Governing Council

Professor Linda Johnston, a renowned nursing researcher and institutional leader, has been appointed vice-president, University of Toronto, and principal, ��ֱ�� Scarborough for a five-year term.

The Governing Council approved the appointment at a meeting on June 27. Effective July 1, 2024, Johnston’s appointment will run until December 31, 2029, and includes a six-month administrative leave.

A professor in the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Johnston has been serving as acting ��ֱ�� vice-president and principal of ��ֱ�� Scarborough since January 1, 2024, during which time she has won the respect and support of the campus’s leadership team and broader community.

“Professor Johnston has demonstrated a genuine passion for and dedication to ��ֱ�� Scarborough,” President Meric Gertler said. “She brings a depth of experience to this important role and is committed to implementing and building on the clear vision established by the ��ֱ�� Scarborough community under the leadership of outgoing Vice-President and Principal Wisdom Tettey.

“I’m delighted to welcome her to the vice-presidential team.”

Johnston said she has a deep appreciation for the comprehensive nature of ��ֱ�� Scarborough and is looking forward to continuing to work closely with the UTSC community.

“I have been tremendously impressed by the scale and rigour of ��ֱ�� Scarborough’s academic mission and the commitment to student success,” Johnston said.

“��ֱ�� Scarborough continues to advocate for, and achieve, the goals of promoting health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and inclusive excellence in teaching and learning; research prominence; and community engagement.”

Johnston has also been highly engaged in the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health, which is slated to launch in 2026 and will play an important role in helping to build better and more inclusive health care in Scarborough and eastern Toronto, said Vice-President and Provost Trevor Young.

Young pointed out that, during her tenure as dean of the Faculty of Nursing from August 2014 to December 2023, Johnston fostered and promoted excellence at all levels of the faculty, which currently ranks first in Canada and fifth in the world in the QS University Rankings by Subject.

“Professor Johnston also positioned the Faculty of Nursing as a central player in Toronto’s Academic Health Science Network, created new collaborations with our partner hospitals and cultivated international partnerships with peer institutions,” Young said.

Johnston previously led the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast, where she significantly enhanced teaching quality, research output and international partnerships. She is globally recognized for her contributions to nursing and patient care and holds honorary and visiting professorships at top institutions in Australia, China and Hong Kong.

She earned her PhD and bachelor of science from the University of Sydney. She completed her undergraduate nursing education in the United States and has extensive experience working in neonatal intensive care in the U.S., Australia and the Middle East.

Johnston will be taking a planned leave from July 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024, during which time Professor Bill Gough will serve as acting vice-president, ��ֱ��, and principal, ��ֱ�� Scarborough. He currently serves as acting vice-principal, academic and dean, at ��ֱ�� Scarborough.

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as ��ֱ�� Chancellor

utc — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:50:17 +0000

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as ��ֱ�� Chancellor utc Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:50

Chancellor Rose Patten entered Convocation Hall on June 21 – led by the Eagle Feather Bearer and a bedel carrying ��ֱ��’s gold-plated mace – for the last time as the 34^th chancellor of the University of Toronto.

She then proceeded to confer degrees on graduates from University College in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Chancellor Rose Patten addresses graduating students, their families and friends in Convocation Hall. The Eagle Feather Bearer looks on in the background (Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Near the end of the ceremony, President Meric Gertler commended Patten for her service, noting that she presided over a total of 133 convocation ceremonies during her six years in the role.

“Rose, on behalf of the entire university community, please accept our deep appreciation for your dedicated service to the University of Toronto,” he said, presenting her with a bouquet of white roses.

Chancellor Rose Patten with students who marshal members of the Class of 2024 for the procession into Convocation Hall and as they cross the stage, at a reception on June 21 (Photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Patten, who has been a key volunteer leader in the ��ֱ�� community for more than 25 years, completes her second term as chancellor (the maximum length permitted) on June 30, 2024.

She leaves a legacy characterized by visionary leadership and engagement in every aspect of university life.

Chancellor Rose Patten exits Convocation Hall at the conclusion of the ceremony on June 21. (Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Patten encouraged the graduates to stay connected and make a positive impact in their future endeavors.

“As I bring this convocation ceremony to a close on your special day – this is your special day – we hope we will see you often in the years to come,” she said.

She then brought her final ceremony as chancellor to a close with the declaration: “Concilium dimissum est.”

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as ��ֱ�� Chancellor

President Meric Gertler presents Chancellor Rose Patten with a bouquet at the conclusion of her 133rd convocation ceremony (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

��ֱ�� News staff

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��ֱ�� Chancellor Rose Patten celebrated for her exceptional leadership

bresgead — Fri, 31 May 2024 19:23:23 +0000

��ֱ�� Chancellor Rose Patten celebrated for her exceptional leadership

bresgead Fri, 05/31/2024 - 15:23

Cutline

��ֱ�� Chancellor Rose Patten and her husband Tom Di Giacomo attend a recent farewell reception at Hart House to celebrate her tenure as the university’s 34th chancellor (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Topic

President Meric Gertler

Rotman School of Management

Subheadline

“Rose and leadership go hand in hand. She wrote the book on the subject – literally"

Rose Patten’s name was a byword for leadership at a celebration marking the culmination of her distinguished tenure as the University of Toronto’s 34th chancellor, with one speaker after the next taking to the stage to express their gratitude for her transformative influence on the university and its community of future leaders.

After more than 25 years of service to the ��ֱ�� community, Patten is set to complete her second term as chancellor (the maximum length permitted) on June 30, leaving a legacy characterized by visionary leadership and her commitment to championing those who would follow her.

At a farewell reception at Hart House, President Meric Gertler praised Patten’s unparalleled ability to bring out the leader in each and every member of the ��ֱ�� community.

