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UTSC Council Chamber, Arts and Administration Building
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in the Governing Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall
PRESENT: Anna Kennedy (Chair), Sandra Hanington (Vice-Chair), Meric S. Gertler (President), Sharleen Ahmed, Donald Ainslie, Aarthi Ashok, Glen Bandiera, Amanda Bartley, Laurent Bozec, Jovan Bursac, Luca Calabretta, Vikram Chadalawada, Janet Cloud, Robert Cooper, Ann Curran, Liam Dravid, Samuel Elfassy, Ramy Elitzur, K. Sonu Gaind, Indi Gopinathan, Ankita Goyat, Maureen Harquail, David Jacobs, Thomas Hofmann, Audrey Karlinsky, Akina Lalla, Mark Lautens, Ron Levi, Scott MacKendrick, Brian Madden, Rajiv Mathur, Douglas McDougall, Joanne McNamara, Cameron Miranda-Radbord, Eha Naylor, Andrew Petersen, Danielle Skipp, William Verreault, Grace Westcott, Geeta Yadav, Trevor Young, David Zingg
Sheree Drummond (Secretary of the Governing Council)
REGRETS: Paul Huyer, Sarosh Jamal, Linda Johnston, Kikelomo Lawal, Maya Povhe, Jeff Wendling, Mary-Agnes Wilson
GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE: Leah Cowen (Vice-President, Research & Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships), Alexandra Gillespie (Vice-President and Principal, UTM), Kelly Hannah-Moffat (Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity and Culture), Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships), David Palmer (Vice-President, Advancement), Christine Szustaczek (Vice-President, Communications), Joe Wong (Vice-President, International), Gwen Burrows, Elizabeth Church, Tony Gray, Nadina Jamison, Chris Lang, Bryn MacPherson, Alex Matos, Susan Mazza, Trevor Rodgers, Christina Salomon-Labbe, Archana Sridhar, Kristin Taylor, Sandy Welsh, Ayako Ariga, Heather Boon, Dan Bowyer, Randy Boyagoda, Audelyn Budihardjo, Annabelle Dravid, Kim Taipaleenmaki, Kristy Faccer, Dhanielle Ford, Susan Froom, Joyce Hahn, Leora Jackson, Faye Mishna, Emily Ng, Eric Noble, Kelechi Nwokeocha, Ann Perry, John Robinson, Sanish Samuel, Ron Saporta, Adam Stinchcombe, Karen Bellinger, Sandra Griffiths, Terese Weisberg, Mariana Prado, Joshua Barker
SECRETARIAT: Miranda Edwards (Recording Secretary), Joanne Chou, Megann Davidson, Cindy Ferencz-Hammond, Samantha Frost, Tracey Gameiro, Timothy Harlick
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members to the Council’s final meeting of the governance year.
Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (“ONCA”)
The Chair stated that the meeting constituted an “annual meeting” within the meaning of Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and was intended to satisfy the provisions of section 52(1) of the Act.
Member Appointments
The Chair announced that Ms Mary-Agnes Wilson had been re-appointed as a Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council member for a second three-year term, effective May 1, 2025 and that Mr. Jeff Wendling had been appointed as a new Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council member for a three-year term, effective May 15, 2025.
Awards
The Chair congratulated Dr. Sonu Gaind, a teaching staff governor, on having been awarded the American Psychiatric Association’s “Profile in Courage” Award and the Assocation’s “Distinguished Service Award”. In addition to this, Dr. Gaind had been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his impact and advocacy work on public health policy in Canada. All applauded.
The Chair also congratulated student governor, Mr. Liam Dravid, on having been awarded the UTSC Letter Award for significant contributions to campus life. All applauded. - President’s Report
The President began his report by remarking on the Spring convocation season which had just concluded. The University had hosted 34 ceremonies and awarded 17,000 degrees and 6 honorary degrees. The President thanked the Chancellor for his participation, as well as the staff of the University Registrar’s Office of Convocation and the Office of the President, as well as Academic and Campus Events, Campus Safety, and the grounds crews, for making the experience special for graduating students and their families.
