THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL
PRESENT: Anna Kennedy (Chair), Sandra Hanington (Vice-Chair), Melanie Woodin (President), Sharleen Ahmed, Donald Ainslie, Laurent Bozec, Vikram Chadalawada, Evan Chan, Janet Cloud, Robert Cooper, Ann Curran, Samuel Elfassy, Ramy Elitzur, Susan Froom, Indi Gopinathan, Giovanni Grasselli, Thomas Hofmann, Paul Huyer, David Jacobs, Sarosh Jamal, Linda Johnston, Raed Kadri, Audrey Karlinsky, Ron Levi, Scott MacKendrick, Brian Madden, Rajiv Mathur, Andrew Petersen, Dina Reiss, Rishi Shah, Danielle Skipp, Adam Stinchcombe, Paul Tenenbein, Jeffrey Wendling, Grace Westcott, Mary-Agnes Wilson, Geeta Yadav, Trevor Young
Sheree Drummond (Secretary of the Governing Council)
REGRETS: Wes Hall (Chancellor), Aarthi Ashok, Jay-Daniel Baghbanan, Amanda Bartley, Kikelomo Lawal, Kevin Li, Eha Naylor, Albert Pan, Angela Pyle
SECRETARIAT: Cindy Ferencz Hammond (Recording Secretary), Miranda Edwards, Samantha Frost, Tracey Gameiro, Lauren Turner
IN ATTENDANCE: Victoria Liu (Governor-Elect), Mark Surchin (Governor-Elect), Alexandra Gillespie (Vice-President and Principal, UTM), Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships), Christine Szustaczek (Vice-President, Communications), Kristin Taylor (Vice-President, Legal, Risk & Safety and Chief Legal Officer), Susan McCahan (AVP and Vice-Provost Digital Strategies and Vice-Provost Teaching & Learning), Sandy Welsh (Vice-Provost, Students), Joe Wong (Vice-President, International), Mariana Prado (Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, International Student Experience), Christine Burke (Assistant Vice-President, University Planning), Archana Sridhar (Assistant Vice-President, Institutional Affairs), Michael Snowdon (Assistant Vice-President, Planning & Budget), Brian Pratt (Chief, University Planning, Design and Construction), Meg Connell (Assistant Provost), Jeff Lennon (Chief Financial Officer), Brian Desrosiers-Tam (Assistant Dean, School of Graduate Studies), Daniela Trapani (Director of Operations, Office of the President), Sadat Somayeh (Director, Reporting & Analytics, Institutional Research & Data Governance), Samuel Sanish (Director and Controller, Financial Services), Dan Bowyer (Member, UTSC Campus Council), Michael Gibson (Member, COE), Eija Kim (Member, COE), Herman Ng (Member, COE)
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair opened the meeting by welcoming members to the final Governing Council meeting of the 2025–26 governance year. She reflected on the conclusion of her three years as Chair, noting it had been a privilege to serve during a significant period of transition for the University, including President Woodin’s first year in office. She expressed her appreciation to fellow governors and members of the administration for their support throughout her term and conveyed her confidence that the Governing Council would be well served under the leadership of incoming Chair Sandra Hanington and incoming Vice-Chair Rajiv Mathur. She congratulated incoming Chair Sandra Hanington and incoming Vice-Chair Rajiv Mathur. She formally noted their reappointments as Lieutenant Governor in Council members for their third and final terms[1] and expressed appreciation for their continued service and commitment to the University.
Finally, the Chair advised that, in accordance with the University's by-laws and the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the meeting constituted the University's annual meeting. - President’s Report
The President opened her remarks by thanking governors for their guidance, engagement, and support throughout her first year as President. She acknowledged the important role that Governing Council had played in helping the University navigate a successful year of transition.
Convocation and Alumni Engagement
The President began by reflecting on the recently concluded convocation season, noting that the University had held 36 ceremonies, awarded degrees to approximately 15,000 graduates, and conferred nine honourary degrees. She paid tribute to Chancellor Wes Hall, who attended every convocation ceremony and spent considerable time meeting graduates and their families following each event. The President also highlighted the success of Alumni Reunion Weekend, which immediately followed convocation. More than 12,000 alumni participated in events organized by 27 divisions across the University's three campuses. She described the opportunity to recognize alumni celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation as particularly meaningful and noted that the continued engagement of alumni reflected the lasting connections members of the University community maintain long after graduation.
