Report: Governing Council - June 27, 2024

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Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024


MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL

Thursday, June 27, 2024, 4:30 p.m.
Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall

Present:

Anna Kennedy (Chair), Sandra Hanington (Vice-Chair), Meric S. Gertler, (President), Trevor Young (Provost), Rose M. Patten (Chancellor), Sharleen Ahmed, Glen W. Bandiera, Amanda Bartley, Janet Cloud, Robert Cooper, Leah Cowen, Ann Curran, Annabel Dravid, Sam Elfassy, Ramy Elitzur, Sonu Gaind, Mathangi (Indi) Gopinathan, Paul Huyer, Thomas Hofmann, David Jacobs, Ernest Lam, Mark Lautens, Ron Levi, Scott MacKendrick, Doug McDougall, Joanne McNamara, Brian Madden, Reza Massoum, Firdaus Sadid, Danielle Skipp, Grace Westcott, Geeta Yadav, David Zingg, Sheree Drummond (Secretary of the Governing Council)

Regrets:

Soban Atique, Vikram Chadalawada, Sotirios Damouras, Maureen Harquail, Sarosh Jamal, Dveeta Lal, Kikelomo Lawal, Nelson Lee, Rajiv Mathur, Eha Mai Naylor, Joseph Nkeng, Andrew Peterson, Veronica Wadey, Mary-Agnes Wilson

Guests In Attendance:  

Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost, Academic Operations), Kristin Taylor (University Counsel & Chief Legal Officer), Leora Jackson (Legal Counsel), Kendra Naidoo (Legal Counsel), Sandy Welsh (Vice-Provost, Students), Trevor Rodgers (Chief Financial Officer), Sanish Samuel (Controller & Director Financial Services), Anthony Tia (Director, Treasury & Investment Services); Ajeetha Vithiyananthan (Managing Editor, The Varsity), Ann Perry (Media Relations)

Secretariat:   

Emma Thacker (Recording Secretary), Cindy Ferencz-Hammond (Assistant Secretary of the Governing Council)

IN CAMERA SESSION
 

The Governing Council moved in camera.

  1. President’s Report

    President Gertler provided an update.
  2. Report of the Committee to Review the Office of the University Ombudsperson, 2023-24

    Members received the Report of the Committee to Review the Office of the University Ombudsperson.

    On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

    IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT the Report of the Committee to Review the Office of the Ombudsperson 2023-24, be accepted and that the recommendations contained therein be endorsed in principle.

  1. Senior Appointments  
    1. Senior Appointment: University Ombudsperson

      On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

      IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT Professor Emeritus Bruce Kidd be reappointed as University Ombudsperson, for a one-year term effective July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2025, or until his successor is appointed by the Governing Council and takes office.

  1. Senior Appointment: Chancellor Emerita

    On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

    IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT Chancellor Rose M. Patten be designated Chancellor Emerita of the University of Toronto, effective July 1, 2024.

  1. Senior Appointment: Vice President and Principal, University of Toronto Scarborough

    On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

    IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT Professor Linda Johnston be appointed Vice-President, University of Toronto, concurrent with her appointment as Principal, University of Toronto Scarborough, for five-year term over five and half years to include a six-month administrative leave, effective July 1, 2024 until December 31, 2029; and

THAT Professor William Gough be appointed Acting Vice-President, University of Toronto, concurrent with his appointment as Acting Principal, University of Toronto Scarborough, effective July 1, 2024 until September 30, 2024.

The Governing Council moved to open session.

OPEN SESSION
 

  1. Chair’s Remarks


    The Chair welcomed members and guests to the cycle six meeting of the Governing Council. She thanked those listening online for their patience while the Council met in camera. She noted that the guests in the Chamber were those who were there to answer questions that arose from agenda items as well as a member of the media. She reported on the senior appointments which were approved during the in camera session and offered her congratulations.

    The Chair advised members that a speaking request had been received in advance of the June 18 Executive Committee meeting, from an alumnus. Following consultation with the Executive Committee the request was declined. Three additional speaking requests were received the day prior, from members of U of T Occupy for Palestine. Following consultation with the Vice-Chair and the Secretary, those requests were also declined. She reminded members that requests from officially recognized campus groups were normally granted; however, U of T Occupy for Palestine was not an officially recognized campus group. She noted that the group was invited to provide a written document to share with governors, however nothing was received.

