Report: University Affairs Board - April 22, 2021

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Virtual Meeting Room

REPORT NUMBER 223 OF THE UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS  BOARD

April 22, 2021

To the Governing Council,

University of Toronto,

Your Board reports that it met on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. via virtual meeting with the following members present:

Present: Andrew Szende (Chair), P.C. Choo (Vice-Chair), Sandy Welsh (Vice-Provost, Students), David Newman, (Executive Director, Student Experience), Harvey Botting, Neil Chakraborty, Stephane Martin Demers, Reshma Dhrodia, Susan Froom, Avrum Gotlieb, Sandra Hanington, Syeda Hasan, Ian Hutson, Ira Jacobs, Brian Lawson, Joseph Leydon, Ron Levi, John F. Monahan, Sandhya Mylabathula, Ann Perry, Tayyab Rashid, Salvatore Spadafora, Christine Sutcliffe, Marium Vahed

Non-Voting Assessors: Mark Overton (Dean of Student Affairs and Assistant Principal, Student Services, UTM), Desmond Pouyat (Dean of Student Experience and Wellbeing, UTSC), Melinda Scott (Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students and Student Policy Advisor)

Secretary:

Emma Thacker (Interim UAB Secretary), Patrick McNeill

Regrets:

Cheryl Regehr (Provost), Olivia Batt, Christine Burke, Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Ann Macdonald, Ron Saporta, Linh Tran

Guests in Attendance:   

Micah Stickel (Vice-Provostial Advisor, Students), Joy Fan, Josh Haas, Elizabeth Hii, Ikran Jama, Jaime Kearns, Kristina Miclat, Fatemeh Nami, Dermot O'Halloran

  1. Chair’s Opening Remarks

The Chair welcomed members and guests to the meeting. He also offered a warm welcome back to Professor Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students, from her six-month administrative leave.

  1. Report of the Senior Assessor

Professor Welsh offered updates on the following matters:

COVID-19
 

She noted that the past few weeks had seen rising COVID-19 case counts and the need for implementation of additional public health measures. Professor Welsh commented that the University continued to follow the advice of the Provincial Government and Public Health Ontario to ensure the safety of students, staff, and faculty, and to support students through the challenging period. She reported that over $9.5 million had been provided to over 7,000 students in need of COVID-19 emergency funding for unexpected travel expenses, living expenses, and technology upgrades to name a few. She confirmed that the emergency funding would continue through the summer for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Reductions to Summer Session Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees (CNAIF)

Professor Welsh reported that the majority of summer session courses would be delivered online. Given the online course delivery and the current public health restrictions, several student service fees would continue to be reduced for the summer session, as they had been for Fall 2020 and Winter 2021. On the St. George campus – the KPE Sports & Rec fee would be reduced by 30%, the Hart House fee would be reduced by 20%, and the Student Life fee would be reduced by 10%. At the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) – the UTM Athletics fee would be reduced by 30%, the KPE Sports & Rec fee would be reduced by 30%, the Hart House fee would be reduced by 20%, and the Student Services fee would be reduced by 38%. This reduction included the fee for the shuttle service’s suspension. At the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) – the UTSC Athletics & Recreation fee would be reduced by 30%, the KPE Sports & Rec fee would be reduced by 30%, the Hart House fee would be reduced by 20%, and the Student Services fee would be reduced by 25%. All of the reductions applied to both full-time and part-time students and would be applied directly to students’ summer invoices. She noted that services offered at each campus and the incidental fees charged varied by campus. The fees charged reflected the local needs and costs of the various campuses and any special programs within them. Most programming and services continued on-line or through video calls, phone calls, and other means. In-person services were also offered depending on local conditions in accordance with public health, government, and university guidelines. She explained that in addition to reductions in student service fees, some student societies had also made the decision to reduce their 2021 summer session fees. UTMSU and UTMAGS had removed the Mississauga transit U-Pass fee for Summer 2021. ASSU had reduced their society fee by $5 for Summer 2021. The fee had been temporarily reduced to $6 per full-time Arts & Science student. MedSoc had approved a temporary decrease in their society fee to $21.05 in Fall 2021 and $0 in Winter 2022 per full-time MD student. The fee would return to $44.27 per fall and winter session in Fall 2022.

Summer Planning

Professor Welsh reported that the quarantine program would continue over the summer. To date, 2,570 students had completed the program. Most residences would be open for the summer and procedures would continue to be in place to support students with self-isolation suites, meal delivery if applicable, and check-ins from health staff. Residences continued to follow and adapt to the latest public health guidelines. She noted that the Environmental Health & Safety team continued to work closely with Toronto Public Health and Peel Public Health on COVID-19 case management, including contract tracing, notifications, and support for individuals who had been asked to isolate or who were sick. In addition, the University was piloting an early detection program to monitor for COVID-19 through testing wastewater samples from a large residence. Recently, this testing had resulted in an early indication that someone in the building might have contracted COVID-19. Staff had worked with Public Health to respond with testing for all students and staff and increased safety measures. Another forthcoming pilot was planned for rapid screening on the St. George campus in partnership with the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) at Rotman School of Management. The pilot would focus on screening asymptomatic essential U of T staff who had increased on-campus interactions with members of the University community. The COVID-19 dashboard would continue to be updated on Mondays and Thursdays. It included historical data for the number of cases reported in the University community and the number of outbreaks going back to March 14, 2020.