Federal Matters
The President reported that the recent Speech from the Throne had emphasized the government’s focus on protecting Canada’s sovereignty and kickstarting the economy. He noted that this was a critical juncture for the country, with many challenging political and fiscal decisions to be made. The University would continue to advocate for investments in research and post-secondary education, including ensuring that visa processing for all international students was expedited.
The President had recently joined Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, where the Prime Minister announced that Canada would increase its defence spending to meet NATO’s 2% target by the end of 2025-26. The Prime Minister had also outlined the government’s plan to create a federal Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS). A key focus of the Bureau would be to advance cutting-edge research and innovation in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing, all areas where U of T had well-recognized strengths. The President noted that the Prime Minister expressed high praise for the Munk School’s students, faculty and alumni, which was a welcome indication of the government’s recognition of the University’s strengths.
Provincial Matters
The President noted that the provincial government recently introduced Bill 33, Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, which would require that post-secondary institutions increase the transparency of their administration of ancillary services, admissions criteria, and research security policies. The President noted that these measures appeared to signal a potentially significant intrusion into universities’ autonomy. However, the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security had noted that sector consultations would take place over the summer, and that the University would welcome the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on these matters.
UofT Bicentennial
The President reported that planning was underway for celebrating the University’s bicentennial in 2027. The President and Provost had convened an initial planning committee to undertake foundational work to articulate key themes, undertake early-stage community consultations with a particular focus on indigenous community members, and make recommendations for an organizational framework. Incoming President-designate, Professor Melanie Woodin, would continue to lead the process of advancing plans for the bicentennial, including planning for signature events, legacy initiatives, and community engagement opportunities. He thanked the committee for their work in preparing for this major celebration. - Revisions to the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters (CBAM)
Professor Heather Boon, Vice-Provost, Faculty & Academic Life presented this item. Professor Boon noted that the Code’s revisions had been prompted by recommendations made in previous Reports of the Ombudsperson. She thanked the student societies who had shared surveys and submitted their own input. She noted there had been a high level of engagement in consultations which had shaped each iteration of the drafting process.
Professor Boon highlighted five main revisions – three related to procedures and two related to sanctions. These revisions included enhanced clarity, a better reflection of current practice, (including a recognition that virtual hearings were the default mode for hearings), more detailed requirements regarding the formal notice of misconduct charges provided to students, expansion of divisional jurisdiction thresholds, requirements for the forfeiture of unauthorized aids in examination settings, and new regulations regarding “deemed admissions” which would help to better ensure the fair resolution of cases.
In response to a governor’s question regarding the appropriate use of AI in coursework and evaluations, the Provost noted that the University’s AI Taskforce had recently released its report with details on this subject, and the University was planning future implementation.
In response to a governor’s question, Professor Boon stated that education was the first line of defence against academic offences and the University strived to create an environment and structures that supported students and provided deterrence against the use of unauthorized aids.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the proposed revisions to the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters, dated May 12, 2025, be approved, effective July 1, 2025 - Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2025
The Chair noted that as part of the meeting package circulated in advance, governors were presented with a link to access a copy of the annual audited financial statements including the Independent Auditor’s Report.
Rajiv Mathur, Chair of the Business Board, provided a summary of the discussion that took place regarding this item at the Board’s meeting of June 17, 2025.
In response to a governor's inquiry about the University’s debt, Trevor Rodgers, Chief Financial Officer, confirmed that the University had issued external debentures totaling $710 million at long term fixed rates. He further clarified that the growth in internal debt, borrowed from the University’s operating reserves, was used exclusively to fund capital projects. This internal debt was also issued in the form of long-term fixed rate loans and would be paid back over a 25-year period.
A governor inquired as to why the operational cashflow had declined. Mr. Rodgers confirmed that cashflow from operations was more constrained than in previous years due to the fact that operating expenses were increasing faster than revenue growth.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the University of Toronto audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025, be approved. - External Auditors: Appointment for 2025-26
The Chair stated that this item was recommended by the Business Board and indicated that the Board Chair, Rajiv Mathur, had informed her that he had no substantive report to present.
