2022, regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the University of Toronto Health and Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion at the Koffler Student Services Centre, be approved in principle.
- Capital Project: Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal– Total Project Cost Increase and Sources of Funding
On motion duly moved, seconded and carried
YOUR BOARD APPROVED
THAT Subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated April 20, 2022, regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the University of Toronto Health Faculty of Dentistry Pre-Clinical Simulation Lab 4 Renewal, be approved in principle.
THE BOARD RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION.
The meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m.
April 29, 2022