Fall Planning

Professor Welsh commented that the University Administration remained optimistic and continued to plan for in-person learning and on-campus activity, as permitted by public health guidelines. Faculties and divisions were planning for a safe return to in-person learning, and more information would be available in the coming weeks and months on Faculty sites.

Vaccinations

Professor Welsh reported that the University continued to host vaccination clinics at UTM and St. George and that UTSC was also preparing to provide a space. These clinics were operated by local hospital partners and the university had not made any decisions on priority access to vaccinations. Members of the U of T community would be prioritized in the same way as other members of the public.  

Review of the University-Mandated Leave of Absence Policy

Professor Welsh reminded members that the Provost had initiated a review of the University-Mandated Leave of Absence Policy. The review was being led by Professor Donald Ainslie and Varsha Patel, Assistant Dean of Student Success and Career Support at UTSC. After careful consideration of a variety of factors, including a request received from the Student Unions, the reviewers had decided to extend the consultation period into Fall 2021. She explained that the online consultation form would remain open, and the review team would be scheduling additional open consultation sessions for Fall 2021.

Anti-Black Racism Task Force

Professor Welsh reported that on April 14, 2021, the Anti-Black Racism Task Force had delivered its final report, which had included several action-oriented measures and solutions to address anti-Black racism and promote Black inclusion and excellence on the University’s three campuses. The report had provided recommendations in seven systemic areas ranging from leadership and accountability, to complaints and investigations processes. The University had accepted all 56 recommendations. One of the systemic areas identified by the report was a need for improved data collection, analysis, and reporting and the task force had specifically recommended broad communication of the results of the Student Equity Census. Professor Welsh concluded her remarks by thanking the student society leaders.

A member asked about virtual or hybrid fall course planning. Professor Welsh explained that while academic plans anticipated in-person delivery, the academic divisions were ensuring that programming would be delivered either hybrid, or virtually, should public health guidelines require restrictions.   

The Chair thanked Professor Welsh for her report.

3. Hart House: Constitutional Amendments

Mr. John Monahan, Warden, Hart House, provided an overview of the proposed revisions to the Hart House Constitution. The proposed amendments had been approved by the Hart House Board of Stewards on January 7, 2021. He noted that the proposed revisions fell into one of two categories:

  • Changing the name of the ‘Senior Members Committee’ to the ‘Community Members Committee’ and replacing all reference to ‘senior member(s)’ to ‘community member(s)’;
  • Changing the name of student-led Hart House Standing Committees to include ‘student’ in their title.

In reply to a member’s question about the number of non-senior members, Mr. Monahan explained when the changes came into effect, all students would be members of Hart House (by virtue of their registration), and that dropping the term ‘senior’ would better reflect the community member categories.

            On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,

            It was Resolved,

            THAT the amended Hart House Constitution of the Board of Stewards, which was approved by the Board of Stewards on January 7, 2021, be approved, effective July 1, 2021.

4. Student Societies: Report on Financial Statements and Internal Auditor’s Opinion

Professor Welsh provided an overview of the Report on Financial Statements and Internal Auditor’s Opinion. She noted that there was a slightly higher number of pending audit exemptions than in previous years as a result of delays associated with the pandemic. All outstanding 2018-19 audit reports had been received with the exception of the Kinesiology & Physical Education Undergraduate Association, the Occupational & Physical Therapy Graduate Students’ Council, and the Undergraduate Pharmacy Society. These societies had requested assistance owing to extenuating circumstances and support had been provided.

In the case of the Occupational & Physical Therapy Graduate Students’ Council, on November 27, 2020, the Physical Therapy Student Association had approved a resolution to cease collection of the Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy (OT & PT) Graduate Students Council society fee. On November 30, 2020, the Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy Student Association also had approved a resolution to cease collection of the OT & PT Graduate Students Council society fee. As a result, the OT & PT Graduate Students Council society fee would not be collected after the Winter 2021 session.

Members had no questions.  

5. Student Societies: Requests for Fee Increases

Professor Welsh noted that Fee increases for Student Societies was an annual item of business for the Board. Changes in student society fees were subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Policy for Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees, the Handbook for Student Societies, and the societies’ own constitutions and/or by-laws. In general, all requests for student society fee increases must be supported by constitutional and fair processes within student societies. She highlighted that one student society was reducing their society fee on a go-forward basis. The Board of Radio Fwd had voted to reduce their society fee from $12.85 to $10 per session, effective Fall 2021. This change would be reflected in the 2021-22 Report on Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees.