In response to a governor’s question as to why the University had appointed the same firm again, Mr. Rodgers explained that the University had conducted a detailed Request for Proposals in the year prior and that Ernst & Young (EY) had been selected as the University’s auditor for a five-year period, subject to annual review by the Governing Council. He noted that EY had been the only audit firm capable of completing the work as required in the RFP, and that several large firms opted not to participate in the process due to conflicts with other work they did on behalf of the university.
In response to another question, Mr. Rodgers indicated that, as part of the RFP process, EY had appointed a new audit team, including a new audit partner and senior manager. He stated that it was uncommon for universities to cycle out audit firms but much more common to cycle out audit partners on a regular basis, which is what the University had done this year.
In response to a governor’s question as to whether all other Ontario universities used EY’s audit services, Mr. Rodgers stated that at the time of the RFP there were 3 firms that provided audit services to Ontario’s public universities, but re-iterated that EY was the only eligible firm that met the requirements of the University’s RFP.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT Ernst & Young be re-appointed as external auditors of the University of Toronto for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2026. - Annual Report: President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability
The President welcomed the co-chairs of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS), Mr. Ron Saporta, Chief Operating Officer, Property Services & Sustainability, and Professor John Robinson, Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability. He extended his appreciation to all members of the committee and to the staff who supported their work. He noted that the University had made tremendous progress on its sustainability initiatives across all three campuses and had been ranked 1st in sustainability in the QS World University Sustainability rankings for the second year in a row. He acknowledged the committee’s leadership and deep commitment, and its contributions towards this extraordinary achievement.
Professor Robinson provided brief highlights of the University's sustainability activities, including over 500 student projects on sustainability issues on- and off-campus, $14 million in supplier spending via the social procurement portal, 86 early-career researchers involved in knowledge co-production training, 924 students enrolled as “sustainability scholars” across six programs in five divisions, and 420 students enrolled as “sustainability citizens” across the university, and over 6 million pounds of campus waste diverted from landfill.
Mr. Saporta told the Council that the University continued to make progress on its carbon reduction programs, including air travel carbon mitigation systems and Project LEAP, which had so far resulted in over 26,000 tons of carbon reductions, creating over $2.7 million in utility costs savings. The Committee’s approach was to pilot technologies and then expand them at scale. The University continued to work toward its ultimate goal of being carbon positive across the tri-campus by 2050.
The co-chairs invited Kelechi Nwokeocha, student co-chair of the Student Leadership Subcommittee to address the Council. Ms Nwokeocha introduced herself and explained that the student subcommittee had been created to ensure more representation for students. It was currently made up of 12 students from different subjects and years of study. The subcommittee had three main priorities: to establish the group as a key driver of change, to create lasting momentum and involvement in the student community, and to reduce non-recyclable waste and encourage related behavioural changes. Ms Nwokeocha noted some recent accomplishments of the subcommittee, including that it had connected with around 400 students over a 6-month period, and that it had implemented a paper towel waste reduction initiative in 150 washrooms, with about 300 more to be done this summer. The Committee also planned to create a best practice guide for waste diversion in student residences for publication in Fall 2025.
The President praised the value and unique nature of CECCS in bringing together operations, academics, and students in a co-creation process. He again thanked the committee members for their dedication and contributions.
In response to a governor’s question regarding synergies between CECCS and the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre’s AI programs, Mr. Saporta noted that he and Professor Robinson had had in-depth conversation with Professor Susan McCahan, head of the AI Taskforce, regarding collaborations. He also noted that AI emissions would be included in the University’s sustainability calculations.
In response to a question regarding student leadership opportunities, Ms Nwokeocha commended the opportunities available in the leadership tier of the Sustainability Pathways Program. Professor Robinson further noted that CECCS ran workshops for senior undergraduate students on how to take their learnings into any occupational environment and become agents of change for sustainability.
In response to a question regarding air travel emissions, Mr. Saporta clarified that air travel emissions related to travel for University business would be included in calculations for an internal carbon offset program. - Final Report of the Working Group on Civil Discourse and Administrative Response
The Chair introduced the item by noting that this topic was of critical importance to the University and that governors were called upon to model the highest level of civil discourse.
