Report: UTSC Campus Council - March 05, 2024 | The Office of the Governing Council, Secretariat

Tue, Mar 5 2024 at 4:10 pm - 6:30 pm

Council Chamber, Arts and Administration Building, Room 160

Report Number 62 Of The Utsc Campus Council

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

To the Governing Council, University of Toronto,

Your Campus Council reports that it held a meeting in the Council Chamber, Arts and Administration Building, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 4:10 p.m. with the following members present:

PRESENT: Grace Westcott (Chair), Sotirios Damouras (Vice-Chair), Tarun Dewan, Jason Glover, Edward Henley, Irmi Hutfless, Paul Huyer, Mariana Jardim, Imran Khan, Elaine Khoo, Zachary Kileeg, Sameer Lal, Silma Roddau, Shennell Simpson, Dorinda So, Rachel Sturge, Hoorik Yeghiazarian

REGRETS: Linda Johnston (Acting Vice President), William A. Gough (Vice-Principal, Academic and Dean), Muntaha Almahjub, John Ramdeen, Gillian Mason, Sonja Nikkila, Arjun Yanglem

NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Andrew Arifuzzaman (Chief Administrative Officer), Neel Joshi (Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing)

SECRETARIAT: Emma Thacker, Megann Davidson

GUESTS: Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost, Academic Operations), Mike Snowdon (Academic Planning & Analysis), Nadia Rosemond (Assistant Dean, Co-Curricular Engagement & Student Leadership), David Zweig (Vice-Dean Recruitment, Enrolment & Student Success), Shelby Verboven (Registrar & Assistant Dean Strategic Enrolment Management), Greg Hum (Director, Housing & Residence Life), Fran Wdowczyk (Director, Business Development), Larry Whatmore (Assistant Director, Business Operations), Erica Loney (Director, Community Engagement & International Student Experience)

OPEN SESSION

Chair’s Remarks

The Chair, Grace Westcott, welcomed members and guests to the meeting. She extended a warm welcome to Professor Scott Mabury (Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost, Academic Operations) and Mike Snowdon (Manager, Academic Planning & Analysis), and to several members of the UTSC Campus Affairs Committee, who had joined the meeting for the budget presentation (item 2).

She updated members noting the recent call for community/alumni member applications to fill five seats on the Campus Council for the upcoming governance year. The call was circulated widely and was included in the UTSC Alumni Association Newsletter.

Moving to governance elections, the winter 2024 governance elections process had concluded for UTSC. The Chair congratulated the three elected members of the Campus Council, who would begin three-year terms on July 1, 2024:

Professor Syed Ahmed (Department of Management);
Professor Brian Harrington (Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences); and
Hoorik Yeghiazarian (Facilities Management).

Student election results would be announced in the first week of April 2024. She thanked all who participated and Emma Thacker, UTSC Deputy Returning Officer, who oversaw the elections process.

Institutional Operating Budget Report 2024-2025 and the Long-Range Budget Guidelines 2024-25 to 2028-29

The Chair informed members that the Budget Report was recommended for approval by the Planning and Budget Committee on February 26, 2024. She invited Professor Scott Mabury and Mike Snowdon to address the Council. Highlights of the presentation included:

The University continued to be in strong financial position, although challenged by pressures related to recent significant compensation increases and continued constraints and uncertainty on primary sources of operating revenues.
In response to the Blue-Ribbon Panel recommendation for increased funding for the sector, the government had announced $1.3 billion in financial supports over three years, including $700 million to be distributed across all universities and colleges.
This was estimated to be a 7% increase in operating grants over three years, however this would be offset by the continued freeze on Ontario-resident domestic tuition for another three years.
He noted that the University was in a balanced position for the next five years, with a total 2024-25 operating budget of $3.52 billion, representing a $164 million increase over the previous year.
Provincial support now constituted only 20% of U of T’s operating revenue, the lowest among publicly funded universities in Canada.