Campus Engagement and Advancement
The President noted that Front Campus had remained an active gathering place throughout the summer, including the installation of a large public screen to broadcast FIFA World Cup matches. She observed that these events had attracted members of both the University community and the wider public and represented another opportunity to strengthen the University's engagement with the City of Toronto.
Turning to advancement, the President provided a final update on the Defy Gravity campaign for the 2025-26 year. Following completion of the University's year-end financial accounting, she confirmed that the campaign had concluded the year having raised approximately $492 million, substantially exceeding the original fundraising target of $310 million. She noted that this represented both the University's strongest fundraising year and the largest annual fundraising total achieved by any Canadian university. The President emphasized that these philanthropic investments directly supported the University's academic priorities by advancing teaching, research, student financial assistance, and strategic institutional initiatives. She added that the University had already begun the next fundraising cycle with strong engagement from alumni and donors.
Academic Recognition
The President concluded her remarks by recognizing several members of the University community for recent achievements. She congratulated Professor Roberto Abraham (David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics), Professor John Borrows (Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law), and Professor Nicholas Terpstra (Department of History, Faculty of Arts & Science, and Provost of Trinity College) on their appointments as University Professors, theUniversity's highest and most distinguished academic rank. The President also congratulated the recipients of the 2025–26 President's Teaching Awards, recognizing Professor Mairi Cowan (Historical Studies, UTM), Professor Robin Elliott (Faculty of Music), Professor Robert Irish (Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering), Professor Michael Reid (David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics), and Professor Olivier St-Cyr (Faculty of Information) for their outstanding and sustained commitment to excellence in teaching. Finally, the President congratulated Professor Rhonda McEwen, President of Victoria University, on her appointment as the next President of the University of Victoria. She acknowledged Professor McEwen's many contributions to the University of Toronto since joining the institution in 2011 and wished her every success in her new leadership role.
The Chair congratulated the President on what she described as an exceptionally active and successful first year in office. She observed that throughout the year Governing Council had received updates on numerous significant initiatives, including academic planning, student supports, research excellence, government relations, policy renewal, efforts to combat discrimination, and preparations for the University's bicentennial, and commended the President for the progress achieved across these areas.
Questions and Discussion
One governor asked whether, beyond implementing the Complaint and Resolution Council for Student Societies (CRCSS) recommendations relating to the UTM Students' Union, the University intended to review the governance of student societies and consider how the University's 2024 institutional neutrality principles, which discourage academic units from issuing statements on contentious political matters, might be applied more broadly. A governor also asked what additional safeguards the University intended to put in place before the next October 7 anniversary to prevent similar incidents and to ensure that all members of the University community could safely exercise their rights to free expression. In response, the President advised that the University was implementing the recommendations arising from the CRCSS decision and confirmed that the Provost would oversee compliance with those requirements. Addressing broader questions regarding institutional neutrality, she noted that the University continued to monitor adherence to the principles adopted in 2024 discouraging institutional statements by academic units on contentious political issues and indicated that, to her knowledge, the University remained in compliance with those principles. The President referred to her update to the Governing Council on May 13, 2026 in which she discussed measures to strengthen campus safety and support lawful free expression. She advised that the University remained committed to implementing and advancing those initiatives.
[1] Sandra Hanington – July 30, 2026 to June 29, 2029, Rajiv Mathur – June 1, 2026 to March 24, 2029.
- Performance Indicators for Governance, 2025
The Chair introduced the Annual Performance Indicators Report, observing that the report provided an important retrospective assessment of the University's institutional performance across a broad range of strategic objectives and demonstrated the University's continued strength in fulfilling its academic mission. The Chair then invited Provost Young, together with Somaya Sadat, Director, Reporting and Analytics, Institutional Research and Data Governance, to present the report. The Provost explained that the performance indicators drew upon both internal and external sources to assess the University's progress against its strategic priorities and to benchmark performance against peer institutions. He reported that the University remained well positioned across virtually all institutional measures, reflecting sustained excellence in teaching, research, student success, and financial stewardship.