Professor Randy Boyagoda began his presentation by noting that he had been appointed in January 2024 as a Provostial Advisor on Civil Discourse and Chair of the Working Group on Civil Discourse. The working group had received a mandate to identify areas where the University was facilitating civil discourse well, and where it could do better. He noted the high level of engagement from the University community in the two consultation periods undertaken by the working group. A particular trend in the feedback heard by the working group concerned tensions in the classroom environment, including where and how to engage in productive disagreement. The working group had also heard from faculty and students that the administration was perceived as being remote from academic life, and that university community members struggled to navigate the university’s decision-making processes.
The working group had released a publicly available report this month with a series of recommendations intended to strengthen civil discourse on campus and promote productive, rigorous debate. Professor Boyagoda concluded by noting that this civil discourse project was the only one of its kind at a Canadian university and hoped that it could serve as a future model to other institutions.
Administrative Response
The Provost thanked Professor Boyagoda for his dedicated work on this project. He stated that the University had accepted all recommendations in the report and that his office was eager to begin implementation. The Provost reported that Professor Boyagoda had accepted a six-month extension to his role, ending December 31, 2025. The Provost noted he had asked Professor Boyagoda to oversee implementation and had requested that he begin with two of the recommendations: 1) enhancing civil discourse education and 2) promoting best practices.
Discussion
Several governors commended Professor Boyagoda on his work and the report of the working group, confirming their support for the importance of this project and the value of strong civil discourse in campus life.
A governor noted their concern that, as reported, students had told the working group they feared potential retribution or peer ostracization for opposing a professor’s point of view in a classroom setting, and asked if there were any specific plans to address this from a human resources approach. Professor Boyagoda agreed that it was concerning but emphasized that this feedback was not a dominant theme heard during the consultation. He stated his opinion that improvements to this dynamic needed to be initiated at the local level of departments and faculties, rather than through institutional policies or statements.
Professor Boyagoda agreed with a governor’s comment that civil discourse education should begin in first-year studies and should be discussed actively in classroom studies to promote deep engagement.
A governor commented that it was important for campus groups who hosted events with external speakers to ensure that free expression of opposing ideas was protected at such events. Professor Boyagoda agreed with the governor and cited a study recently profiled in the Chronicle of Higher Education that found that panel events were seen as less divisive than single speaker events, and also that speaking events based on scholarly expertise were seen as less divisive than speaking events based on personal lived experiences. Professor Boyagoda stated his opinion that such events should be managed by local divisions and faculties with the goal of upholding academic freedom.
In response to a governor’s question, Professor Boyagoda stated there was strong interest in exploring the intersection of civil discourse with the University’s scholarly expertise and research capacity, which could be a topic of ongoing discussion.
In response to a governor’s question, the Provost confirmed that his office would bring a follow-up report regarding implementation of the report’s recommendations to the Governing Council near the end of the calendar year. - Review of the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
Professor Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students introduced the item, noting that this was the third review of the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment since its adoption. The purpose of the review was to examine the effectiveness of amendments made following the previous review in 2022 as well as to identify further opportunities to improve the policy.
The review consisted of both community consultations and a review by an external legal expert. The community consultations were led by Professor Faye Mishna and were now completed. The legal expert, Ms Gillian Hnatiw, would complete and submit her review over the summer. The administration planned to review the policy in response to both review inputs, and present proposed amendments to governance for approval in the next governance year.
Professor Mishna commented that she had been impressed with the University community’s strong commitment to upholding and improving the sexual violence policy and related support systems. She noted that all consultation facilitators, including herself, had undergone training to lead a trauma-informed approach.
Professor Mishna told the Council that consultation feedback had centred on the need for improvement in five key areas: 1) clarity and transparency, 2) processes and communications, 3) timelines, 4) policy scope, and 5) education, training, and awareness.
Professor Mishna’s team heard calls for clearer information provided to those involved in complaints cases about investigation processes and timelines, both at the start of cases, and with more frequent updates provided throughout the process. Consultees also called for improved definitions, a strong statement condemning sexual violence, and improved online resources. Feedback also indicated a need for better clarity around whether or not the Policy included intimate partner violence, and the boundaries of the Policy’s jurisdiction.
