THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
Thursday, December 11, 2025 in the Governing Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall
PRESENT: Anna Kennedy (Chair), Melanie Woodin (President), Wes Hall (Chancellor), Sharleen Ahmed, Donald Ainslie, Aarthi Ashok, Jay-Daniel Baghbanan, Amanda Bartley, Laurent Bozec, Vikram Chadalawada, Evan Chan, Janet Cloud, Robert Cooper, Ann Curran, Samuel Elfassy, Ramy Elitzur, Susan Froom, Indi Gopinathan, Giovanni Grasselli, Maureen Harquail, Thomas Hofmann, Paul Huyer, David Jacobs, Sarosh Jamal, Raed Kadri, Audrey Karlinsky, Ron Levi, Kevin Li, Scott MacKendrick, Brian Madden, Eha Naylor, Albert Pan, Andrew Petersen, Angela Pyle, Dina Reiss, Danielle Skipp, Adam Stinchcombe, Rishi Shah, Paul Tenenbein, Jeffrey Wendling, Grace Westcott, Mary-Agnes Wilson, Trevor Young
REGRETS: Sheree Drummond, Sandra Hanington, Linda Johnston, Kikelomo Lawal, David Gren, Rajiv Mathur, Geeta Yadav
SECRETARIAT: Cindy Ferencz Hammond (Recording Secretary), Miranda Edwards, Samantha Frost, Tracey Gameiro, Timothy Harlick, Lauren Turner
IN ATTENDANCE: Leah Cowen (Vice-President, Research & Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships), Alex Gillespie (Vice-President and Principal, UTM), Kelly Hannah-Moffat (Vice-President, PSEC), Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships), David Palmer (Vice-President, Advancement), Christine Szustaczek (Vice-President, Communications), Joseph Wong (Vice-President, International), Sandy Welsh (Vice-Provost, Students), Meg Connell (Assistant Provost), Mariana Prado (Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience), Gwen Burrows (Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact), Archana Sridhar (Assistant Vice-President, Institutional Affairs & Senior Advisor), Jodie Glean (Director, Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office), Kristin Taylor (University Counsel and Chief Legal Officer), Angela Treglia (Executive Director, Sexual Violence Strategy, Prevention, & Support Response), Kim Eija (Member, COE), Michael Gibson (Member, COE), Eric Noble (Member, COE), Terese Weisberg (Member, COE), Doyin Adeoya (student presenter), Janhavi Pasricha (student presenter).
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members and guests to the Cycle 2 Governing Council meeting. The Chair reminded members that the nomination period for vacant seats on the Governing Council and its Boards, Councils and Committees, would open on January 13, 2026, and encouraged members to promote awareness within their networks. - President’s Report
Recognition and Awards
The President noted several major honours that had been awarded in recent months. In November 2025, the Royal Society of Canada recognized 22 members of the University of Toronto (U of T), which was the largest number ever awarded to a single institution, including Vice-President of Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, Professor Leah Cowan. The University of Toronto Alumni Association also presented the Rose Wolfe Distinguished Alumni Award to the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.
Federal Government Updates
The President reported substantial new federal funding initiatives, including the Canada Global Impact Plus Research Talent Initiative, which invested $1.7 billion over 12 years to support recruitment of leading scholars, research infrastructure, and graduate/postdoctoral training. She stated that U of T was preparing to recruit quickly and had already met with deans to coordinate the process. The President also highlighted recent high-profile faculty recruitments and the launch of 100 new postdoctoral fellowships funded by a $24-million institutional investment.
Additional federal funding announcements included significant allocations for artificial intelligence (AI), supercomputing, defense-related research, quantum research, and commercialization of advanced technologies. She confirmed that the federal government’s recent adjustments to international student arrival targets were not expected to have a material impact on U of T’s planned enrolment or admissions intake, with further clarification to be provided by the Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience later in the meeting.
Provincial Government Updates
The President described ongoing engagement with provincial leadership, including meetings with the Minister of Colleges, Universities and Research Excellence and Security (MCURES). She provided updates on Bill 33, Supporting Children and Students Act, noting that U of T already met merit-based admissions and research-security requirements and would continue participating in provincial consultations, including those related to student fees.
Indigenous Identity Substantiation Framework
The President reported that the Indigenous Identity Substantiation Committee had completed its final recommendations report. The University had begun working toward implementing its recommendations, including the introduction of a new Indigenous-led substantiation framework to ensure that Indigenous-specific opportunities reached the communities for whom they were intended. Further details were to be shared through the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.