    The Chair invited President Gertler to make his report.

  2. Report of the President

    The President began his remarks with an update on the encampment at King’s College Circle and related protest activities. He acknowledged that it had been a deeply challenging time for many in the community. Over the past several weeks, the University had spent many hours in discussions with representatives of the encampment to seek a peaceful and lasting resolution that adhered to the principles and long-established policies of the University. The terms of the University’s most recent proposal to the protesters were commensurate with agreements that had resolved encampments at other Ontario universities. The encampment participants had rejected this proposal, and there had been no further discussions to date. On the 28th of May, the University had also initiated a legal process to end the encampment, which included two days of hearings at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The judge hearing the injunction request had informed the administration that a decision would be forthcoming in the following week.  

    The President noted that the University had just concluded another successful convocation season with 34 ceremonies, celebrating 10 inspiring honorary degree graduates, held over three weeks in June. 16,000 graduates received their degrees, including over 13,000 who crossed the stage in person. He expressed his gratitude to the Office of Convocation, the President's Office, and Campus Safety, whose teams had worked diligently to make the occasion a success.

    Government relations had been relatively quiet on the federal and provincial fronts. He noted one municipal update, as Carolyn Parrish had won the mayoral by-election in June to become the mayor of the City of Mississauga. Mayor Parish was a proud University of Toronto graduate from St. Michael's College, and the University looked forward to continuing to work closely and effectively with the City of Mississauga under Mayor Parish's leadership.

    To end his report, the President reported on two recent University ranking announcements. First, in the most recent QS World University Rankings of universities released earlier that month, the University of Toronto had placed first in Canada and 25th overall in the world. The University of Toronto was ranked second among North American public universities behind only UC Berkeley. This was the largest ranking ever undertaken by the UK analytics firm QS, evaluating more than 1500 institutions from around the world. Second, US News & World Report had released their 2024-25 Best Global Universities ranking. The President reported that the University of Toronto had been ranked first in Canada and 17th in the world, up one spot from 18th last year. The University of Toronto was also in the top 10 public universities worldwide. He noted that these excellent results once again affirmed the quality of the University’s teaching and research, and its high global standing.