A governor noted that, in previous years, when this policy had come forward, there had been some opposition from student groups. Professor Welsh noted that the previous meeting that the governor was referring to, had been one in which an amended policy was being voted on for approval. In this case, her office was only presenting the results of consultations; therefore, the process was still ongoing. However, she noted that Professor Mishna had met with student groups who communicated their concerns with the policy in its current state, and their recommendations for changes.
In response to a governor’s question, Professor Welsh stated that the University was looking into whether it made sense to put timeline targets on case investigations, noting that this approach might not always be appropriate. She further noted that Ms Hnatiw had been asked to comment on this as part of her external review.
In response to another governor’s question, Professor Welsh confirmed that the administration planned to bring forward draft policy changes to the Governing Council for information in Cycle 1 of the next governing year, before bringing forward the amended policy for approval later in the year. The provincial government deadline for the amended policy’s approval was December 31, 2025.
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Items 9, 10, and 13 be approved.
- Revisions to the Terms of Reference of the Academic Appeals Committee
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the proposed revised Academic Appeals Committee Terms of Reference be approved, effective immediately, replacing the Terms of Reference previously approved on February 17, 2011. - Minutes of the Previous Meeting of the Governing Council
The Minutes of the Governing Council meeting of May 22, 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.- Report Number 285 of the Business Board (June 17, 2025)
- Report Number 247 of the University Affairs Board (May 21, 2025)
- Report Number 72 of the UTM Campus Council (May 27, 2025)
- Report Number 69 of the UTSC Campus Council (May 26, 2025)
- Report Number 560 of the Executive Committee (June 12, 2025)
- Semi-Annual Reports of Reviews of Academic Programs and Units
- Summer Executive Authority
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,- THAT until the start of the fall 2025 academic term (September 2, 2025), authority be granted to the President for:
- decisions on other matters the urgency of which does not permit their deferral until the next regular meeting of the Governing Council or its appropriate standing committee or board,
- appointments to categories 2,[1] 3,[2] and 5[3] of the Policy on Appointments and Remuneration approved by the Governing Council of the University of Toronto, dated May 30, 2007;[4]
- approval of such additional curriculum changes as may arise for the summer and September 2025; and
- THAT all actions taken under this authority be approved by the Chair of the Governing Council prior to implementation and reported to the appropriate committee or board for information.
- THAT until the start of the fall 2025 academic term (September 2, 2025), authority be granted to the President for:
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Date of Next Meeting – November 6, 2025, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Chair advised that the next meeting of the Governing Council would take place on November 6, 2025. - Question Period
A governor asked that the Administration comment on the University’s AI adoption readiness. The governor remarked that, while it was important to implement rules and guardrails around adoption, it was also important to decrease barriers to AI usage. The Provost agreed with the governor that it was important for the University to be AI-ready and an early adopter. He noted the work of the Taskforce on AI led by Professor Susan McCahan as guidelines to the Univeristy. He also noted that the University was planning investments in AI technologies to ensure students would have access and training. He noted the University was proceeding cautiously with a “walk before we run” approach. - Other Business
The Chair thanked all governors, assessors, and members of the Governing Council’s boards and committees for volunteering their time to university governance. The Chair named each of the departing governors whose terms were ending, noting their accomplishments and thanking them for their service.
The following citations were read into the record:
Professor Glen Bandiera is completing a three-year term as a teaching staff governor. Glen has served on the University Affairs Board, the Academic Board, and the Business Board. In addition, he served on a Judicial Board. Glen, we are grateful to you for your contributions and for your dedication to the University. Thank you.
Jovan Bursac is completing a one-year term as a graduate student governor. Jovan served on the Business Board and on the Executive Committee. In addition, he served as a panel member for an academic appeal as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee. Jovan has been a highly engaged student governor, not only in his contributions in governance meetings but also as a regular attendee at a range of University events and governor education opportunities. Jovan, we thank you for your service and active engagement. We wish you all the very best as you complete your MBA.