Addressing Discrimination, including Antisemitism
The President reported that the University continued to prioritize efforts to address antisemitism and other forms of discrimination across its campuses. Governors were informed that the first annual report on discrimination-related complaints had been completed. The review of the existing Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment had produced several recommendations, including the creation of a new Human Rights Office to centralize and strengthen institutional support and the replacement of the Statement with a policy, for which a working group has been struck.
The President noted that consultations had been ongoing with both internal and external community members to better understand and respond to antisemitism. The Institutional Equity Office had launched its new training program, Understanding and Addressing Anti-Semitism at U of T: Rights, Responsibilities, and Inclusive Practices, which had received positive feedback and was expected to be offered widely throughout the year.
She also highlighted extensive discussions held with Governors, faculty, students, and community advisers regarding how University leadership might more effectively address antisemitism on the campuses. As part of this effort, senior leaders had consulted with experts both within and outside the University. As a next step, the President and Provost invited eight prominent leaders from Jewish and Israeli community organizations to participate in a series of engagement meetings. This group has been asked to meet with University leadership in the coming year to address antisemitism on campus and build a more inclusive community for all.
Events at UTM on October 7
Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students, provided an update on questions raised about the October 7 event organized by the UTM Student Union (UTMSU). Professor Welsh explained that one of the inquiries concerned whether the University could have prevented UTMSU’s event from taking place on October 7th. She noted that UTMSU had met all relevant University policy requirements for holding the event and that UTMSU had made adjustments to its communications in response to concerns raised by the administration.
Professor Welsh confirmed that Peel Regional Police were consulted in advance and advised that there was no specific safety risk that would have justified asking UTMSU to cancel the event. Campus Safety also expressed concern that requesting cancellation could have drawn a larger crowd protesting on campus, potentially creating a greater safety risk. The administration determined that under university policies governing autonomous student organizations, and consistent with Ontario’s 2018 Free Speech Directive, it could not prohibit the event solely on the basis that it was offensive to members of the community. The administration could intervene only if a specific contractual breach or specific safety concerns existed, which they did not in this case.
The Vice-Provost also responded to inquiries about the status of the campus safety report regarding an incident that affected Jewish students and community members who had independently gathered to commemorate October 7 on the same day. She reported that UTM Campus Safety had completed its review of that incident, and the report was with the relevant division head for consideration. The administration was considering sharing a high-level summary with Governors, but considerations of procedural fairness, privacy, and confidentiality would need to be addressed before doing so.
Finally, Professor Welsh reiterated that members of UTMSU retained the right to bring internal complaints to the student union under its own processes, and the University would intervene under its policies if UTMSU failed to address those matters appropriately.
Advancement and Fundraising
The President highlighted progress in the Defy Gravity campaign, including a major announcement made alongside Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton at a global AI conference. Google committed $10 million to endow a chair in Hinton’s honour. The campaign surpassed $2.5 billion toward its $4 billion goal.
Bicentennial Planning
The President concluded with an update on preparations for the University’s bicentennial. Governors were invited to participate in an upcoming consultation scheduled for February 5, 2026.
Discussion
A Governor applauded University achievements through the Defy Gravity campaign, but described the UTMSU event as hateful, expressed the view that human decency should be prioritized over unrestricted free speech to prevent a recurrence of such an event. Another Governor thanked Professor Welsh for clarifying the University's control over the UTM Student Centre and inquired about specific breach circumstances under the lease that would allow administrative intervention. In response, Professor Welsh outlined breaches including violations of laws and policies, fire safety issues, persistent managerial neglect, failure to produce financial documents, or other material breaches, with opportunities for remedy before the University could assume control. The Governor followed up with a hypothetical scenario to which Professor Welsh responded that context such as safety risk, internal or external group organizers, and other circumstances would need to be taken into consideration prior to any intervention.
Another Governor commended the University for adhering to its principles and policies on free expression, even when members of the University community became uncomfortable. She noted ongoing implementation of the Working Group on Civil Discourse's recommendations and suggested that training be provided to handle difficult topics more respectfully.
Another Governor defended the UTMSU event as a space to honour lives lost on both Israeli and Palestinian sides, highlighting that social media posts about the event confirmed such inclusivity. He referenced a UN statement and the importance of hearing voices on both sides of the conflict. He expressed concern about the conduct of another Governor following the October Governing Council meeting.
