Report: Executive Committee - December 01, 2025

Print as PDF
-
Chairs' Boardroom, Simcoe Hall

REPORT NUMBER 563 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025

To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto,

Your Executive Committee reports that it held a meeting in the Chairs’ Boardroom, Simcoe Hall on December 1, 2025 with the following members present:

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

REGRETS: Samuel Elfassy, 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)

Kristin Taylor (Chief Legal Officer), Trevor Young (Vice-President and Provost), Trevor Rodgers (Assistant Vice President, Institutional Strategy), Karen Bellinger (Associate Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances) (Items 15, 16a and 16b), Heather Boon (Vice-Provost, Faculty and Academic Life) (Items 6b, 15, 16a and 16b), Jodie Glean (Executive Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) (Items 3 and 4), Timothy Harlick (Chief Returning Officer) (Item 5), Leora Jackson (Legal Counsel, People Legal Services) (Items 15, 16a and 16b), Chris Lang (Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances) (Items 15, 16a and 16b), Sandy Welsh (Vice-Provost, Students) (Items 2-6a)

*remote attendance

Pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2,
consideration of items 15 to 19 took place in camera.

CLOSED SESSION

  1. Chair’s Remarks

    The Chair noted that an electronic ballot was used on October 17, 2025 to approve a senior appointment as follows:

    YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

    THAT Jeff Lennon be appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective October 27. 2025, and until a continuing appointment is made.
  2. Report of the President

    The President opened her remarks by celebrating the 17 University of Toronto faculty members who were appointed as Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, including two members of the senior leadership team: Professor Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives; and Professor Barbara Fallon, Associate Vice-President, Research. She noted that it was her understanding that this was the largest number of Fellows ever appointed in a single year for any University. The President went on to recognize The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, who was awarded the Rose Wolfe Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony in November.

    Turning to government relations, the President reported continued positive engagement with the federal government, including hosting Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister Evan Solomon for separate events at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus to highlight federal investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing. She also noted forthcoming federal investments in a new defence industrial strategy, with government interest in funding research and innovation in dual use technologies in areas such as aerospace, AI, life science and quantum research. She advised that the University could learn from peer institutions in other jurisdictions who have successfully navigated similar defence spending programs to align funding opportunities with faculty members’ existing research interests and preserving academic freedom.

    The President remarked positively on the $1.7 billion federal investment in an international talent attraction strategy. She shared that the University had received significant media coverage regarding three remarkable academics who were recruited from the United States to join the University for the 2026-27 academic year: Jacquelyn Pless from MIT, Mark Duggan from Stanford, and Sara Seager from MIT. She also discussed ways in which the University was supporting Canadian scholars, including making emergency research funding available to those facing unexpected U.S. funding cuts and investing $24 million to create 100 new postdoctoral positions.

    The President addressed the federal government’s plan to reduce the number of international study permits from approximately 300,000 to 150,000. She advised the Committee that the reduction would not likely have a negative impact on the University as the number of permits actually issued in recent years was already below the revised cap. Rather, the challenge for the University is the potential perception internationally that there is less opportunity to study in Canada. She noted the positive development that international students transitioning from undergraduate to graduate studies in Canada no longer require a new provincial attestation letter (PAL), a change for which the University lobbied.

    At the provincial level, the President reported that Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, received royal assent on November 20, 2025. She noted two particular aspects of the omnibus bill which are already in place at the University: requiring the University to assess applicants based on transparent, merit-based criteria; and requiring the University to implement research security plans. Consultation on research security requirements were underway, and the University was awaiting further details regarding other regulations under Bill 33. She advised that the University also remains engaged in the funding formula review process, including having hosted a consultation session between the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) and other Toronto-area universities in November.

    The President then reported on measures the University was taking to address antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. She noted that the first Annual Report on Complaints of Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment at the University of Toronto and the Review of the Statement of Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment were on the meeting agenda. She advised that the Institutional Equity Office has launched new antisemitism training titled, “Understanding and Addressing Antisemitism at U of T: Rights, Responsibilities, and Inclusive Practices” and would continue to offer training to the community throughout the year.

    With respect to the incident involving a Jewish Student Association tabling activity at UTM, the President advised that Campus Safety’s investigation was complete, and a report had been provided to the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, UTM who would determine if any policies had been breached and whether disciplinary measures were warranted.