Luke Calabretta is completing a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. Luke has been an engaged student governor, serving on the Planning & Budget Committee and on the University Affairs Board and liaising with the administration to raise student-focused issues. In addition, he served as a panel member for two academic appeal hearings as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee. Luke, we thank you for your involvement in governance. We wish you all the very best with your ongoing studies in civil engineering.
Liam Dravid is completing a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. Liam served on the Academic Board, as well as on the Committee to Recommend the Appointment of the Ombudsperson. In addition, he served as a panel member for an academic appeal as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee. He has been a very engaged student, both as a governor and as a student leader at UTSC. Liam, we thank you for your commitment to the University - and congratulations on your recent graduation! We wish you all the very best as you start your graduate studies in engineering.
Professor Sonu Gaind is completing two, three-year terms as a teaching staff governor. Over the course of his tenure, Sonu served on the Executive Committee, the Academic Board, the Business Board, and the University Affairs Board, serving a term as Vice-Chair. He also served on the Committee to Review the Office of the Ombudsperson in 2020 and most recently the Committee to Recommend the Appointment of the Ombudsperson. In addition, he served as a panel member for three academic appeal hearings and served on a Judicial Board. Sonu has been a dedicated governor who has been a regular and thoughtful contributor to meeting discussions. Sonu, we are deeply grateful for your many contributions as a governor. We wish you continued success.
Ankita Goyat is completing a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor, serving on the Academic Board and on the University Affairs Board. Ankita, we thank you for your contributions to governance and we wish you all the best in completing your Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Akina Lalla is completing a one-year term as a part-time student governor, serving on the Elections Committee and the Committee on Academic Policy & Programs. Akina, we wish you all the best in your studies.
Professor Mark Lautens was first elected as a teaching staff governor in 2016 and was re-elected twice, which brings him to the maximum of nine consecutive years of service. Over the course of his tenure, Mark has served on the Academic Board, the University Affairs Board, and the Executive Committee. In addition, he served on the Planning and Budget Committee, as its Vice-Chair from 2019 to 2023, and then its Chair, and also as Chair of the Elections Committee from 2021 to 2023. Mark also served as a panel member for five academic appeal hearings as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee. He was also one of the teaching staff members of the recent Presidential Search Committee. On all these bodies he has been an engaged and thoughtful contributor and an unrelenting champion for higher education. Mark, we are deeply grateful to you for your governance service and leadership, and for your dedication to the University. Thank you!
Professor Doug McDougall was first elected in a by-election as a teaching staff governor from OISE in 2018. He was re-elected twice. Over the course of his years of service, Doug has served on the Planning and Budget Committee and the University Affairs Board. He also served on the Academic Board, playing a vital leadership role as Vice-Chair from 2019 – 2022 and then Chair. As Chair of Academic Board, he was an ex officio member of the Committee for Honorary Degrees and attended meetings of the Executive Committee as a non-voting participant. In addition, Doug was a member of the Working Group on Governance Oversight of Capital Projects. Doug also served as a panel member for six academic appeal hearings, and on two Judicial Boards. Doug’s steadfast commitment to good governance, his thoughtful guidance, and his devotion to fostering open conversation have been hallmarks of his service and leadership as a governor. Doug, we are deeply grateful for your substantial contributions to governance, and we wish you all the best as you embark on your well-earned retirement.
Joanne McNamara was first appointed as a ‘Lieutenant Governor in Council’ member’ in February of 2019. Over her tenure, Joanne served on the Planning & Budget Committee, the Pension Committee, the Elections Committee, the Academic Board, and the Business Board - as well as on the Executive Committee. In addition, she served as Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee from 2020 to 2021 and as its Chair since 2021. As Chair of the Audit Committee, she has been very engaged in governance oversight of risk, including serving on the Task Force on Risk Reporting. Joanne, we thank you for your leadership and dedicated service to the University of Toronto. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Cameron Miranda-Radbord is completing a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. During his time as governor, Cameron served on the University Affairs Board and on the Executive Committee. In addition, he served as a panel member for an academic appeal as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee, as well as a panel member on three University Tribunal hearings (in addition to the ones he served on prior to becoming a governor). Cameron has been a highly engaged student governor, regularly contributing to the discussions at various governance meetings and working proactively with governance leaders and administrators on a variety of student-focussed matters. Cameron, thank you for your passion and commitment. Congratulations on your recent graduation from Victoria and best wishes as you begin your law studies at U of T in the fall.