    The Chair thanked the President for his report and opened the floor for questions. During the discussion that followed, the following points were raised:
  • Several members noted that, in their view, the recent convocation season had not been experienced as a success by everyone and that, in particular, some members of the Jewish community had a challenging and difficult experience.
    • Instances of harassment and ongoing safety concerns among students and alumni continued to be reported, causing significant distress.
    • The Temerty Faculty of Medicine convocation ceremony had been especially challenging, with several banners and aggressive behaviour.
      • The Provost acknowledged that the medical school convocations ceremony had been especially difficult for many members of the Jewish community. He apologized on behalf of the University and noted that many members of the medical school were also involved in that apology. He noted that there had been historical events at the medical school for which the University had apologized, and there were ongoing efforts to address antisemitism and other issues through education. He agreed there was still much work to be done. The Provost emphasised his personal commitment to the issue and noted that many in the medical school and University were also committed to doing a better job in addressing antisemitism. He also emphasized the importance of civil discourse. 
  • A member expressed concern that the University had not adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which some other universities had adopted.
  • Several members commented that it was difficult to conduct the business of governance with the protest taking place outside the building.
    • One member questioned why the protest was permitted in this manner, given that it was interfering with the Council’s ability to govern. Upon entering the building, they were surprised to have been confronted by protestors.
    • One member wondered if Campus Safety could move the protesters further away when an important meeting was anticipated.
      • The President apologized for the members’ experience. He remarked that it was important, though difficult, to navigate the line between freedom of expression and disruption. The University tolerated protest as long as it was lawful and complied with relevant University policy. He also noted that the University had traditionally allowed protests to take place outside Simcoe Hall. The Secretary of the Governing Council added that the Secretariat consulted with Campus Safety in advance of meetings but that it was not possible to engage in relocating protest activity. The Secretary noted that the Chair had made the decision to limit the guests in the room to those who were required for the business of the meeting and credentialed media. The President further added that Campus Safety worked hard to ensure access to the building and to ensure that the protest occurred within the bounds of University policy.
  • Several members stated that they abhorred the language of antisemitism and wanted a respectful outcome to the ongoing protests.
  • There was some discussion regarding the University’s request for an injunction, with several members expressing hope that the courts would provide a positive decision for the University.
    • The President emphasized that the injunction factum and arguments highlighted the irreparable and significant harm inflicted upon the University and community members. This included instances of antisemitism experienced by the University community, which were underscored in the case before the judge. The President noted that the factum and other legal documents were available online.
  • One member asked if representatives of the encampment had been granted permission to speak at a governance meeting and, if so, why that permission had been retracted.
    • The President confirmed that, as part of the ongoing discussions, one proposal included an opportunity for representatives of the encampment to address the Council but this proposal had been part of the discussions to end the encampment and the parties had not reached an agreement.
  • A member commented that in addition to lawful and unlawful speech, the term “discriminatory speech” should also be considered, especially on a university campus. The conditions governing speech may vary depending on scope and location.
    • The President responded that their point about discriminatory speech, as well as the manner and location of speech, was well taken. These themes figured prominently in the Ontario Human Rights Code. They also featured in the University's Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment (1994), a policy, he noted, that the Administration was considering reviewing. Such a review process would provide an opportunity for educating the community and reminding them of their responsibilities.
  • Several members commented on the importance of the University community healing.
    • There was discussion of what was necessary for healing including the importance of justice being done and seen to be done.
    • There were suggestions that the University seek financial damages.
    • There was a suggestion that the University consider the use of technology to identify those in breach of University policy, as not all protestors were in violation.
    • Some cautioned against characterizing all of the protestors in the same way, arguing that the University should denounce racism of all kinds, but it should also be cautious about conflating all instances of protest with racism.
    • Others disagreed, arguing that participation in the encampment and not speaking out about antisemitic actions, marked all participants as complicit.
    • There was concern expressed about the outcome of the pending injunction decision.
    • There were questions about current risk management strategies.
  • There was a question about the University policies regarding broad access to campus spaces from non-University members, should the injunction be denied.
    • The President responded that it was difficult to fully regulate access to the University’s open spaces especially on a large, urban campus. However, an important point the University was making in its request for an injunction was that the encampment was excluding members from spaces on campus because of differing points of view. This action stands in opposition to the University’s commitment to free expression.

During the discussion, a member proposed a motion from the floor: “That the Council condemn the antisemitism exploding from the encampment and on display at convocation”. The motion was seconded by another member.

The Chair reminded members that, pursuant to By-law Number 2, such motions needed to be considered first by the Executive Committee and that it was important that the appropriate process be followed. The Chair emphasized that following appropriate process was not a reflection on the substance of the motion. The Governing Council and the administration had articulated their support of the University’s Jewish community on multiple occasions.

The Chair thanked members for their thoughtful and passionate engagement on the complex matter of the encampment.  

  1. Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2024

    The Chair invited Indi Gopinathan (Vice-Chair of the Business Board), who chaired the June 19, 2024, meeting of the Board in the absence of the Chair (Rajiv Mathur), to provide an overview of the discussion of the audited financial statements.

    Indi Gopinathan reported that the Audit Committee conducted a detailed examination of the audited financial statements during its meeting on June 17th. During the June 19 Business Board meeting, Trevor Rodgers (Chief Financial Officer) provided an overview and presentation of the year's financial results, which are outlined in the Business Board report included in the meeting materials. She noted that Scott MacKendrick, a member of both the Audit Committee and the Business Board, had reported that the Audit Committee had approved the external auditors' audit plan and engagement letter for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2024, during its November meeting. He had confirmed the Committee's satisfaction with the focus areas of the audit, such as the University's revenue recognition, investment accounting, pension and post-retirement benefits for employees, and capital projects. Mr. MacKendrick had further reported that the Audit Committee was confident that the financial statements accurately represented the University's financial position and expressed no concerns. Ms Gopinathan advised that a member had asked about Note 7 regarding employee benefits and was informed that the primary factor influencing actual gains was a change in the discount rate. There had been a transition in valuation methods, and this necessitated the use of a double-A discount rate that varied annually based on long-term interest rates and therefore introduced more volatility into the valuation of employee future benefit liabilities.