    Professor Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students, then provided answers to governors’ questions submitted in advance of the meeting regarding the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union’s (UTMSU) event on October 7th. Professor Welsh provided an overview of the contractual relationship between the University and UTMSU with respect to space. She advised that the Student Centre at UTM was originally funded in part by a student capital levy by UTM students. Contractually, the University could terminate the agreement with UTMSU that allows it to occupy the Student Centre, but certain conditions would need to be met, written notice given, and UTMSU afforded the opportunity to remedy any issues. She further noted that, in accordance with the Space Policy – Permanent Accommodation, student societies may have space allocated to them on an ongoing basis. She noted that such space allocations are common among student centres across the country, including the Student Commons on St. George Campus and the Student Centre at UTSC. With respect to UTMSU’s October 7th event, Professor Welsh advised that the contractual space arrangements with UTMSU were relevant to the administration’s approach but did not materially affect decisions made.

    Professor Welsh then explained how student organizations such as UTMSU are funded, advising that the University collects fees on behalf of UTMSU and then flows funding to UTMSU in accordance with the Policy for Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees. Student unions, including UTMSU, are not-for-profit entities separate from the University and are considered campus representative groups. Student organizations must comply with the Policy on Open, Accessible and Democratic Autonomous Student Organizations which includes a complaint and resolution process requiring that members concerned about the use of fees first complain to the student organization; the administration takes action only if the student organization fails to address the complaint. She confirmed that the Code of Student Conduct applies to conduct that takes place in student centres.            

    The President closed her report with an update on alumni engagement and advancement. She described her recent trip to Hong Kong for the 30th anniversary of the Hong Kong Foundation where nearly 300 alumni were on hand to raise funds for students from Hong Kong with financial need to attend the University. She also reported on the forthcoming announcement of a $10 million gift to establish a Chair in AI in honour of, and to be named for, Geoff Hinton on the anniversary of his Nobel Prize. She then noted a $17.5 million gift from the Peter and Melanie Munk Charitable Foundation to the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy to enable the recruitment of globally recognized talent. The President advised that with the signing of these recent gifts, the University has surpassed the $2.5 billion mark of the Defy Gravity Campaign and has raised over $500 in the last 12 months, a new record for the University. Bicentennial planning is also underway; governors will be invited to participate in consultation with the newly formed Bicentennial Secretariat in the new year.

    The Chair thanked the President for her report and invited members to ask questions. In response to a question, the Secretary of the Governing Council confirmed that the University had not been made aware of any developments in the MCURES consultation on governance.

    In response to a member question, the President noted that the institutions most impacted by reductions in international student permits were the colleges with public-private partnerships where international enrolment increases had been most pronounced in recent years. She confirmed that the University had seen modest increases in international student numbers in line with long term enrolment plans, with international students representing approximately 30% of enrolment for several years.

    In response to a member question, Professor Welsh clarified that the Student Centre at UTM received funding from student fees through a special capital levy and a student fee for ongoing operating costs; the benefit to the University is that there is a space for the student union to conduct their own programming, reducing demand on University space, providing a space for clubs, and a space for student society staff who are providing health and dental plans for students. In response to a follow-up question from the member, Professor Welsh advised that the UTMSU October 7th event took place in an outdoor space adjacent to the UTM Student Centre that is covered by the agreement with UTMSU. The event was aligned with the University’s free speech requirements and did not pose a significant security risk as assessed by Peel Regional Police.

    In response to a different question, the President clarified that the University does not intend to significantly increase international enrolment at this time. The University continues to make concerted efforts to diversify the source countries of international students. The Provost noted that early application data for Fall 2026 suggests that international student enrolment demand may be stabilizing; more information would be presented as part of the upcoming budget process.

    In response to a final question, the President advised that the kind of defense research requiring security clearance would not typically take place at the University but rather at secure government facilities; funding for dual use research would likely flow through the Tri-agency.
  3. Review of the Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment

    The Provost advised the Committee that the administration has received the Review of the Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment prepared by review co-chairs Professor Brenda Cossman and Ms Caroline Rabbat. He noted that consultations took place across all three campuses resulting in 13 recommendations. He highlighted actions that the administration is taking in response to the recommendations: replacing the Statement on Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment with a policy; clarifying the pathways for complaints and support; and training, communication and issue tracking. A group has been assembled to start drafting a policy that will be brought through governance in cycle 5 for approval.

