Report: Executive Committee - March 12, 2026

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Chairs' Boardroom, Simcoe Hall

REPORT NUMBER 565 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Thursday, March 12, 2026


To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto,

Your Executive Committee reports that it held a meeting in the Chairs’ Boardroom, Simcoe Hall on March 12, 2026 with the following members present:

PRESENT: Anna Kennedy (Chair), Sandra Hanington (Vice-Chair), Melanie Woodin (President), Donald Ainslie, Vikram Chadalawada, Evan Chan, Robert Cooper, Samuel Elfassy*, 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)

Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost, Academic Operations), Kristin Taylor (Chief Legal Officer), Trevor Young (Vice-President and Provost), Trevor Rodgers (Assistant Vice President, Institutional Strategy), Sandy Welsh (Vice-Provost, Students) (Item 2), Emily Ng (Legal Counsel, Office of University Counsel) (Items 1-12), 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), Chris Lang (Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances) (Items 15, 16a and 16b)

*remote attendance


Pursuant to section 38 of By-Law Number 2,
consideration of items 12 to 17 took place in camera.


CLOSED SESSION

  1. Chair’s Remarks

    The Chair welcomed members to the meeting.
  2. Report of the President

    The President began her report with the provincial announcement on February 12, 2026 of $6.4 billion in new funding for the post-secondary sector. She advised the Committee that U of T was deeply involved in advocacy for the new funds. It is anticipated that 40,000 new funded seats will be created and the University intends to compete in the allocation process. A new framework for inflation-linked increases in tuition will take effect in the fall. The President noted that students are understandably concerned about the changes to OSAP, which the University was not aware of prior to its announcement. She noted that the University has a financial access guarantee to address unmet financial needs of domestic students. Additional contributions will be made to the student aid budget this year to address tuition increases.

    The President next reported on talent and recruitment, starting with the Impact+ Research Chairs program, which presents the opportunity to recruit world-leading researchers working and living outside of Canada. The University and Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) have together nominated 24 stellar candidates. Each Chair is valued at either $1 million or $500,000. She then informed the committee that a discussion was hosted at U of T between leaders from higher education, industry and NGOs on, “Working Together to Drive Ontario’s Talent Agenda”. Further updates on a partnership with George Brown Polytechnic will be provided at future meetings.

    On international matters, the President reported that she joined Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand in Mumbai as part of a Universities Canada delegation in late February. The Centre of Excellence in development between U of T researchers in AI and Healthcare and researchers at India’s top ranked university, the Indian Institute of Science, was announced on the trip. The President noted that she was also in the United Kingdom in January meeting with academic partners and alumni.

    Turning to the Bicentennial, the President reported that planning is underway with over 200 individuals participating in a number of planning groups. There has been deep engagement with the community as planning for this historic event unfolds. Risk Management and success metrics were raised at the Governors’ consultation; the President advised that the Secretariat is developing metrics for inclusion in the final report and a Risk and Reputation Committee has been active since January to support planning and institutional risk management.

    Next, the President reported on efforts to combat antisemitism at the University of Toronto. The draft Policy on Human Rights Discrimination and Harassment is now open for feedback and will come to governance this spring. The draft Policy includes establishment of a new Human Rights Office as the point of entry for complaints. New workshops on Addressing Antisemitism at the University of Toronto have been developed in consultation with scholarly experts at the Lab for the Global Study of Antisemitism in the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies and are being offered to a wide variety of University audiences. A mandatory session for Principals and Deans will take place this spring – the first in a series of workshops on Bill 166 topics. This activity builds on the work done by the University’s Antisemitism Working Group, academic initiatives such as the creation of the Lab for the Study of Global Antisemitism, new web resources, and the creation of the post of Assistant Director Faith and Anti-Racism to provide guidance in addressing individual and systemic faith- and race-based discrimination.

    The Provost then provided information about the 37 complaints of antisemitism reported in the first Annual Report on Complaints of Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment at the University of Toronto in response to a governor request. He advised the Committee that the majority of the complaints involved verbal exchanges or social media postings. Other categories included classroom interactions, written exchange, academic or HR decisions, and property violations. Assessments of complaints were made on a case-by-case basis using relevant policies including the Code of Student Conduct, the Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment and Civility Guidelines. Out comes included informal resolution, disciplinary action, remedial action, corrective action, and changes to University processes.