The presentation highlighted the University's international standing, noting that U of T remained among the world's leading universities across all major global ranking systems and distinguished itself through both the breadth and quality of its academic programs, with nearly 50 subject areas ranked among the top 50 globally. The Provost also reported that the University's financial indicators remained strong, with financial ratios exceeding both the Ontario sector average and the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities average, demonstrating the institution's sound financial position and its capacity to invest in strategic priorities.
The Provost reported significant growth in philanthropic giving and research funding. Although overall research funding had increased substantially, he noted that federal tri-agency funding had declined and that the University was pursuing more diversified funding sources through research collaborations, industry partnerships, and international opportunities. He also discussed the impact of external factors on international student enrolment, including federal study permit caps and geopolitical instability, and advised that the University was closely monitoring these trends while implementing measures to mitigate their effects. The presentation also emphasized the University's commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student success. The Provost noted that investment in student financial aid had increased, particularly in response to recent changes to OSAP, and highlighted the University's efforts to attract and support students from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds. He also reported rising demand for Accessibility Services, driven largely by students seeking accommodations related to mental health and ADHD, and described initiatives designed to streamline access to mental health, accessibility, and academic support services.
The Provost reviewed indicators relating to student mental health and well-being, reporting that more than 106,000 appointments had been provided through Student Health & Wellness during the previous year, with over half relating to mental health concerns. He highlighted improvements in several measures of student well-being and belonging reported through the Canadian Campus Well-being Survey and noted high levels of satisfaction with the timeliness of access to care. The presentation concluded with updates on student housing, where the Provost noted that several new residence projects had recently been completed or were under development, reflecting the University's ongoing commitment to expanding housing capacity. He also reported that second-year retention rates remained strong at 92.5 per cent, while six-year graduation rates had increased modestly over the previous year. Although graduate employment rates had declined slightly in line with broader economic conditions, more than 90 per cent of undergraduate graduates remained employed two years after graduation, and U of T continued to rank among the world's leading institutions for graduate employability. The Provost concluded by noting that the University remained on track to meet or exceed all of the performance targets established under its Strategic Mandate Agreement with the Province.
Questions and Discussion
One governor requested clarification regarding several of the University's financial ratios, including the net income, viability, and interest burden ratios, and suggested that future reports include definitions and historical trend information. Questions were also raised about graduate employment statistics, with members recommending that future reporting provide greater insight into the quality and relevance of graduates' employment to contextualize employment rate data. In response, the administration explained that the financial indicators measured the University's operating performance, debt capacity, and interest costs relative to revenues and expenditures, noting that the University's strong results reflected its sound financial position and relatively low level of external debt. Members also heard that graduate surveys consistently showed U of T graduates were more likely than those at peer institutions to be employed in fields related to their studies. Governors next asked about the factors contributing to the growing demand for Accessibility Services and whether sufficient resources were available to meet future demand. The administration advised that most of the recent growth related to mental health conditions and ADHD, although increases were also being observed among graduate students and other student populations. Members also heard about a pilot initiative that combined mental health assessment, accessibility assessment, and academic accommodation into a single coordinated process, with encouraging early results. Governors also discussed student mental health supports and suggested that the University consider expanding opportunities for therapy animals on campus. The administration noted that therapy dogs already formed part of several wellness initiatives, including examination support programming. Finally, a governor asked whether the Canadian Campus Well-being Survey data regarding students' perceptions of safety at night could be broken down by campus. The administration indicated that it would examine the available data and provide additional information in the future. - St. George Campus Plan 2040
The Chair observed that the existing St. George Campus Master Plan had been approved by Governing Council in 2011 and invited Christine Burke, Assistant Vice-President, University Planning, to present the proposed St. George Campus Plan 2040. Ms. Burke explained that the St. George Campus Plan 2040 had been developed through an extensive planning and consultation process involving students, faculty, staff, neighbouring communities, and external planning experts. She noted that the plan consisted of the three integrated components of campus structure, built form, and public realm, which together established a long-term vision to guide campus development over the next fifteen years. The plan sought to support a vibrant, connected, and sustainable campus while accommodating future growth and preserving the distinctive character and heritage of the St. George campus.