    The Chair asked the Chairs of the Boards to report on discussions at their respective bodies. The Academic Board Chair advised that threshold assessments and supports for respondents were discussed at Academic Board.  At Business Board, members received confirmation that the proposed human rights office was purposely chosen as University policies are anchored in human rights legislation. The Board also learned that effectiveness of new processes will be assessed via clarity of reporting and pathways, periodic evaluation, adherence to timelines and such additional metrics as may be required. The Board was further advised that frivolous complaints are very rare and, when they do occur, are often linked to broader issues such as mental health. At University Affairs Board, members received confirmation that the Office of the Ombudsperson would be consulted during policy development and that there would be collaboration and alignment between the groups working on the policy and the review of the Code of Student Conduct.

    In response to a question, the Provost confirmed that the policy would be brought forward for approval in cycle 5, with functions required to support compliance, such as the new human rights office, in place at the same time. A member remarked on the importance of providing a safe environment at the University; the Chair noted that the member had provided the same feedback prior to the meeting and that the feedback had been shared with the policy drafting group.
  4. Annual Report: Complaints of Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment at the University of Toronto

    The Provost presented the Annual Report: Complaints of Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment at the University of Toronto. He noted that the Report includes a definition of complaint and covers the period from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. During that time, the University received 250 complaints that met the established definition, a number that is consistent with the previous two and a half years. The University of Toronto community is approximately 116,000 members comprised of, amongst others, roughly 102,000 students, 4,000 faculty, and 10,000 staff. The complaint rate across the University population is 0.2%. Currently, the administration may become aware of complaints from a number of sources including Principals and Deans of Faculties, Campuses, and Colleges, the Institutional Equity Office, and the Vice-Provost, Students. A website has been created to assist complainants.

    The Provost provided the Committee with a breakdown of complaints by complainant and respondent role (student, staff or faculty member). He noted that the largest complainant group is students, which aligns with students being the largest population at the University. Complaint data was presented by type and also broken out by the categories in the Human Rights Code. The Provost noted that the data does not include complaints of sexual violence or sexual assault, which are reported via a separate annual report. In accordance with the requirement of Bill 166, the number of complaints of antisemitism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia and anti-Indigenous racism were presented separately. The Provost described the outcomes of complaints, which ranged from termination/expulsion to support being provided to the complainant only as no policy breach was found. He shared time-to-resolution data, noting that while time-to-resolution on average is quite swift, improvements in resolution timeliness remains an objective. The Provost advised that a number of steps have been taken, including the introduction of community supports, workshops, training, and the appointment of a new Assistant Vice-President, Institutional Affairs and Senior Advisor in the Provost’s Office to improve processes.

    There were no questions from members.
  5. Election Guidelines 2026

    The Chair of the Elections Committee highlighted major changes to the 2026 Election Guidelines, including re-organization of content by process rather than estate, the elimination of mail-in ballots, and a universal campaign spending limit for candidates. He advised that the Guidelines also contain a series of minor changes that are procedural or editorial in nature. At Election Committee, members were supportive of the changes. There was a clarifying discussion about the use of by-elections to fill long-term vacancies. In response to a question, the Chief Returning Office explained the significant disparity of campaign spending limits between estates and constituencies and the grounding of the universal limit in the principle of equity.

    On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

    YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

    THAT the proposed Election Guidelines 2026 be approved, effective January 1, 2026.
  6. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to the Governing Council
    1. Revisions to the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

      The Chairs of the Councils and Boards reported that very few questions were posed as the revisions to the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy were presented in cycle 2. There was appreciation expressed for the degree of consultation and opportunities to provide feedback on the Policy.

      There were no questions from members.

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council

      THAT the proposed revisions to the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, dated November 25, 2025, be approved, effective January 1, 2026.
       
    2. Agreement between the University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Faculty Association regarding proposed revisions to the Policy and Procedures on Employment Conditions of Part-time Faculty, 2021

      The Committee was advised that there were no questions or concerns raised at Academic Board with respect to the amendment of the Policy.