    In response to a governor inquiry, the Provost advised the Committee that global Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) is scheduled for March 21-28, 2026. It is a global movement organized by external groups. In past years, U of T student societies have held events to align with the international dates, but there has not been notable activity this year. The administration has learned that a graduate symposium may take place during that time and is actively monitoring for IAW events to ensure proper safety planning.

    The Provost then advised the Committee that on the evening of February 25, 2026 the University became aware of two antisemitic cartoon images that were used in a lecture by an instructor, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. Immediate action was taken upon this discovery – the materials were taken offline, the Dean issued an apology to students and the Faculty, and went on leave. A formal investigation is underway using expertise from an external firm specializing in conducting workplace investigations and the Dean has committed to participating fully in the process. The Provost expressed deep concern over the incident and acknowledged the profound negative impact on the community. In addition to mandatory antisemitism training, there will be a new attestation letter added for all incoming Deans disclosing allegations, investigations, or sanctions against them in relation to discrimination. He emphasized the importance of students feeling comfortable coming forward with concerns and the steps being taken to improve that process.

    Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students, provided the Committee with an update on the UTM tabling event from October 7, 2025. She advised that the University has handled the investigation with seriousness and procedural care. While an initial review determined that there were no criminal violations, the administration had immediate concerns about the conduct of those involved. There have been challenges in identifying the students who confronted the Jewish Students’ Association members, which has impacted disciplinary proceedings because they cannot move forward without an identified respondent. The administration has met with the affected students and kept them informed as well as provided support. Further steps will be taken if new evidence becomes available.

    Based on lessons learned from the tabling incident, the President advised that several corrective steps are being taken. The three Campus Safety Offices and the Office of Safety and High Risk will be re-organized to report to one leader to better mitigate risk and improve safety. The Current review of the Code of Student Conduct is anticipated to recommend substantive revisions including the addition of expectations of community behaviour, a clear reporting process, centralized support, and triaging and decision-making at higher levels for the most serious cases. Proposed changes to the Code will be presented to governance in the spring with approval to follow in the fall.

    In response to a member inquiry about consultations with major Jewish organizations in Toronto, the President reported that a productive meeting took place a few weeks ago. Discussions included initiatives being undertaken at the University, training, education, improving the complaints process, and supports for Jewish students. The President reported that she and the Provost thanked the community organizations for their work that they do to support U of T students.

    The President closed her report with recognition and acknowledgements, noting how proud the University was of the many members of the community who participated in the Olympics. She congratulated student governor Evan Chan who was recently announced as a 2026 Clarkson Laureate in Public Service. Members applauded. The President also congratulated Sandra Hanington and Rajiv Mathur on their elections as Chair and Vice-Chair for the coming year and looked forward to continuing to work with Anna Kennedy until she completes her term at the end of June.

    A member asked how the University is preparing for Al Quds day (March 14th), noting that Al Quds protests had recently been banned in the United Kingdom and that charged geopolitical tensions could escalate the possibility of violence. The President thanked the member for raising the issue and advised that Campus Safety is engaged with the Toronto Police to coordinate a safety plan. In response to a follow-up question about the Dean of Dentistry, the Provost advised that there are not full details as the investigation is ongoing, however, it appears that the slides had been used before. In response to a question about hosting 200 students from India at the University, the President advised that, for the past seven years, a percentage of international tuition has been set aside and re-invested in scholarships for international students. Offers of scholarships for the 200 students is based on this set-aside. Another member expressed concern about the Dean of Dentistry and a culture that would allow the incident to have arisen. The President agreed, sharing the shock, disbelief and dismay she experienced upon learning of it. It was another issue that she and the Provost discussed with Jewish community leaders.
  3. Items for Endorsement and Forwarding to Governing Council

    The Chair made introductory comments, noting that the Annual Report on Student Financial Support is an important frame through which to understand both the tuition fees and the budget. The Committee then received overviews from the Chairs of the UTM Campus Council (Ms. Ann Curran), the UTSC Campus Council (Ms. Grace Westcott), the Academic Board (Professor Donald Ainslie) and the Business Board (Mr. Rajiv Mathur) of the discussions of the budget and (in the case of the Business Board) the tuition fees at their respective meetings. Members did not have any questions.
    1. Tuition Fees and Budget
      1. Annual Report: Student Financial Support, 2024-25

        The Committee received the Report for information.
         