Another Governor referenced a recent screening of a film at the Israeli consulate of the October 7th atrocities, which was attended by some members of the Governing Council. He spoke in favour of stricter policy enforcement or new measures to ensure safety for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.
In response to these discussion points, the President reiterated that the University had no tolerance for antisemitism. She emphasized that the University was taking concrete actions reported to Governors to address antisemitism and other forms of racism. The President was committed to ongoing efforts, and, when breaches occurred, the enforcement of policies. - Presentation: International Students
The presentation was delivered by Professor Mariana Mota Prado, Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience, who was joined by two international students, Janhavi Pasricha, a third-year student from India studying Political Science and Criminology, and Doyin Adeoya, a fourth-year student from Nigeria studying Cell and Systems Biology.
Professor Prado began by contextualizing recent federal budget news, explaining that although the government had reduced the national target for study permits from 305,000 to 155,000, this change is unlikely to pose a risk to the University. She clarified that last year only 80,000 to 100,000 total new permits were issued across Canada, meaning the new target still left room for growth. She also reported that U of T’s three-year average study permit approval rate was 88%, significantly higher than the Canadian university sector average of 54%. With these strong outcomes, the University did not anticipate concerns about wasted Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). Unlike other DLIs (Designated Learning Institutions), U of T has used all its PAL allocation and had even received additional PALs through redistribution.
Professor Prado attributed U of T’s high approval rates to its extensive support system for international students, including 15 certified immigration advisors who assisted students from admission to post-graduation work permit applications. She also pointed out that these rates were associated with the high caliber of international students that U of T attracted.
Following the overview, two international students shared their experiences. Ms. Pasricha described how pre-orientation networks, residence life, and community engagement supported her transition to Canada, along with leadership and academic opportunities through residence life, the Laidlaw Scholars Program, and the Centre for International Experience (CIE). Ms. Adeoya reflected on arriving during the COVID-19 pandemic, initial challenges in finding community, and the vital role of CIE immigration advising. She went on to become a CIE ambassador, and she took on leadership roles in student clubs.
A Governor asked how the University had supported international students during the transition from graduation to applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Professor Prado explained that recent federal budget announcements signaled the government’s intention to streamline PGWP processing, which the University hoped would lead to system-wide efficiencies. Provost Young added that the University worked with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address emerging issues, including the PGWP. Professor Prado then highlighted a recent positive development: IRCC had committed to processing study permit applications for new PhD students within 14 days in a pilot program expected to expand to other permit categories once its efficacy was confirmed. - Presentation: University of Toronto Press
Jessica Mosher, President, Publisher, and CEO of the University of Toronto Press (UTP), presented an overview of the Press’s activities and impact. She noted that UTP operated as an independent not-for-profit closely affiliated with the University and highlighted the newly released 2026 Impact Report. She explained that UTP was recognized as a top-tier university press in North America, distinguished by its publication of both books and journals. Since 2015, UTP had significantly expanded its science publishing, growing from 176 books last year to 250 this year, and from 37 journals four years ago to 80.
Ms Mosher emphasized UTP’s strong investment in indexing and searchability across major research databases, which contributed to global citations and institutional rankings. She reported that 15% of authors were from U of T, another 15% from other Canadian institutions, and 70% international, reflecting the Press’s global reach. UTP had recently secured a competitive federal export grant to support expanded partnerships in Asia and South America. Ms Mosher also highlighted one of UTP’s most unique features: its operation of all four University of Toronto bookstores.
Ms Mosher concluded by noting that UTP would celebrate its 125th anniversary in the coming year and announced a year-long exhibit at Robarts Library showcasing the Press’s history across publishing, retail, and distribution.
A Governor asked about UTP’s governance and its structure as a not-for-profit. Ms Mosher explained that UTP had been incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1991 and functioned as a fully separate entity with its own employees, unions, warehouse, and retail operations. She noted that while U of T governance approved members of the UTP Board of Directors, about half of whom were from the University, the organization reported to its Board and did not receive financial support from the University. Another Governor then offered a brief comment on how the UTP had long been a pillar of Canadian publishing and played an essential role in the industry through its distribution services. - Revisions to the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
The Chair reminded Governors that the draft policy was shared with governance bodies in cycle one for information and feedback. Revisions based on that feedback and the additional consultations since then had been incorporated into the proposed version before Council. The item was presented for approval, following recommendation by the University Affairs Board and circulation to other governance bodies for information during cycle two.
Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students, presented the final version of the revised Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment for approval. She noted that in total, the University received 25 online submissions and six email responses, and this feedback aligned closely with what had been heard during earlier spring consultations and from the external expert, Gillian Hnatiw, who reviewed the Policy from an administrative law perspective.
Professor Welsh explained that the additional feedback allowed the University to refine several areas of the Policy. These refinements included clearer definitions, improved explanations of the Policy’s scope and application, clarification of the 12-month timeline for completing a sexual-violence process and expanded information regarding supports available to respondents. The University also strengthened language related to interim measures and reprisals, which had been a newly added section in the Policy.
Professor Welsh addressed a Governor’s earlier question about whether a complainant’s expectation of privacy could ever be overridden due to the seriousness of a complaint or risks to others. She stated that new language was added to paragraph 32 to clarify circumstances in which confidentiality could not be maintained, such as when there was an imminent risk to someone’s safety or when disclosure to an external regulatory body was legally required. Although the external expert had not specifically commented on that issue, Professor Welsh noted that the University already had strong practices to mitigate harm when confidentiality must be limited. These included transparent communication about confidentiality limits, trauma-informed support provided by the Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre, safety planning, emotional support, and efforts to give individuals as much choice and control as possible, for example, allowing them to make a required report themselves when feasible.
She concluded by thanking Governors for their contributions throughout the policy-revision process.
The Council received overviews from Grace Westcott (Chair of the UTSC Campus Council, meeting November 11, 2025), Professor Donald Ainslie (Chair of the Academic Board, meeting November 13, 2025), and from Professor Ron Levi (Vice-Chair of the University Affairs Board, meeting November 25, 2025) on the discussion of this item at the meetings of their respective bodies. The Campus Councils and the Academic Board had reviewed the item for information, and the UAB supported the recommendation to approve the Policy.
A Governor commended the University for the quality of the Policy and the improvements made. The Chair thanked Professor Welsh and her team for the exemplary policy review process and robust consultation.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the proposed revisions to the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, dated November 25, 2025, be approved, effective January 1, 2026. - 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
Provost Young explained that consultations with academic leadership had informed the proposed policy revisions, which allowed units to offer longer initial appointments and renewals of up to three years for part-time faculty. He noted that the changes also introduced a new right to appeal unsuccessful reviews for continuing appointments. The revisions were expected to affect approximately 430 part-time faculty members and carried no financial implications, as units were not required to offer longer appointments.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
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. -
Review of the Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment
The Chair noted that the item provided an informational update on the review of the Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, which followed extensive consultations across the University community and was intended to lead to a new policy for approval in a later governance cycle.
The Provost began his presentation by noting that in early 2025, he and the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture, Professor Kelly Hannah-Moffat, commissioned a review of the Statement by Co-Chairs Brenda Cossman, Professor of Law and Associate Dean of Research for the Faculty of Law, and Caroline Rabbat, former Director of High Risk, Faculty Support & Mental Health for the Faculty of Arts and Science. The Provost reported that the review involved broad engagement with students, faculty, librarians, and staff across all three campuses and resulted in 13 key recommendations. Central among these was the recommendation to replace the existing statement with a new policy and to integrate relevant content from the University’s Statement on Human Rights (2012). The review also identified confusion around existing complaint pathways, particularly for students, and recommended the creation of a centralized Human Rights Office to serve as a single point of entry for complaints, similar to the model used for sexual violence support. Additional recommendations emphasized the importance of clear communication, training, and the development of systems to track complaints and meet legislative reporting requirements. It was noted that work had already begun on drafting the new policy, with further consultations planned.
Governing Council received a summary of the discussion that occurred at its Boards. The Chair of the Academic Board noted that while no questions were raised during the meeting itself, advance questions had focused on threshold assessments, investigation processes, and supports for respondents, and clarifications were provided regarding how these matters were currently handled for both employees and students, as well as the need for improved respondent supports. The Business Board reported confirmation that the proposed Human Rights Office was grounded in human rights legislation, with effectiveness to be evaluated through clarity, timelines, and reporting metrics. The University Affairs Board discussed that the University Ombudsperson would be consulted on the new policy and pointed to a potential overlap between the revised policy and the Code of Student Conduct, with assurances given that the relevant offices would coordinate to ensure alignment and consistency between the documents. -
Annual Report: Complaints of Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment at the University of Toronto
The Chair noted that the inaugural Annual Report on Complaints of Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment was prepared in accordance with Bill 166 (Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024) and the MCURES Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Directive for publicly assisted colleges and universities. The report covered the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and was provided to governance for information.