    A member asked if there were plans to study the risk management practices of the University. The President responded that there was a robust risk management process as part of the Audit Committee, and that senior administration reported regularly to that Committee.

    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, 2024, be approved. 

  1. ​​​External Auditors: Appointment for 2024-25

    The Chair once again invited Indi Gopinathan (Vice-Chair of the Business Board), to provide an overview of the discussion of the external auditor’s appointment.

    Indi Gopinathan reported that the Business Board considered the Audit Committee’s recommendation regarding the appointment of the external auditors for the upcoming year. As noted in the Business Board’s report, the University had issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for external audit services in November 2023. An evaluation working group was established, including the Chair of the Business Board, and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee. At the Board meeting Mr. MacKendrick had reported on the discussions that had taken place at the Audit Committee, noting that there was a very limited number of firms in Canada operating in the post-secondary sector capable of undertaking the work requested by the University. During the RFP process, several of these firms had expressed conflicts of interest due to ongoing non-audit services provided to various divisions within the University. It was also noted that Ernst & Young had served as the external auditor for 10 years. Recognizing this longstanding relationship, the Audit Committee was satisfied that any potential issues regarding auditor independence had been appropriately managed. Mr. Rodgers had commented in response to a question that the proposal submitted by Ernst & Young included a new audit team. Both the Audit Committee and the Business Board supported retaining Ernst & Young for the upcoming fiscal year.

    A member inquired if the University of Toronto was the only one struggling with a limited number of accounting firms for regular rotation and risk management. Mr. Trevor Rodgers clarified that this issue was not unique to the University of Toronto. A review had been completed, and unlike the private sector, where firms frequently rotate, universities maintain independence by rotating audit partners instead. Regarding the question about non-audit services, they were minimal. They reported quarterly to the Audit Committee on the types of non-audit services provided. This was a significant factor for other audit firms who chose not to bid, as they did more extensive work for the University of Toronto and thought it would create a conflict preventing them from providing audit services.

    A member remarked that while it may be the University practice to rotate partners rather than firms, their view was that this was not good practice and suggested that firms be rotated.

    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, 2025.

  1. Revisions to By-Law Number 2

    The Chair outlined the proposed revisions to By-Law Number 2 to align with Ontario’s new not-for-profit corporation legislation (ONCA). She noted that while ONCA generally applied to the University, there are limits to its application as provided by the University of Toronto Act which specified that certain provisions do not apply and if the two are in conflict the University of Toronto Act would apply. She also noted that the ONCA is based on typical governance structures that differed from the governance structure of the University, in particular, the ONCA contemplated that a corporation will have members, similar to shareholders of for-profit corporations, whereas the University did not have members in the sense contemplated by ONCA for non-for-profit corporations.

    She advised that in consultation with the University’s external legal counsel, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, the revisions that were proposed bridged the gaps between the provisions of By Law Number 2 and the ONCA rules while respecting the University's governance structure. The key revision was that governors, for the purposes of the ONCA, would constitute both the members, within the meaning of the ONCA, and the directors. This meant that there would be no changes to the existing election and appointment procedures. In addition, the June Governing Council meeting would function as the annual meeting of the members of the corporation under the ONCA, approving the financial statements and confirming members’ terms, thus would satisfy the requirement to elect directors at the annual meeting. Other modest revisions were to modernize language and to incorporate provisions from the ONCA provisions that were of general benefit to the University.

    Members had no questions.  

    On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

    IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT the proposed revisions to By-Law Number 2, as described in the cover memorandum dated June 20, 2024, be approved, effective July 1, 2024. 

CONSENT AGENDA 
 

The Chair noted that consent agenda items 9 and 10 were for approval and that no questions or requests to place these consent items on the regular agenda had been received by the Secretary.