      2. Tuition Fee Schedule for Publicly-Funded Programs, 2026-27

        On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

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

        THAT

        1. the 2026-27 tuition fees as described in Schedule 1 of the Tuition Fee Schedule for Publicly-Funded Programs 2026-27, be approved;

        2. the 2026-27 tuition fees as described in Schedule 2 of the Tuition Fee Schedule for Publicly-Funded Programs 2026-27, be approved;
          AND

        3. subject to the final provisions in the Provincial Government's Tuition Fee Framework, Schedule 1 fees will be implemented for fees in the Spring/Summer term and Schedule 2 for fees will be implemented starting in the Fall term.   

      3. Tuition Fee Schedule for Self-Funded Programs, 2026-27

        On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

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

        THAT the Tuition Fee Schedule for Self-Funded Programs for 2026-27, be approved.
         
      4. Institutional Operating Budget Report 2026-27 and the Long-Range Budget Guidelines, 2026-27 to 2030-31

        On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

        YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

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

        THAT the Budget Report 2026-27 be approved and 

        THAT the Long-Range Budget Guidelines 2026-27 to 2030-31 be approved in principle.
    2. Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Temerty Building (MSB West Wing Redevelopment) – Interim Project Scope and Sources of Funding

      The Chair noted that proposal for the Temerty Building (MSB West Wing Redevelopment) capital project seeks approval for preparatory work and that approval of the project in its entirety will come through governance next year. The Academic Board Chair provided a summary of the Board’s deliberations. In response to a question, the Vice-President, OREP confirmed that there will be a presentation when the full project approval goes to governance.

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

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

      THAT the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Temerty Building (MSB West Wing Redevelopment), dated January 21, 2026, be approved in principle; and 

      THAT the Interim Project Scope as outlined in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Temerty Building (MSB West Wing Redevelopment), be approved in principle, to be funded by the Temerty Faculty of Medicine “Temerty MSB Redevelopment Fund”, the Faculty of Arts & Science “Faculty Major Capital Projects Reserve Fund”, Institutional and Facilities & Services Interim funding.
       
    3. ​​​​​​​Capital Project (Level 3): University of Toronto Facilities & Services Project Concept Report for the Climate Positive Campus – Project LEAP 2.0 - Project Scope and Sources of Funding

      The Academic Board Chair provided an overview of the discussion at the Board. Members did not have any questions.

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

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

      THAT the project scope of Project Leap 2.0, as identified in the Concept Reports (Faculty of Dentistry, March 19, 2023; McCaul Complex – July 8, 2022; 500 University – April 8, 2022) be approved in principle; and, 

      THAT the project be approved in principle to be funded through: Deferred Maintenance Funds.
  4. Annual Report: University of Toronto’s Student Mental Health Strategy

    The Provost made remarks on the Student Mental Health Annual Report 2024-2025. He began by acknowledging the efforts of Chris Bartha, Senior Executive Director of Student Mental Health Systems Policy & Strategy, and her team. The work of the team was guided by the recommendations of the 2019 Task Force on Student Mental Health and has led to extraordinary results.  The Stepped Care Model offers flexible, evidence-informed services that match student needs ranging from information and education to specialist care and crisis support. In the past year, the mental health resource portal had more than 55,000 page views. Self-directed resources on mental health are accessible 24/7 in 140 languages and were accessed more than 10,000 times. Through concerted efforts to make one-on-one counselling more accessible, wait times have been essentially eliminated. The One-At-A-Time model allows students to book virtual or in-person counselling appointments rapidly – 90% of requests are scheduled the same day. The University is also focused on patients who need psychiatric care, in partnership with CAMH. Better pathways are being designed for students with mental health and ADHD or ASD; often those students require accommodations in addition to mental health supports.

    The Chair shared a summary of the discussion from the University Affairs Board in the Board Chair’s absence. She then congratulated the Provost on the tremendous progress made on student mental health. In response to a question, the Provost advised that in high-risk situations, it may be necessary to restrain students with mental health issues. The Vice-President OREP noted that staff with specialized skills have been retained and are used to respond to high-risk situations. Members expressed support and appreciation for the efforts made to alleviate mental health suffering, calling it transformative and life-changing. Members applauded the Provost and the Report.​​​​​​​

CONSENT AGENDA

The Chair noted that items 5(a) through (g) were for confirmation and items 6(a) and (b) were 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 (g) be confirmed and items 6(a) and (b) be approved.