The presentation described the guiding priorities and values that informed the plan, including accessibility, inclusivity, sustainability, and student-centred design. Ms Burke noted that, unlike the 2011 Master Plan, the new framework explicitly incorporated Indigenous placemaking and ecological stewardship as foundational planning principles. She also highlighted several key planning opportunities, including strengthening the central campus corridor, enhancing west campus connections, improving public spaces, and creating more welcoming and accessible pedestrian environments. Ms Burke explained that the built form framework was intended to provide sufficient direction to guide future development while maintaining flexibility to respond to changing academic priorities, funding opportunities, and external circumstances. The accompanying public realm strategy emphasized environmental sustainability, improved campus connectivity, and the creation of high-quality outdoor spaces that support learning, research, community engagement, and Indigenous teaching. She concluded by acknowledging the hundreds of members of the University community who had contributed to the development of the plan through consultations, workshops, surveys, and advisory committees.
The Chair noted that the University Affairs Board had considered the plan but did not raise any questions. Donald Ainslie, Chair of the Academic Board, reported that Board members had expressed strong support for the proposed plan.
During Governing Council's discussion, one governor sought clarification regarding the term "social grove" used in the planning document, which was explained as referring to a landscaped gathering space. Another governor commended the quality of the plan and the vision reflected in its development, describing it as an important long-term resource for the University.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the University of Toronto St. George Campus Plan be approved in principle. -
Capital Project (level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) Field House – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
The Council received overviews from Grace Westcott (Chair of the UTSC Campus Council), and from Donald Ainslie, on the discussion of this item at the meetings of their respective bodies. The UTSC Campus Council and the Academic Board both supported the recommendation to approve the project.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the project scope of the UTSC Field House, as identified in the Report of the Project Planning Committee for UTSC Field House, dated April 10, 2026, be approved in principle; and
THAT the project totaling 7,194 gross square metres (6,332 net assignable square metres), be approved in principle to be funded through the UTSC Athletic Centre Facility Levy. - Capital Project (Level 3): Project Development Report for the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing – Real Estate Partnership – Project Scope and Sources of Funding
The Chair introduced the on-campus real estate partnership that is part of the Build More Housing Initiative, noting that expanding student housing remained an institutional priority and an important consideration for universities across Ontario. She advised that both the Academic Board and the University Affairs Board had considered the proposal and had recommended the project forward for Governing Council consideration. The Chair of the Academic Board commented on the significance of the initiative, noting the importance of increasing student housing capacity to meet growing demand.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the project scope of the Build More Housing Initiative: On-Campus Housing - Real Estate Partnership - Total Project Cost & Sources of Funding, described in the “Build More Housing Initiative Project Development report On-Campus Housing dated April 22, 2026” for Student Residence Projects at 40-56 Harbord Street and 167-171 College Street be approved in principle; and
THAT the project totaling approximately 37,165 square metres (sm) of gross floor area of student residence and amenity space with a total project gross construction area of 40,684 sm be approved in principle, to be funded by the Joint Venture Partnership. -
Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2026
The Chair noted that in addition to the University's audited financial statements, governors had also received a supplementary financial report. The Chair of Business Board, Rajiv Mathur advised that at its meeting on June 18, 2026, the Board reviewed and recommended approval of the University’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2026.
Members had no questions.
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, 2026, be approved.
The Chair thanked the members of the administration, the Audit Committee, and everyone involved in preparing the financial statements and completing the audit process within a demanding timeframe. - External Auditors: Appointment for 2026-27
The Chair introduced the recommendation to reappoint Ernst & Young LLP as the University's external auditors. She noted that both the Audit Committee and the Business Board had reviewed the recommendation and supported the reappointment.
During discussion, a governor asked how long Ernst & Young had served as the University's external auditors and whether the University periodically considered alternative firms to maintain independence and fresh perspectives. In response, Jeff Lennon (Chief Financial Officer) explained that the University had undertaken a competitive procurement process in 2023 that resulted in a five-year engagement with Ernst & Young. He noted that relatively few firms possessed the capacity and expertise required to audit an institution the size and complexity of the University of Toronto and advised that the current agreement included changes to the lead engagement partner and senior audit manager to provide renewed oversight and fresh perspectives throughout the engagement. He also noted that the Audit Committee regularly reviewed the University's external audit arrangements as part of its oversight responsibilities.