The Provost delivered the presentation and noted that the Annual Report was to be submitted to MCURES by January 31, 2026. As the first Annual Report, it would establish a baseline against which future trends and progress would be measured.
Scope of Reporting and Data Sources
The report focused on formal complaints that met a common definition. While only formal complaints were included in this inaugural report, it was noted that the administration would consider including in future reports information on informal concerns raised, training activities, and early resolution efforts, consistent with reporting practices used for sexual violence prevention. Data for the report were drawn from multiple sources across the University, including deans, principals, equity and diversity leads, the Institutional Equity Office, the Workplace Investigation Office, and the Offices of the Vice-Provost Students and Vice-Provost Faculty and Academic Life. A dedicated website had also been launched to help community members navigate complaint pathways.
Number of Complaints and Community Context
During the reporting period, the University received 250 formal complaints, a figure consistent with previous averages. The Provost noted that given the University’s total population of over 116,000 students, faculty, librarians, and staff, these complaints represented approximately 0.2% of the community, with the University reiterating that its goal remained zero incidents. Most complaints originated from students, reflecting the size of the student population, while complaints involving staff typically concerned other staff members.
Types and Grounds of Complaints
The Provost reported that the most common types of complaints involved verbal comments or exchanges and social media conduct. Complaints related to sexual violence were reported separately under a different policy framework, though the Provost noted that during the same period there were 208 disclosures and 50 progressed reports under the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment. Complaints were categorized using the protected grounds set out in the Ontario Human Rights Code, with individual complaints often involving multiple grounds. The report also identified anti-hate and anti-racism categories specifically outlined in Bill 166.
Complaint Processing and Outcomes
All 250 complaints underwent an intake process, after which 214 progressed beyond the threshold assessment stage. Of these, 159 moved to either investigation or informal resolution. Support was provided to parties at all stages of the process, including in cases where complaints did not proceed. At the end of the reporting period, 20 complaints were still under assessment, and 16 had been discontinued, typically due to withdrawal or a party leaving the University. Approximately 30 investigations remained ongoing and were to be reported in the next presentation. Outcomes ranged from disciplinary measures, including termination or expulsion, to restorative actions and broader system-level changes such as improvements to accessibility, trauma-informed supports, or provision of inclusive facilities.
Complaint Resolution Timelines
The time required to resolve complaints varied widely, with a median resolution time of approximately one month and a mean of about two months. More formal processes took longer due to fairness and procedural requirements.
The Provost concluded by emphasizing the University’s commitment to addressing discrimination, racism, and hate through both complaint processes and preventative measures. Ongoing initiatives included training, workshops, and early intervention strategies. He noted that work was underway to develop a revised human rights policy, which was expected to come forward for approval in cycle five of governance and would take effect immediately upon approval. This work would align with the ongoing review of the Code of Student Conduct, with further consultations planned and approval anticipated in the upcoming year.
The Provost was joined by Professor Kelly Hannah Moffat for questions on the item.
One Governor questioned whether a goal of zero complaints was realistic and suggested that increased complaint numbers could also reflect trust in the system. In response, the Provost clarified that zero was an aspirational goal and that improved, credible processes often lead to increased reporting, which could help address systemic issues. Another Governor emphasized the need for the provision of denominators and demographic context to better understand the scale and impact of complaints, particularly for smaller communities, and raised concerns that underreporting might signal barriers to accessing the process or deeper systemic issues. The Provost acknowledged the importance of linking complaint data with equity census data and committed to further analysis. Vice-Provost Welsh added that equity census data for students, staff, and faculty who had self-reported their identities were available, and would enable the University to contextualize complaints in the future. She acknowledged that this feedback was helpful in supporting the presentation of discrimination data alongside the proportional representation of affected communities.
Several Governors asked questions about antisemitism, noting that it remained the most frequently reported form of discrimination. Some Governors questioned the boundaries of free speech and academic freedom, referencing actions by some U.S. universities. In response, the President stated that the reported levels of antisemitism were unacceptable, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic freedom within the Canadian legal context, and explained that while U.S. approaches differed, peer institutions remained strongly committed to the fundamental principles of academic freedom and free speech, and were not retreating from them.