The Chair reminded members that it was the practice to include the annual motion regarding Summer Executive Authority on the consent agenda. She explained that this year’s motion included an end date, and as such the brief meeting at the start of September would not be required.

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Items 9 and 10, be approved.

  1. Summer Executive Authority

    On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

    IT WAS RESOLVED,
    1. THAT until the next regular meeting of the Governing Council or its appropriate committee or board, authority be granted to the President for:
      1. 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,
      2. 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]
      3. approval of such additional curriculum changes as may arise for the summer and September 2024; and
    2. 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.
  2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting of the Governing Council

    The minutes of the previous meeting for May 16, 2024, were approved.
  3. Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting

    There was no business arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting.
  4. Reports for Information 

    Members received the following reports for information:
    1. Report Number 66 of the UTM Campus Council (May 22, 2024)
    2. Report Number 64 of the UTSC Campus Council (May 21, 2024)
    3. Report Number 279 of the Business Board (June 19, 2024)
    4. Report Number 251 of the Academic Board (May 23, 2024)
    5. Report Number 241 of the University Affairs Board (May 29, 2024)
    6. Report Number 550 of the Executive Committee (June 18, 2024)
    7. Reviews of Academic Programs and Units: Follow Up Reports from Previous Reviews (Arising from Report Number 251 of the Academic Board (May 23, 2024))
 

END OF CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Date of the Next Meeting – Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

    The Chair advised members that the next Governing Council meeting was scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.  
  2. Question Period

    There were no questions for the Administration.

    The President informed members that during the meeting the Administration had received a proposal from U of T Occupy for Palestine and that he had not had an opportunity to review it.
 
  1. 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 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 work 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:

    Soban Atique completed a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. Soban served on the Executive Committee and the University Affairs Board. Soban, we thank you for your service to governance - and congratulations on your recent graduation! We wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.

    Professor Sotos Damouras was elected in a by-election in 2022 as a UTSC teaching staff governor.  In addition to serving the Governing Council, Sotos has concentrated his service on the governance bodies at the University of Toronto Scarborough, including the Campus Council, the Agenda Committee and the Academic Affairs Committee. He also served for two years as the Vice-Chair of the UTSC Campus Council, and often, graciously stepped in to chair when needed. Sotos, thank you for your service as a governor and in particular for your outstanding governance leadership at UTSC. We look forward to your ongoing contributions as an engaged University citizen.

    Annabelle Dravid was elected in the Fall 2023 by-election and completed a one-year term as a full-time graduate student governor. This is Annabelle’s second term on the Governing Council, as she served as an undergraduate student governor last year. As a graduate student governor, she served on the Business Board and the Planning & Budget Committee. Annabelle also made contributions as a member of the Discipline Appeals Board and was recently appointed to the Presidential Search Committee. Annabelle, we are very grateful for your dedicated service and for your active engagement, and we wish you the very best with your summer internship as part of your Master of Public Policy studies. 

    Dveeta Lal completed her second term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. During her time as governor, Dveeta served on the Executive Committee, the Academic Board, and the University Affairs Board. Dveeta, congratulations on your recent graduation from the Bachelor of Kinesiology program!  

    Sameer Lal was appointed as a Lieutenant Governor in Council member’ in May of 2020. Over his tenure, Sameer served on the Academic Board, the Pension Committee, the UTM Campus Council, and the UTSC Campus Council. Sameer, we thank you for your service and for your dedication to the University of Toronto.

    Professor Ernest Lam was first elected as a teaching staff governor in 2015 and was re-elected twice, which brings him to the maximum of nine consecutive years of service. Over the course of his years of service, Ernie has served on the Academic Board, the Committee on Academic Policy & Programs, the Planning and Budget Committee, the Elections Committee, and the Executive Committee, as well as serving as a member of the University Tribunal.  On all of these bodies he has been a regular and thoughtful contributor. He also served as the Chair of the Committee on Academic Policy & Programs from 2017 to 2022 and Vice-Chair of the Academic Board for the past two years. Ernie’s dedication and enthusiasm have made him an exemplary Chair, University citizen, and governance colleague. Ernie, you have served in a variety of important roles at the University, we are indebted to you for your significant contributions to governance.