Other highlights of the presentation of the Budget report included:
The 2024-25 operating budget projected $3.52 billion in planned revenue (a 4.9% increase over 2023-24), balanced against an equal $3.52 billion in planned spending for future priorities.
Projected revenue growth rate for 24-25 was at an average of 4.9%, with significant variations across the divisions.
Growth was anticipated to slow to around 3% per year over the five-year plan; reflecting slowing enrolment growth and continued constraints on tuition and operating grants.
A significant portion of revenue growth was from strong returns on short- and medium-term investments, which were expected to be significantly higher than in recent years. Excluding these investment returns, core revenues were planned to increase by 3.0% next year.
The Federal Government’s announcement of new international student permit caps poses some risk to intake plans for 2024-25.
Compensation would make up 64% of the operating budget, including the contingency for pension risk, an increase of $154 Million over 2023-24.
The University Fund would be directed toward classroom technology upgrades and renewals, inclusive interdivisional research networks, research related initiatives, and support to divisions to help manage cost pressures associated with compensation increases and fund their priorities.
The University had approximately $4.1 billion in major capital projects in various stages of planning over the next five years.
Budgetary risks included inflationary pressures, the cap on international student visas, deferred maintenance, operating reserves, and continued diversification of the student population.
Total undergraduate FTE enrolment in 2023-24 (including both domestic and international students) had a slight variance to plan at 1.1% (767).
Graduate enrolment was lower than planned primarily due to weaker than expected domestic enrolments.
Overall, international undergraduate students made up 31.1% of the undergraduate student body, with slightly higher rates in direct entry programs.
A growth of approximately 1,200 international student spots and 2,500 domestic students was planned over the five-year planning period.
$90 Million was set aside in 2024-25 for international scholars and Pearson Scholarship programs.
Non-Ontario domestic tuition in undergraduate programs would increase by 5%, consistent with the frameworks in place since 2021-22.
Budget initiatives in academic divisions included investments in supporting student success, research and innovation, building inclusive cities and societies and hiring of up to 30 incremental faculty positions.
Budget initiatives for shared services included supporting student success (e.g., new student advising services), research and innovation (e.g., funding for library acquisitions) and infrastructure (addressing deferred maintenance ($47 Million planned for 2024-25), and information security programs.
Student housing – 10,500 student beds across the tri-campus; 1,250 in planning and construction.

Members asked about the balanced budget particularly considering the large compensation increase and inflation pressures, and inquired how the total expense increases would be experienced at the University. Professor Mabury responded by providing the example of food services, which had seen challenges with some outlets closed. Construction costs for capital projects had also been impacted by inflation, although they were stabilizing. Professor Mabury acknowledged the difficult point of time at the University and the current level of risk given the labor salary increases, combined with the government operating grant, student visa cap, and the continued freeze of domestic tuition. He also noted concern that the overall messaging to prospective international parents and students created by the Government’s planned cap was not a welcoming one.

A member asked about options to fund deferred maintenance projects, such as provincial government initiatives. Professor Mabury acknowledged the past success of government funded initiatives to support maintenance, also noting that the goal had been to lift the construction economy at that time. He added that the University would continue to lobby for provincial renewal funding, and other long-term budget plans.

A member asked how the use of space is factored into budget considerations. Professor Mabury responded that unused office space was an ongoing budgetary concern.

A member asked about student financial aid and negative tuition. Professor Mabury confirmed that a portion of the student population does have enough unmet financial need that they receive more in student awards than they pay in tuition.

Enrolment Update, UTSC

The Chair invited Shelby Verboven (Registrar & Assistant Dean, Strategic Enrolment Management) to present an update on UTSC student enrolment. Highlights of the presentation included:

New intake tunnel included three stages: recruitment (typically August to December), yield (making offers of admission) and melt (accepted students fail to register);
Ongoing student recruitment initiatives, collaborations with marketing and communications – e.g., SAMIH advertising and social media campaigns, policy and program adjustments, school visits and presentations, campus tours, prospect and application advising, in-person events, virtual and on demand sessions, publications, access and outreach;
Early 2024 Ontario high school UTSC application numbers indicated +10% increase (12 % domestic; +3 % international);
International challenges – geopolitical context, study permit changes;
Strong interest in double degree (BBA/BSc) - (co-op +22% change; +52% change); and
Yield activities – e.g., sample lectures, alumni testimonials, transfer credit assessment streamlining, post offer events, next steps website.
March 23, 2024 - Showcase UTSC Open House (e.g., residence tours, TPASC tours, program and services information fairs, explore campus.

A member asked about the overall acceptance rate across the tri-campus, and how acceptance rates impacted the quality of students. Ms Verboven explained that acceptance rates differed greatly by program and by campus, citing the Computer Science program as an example. She also noted that admission average requirements were not lowered, and that while GPA was not the only predictor of student success it was important.