Governors also reflected on the University’s broader efforts, acknowledging progress in data collection, training, and policy development, while noting that freedom of expression carried corresponding responsibilities. When asked what had been learned from the first year of data, Professor Hannah-Moffat noted that the findings underscored the need to further streamline complaint processes, expand education and prevention efforts, and reduce barriers to reporting so individuals felt supported rather than discouraged.
Finally, in response to questions about timelines, it was noted that the proposed single-entry point for complaints was likely to improve efficiency, drawing on positive experiences from the student mental health taskforce. Provost Young expressed cautious optimism that sustained effort, data, and education would lead to meaningful improvement over time.
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 9 and 10 be approved.
- Revision: Terms of Reference of the Audit Committee* (approval)
IT WAS RESOLVED,
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. - Minutes of the Previous Meeting of the Governing Council – November 6, 2025
The Minutes of the Governing Council meeting of November 6, 2025, were approved. - Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the Report of the previous meeting. -
Reports for Information
Members received the following reports for information.- Review of Academic Programs and Units – Part 1
(Arising from Report Number 259 of the Academic Board (November 13, 2025) - Report Number 71 of the UTSC Campus Council (November 11, 2025)*
- Report Number 74 of the UTM Campus Council (November 12, 2025)*
- Report Number 287 of the Business Board (November 26, 2025)*
- Report Number 259 of the Academic Board (November 13, 2025)*
- Report Number 249 of the University Affairs Board (November 25, 2025)*
- Report Number 563 of the Executive Committee (December 1, 2025)*
- Review of Academic Programs and Units – Part 1
- Date of Next Meeting – Thursday, March 26, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Chair advised that the next meeting of the Governing Council would take place on March 26, 2026, at the University of Toronto Scarborough. -
Question Period
Members had no questions. - Other Business
There were no items of other business.
The Chair thanked members and guests for attending the meeting and offered best wishes for the holiday season.
The Council voted to move in camera.
- Report Number 69 of the Committee for Honorary Degrees
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the following recommendations contained in Report Number 69 of the Committee for Honorary Degrees be approved:
Eileen Antone – For outstanding service to the University, as a respected Elder, teacher, and Knowledge Keeper whose wisdom, leadership, and mentorship have profoundly enriched the University community.
Jennifer Bernard – For outstanding service to the public good, through her lifelong advocacy for equity and inclusion, and for her transformative leadership in mobilizing philanthropy to improve access to health care, education, and opportunity for underrepresented groups.
Marion Buller – For excellence in the professions and outstanding service to the public good, through her pioneering leadership in advancing justice, reconciliation, and Indigenous rights, and for her lifelong dedication to truth-telling and restorative justice.
Gregory David – For outstanding service to the public good, through visionary leadership in philanthropy that has strengthened healthcare, education, and mental health resources within Canada’s universities and academic health institutions.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell – For outstanding service to the public good, through an extraordinary lifetime of public leadership advancing civic engagement, sustainability, and global citizenship, and for her visionary efforts to strengthen democratic dialogue and foster understanding across communities.
Martin Katz – For excellence in the professions, as a producer, innovator, and champion of Canada’s creative industries through an extraordinary career that has shaped Canadian cinema and helped to elevate its international prominence.
Marnie McBean – For excellence in sport and outstanding service to the public good, through a remarkable career as one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians and a tireless advocate for equity, human rights, and ethical sport, and for her leadership in using sport as a platform to promote social change and empower others.
Janet Rossant – For excellence in the academy, through pioneering discoveries in developmental biology and stem cell research, and for her visionary leadership in advancing biomedical science, research ethics, and mentorship within the global scientific community.
Jesse Wente – For outstanding service to the public good, through transformative leadership in advancing Indigenous representation, storytelling, and sovereignty across Canada’s cultural institutions, and for his lifelong commitment to truth-telling, education, and advocacy that has reshaped public understanding and opened space for new generations of Indigenous voices.
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. - Appointment: Assistant Secretary to the Discipline Appeals Board
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT Itzel Rendon be appointed Assistant Secretary of the Discipline Appeals Board effective December 12, 2026. - Senior Appointment
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT, Professor Josheph Wong be reappointed as Vice-President, International, for a five-year term (over five and a half years to include a six-month administrative leave), effective July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2031.
The Council moved to open session.
The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
January 6, 2026