    Nelson Lee completed a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. Nelson served on the Academic Board and on the University Affairs Board. Congratulations Nelson, on your recent graduation with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering. We thank you for your contributions to governance and for your service more broadly as a student leader, and we wish you all the best in your future career as a computer engineer.

    Reza Massoum completed a one-year term as a graduate student governor. Reza served on the Academic Board and on the Executive Committee. He also served on the Committee to Review the Office of the Ombudsperson. Reza, we thank you for your service and active engagement. We wish you all the very best as you complete your doctoral degree at the Institute for Aerospace Studies.  

    Joseph Nkeng was elected in the Fall 2023 by-election as a part-time student governor and served on the Academic Board this year. Joseph, we wish you all the best with your ongoing studies.

    Firdaus Sadid completed a one-year term as a full-time undergraduate student governor. Firdaus served on the Elections Committee, the Academic Board, and the University Affairs Board. He was also recently appointed to the Presidential Search Committee. Firdaus, we thank you for your involvement in governance. We wish you all the very best with your ongoing studies.   

    Professor Nhung Tran completed a three-year term as a teaching staff governor.  Nhung served on the Academic Board, the Business Board, and on the Committee on Academic Policy & Programs, serving a term as Vice-Chair. Nhung, thank you for your contributions to governance.  

    Professor Veronica Wadey completed a three-year term as a teaching staff governor. Veronica has served on the University Affairs Board, Academic Board, and the Business Board. Veronica, we are grateful to you for all that you have contributed as a governor and for your dedication to the University.  We wish you continued success in your medical practice and other pursuits.  

    Finally, the Chair recognized and thanked Chancellor Rose Patten noting that the meeting was her last as Chancellor. She invited President Gertler to comment.

    The President remarked that this meeting marked the culmination of 27 years of Rose Patten's volunteer leadership in the University of Toronto community. During this time, Chancellor Patton had served the University in its highest volunteer roles and with the highest degree of distinction. She had completed two very successful terms as Chancellor, the maximum allowed under the University of Toronto Act. She had been a member of the Governing Council for the maximum nine years allowable, including three years as Chair. Subsequently, she chaired the Task Force on Governance (2010), whose recommendations had led to the current tri-campus governance structure. Rose Patten had been an incredibly dedicated mentor to many leaders and emerging leaders in the University of Toronto community. She had spoken frequently of her profound respect for the University's mission and its importance in today's world, a mission that she had supported through her tireless dedication to the role. She had presided over 133 convocation ceremonies, a number that would have been significantly higher were it not for the pandemic. In addition, over the years as Chancellor she had spoken at hundreds of events across the three campuses, across Canada, and in many countries around the world.  The President added that it had been a great privilege to have worked alongside a leader and a person of her calibre. Rose Patten had provided brilliant service to the University of Toronto as its 34th Chancellor, and was appropriately recognized by being designated Chancellor Emerita, effective as of July 1, 2024.

    On behalf of the entire U of T Community, the President expressed gratitude for her exemplary leadership.

    The Chancellor was presented with flowers and was warmly applauded.

    Chancellor Patten thanked the President and all members of the Governing Council. She remarked that it was with great pride that she acknowledged the time she had spent at U of T. She expressed gratitude to have been present for the meeting, notwithstanding the discomfort, tension, and complexity of the situation. Drawing from her extensive life experience, she reflected on the challenges faced by the University community and across the world. Addressing governors, she urged a collective effort to navigate through the current challenges. Having been deeply involved in every aspect of the University, including its governance, she assured governors of her trust in the soundness of its governance, and acknowledged the need for continuous evaluation and improvement. Reflecting on recent events, including convocation, she recalled the joy felt in meeting the needs of students who were able to attend their convocations. She expressed satisfaction in having achieved the overarching goal of honoring the efforts of 15,000 students and their families. To conclude, she expressed confidence in the institution's ability to weather the unprecedented challenges with the necessary balance and diligence.

    The Chair thanked the Chancellor for her comments and thanked her again for her service.

The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

October 8, 2024

Footnotes: 

[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.