REPORT NUMBER 63 OF THE
UTSC CAMPUS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
To the UTSC Campus Council
University of Toronto,
Your Committee reports that it held a virtual meeting on May 8, 2025, with the following members present:
PRESENT: Brian Harrington (Chair), Dorinda So (Vice-Chair), Tim Tang (Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing), Andrew Arifuzzaman (Chief Administrative Officer), Liv Ansley-Engel, Tiffany Castell, Mark Fitzpatrick, Elaine Khoo, Silma Roddau, Hoorik Yeghiazarian
REGRETS: Linda Johnston (Vice-President & Principal), Karin Ruhlandt (Vice-Principal, Academic & Dean), Ramona Gonsalves, Sheila John, Jeff Miller, Nadia Rosemond, Syed Ahmed, Muntaha Almahjub, Sandra Daga, Kyle Danielson, Leonard Hu, Willow James, Ainsley Lawson, Lala Li, Sylvia Mittler, Tanzina Mohsin, Faith Opoku Agyemang, Stephanie Perpick, Monica Sok, Andrew Tam
SECRETARIAT: Miranda Edwards (Secretary), Megann Davidson
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members to the Cycle 6 meeting. He noted that it was the last meeting of the Committee for the academic year and thanked members for their dedication, volunteerism and excellent contributions to university governance. He also thanked Vice-Chair, Dorinda So and Secretary, Miranda Edwards, for their service to the Committee. - Annual Report: Campus Safety, UTSC
The Annual Report on Campus Safety was presented by Ms Tanya Poppleton, Senior Director of Campus Safety Operations and Ms Khadija Uddin, Community Crisis Response Coordinator.
Ms Poppleton reported that the Campus Safey office prioritized community engagement. In 2024, the office expanded community training initiatives including the launch of the “Get Out, Hide, Fight” program which trained individuals in how to appropriately respond to a threat. The office hosted a variety of campus events, including weekly drop-ins, journaling and decompression sessions, and crafts activities. The office also partnered with faculty to offer experiential learning opportunities where students shadowed campus safety staff as part of class projects.
Ms Poppleton reported that staff training was also a high priority. In 2024, the office completed 53 training sessions totalling 1,391 collective training hours. The office also implemented new mandatory training for special constables in accordance with provincial regulations and conducted regular reviews with an external training partner.
The Campus Safety office observed an overall increase in reportable incidences as well as medical and first aid calls. There was a decrease in fire alarm incidences and a decrease in thefts of goods over $5,000, which was primarily attributable to a reduction in auto thefts. Ms Poppleton noted that significant resources had been put into improving mental health supports on campus.
Ms Uddin presented key metrics on crisis responses. She stated that in 2024, there was a total of 160 cases. Student crises primarily concerned mental health. Other concerns were related to academic challenges, housing, and food insecurity. In the past year, training and hiring were grounded in mental health, EDI, and trauma-informed perspectives.
Looking forward to the year ahead, Ms Poppleton and Ms Uddin confirmed that their office would be further prioritizing training, community engagement, and embedding Principal Linda Johnston’s “Culture of Care” into day-to-day operations.
Mr. Andrew Arifuzzaman, Chief Administrative Officer, acknowledged the outstanding work done by the Campus Safety Office. He noted that the office collaborated closely across the tri-campus and with other community safety services. He further noted that the office had undergone significant improvements and reinventions in recent years with improved metrics and community relations as a result. The Chair seconded Mr. Arifuzzaman’s remarks and noted the value of hearing the context behind the metrics that had been presented. - Reports of the Presidential Assessors
Andrew Arifuzzaman, Chief Administrative Officer
Mr. Arifuzzaman began his report by noting the geopolitical and economic uncertainty that continued to pose a risk to the campus’ operations, particularly in procurement and construction-related matters. He further reported that the enrolment team had done an excellent job at re-engaging potential international students’ interest in UTSC amid geopolitical tensions. He also noted that the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had recently posted a notice on their website that informed the public of increased wait times for student visa processing. This had deterred or caused confusion among some potential students. Mr. Arifuzzaman reminded the Committee that approximately 30% of UTSC’s international students were graduates of Ontario high schools and many lived locally.
Members had no questions.
Tim Tang, Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing
Dean Tang confirmed the challenges described by Mr. Arifuzzaman regarding international students and noted that the campus had a team of certified immigration advisers who were supporting students in navigating the student visa system. He further noted that his office was proactive in reaching out to students who might be experiencing any difficulties related to global events. His office had recently reached out to over 100 students from the Philippines who may have been impacted by the recent earthquake. Discussions were taking place over similar outreach plans for students impacted by recent events in India and Pakistan.
Dean Tang reported to the Committee on several recent successful initiatives, including: a “Get Hired” career conference with over 400 attendees, a “Career Closet” that provided students with professional attire for job interviews and starting out in a professional workplace, and donation drives in campus residences for “Textbooks for Change”, “Feed Scarborough” and other local organizations. Lastly, Dean Tang told members that his office was currently preparing for the Letter Awards Ceremony in May, which was an opportunity to acknowledge exceptional student leaders.
Members had no questions.
CONSENT AGENDA
-
Annual Report: Recognized Campus Groups, UTSC
The Committee received for information the Annual Report: Recognized Campus Groups, UTSC. -
Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 62 – March 24, 2025
The Committee approved the report of the previous meeting. -
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 – September 10, 2025, 3:10 p.m.
The Chair confirmed that the Committee would next meet on September 10, 2025, at 3:10 p.m. -
Other Business
No items of other business were raised.
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
May 14, 2025