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UTSC Council Chamber, Arts and Administration Building
REPORT NUMBER 62 OF THE
UTSC CAMPUS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025
To the UTSC Campus Council
University of Toronto,
Your Committee reports that it held a meeting in the UTSC Council Chamber on March 24, 2025, with the following members present:
PRESENT: Dorinda So (Vice-Chair), Linda Johnston (Vice-President & Principal, UTSC), Karin Ruhlandt (Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean), Tim Tang (Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing), Andrew Arifuzzaman (Chief Administrative Officer), Syed Ahmed, Liv Ansley-Engel*, Sandra Daga*, Kyle Danielson*, Mark Fitzpatrick, Ainsley Lawson, Sylvia Mittler, Stephanie Perpick*
REGRETS: Brian Harrington (Chair), Muntaha Almahjub, Tiffany Castell, Leonard Hu, Willow James, Sheila John, Lala Li, Jeff Miller, Faith Opoku Agyemang, Silma Roddau, Monica Sok, Andrew Tam, Hoorik Yeghiazarian, Elaine Khoo
NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Ramona Gonsalves*, Nadia Rosemond
*remote attendance
SECRETARIAT: Miranda Edwards (Secretary), Megann Davidson
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Vice-Chair, Ms Dorinda So, welcomed members to the Cycle 5 meeting and noted that she would be presiding over the meeting on behalf of the Chair, Mr. Brian Harrington, who had been unable to attend. - Overview of the UTSC Campus Operating Budget
Mr. Andrew Arifuzzaman, Chief Administrative and Strategy Officer, reported to the Committee that UTSC received approximately 95% of its operating costs from tuition and about 5% from other income. In comparison, the University received approximately 66% of its operating costs from tuition and 20% from other income. This difference was attributable to geography and UTSC’s more limited revenue opportunities compared to the downtown St. George campus. About 64% of income is spent on faculty and staff compensation, 11% on student aid, 6% on capital projects, and 6% on occupancy costs. Additional funds are contributed to the University Fund which is shared by all campuses to pay for central projects such as libraries and technology.
For 2025-26, UTSC had a net expense budget at $231 million, which was expected to continue to increase over the coming years. Mr Arifuzzaman noted that the provincial tuition freeze that had been in place since 2018 had had a significant impact on the campus budget as costs had increased as revenues flattened. UTSC planned to continue diversification of its revenue sources and prioritize strategic enrolment management as a way to mitigate financial risk.
Regarding applications and enrolment, Mr Arifuzzaman noted that UTSC’s application data has flattened from its peak of 2014; however, he noted that applications from domestic students were up 8% for the current year, and the number of students selecting UTSC as their first choice of school was up 11% for the current year. He further noted that much of the recent flattening in application numbers was attributable to a decline in international student applications caused by changes to the Canadian student visa program and geopolitics. The University planned to continue to diversify its source counties of international students in order to stabilize the international student population numbers.
Mr. Arifuzzaman informed the Committee that discussions were underway to develop a new departmental budget model in consultation with Chairs. He also noted other priorities including deferred maintenance, advancement, and securing additional funding for student awards, research chairs, and research activities.
Discussion
Members discussed the impact of student retainment for budget growth and stability. Mr Arifuzzaman noted that student retainment had increased from 76% in 2019 to about 86% in the current academic year, with a goal of increasing a further 1% per year until reaching the target rate of 90%. Professor Karin Ruhlandt, Vice Principal & Dean, Academic, UTSC, and Mr Arifuzzaman both agreed that this goal also supported the campus’s inclusive excellence strategic priority.
A member asked if budget forecasts had been impacted by political change in the United States. Professor Ruhlandt and Mr. Arifuzzaman responded that the University was looking for ways to optimize the newly strengthened interest in the University coming from U.S. scholars and students. - Debt Financing for Deferred Maintenance Program
Mr. Arifuzzaman explained to the Committee that the University’s deferred maintenance program consisted of major campus infrastructure renewals and upgrades that were delayed due to budget or resource constraints. The deferred maintenance backlog had continued to grow over the past several years as buildings aged, construction costs increased, and budget constraints intensified. The current total costs of all deferred maintenance projects was approximately $1.2 billion. For UTSC, there were 141 backlogged high-priority projects with a total cost of $47.7 million. Mr. Arifuzzaman pointed out that much of UTSC’s campus infrastructure was built in the late 1960s/early 1970s.
In order to rectify this, the Governing Council approved a proposal to allow the University to increase its debt capacity to urgently finance and undertake deferred maintenance projects. UTSC was approved to take on $25 million in debt capacity. The deferred maintenance budget that has been set aside annually by the campus will then be used to pay down this debt over time.
This new program would allow the University to:
- Undertake projects at a larger scale which would be more cost-effective.
- Create better work and study space for the campus community, improving research facilities and further the University’s strategic goals
- Create more energy-efficient building systems, such as through geothermal heat pump systems and energy-efficient window glazing, which would support the University’s sustainability goals as well as save UTSC significant utility costs.
- Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees: Student Society Fees, UTSC
Ms Nadia Rosemond, Assistant Dean, Co-Curricular Engagement and Student Leadership presented a recommendation for increases to the UTSC Student Society Fees. Assistant Dean Rosemond noted that the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students had reviewed and recommended approval for the fee increase request from the UTSC student societies which were based on cost of living increases. The Office did not receive notice of any concerns regarding the increases.
Members had no questions.