Operating Plans and Fees: Service Ancillaries, UTSC 

The Chair invited Andrew Arifuzzaman (Chief Administrative Officer), to present the item. Mr. Arifuzzaman noted that ancillary budgets must be fully self-funding, provide services to both internal and external users and adhere to the University’s four financial objectives – to operate without subsidy from the University’s operating budget; to provide for all costs of capital renewal including deferred maintenance; to create and maintain an operating reserve; and to contribute net revenues to the operating budget. The presentation included the following highlights regarding UTSC’s four ancillary units:

Student Housing and Residence Life (SHRL) – key accomplishments this year:
- Opened Harmony Commons, adding 746 additional beds to the campus.
- Created new roles and expanded the SHRL staff to meet the demands of a larger residence.
- Aligned campus orientation programs in collaboration with SCSU and Student Life.
Retail and Conference Services (RCS) – key accomplishments this year:
- The Green Path program continued to be a large client, with plans to diversify and host new groups and the Summer Camp;
- Increasing academic and community-based conferences e.g., Building Communities through Inclusive Health;
- Collaboration with the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC) will give added boost to Summer business;
- Increases continued in external and internal events including, Swim Canada, Black Excellence STEM conference and Scholars in Residence;
- A current challenge continued to be the availability of workable campus meeting space.
Food and Beverage Services (FBS) – key accomplishments this year:
- Harmony Commons all-access meal plan; offered students variety, value and community;
- Food partnerships offered business model that drives both revenue and net surplus for the long term;
- New retail location renovations add more choices and a better campus dining experience.
Parking Services – goals and objectives:
- Operate and maintain UTSC’s surface parking lots while preparing for the operation of the Retail and Parking Commons, which was scheduled to open in 2026-27;
- Plan and prepare alternate parking entry and exit solutions during the construction of the Retail and Parking Commons;
- Achievement - Continued to manage an increased number of returning parkers with a decreased number of parking spaces; and maintained a strong partnership with TPASC offering overflow parking, amongst construction site changes.

Next, the Chair of the Campus Affairs Committee (CAC), Professor Tarun Dewan, provided a summary of the discussion that had occurred for this item at the CAC meeting on February 7, 2024, adding that it was recommended for approval to the Campus Council.

A member asked about the parking agreeing with Centennial College. Mr. Arifuzzaman confirmed there was no exclusive parking arrangement with Centennial at this time, however Centennial students may purchase a parking permit (500 permits available; first come first served basis).

A member asked how the student housing prices had increased since pre-COVID years. Mr. Greg Hum (Director, Housing & Residence Life) responded that there were seven types of housing styles, and so there was a range of prices, which did change based on a variety of factors such as demand and maintenance needs.

A member asked about the student residence experience now that there was additional housing on campus. Mr. Arifuzzaman responded that there was a range of bed types (e.g., super single, singles, doubles, quads, accessible) that were distributed throughout the residence buildings, to create a living learning community. There had been an increase in applications from upper year students, which had led to the development of a housing strategy to find addition beds. There were challenges with the cost of housing and the goal to keep campus housing affordable.

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,   

YOUR COUNCIL APPROVED,

That Subject to Confirmation by the Executive Committee,

THAT the 2024-25 operating plans and budgets for the UTSC Service Ancillaries, as summarized in Schedule 1; the Service Ancillary capital budgets as summarized in Schedule 5; and the rates and fees in Schedule 6, as presented in the Service Ancillary Report on Operating Plans dated January 09, 2024, be approved effective May 1, 2024.

Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees: UTSC Student Society - Proposals for Fee Increases

The Chair invited Nadia Rosemond (Assistant Dean, Co-Curricular Engagement & Student Leadership) to present the item. Ms Rosemond explained the University assumed obligations to students and the oversight role of the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students. She reported that the fee changes requested by the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) were subject to the Policy for Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees and the Policy on Ancillary Fees. 

Next, the Chair of the CAC, Professor Dewan, reported that members had no questions or deliberation on this item at the meeting held on February 7, 2024, noting that the item was recommended for approval to the Campus Council.

Members had no questions.

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,   

YOUR COUNCIL APPROVED,

That Subject to Confirmation by the Executive Committee,

THAT, beginning in the Summer 2024 session, the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) fee be modified as follows: (a) an increase of $7.97 per session ($1.59 part-time) in the UTSC Sports & Recreation Complex Levy portion of the fee; and

THAT, subject to confirmation of approval of the following fee change proposals by the SCSU Board of Directors, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the SCSU fee be modified as follows: (a) an increase of up to $1.06 per session (up to $0.07 part-time) in the society portion of the fee, (b) an increase of up to $9.42 per fall and winter session (full-time only) in the Health Plan portion of the fee, (c) an increase of up to $11.90 per fall and winter session (full-time only) in the Dental Plan portion of the fee, (d) an increase of up to $1.58 per session (up to $0.47 part-time) in the Student Centre portion of the fee, (e) an increase of up to $0.32 per session (full-time only) in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) portion of the fee, and (f) continuation of the WUSC Program portion of the fee through the 2024-25 academic period.

Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees: UTSC Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing
1. Advice from the Council on Student Services (CSS)
2. Operating Plans and Fees: Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing
  
  The Chair reminded members that Neel Joshi (Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing) had provided a detailed description of the process for the development of this service plan at the previous meeting. The proposal that was coming forward from the administration was doing so after having been approved by the Council of Student Services (CSS). The CSS had a specific role with respect to providing a means by which students were involved in decisions to increase non-tuition-related fees or to introduce new ones. The Chair also noted that while the motions were separated out for transparency, they were an interconnected plan and would be considered with one vote.
  
  Dean Joshi highlighted the highly participatory process and reported a unanimous recommendation from the CSS on the total proposed fee increase ($11.68 for full-time, and $2.33 for part-time) which was a total 2.7% fee increase. He also provided an overview of the CSS priorities and themes for 2024-25, which included:

Supporting campus and institutional strategic plans (directly linked to inclusive excellence);
Increasing opportunities for experiential and international education;
Increasing number of programs and students who engage in athletics and sports;
Actioning the Mental Health Task Force and Healthy Campus Initiative recommendations (e.g., loneliness); and
Enhancing academic and career supports for all students.

The Chair of the CAC, Professor Dewan, reported that members had no questions or deliberation on this item at the CAC meeting held on February 7, 2024, noting that the item was recommended for approval to the Campus Council.

Members had no questions.

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,   

YOUR COUNCIL APPROVED,

That Subject to Confirmation by the Executive Committee,

THAT, the 2024-25 operating plans and budgets for the UTSC Student Experience and Wellbeing (including the Health & Wellness Centre, Athletics & Recreation, Student Services), as presented in the documentation from Mr. Neel Joshi, Dean of Student Experience and Wellbeing, be approved; and

THAT the sessional Health & Wellness Service Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC-affiliated full-time student be increased to $86.32 per full-time student per session ($17.26 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 7.90% ($6.32 for full-time student; $1.26 for part-time student); and

THAT the sessional Athletics and Recreation Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC-affiliated full-time student be decreased to $144.11 per full-time student per session ($28.82 per part-time student per session); which represents a decrease of 1.62% ($2.38 for full-time student; $0.48 for part-time student); and

THAT the sessional Student Services Fee for a UTSC-registered or UTSC-affiliated full-time student be increased to $213.50 per full-time student per session ($42.70 per part-time student per session); which represents a year over year increase of 3.76% ($7.74 for full-time student; $1.55 for part-time student).

Report on UTSC Capital Projects, as of December 31, 2023

The Chair advised members that item number 7 was a new report, which would supplement the regular capital project reporting to governance. The report spoke to UTSC’s capital project development, which fell within the purview of the Campus Council. The Chair invited Mr. Arifuzzaman to present the item.

Mr. Arifuzzaman provided an update on capital projects with a cost of over $10 million that were in design or in construction stages. This included updates on Harmony Commons, Sam Ibrahim Building, UTSC Indigenous House, Scarborough Academy of Medicine & Integrated Health (SAMIH), and the Retail and Parking Commons.

Members had no questions.

CONSENT AGENDA

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried,

YOUR COUNCIL APPROVED,

THAT the consent agenda be adopted, and that item 8 be approved.

Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 61 - November 15, 2023
Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
Reports for Information
Date of Next Meeting – April 16, 2024, 4:10 p.m.

Question Period

Members had no questions.
Other Business

Mr. Arifuzzaman offered a brief update with respect to recent higher education sector news. He acknowledged that many of the recent federal and provincial (i.e., MCU) announcements had been touched upon by Professor Mabury in his budget report, and noted the concerns regarding new student visa restrictions and enrolment offers for the upcoming academic year. While the University awaited further information from the province, there was concern that the wrong message was being picked up by prospective international students, and the potential impact to revenue and budget.

A member asked about the process and timelines for acceptance of an offer of admission and student visa approval. Mr. Arifuzzaman clarified the process and related concerns.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

March 18, 2024