  1. Items for Confirmation
    1. Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees: UTM Association of Graduate Students (UTMAGS) - Proposal for Fee Increases

      Be It Confirmed,

      THAT, beginning in the Summer 2026 session, the University of Toronto Mississauga Association of Graduate Students (UTMAGS) fee be modified as follows:
      1. an increase of $4.87 per fall and winter session (full-time and part-time) in the MiWay U-Pass portion of the fee; and
      2. an increase of $2.44 per fall session and $2.43 per winter session (full-time and part-time) in the MiWay Summer U-Pass portion of the fee.
         
    2. Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees - SCSU UTSC Sports & Recreation Complex Levy

      Be It Confirmed,

      THAT, beginning in the Summer 2026 session, the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union fee be increased by $8.62 per session ($1.73 for part-time students) in the UTSC Sports & Recreation Complex Levy portion of the fee.
      ​​​​​​​
    3. Operating Plans and Fees: UTM Student Affairs and Services for 2026-27

      Be It Confirmed,

      THAT the 2026-27 operating plans and budgets for the UTM Health & Counselling Centre; the UTM Department of Recreation, Athletics & Wellness; and the UTM Student Services under the Student Services Fee, recommended by the Interim Dean of Student Experience and Wellbeing, Tim Fricker, and described in the attached proposals, be approved; and

      THAT the sessional Health Services Fee for a UTM-registered or UTM-affiliated full-time student be increased from $79.95 ($15.99 for part-time students) to $85.81 ($17.16 for part-time students) or 7.33%.

      THAT the sessional Recreation & Athletics Fee for a UTM-registered or UTM-affiliated full-time student be increased from $223.01 ($44.60 for part-time students) to $234.16 ($46.83 for part-time students) or 5.00%; (resulting from a permanent increase of 2.00% and a temporary increase of 3.00%). 

      THAT the sessional Student Services Fee for a UTM-registered or UTM-affiliated full-time student be increased from $307.70 ($61.54 for part-time students) to $320.48 ($64.10 for part-time students) or 4.15%.
       
    4. Operating Plans and Fees: UTM Service Ancillaries

      Be It Confirmed,

      THAT the proposed 2026-27 Operating Plans and Budgets for the UTM Service Ancillaries, as summarized in Schedule 1, the Service Ancillary Capital Budgets as summarized in Schedule 5, and the Service Ancillary Rates in Schedule 6, as detailed in the proposal dated December 5, 2025, be approved, effective May 1, 2026.
       
    5. Operating Plans and Fees: UTSC Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing

      Be It Confirmed,

      THAT the 2026-27 operating plans and budgets for the UTSC Student Experience and Wellbeing (including the Health & Wellness Centre, Athletics & Recreation, Student Services), as presented in the documentation from Mr. Tim Tang, Dean of Student Experience and Wellbeing, be approved; and

      THAT the sessional Health & Wellness Service Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC-affiliated full-time student be increased to $105.40 per full-time student per session ($21.08 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 11.30% ($10.70 for full-time student; $2.14 for part-time student); and

      THAT the sessional Athletics and Recreation Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC-affiliated full-time student be increased to $143.17 per full-time student per session ($28.63 per part-time student per session); which represents an increase of 0.79% ($1.12 for full-time student; $0.22 for part-time student); and

      THAT the sessional Student Services Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC-affiliated full-time student be increased to $226.74 per full-time student per session ($45.34 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 4.13% (8.99 for full-time student; $1.79 for part-time student).
       
    6.  ​​​​​​​Operating Plans and Fees: UTSC Service Ancillaries

      Be It Confirmed,

      THAT the 2026-27 operating plans and budgets for the UTSC Service Ancillaries, as summarized in Schedule 1; the Service Ancillary capital budgets as summarized in Schedule 5; and the rates and fees in Schedule 6, as presented in the Service Ancillary Report on Operating Plans dated January 15, 2026, be approved effective May 1, 2026.
       