On a motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED
THAT, subject to confirmation of approval of the following fee change proposals by the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) Board of Directors, beginning in the Fall 2025 session, the SCSU fee be modified as follows:- an increase of up to $0.55 per session in the society portion of the fee (up to $0.03 for part-time students);
- an increase of up to $10.36 per fall and winter sessions in the Health Plan portion of the fee (full-time only);
- an increase of up to $13.09 per fall and winter sessions in the Dental Plan portion of the fee (full-time only);
- an increase of up to $0.82 per session in the Student Centre portion of the fee (up to $0.24 for part-time students);
- an increase of up to $0.17 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee (full-time only);
- an increase of up to $0.12 per session in the Regenesis UTSC portion of the fee (up to $0.06 for part-time students); and
- continuation of the WUSC Program portion of the fee through the 2025-26 academic period.
- Reports of the Presidential Assessors
Professor Karin Ruhlandt, Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean
Professor Karin Ruhlandt reported that her office was currently conducting extensive work on curriculum improvements and the introduction of two new degree programs: a new Major in Film Studies and a new undergraduate degree in climate studies, both expected to launch in Fall 2025.
Professor Ruhlandt reported that the admissions office was currently in the stage of making offers. She noted that domestic applications had increased by about 8% and the number of students who chose UTSC as their first choice had increased by about 11%. International admissions were down by about 5%, which had been expected. There was particularly strong interest in life sciences programs. Professor Ruhlandt stated she was confident that UTSC would reach its domestic admissions goals for the first time this year, which would be a major milestone for the campus. She commended the admissions team for their excellent work. She stated that strategic enrolment management continued to be a challenging and high priority focus. She noted there would be a number of targeted recruitment events including the upcoming Spring Showcase, which would be an opportunity for prospective students to hear information from the academic units as well as from student services departments, such as Financial Aid. As international students had declined, particularly from India and China, after recent changes to the international student visa regulations as well as geopolitical tensions, UTSC continued to focus on diversifying its applicant pool. Professor Ruhlandt told members that she would be travelling to China in April to recruit students and expand partnerships as part of the Green Path program
Professor Ruhland stated that UTSC was continuing its efforts to build capacity in the life sciences divisions, with increased staff and other resources as interest remained strong for the Health Sciences Certificate, the joint paramedicine program with Centennial College, and life sciences co-op programs. UTSC planned to further build relationships with local hospitals to increase these co-op opportunities.
Regarding faculty hiring, Professor Ruhlandt reported that her office was developing a plan for the coming academic year. The campus planned to hire fewer new faculty than was typical for past years, and would focus on hiring in growth areas such as life sciences.
Members had no questions.
Andrew Arifuzzaman, Chief Administrative Officer
Mr. Arifuzzaman stated that the international tariff issue was causing a considerable among of risk and complexity for campus operations. He mentioned the new parking structure currently under construction, for which concrete was being shipped by the Canadian manufactured from its facilities in Michigan. He told the Committee that his office had spent significant time studying logistics and contingencies to manage the cost risk.
He reported that UTSC’s finance team was currently very busy with the campus’ fiscal year-end activities. He also reported that his office was working towards mitigating the traffic issues being caused by campus construction.
Mr. Arifuzzaman noted the recent conclusion of the Ontario provincial election. Mr. Vijay Thanigasalam, the MPP for UTSC campus’ riding, was re-elected and appointed as Associate Minister for Mental Health and Addictions. Mr. Arifuzzaman noted the excellent working relationship that the campus had with Mr. Thanigasalam, and the alignment of his portfolio with UTSC’s focus on student mental health priorities.
Mr. Arifuzzaman concluded his report by noting the current federal election campaign. UTSC was closely monitoring the federal party platforms and potential outcomes of its local ridings.
In response to a member’s question, Mr. Arifuzzaman stated that he did not expect the University or UTSC to take any political stances or issue public statements of a political nature, in line with the University’s commitment to institutional neutrality.
Tim Tang, Dean, Dean of Student Experience and Wellbeing
Dean Tang reported that student health and well-being remained his office’s high priority. The campus was at full capacity for offering both primary care and counseling services which reflected the ongoing high demand for health supports. His office was monitoring demand and capacity closely, with the hopes of improving responses to the high volume of student crisis cases.
Dean Tang further reported that his office was strongly engaged with the “culture of care” and healthy campus goals. Recent campus events included a campus spa day, puppy yoga, snowtubing and snowboarding excursions. Athletics and recreation were also a key priority. Dean Tang noted that UTSC had competed in six championship games this winter across women’s and men’s basketball and women’s volleyball, reflecting the competitive excellence of UTSC’s student athletes.
Regarding career advising initiatives, Dean Tang noted that there would be a “Get Hired” career advising and job fair conference held on campus next month. This year’s conference’s focus was on AI careers. A successful “Career Compass” event was recently held on March 1st in the Sam Ibrahim building. This was a tri-campus event with an international scope.
Dean Tang reported that Black History Month events had been very successful with a high level of engagement, including a gala celebration with over 150 attendees. UTSC also organized a successful trip for students to visit Howard University to learn about its rich cultural heritage. This year, there was a 40% increase in attendance at the Black Student Engagements weekly “Let's Talk” sessions, with over 100 attendees at a recent session.
Dean Tang thanked all campus’ student leaders for their innovative engagement. He told the Committee that his office had put out a call for applications for the 2025 Letter Awards which recognized graduating students for significant contributions to campus life.
Members had no questions. - Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 61 – February 5, 2025
Report Number 61 of the Campus Affairs Committee from the meeting of February 5, 2025 was approved. - Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting. - Date of Next Meeting – May 8, 2025, 3:10 p.m.
The Vice-Chair confirmed that the Committee would next meet on May 8, 2025, at 3:10 p.m. - Other Business
No items of other business were raised.
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
April 16, 2025