The governor commented on the importance of maintaining independent oversight through periodic changes in external auditors or audit leadership. Mr. Lennon agreed with the importance of that principle and noted that it had been an important consideration during the University's procurement process and remained an ongoing focus of the Audit Committee.
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT Ernst & Young LLP be re-appointed as external auditors of the University of Toronto for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2027.
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Items 9 and 12 be approved.
- Minutes of the Previous Meeting of the Governing Council (May 13, 2026)
The Minutes of the Governing Council meeting of May 13, 2026, 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 262 of the Academic Board (May 28, 2026)
- Report Number 291 of the Business Board (June 18, 2026)
- Report Number 252 of the University Affairs Board (May 27, 2026)
- Report Number 77 of the UTM Campus Council (May 26, 2026)
- Report Number 74 of the UTSC Campus Council (May 25, 2026)
- Report Number 568 of the Executive Committee (June 15, 2026)
- Summer Executive Authority
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED- THAT until the start of the fall 2026 academic term (September 8, 2026), 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 2026; 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 2026 academic term (September 8, 2026), authority be granted to the President for:
- Date of Next Meeting – November 5, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Chair advised that the next meeting of the Governing Council would take place on November 5, 2026. - Question Period
A governor asked whether there had been any developments regarding reports that the China Scholarship Council had paused scholarship opportunities involving the University of Toronto. The President advised that the University had recently learned of the decision and that the Vice-President, International had met earlier in the week with the Consul General of the People's Republic of China to better understand the circumstances and to request that the decision be reconsidered. She noted that discussions were ongoing and that the University expected to receive a response in the near future. - Other Business
The Chair, on behalf of the Vice-Chair and herself, expressed appreciation and gratitude to governors and members of governance bodies from all University constituencies on all three campuses for their commitment to the University of Toronto, for their contributions to governance, and for their hard work over the course of this governance year. She also thanked the President and all members of the University administration for their exemplary service to governance and their work on behalf of the University in general, and the Secretariat team for their invaluable contributions as governance professionals. The Chair concluded by recognizing those governors who were completing their terms on the Governing Council.
The following citations were read into the record:
Amanda Bartley is completing a three-year term as an Alumni Governor. During her time on the Governing Council, Amanda served on the Academic Board, the University Affairs Board, and the Business Board. Amanda has been a thoughtful contributor to governance deliberations, bringing a valuable perspective to a broad range of matters before the University. Amanda, we thank you for your service and for your ongoing commitment to the University of Toronto. We wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.
Jay-Daniel Baghbanan is completing a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. During his time as governor, Jay-Daniel served on the Academic Board, the Planning and Budget Committee, and on the Academic Appeals Committee. Jay-Daniel has been a thoughtful contributor to governance discussions, ensuring that the student voice continues to be an important part of our discussions. Jay-Daniel, thank you for your contributions to governance. We wish you all the best as you continue your studies.
Evan Chan is completing a one-year term as a graduate student governor. During his time as governor, Evan served on the Academic Board, the Executive Committee, the Committee for Honorary Degrees, and on the Academic Appeals Committee. Evan was also a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Appointment of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture. Evan has been a highly engaged student governor – this is in addition to his extensive volunteer service in numerous other areas of the University. Evan, thank you for your service and dedication to governance and to the University more broadly. It has been a pleasure working with you and we wish you continued success in your ongoing graduate studies.
Professor Ramy Elitzur is completing a three-year term as a teaching staff governor. Over the course of his tenure, Ramy served on the Academic Board, the Planning and Budget Committee, and the University Affairs Board. Ramy has been an engaged and forthright contributor to governance discussions, regularly bringing strong perspectives and contributing to spirited debate on matters about which he felt deeply passionate. Ramy, we thank you for your service and we wish you the best.
Maureen Harquail was appointed as a Lieutenant Governor in Council member in 2021. She stepped down as a governor effective June 4, 2026. During her tenure, Maureen served on the Academic Board, Business Board, the Elections Committee, and the now defunct Pension Committee. Maureen, we are grateful for your service to the University of Toronto, and we wish you all the best in your future pursuits.