Maya Povhe is completing a one-year term as a part-time student governor, serving on the Academic Board. In addition, she served as a panel member for an academic appeal as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee. Maya has been a highly engaged student governor, not only in governance, but in a broad range of activities at the University. Maya, we thank you for your passion and dedicated service. Congratulations on your recent graduation! We wish you the very best in your future endeavours!
William Verreault is completing a one-year term as a graduate student governor. William served on the Academic Board and the University Affairs Board. William, we are grateful for your service, and we wish you the very best with the remainder of your doctoral studies in Mathematics.
Professor David Zingg was elected from the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering to serve as a teaching staff governor in 2022. David has served on the Academic Board, the University Affairs Board, the Planning and Budget Committee, and the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs. In addition, he served as a panel member for an academic appeal as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee. David, thank you for your service and for your contributions to governance.
The President expressed his deep appreciation for Governors, noting their countless hours of service towards University governance. He remarked that he had benefited from the wise counsel of many governors and Chairs during his time as President, and expressed gratitude to the Governing Council for having put its trust and faith in him and his leadership team for over 12 years. He noted that leading this team and the university administration had been one of his greatest privileges, and that looking to the future, he was optimistic. The University of Toronto was poised to make ever greater contributions to the Toronto region, Canada, and the world through its comprehensive academic strengths, its commitment to access and excellence, and its interdisciplinary and collaborative research platforms. He was confident that the incoming President, Professor Melanie Woodin, would also greatly benefit from the wisdom and dedication of Governors, and he looked forward to seeing what was in store for this extraordinary institution.
On behalf of the Governing Council, the Chair presented President Gertler with a gift. She thanked him for his remarkable leadership over 12 years as President. She noted that the University had been exceptionally fortunate to have had a President who understood the fundamental importance of governance and who had repeatedly demonstrated a deep respect for the important role it had played in the ongoing success of the University. She noted that he had dedicated countless hours preparing for and attending governance meetings and had invested significant time and effort in building a strong relationship with each of the seven Chairs he had worked with over the course of his Presidency. In honour of his service, she presented him with a crystal clock, which she noted was a symbol of the time he had invested in governance. Governors and guests gave the President a standing ovation.
The Council voted to move in camera.
IN CAMERA SESSION
- Appointments: Committee for Honorary Degree Membership 2025-26+
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the following proposed membership of the 2025-26 Committee for Honorary Degrees be approved, for a term effective July 1, 2025:
Administrative Staff
Ms Tee Copenace (UTM Director, Indigenous Initiatives)
Lay Members
Dr. Wendy Cecil (Former Chair of the Governing Council)
Dr. Shirley Hoy (Former Chair of the Governing Council)
Ms N. Jane Pepino (Former Vice-Chair of the Governing Council)
Students
Mr. Liam Dravid (Graduate Student, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering)
Mr. William Verreault (Graduate Student, Faculty of Arts and Science)
Teaching Staff
Professor Randy Boyagoda (Department of English, Faculty of Arts & Science)
Professor Janice Gross Stein (Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts & Science)
Professor Mark Lautens (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science)
Professor Arthur Ripstein (Faculty of Law and Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts & Science) -
Senior Appointments
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT Professor Alexandra Gillespie’s first term as Vice-President, University of Toronto, be extended to December 31, 2027, concurrent with the extension of her appointment as Principal, University of Toronto Mississauga (subject to the approval of the Agenda Committee).
And
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
THAT Professor Meric S. Gertler be appointed President Emeritus, effective July 1, 2025.
IT WAS RESOLVED - Naming Proposal
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the recommendation contained in the memorandum from Anna Kennedy, Chair of the Governing Council, dated June 24, 2025, be approved.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
June 27, 2025