      There were no questions from members.

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council

      THAT the amendments to the Policy and Procedures on Employment Conditions of Part-Time Faculty, as agreed to by the University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Faculty Association, on October 9, 2025, be approved, effective January 1, 2026.

CONSENT AGENDA

The Chair noted that items 7, 11 and 12 were for approval.

On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the consent agenda be adopted; and

THAT Items 7, 11 and 12 be approved.

  1. Report of the Previous Meeting - Report Number 562 of the Executive Committee (October 27, 2025)

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

    There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.

  3. Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting (November 6, 2025)

    The Committee received the minutes of the previous Governing Council meeting for information.

  4. Reports for Information

    Members received the following reports for information.

    1. Reviews of Academic Programs and Units: Part 1 (Arising from Report Number 259 of the Academic Board (November 13, 2025))
    2. Report Number 71 of the UTSC Campus Council (November 11, 2025)
    3. Report Number 74 of the UTM Campus Council (November 12, 2025)
    4. Report Number 287 of the Business Board (November 26, 2025)
    5. Report Number 259 of the Academic Board (November 13, 2025)
    6. Report Number 249 of the University Affairs Board (November 25, 2025)
    7. Report Number 104 of the Elections Committee (November 27, 2025)
  5. Revision of Audit Committee Terms of Reference

    Be It Resolved,

    THAT the following recommendation be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council

    THAT the proposed revised Audit Committee Terms of Reference be approved, effective December 12, 2025, replacing the Terms of Reference previously approved on December 15, 2022.
  6. Governing Council and Executive Committee Meeting Dates, 2026-27

    Be It Resolved,

    THAT the 2026-27 meeting dates for the Governing Council and Executive Committee be approved.
  1. Date of Next Executive Committee Meeting – March 12, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

    The next meeting of the Committee will be held on March 12, 2026.
  2. Other Business
    1. Governing Council meeting – December 11, 2025

      The Chair provided an overview of the December 11, 2025 meeting agenda including descriptions of the strategic discussion topics.

The Committee moved in camera.

IN CAMERA SESSION

  1. Judicial Board Decision

    The Committee received for information a decision of the Judicial Board.
  2. Items for Approval

    1. Appointment of Teaching Staff Member and Student Member of Judicial Board

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT Professor Aarthi Ashok and Ms. Susan Froom be appointed as the teaching staff member and student member, respectively, of the Judicial Board for the purpose of hearing and deciding upon all matters related to charges against the graduate that they are guilty of infamous or disgraceful conduct or of conduct unbecoming a graduate of the University relating to forgery or falsification, as described in Appendix  A attached hereto; 

      THAT if the term of the membership of any of the Governing Council members who have participated in a hearing expires before a decision is given, the term shall be deemed to continue, but only for the purpose of participating in the decision of the Board in this case and for no other purpose; and 

      THAT the resolutions in the memorandum from the Secretary of Governing Council dated June 17, 2025, which were confirmed by resolution of the Executive Committee on June 24, 2025, continue and remain in effect.
       

    2. Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendation for Expulsion

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the President’s recommendation for expulsion, as outlined in the memoranda and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated November 24, 2025, be confirmed.
       

    3. External Appointments: Members and Directors, University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation (UTAM)

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following individuals be approved and nominated as members and directors of the University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation until the 2026 annual meeting of the Corporation or until their successors are appointed: 

      Jeff Lennon (ex officio) 
      Mr. Trevor Rodgers 

  3. Item for Endorsement and Forwarding to Governing Council 

    1. Report Number 69 of the Committee for Honorary Degrees

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT the following motion be endorsed and forwarded to the Governing Council: 

      THAT the recommendations contained in Report Number 69 of the Committee for Honorary Degrees be approved; and 

      THAT the Chancellor and the President be empowered to determine the degree to be conferred on each candidate and the date of the conferral; and 

      THAT, pursuant to sections 38 and 40 of By-Law Number 2, the Governing Council consider this item in camera.

  4. Committee Members with the President

    Members of the Executive Committee, with Board and Campus Council Chairs, met privately with the President.
  5. 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 6:50 p.m.

December 05, 2025