Albert Pan is completing a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. During his time as governor, Albert served on the Academic Board, on the Committee for Honorary Degrees, and on the Academic Appeals Committee. Prior to being elected as a governor, Albert served on the UTM Campus Affairs Committee and was a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Appointment of a Vice-President and Principal, UTM. Albert has generously contributed his time and energy across a wide range of governance activities, while also being highly engaged in other aspects of University life. Albert, we thank you for your dedication to governance and wish you all the very best as you continue your studies.
Rishi Shah is completing a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. During his time as governor, Rishi served on the Business Board, the University Affairs Board, the Executive Committee, and on the Academic Appeals Committee. Rishi, we thank you for your contributions to governance. Congratulations on your recent graduation with a Bachelor of Business Administration!
Danielle Skipp was appointed as a Lieutenant Governor in Council member in 2020. Over her tenure, Danielle served on the Academic Board, the Business Board, the University Affairs Board, the UTSC Campus Council, and the now defunct Pension Committee. Danielle has brought thoughtful contributions and a strong commitment to effective governance throughout her service on these bodies. Danielle, we thank you for your dedication to the University of Toronto and wish you continued success and all the best ahead.
Following the Chair's remarks, the President paid tribute to Anna Kennedy as she concluded her term as Chair of the Governing Council. The President reflected on Ms. Kennedy's seven years of service as a governor, including her leadership as Vice-Chair and Chair, and acknowledged her extensive contributions to numerous governance bodies, including the Executive Committee, Business Board, Presidential Search Committee, and several advisory and special committees. She commended Ms. Kennedy's thoughtful leadership, meticulous preparation, commitment to inclusive governance, and support throughout the President's first year in office. She also recognized Ms. Kennedy's leadership beyond the University through her role as Chair of the Council of Chairs of Ontario Universities. On behalf of the University, the President thanked Ms. Kennedy for her distinguished service and presented her with a commemorative gift.
The Chair thanked the President for her generous remarks and reflected on what she described as a privilege to serve the University alongside fellow governors, members of the administration, and the Secretariat. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the governance of the University and thanked everyone for their support throughout her time as Chair.
The Council moved in camera.
The President provided a report on Presidential Commitments, a set of three institutional priorities intended to guide University action while a comprehensive institutional strategic planning process ("Blueprint for the Future") was developed for launch in Fall 2027. - Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the Academic Wood Tower – Revised Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated June 18, 2026, regarding the Revised Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Academic Wood Tower, be approved in principle. -
Capital Project (Level 3): Report of the Project Planning Committee for the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) Field House - Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated June 18, 2026, regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the University of Toronto Scarborough Field House, be approved in principle. - Capital Project (Level 3): Project Development Report for the Build More Housing Initiative - Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT the recommendation of the Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships, as outlined in the memorandum dated June 18, 2026, regarding the Total Project Cost and Sources of Funding for the Build More Housing Initiative, be approved in principle. - Senior Appointments
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED
THAT, the senior appointment as specified in the memorandum by the President, dated June 25, 2026, be approved.
THAT Mr. Ron Saporta be appointed as Interim Vice-President, Facilities and Real Estate for the period July 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026, or until the new Vice-President, Facilities and Real Estate is appointed.
THAT Professor Kenneth Corts be appointed as Vice-President, People, Finance & Digital Services for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.
The Council moved to open session.
The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
July 15, 2026
[1] Category 2 includes the positions of Vice-President, Secretary of the Governing Council, and University Ombudsperson, which are subject to the approval of the Governing Council.
[2] Category 3 includes the positions of Deputy Provost, Associate and Vice-Provosts, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Legal Counsel and Deputy Secretary of the Governing Council, which are subject to the approval of the Executive Committee and are reported for information to the Governing Council.
[3] Category 5 includes the head of Internal Audit (approved by the Business Board) and the Warden of Hart House (approved by the University Affairs Board); such appointments are reported for information to the Governing Council.
[4] Approval of Academic Administrative Appointments until the next regular meeting of the Agenda Committee of the Academic Board shall be approved by electronic ballot and shall require the response of at least five members of the Agenda Committee.