    7. New Program: Bachelor of Information, Faculty of Information

      Be It Confirmed,

      THAT the proposed four-year, first entry degree program, Bachelor of Information as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Information dated October 31, 2025 be approved effective September 1, 2027.
  2. Reports of the Previous Meetings of the Executive Committee
    1. Report Number 563 of the Executive Committee – December 1, 2025
    2. Report Number 564 of the Executive Committee – December 11, 2025

The Committee approved the reports of the previous meetings.

  1. Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting

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

  2. Minutes of the Governing Council Meeting (December 11, 2025)

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

    Members received the following reports for information.

    1. Report Number 72 of the UTSC Campus Council (February 23, 2026)
    2. Report Number 75 of the UTM Campus Council (February 24, 2026)
    3. Report Number 288 of the Business Board (January 28, 2026)
    4. Report Number 289 of the Business Board (March 4, 2026)
    5. Report Number 260 of the Academic Board (February 26, 2026)
    6. Report Number 250 of the University Affairs Board (March 5, 2026)

  1. Date of Next Executive Committee Meeting – May 4, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

    The next meeting of the Committee will be held on May 4, 2026.
  2. Other Business

    The Chair advised the Committee that a member had written to suggest that recordings be made of governance meetings. Prior to the meeting, the Secretary of the Governing Council had shared with the member that it was not a leading practice as there must be only one official record of the meeting – the report produced by the Secretary. At the invitation of the Chair, the member elaborated on his request, indicating that recordings could be used where there is a difference in recollection of meeting events and could improve transparency. The Secretary explained the legal and governance risks inherent in creating a second official record of a meeting. With respect to accuracy, the Secretary reminded the Committee that members may raise issues with the minutes with the Secretary, who will review accordingly. Members expressed support for continuing with the current practice of having the minutes be the record of governance meetings in the interest of fostering the most thoughtful and dynamic conversation and keeping focus on outcomes of governance.

    1. Governing Council meeting – March 26, 2026

      The agenda of the March 26, 2026 of the Governing Council was shared for information.

The Committee moved in camera.


IN CAMERA SESSION

  1. Notice of Motion

    The Chair, noting the time, recommended that the meeting be extended until 8 p.m.

    On motion duly moved, seconded and carried 

    YOUR COMMITTEE RESOLVED 

    THAT the meeting would be extended until 8 p.m.

    Members discussed a motion proposed by a member of the Governing Council for inclusion on the March 26, 2026 Governing Council meeting agenda. Members emphasized their shared concern for the seriousness of the subject matter. Debate and deliberations focused on the duties of governors, role of governance versus the role of the administration, and confidence in the ongoing actions of University leadership. The motion was defeated.
  2. Judicial Board Decisions

    The Committee received for information two decisions of the Judicial Board.

  3. 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 March 5, 2026.
       

    2. ​​​​​​​Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters: Recommendations for Expulsion

      The Committee approved the President’s recommendations for expulsion, as outlined in two sets of memoranda and supporting documentation from the Secretary of the Governing Council, dated March 5, 2026.
       

    3. ​​​​​​​External Appointment: McLaughlin Centre Oversight Committee

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT Dr. Alan Bernstein be re-appointed to the McLaughlin Centre Oversight Committee for a one-year term, to March 31, 2027 or until his successor is appointed.
       

    4. ​​​​​​​Appointment of Chief Returning Officer

      On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

      YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

      THAT Lauren Turner be appointed as Chief Returning Officer, effective March 18, 2026.

  4. Item for Endorsement and Forwarding to Governing Council 
    1. ​​​​​​​Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Temerty Building (MSB West Wing Redevelopment) – Interim 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 March 5, 2026 regarding the interim total project cost and sources of funding for the Temerty Building (MSB West Wing Redevelopment) be approved in principle.
      ​​​​​​​

    2. ​​​​​​​Capital Project (Level 3): University of Toronto Facilities & Services Project Concept Report for the Climate Positive Campus – Project LEAP 2.0 – 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 March 5, 2026 regarding the total project cost and sources of funding for the Project LEAP 2.0 be approved in principle.
  5. Committee Members with the President

    Members of the Executive Committee, with Board and Campus Council Chairs, met privately with the President.
  6. 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 7:54 p.m.

March 18, 2026