(a) University of Toronto Mississauga

There were no questions or comments regarding the request for fee increases from the University of Toronto, Mississauga. The request for fee increases from student societies from the University of Toronto, Mississauga were received for information.

(b) University of Toronto Scarborough

There were no questions or comments regarding the request for fee increases from the University of Toronto, Scarborough. The request for fee increases from student societies from the University of Toronto, Scarborough were received for information.

(c) University of Toronto, St. George

Professor Welsh provided an overview of the request for student society fee increases from the University of Toronto, St. George. She reported that no complaints had been received by the administration with respect to the fee increase requests.

Members had no questions.

On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,

It was Resolved,

THAT beginning in the Fall 2021 session, the Arts & Science Students’ Union fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.08 per session in the society portion of the fee.

THAT beginning in the Fall 2021 session, the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $3.61 per fall and winter session in the Health Plan portion of the fee; and
  2. an increase of $0.03 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee.

THAT beginning in the Fall 2021 session, the Engineering Society fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.19 per fall and winter session in the society portion of the fee ($0.18 for part-time students);
  2. the continuation of the Blue Sky Solar Team portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);
  3. the continuation of, and an increase of $0.01 per fall and winter session in, the Concrete Canoe Team portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);
  4. the continuation of, and a decrease of $0.25 per fall and winter session in, the Concrete Toboggan Team portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);
  5. the establishment of $0.09 per fall session and $0.08 per winter session in the Engineering Student Societies' Council of Ontario portion of the fee (full-time and part-time);
  6. the continuation of, and an increase of $0.25 per fall and winter session in, the Engineers in Action portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);
  7. the continuation of the Engineers Without Borders portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);
  8. the continuation of the Formula SAE Racing Team portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);
  9. the continuation of, and a decrease of $0.15 per fall and winter session in, the Robotics for Space Exploration portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);
  10. the continuation of, and a decrease of $0.10 per fall and winter session in, the

U of T Aerospace Team portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only);

  1. the establishment of $1.35 per fall and winter session in the U of T Hyperloop Team portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only); and
  1. the continuation of, and an increase of $0.50 per fall and winter session in, the U of T Robotics Association portion of the fee through 2022-23 (full-time only).

THAT beginning in the Fall 2021 session, the Undergraduate Pharmacy Society fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.98 per fall and winter session in the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns portion of the fee.

THAT beginning in the Fall 2021 session, the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.23 per fall session and $0.22 per winter session in the society portion of the fee ($0.12 per fall session and $0.11 per winter session for part-time students);
  2. an increase of $7.15 per fall and winter session in the Health Plan portion of the fee (full-time and part-time);
  3. an increase of $3.57 per fall and winter session in the Dental Plan portion of the fee (full-time and part-time);
  4. an increase of $0.01 per fall session in the Bikechain portion of the fee (full-time and part-time);
  5. an increase of $0.06 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee ($0.03 for part-time students);
  6. an increase of $0.02 per session in the Centre for Social Justice - OPIRG portion of the fee ($0.01 for part-time students); and
  7. an increase of $0.01 per fall session in the Sexual Education Centre portion of the fee ($0.01 per winter session for part-time students).

THAT beginning in the Fall 2021 session, the University of Toronto Students’ Union (legally, the Students’ Administrative Council) fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.14 per session in the society portion of the fee;
  2. an increase of $3.37 per fall and winter session in the Health Plan portion of the fee;
  3. an increase of $2.82 per fall and winter session in the Dental Plan portion of the fee;
  4. an increase of $0.01 per session in the Bikechain portion of the fee;
  5. an increase of $0.06 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee;
  6. an increase of $0.02 per session in the Downtown Legal Services portion of the fee;
  7. an increase of $1.00 per fall and winter session in the Student Aid Program Fund portion of the fee; and
  8. the continuation of, and a decrease of $0.77 per fall and winter session in, the

U of T Aerospace Team portion of the fee through 2024-25.

THAT beginning in the Winter 2022 session, the University of Toronto Students’ Union (legally, the Students’ Administrative Council) fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $1.43 per session in the Student Commons Capital Levy portion of the fee; and
  2. an increase of $0.65 per session in the Student Commons Operating Levy portion of the fee.

THAT beginning in the Fall 2021 session, the Varsity Publications fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.01 per session in the society portion of the fee (graduate); and an increase of $0.02 per session in the society portion of the fee (undergraduate).
     

6. Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 222, March 4, 2021

The report of the previous meeting was approved.

7. Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting

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

8. Date of Next Meeting: May 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

The Chair confirmed that the next meeting would be held on May 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.                        

9. Other Business

The Chair reported that the Board’s Striking Committee would meet on May 11, 2021 to review the applications received for co-opted positions (this included three administrative staff positions and five student positions to serve on the Board for 2021-2022). The Striking Committee would present its recommendations to the Board at the next meeting. There were no additional items of other business.

The meeting adjourned at 5:21 p.m.