“Rose and leadership go hand in hand. She wrote the book on the subject – literally,” said President Gertler, referring to Patten’s vade mecum, Intentional Leadership. “Leadership has been the central theme of her time as chancellor. It is the hallmark of her life and career, in business and in volunteer service.”

��ֱ�� President Meric Gertler said leadership has been a hallmark of Chancellor Rose Patten’s career (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

A major figure in Canada’s financial services sector, Patten’s long history with ��ֱ�� has been defined by her prolific engagement in, and enhancement of, almost every aspect of university life, President Gertler said.

Her involvement began as a member of Governing Council, where she served for the full extent of her nine allowable years, culminating in three years’ service as chair.

From 2007 to 2010, Patten chaired the task force whose recommendations led to ��ֱ��’s current tri-campus governing structure.

Toronto-based portrait artist Brenda Bury, left, and Nobel Prize-winning ��ֱ�� University Professor Emeritus John Polanyi, middle, pose for a photo with Chancellor Rose Patten (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

First elected as chancellor in 2018, Patten will have presided over 133 convocation ceremonies by the end of her six years in the position.

In addition to her ceremonial duties, Patten has been a constant presence on campus as chancellor, attending scores of university events each year.

Beyond her administrative roles, she has imparted her insights on leadership with the next generation as an adjunct professor at the Rotman School of Management, where she serves as co-director of the Executive Leadership Program.

Myriad senior leaders at ��ֱ�� have drawn on Patten’s expertise, President Gertler said – including himself.

Chancellor Rose Patten shakes hands with Governing Council Chair Anna Kennedy as former Interim President Frank Iacobucci and Trinity College Provost and Vice-Chancellor Mayo Moran look on (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Anna Kennedy, chair of Governing Council, also counted herself among the beneficiaries of Patten’s knowledge and counsel.

“Rose has led with grace, wisdom and incredible generosity, providing insights and guidance to everyone she interacts with,” Kennedy said. “We’re very thankful and grateful to have had the opportunity to be able to work alongside and learn from such an accomplished leader.”

A former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Frank Iacobucci said his 10-month tenure as ��ֱ��’s interim president was as memorable as any other part of his career largely because of Patten’s remarkable leadership.

From breaking the glass ceiling in business to steering ��ֱ�� through uncertain times, Patten has converted challenges into opportunities throughout her distinguished career, Iacobucci said, but what sets Patten apart as a leader is her profound understanding that every organization is at its heart a human enterprise.

“A special talent Rose possesses is a respect for and fondness of people,” said Iacobucci. “Humanity is a companion for all that she says and does.”

Mayo Moran, provost and vice-chancellor of Trinity College, echoed this sentiment as she thanked Patten on behalf of the countless ��ֱ�� community members who have benefited from her human-centred approach to leadership.

This is exemplified by Patten’s steadfast commitment to mentorship, particularly for women leaders, that has not only made her a role model, but also the namesake of the Rose Patten Mentorship Program, said Moran.

“The University of Toronto is so much better for having had you at helm,” she said. “I also feel heartened … by the fact that you’ll continue, through your writing and your teaching, to shape generations who are going to go on and really exemplify the human side of leadership.”

��ֱ�� Vice-President and Provost Trevor Young, left, poses for a picture with Chancellor Rose Patten (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Following a video tribute, President Gertler announced that Patten recently made a new gift to the university, which, among other things, will enable the renewal of Convocation Hall’s grand, circular entrance hallway. That key space will now be called the Rose Patten Rotunda.

Additionally, a new scholarship at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine has been named the Rose M. Patten Graduate Student Scholarship.

Both Patten and her husband, Tom Di Giacomo are long-time donors to the university, President Gertler said, supporting a range of initiatives to bolster student financial aid and academic programs. As a result of Patten’s most recent gift, she and Di Giacomo are now members of the Chancellors’ Circle of Benefactors, the community of ��ֱ��’s most generous philanthropic supporters.

Chancellor Rose Patten and her husband Tom Di Giacomo are among ��ֱ��’s most generous donors (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

In her remarks, Patten said she was touched by the tributes and turnout to the reception, reflecting on how her relationship with ��ֱ�� has deepened over the past quarter-century.

“I often speak about mentoring and volunteering, and I always say that we receive more than we give, or at least as much,” Patten said. “At ��ֱ��, it was especially true for me. And let me say, it was more.”

She highlighted her role in conferring degrees as a special privilege of her office, expressing what a joy it’s been to celebrate the milestone with graduating students and their families.

Patten said every commitment she’s made to ��ֱ�� has enriched her, noting that everyone has a role to play in leading the university toward a brighter future.

“In this institution, there’s always more to know, more to learn, more to appreciate, more to think about,” she said. “It can make life not just a journey, but an adventure. I can’t imagine mine without my relationship with everyone here.”

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:41:06 +0000

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 05/16/2024 - 20:41

Cutline

(photo supplied)

Topic

Wesley J. Hall, business leader and champion of equity, diversity and inclusion, will serve as the next chancellor of the University of Toronto.

Hall was elected by ��ֱ��’s College of Electors to serve a three-year term effective July 1, 2024.

He will be the university’s 35th chancellor since its founding in 1827.

“As I take on the role of the chancellor at the University of Toronto, I am deeply privileged and humbled to carry forward the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and advancement, values that strongly align with my personal beliefs,” said Hall, who holds several honorary doctorates and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

“I take on this role with a vision where every voice resonates, every perspective is honoured and appreciated, and every opportunity is open to all, regardless of background or experience. Rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental human right, this esteemed position is about dismantling barriers and paving the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.

“We are living in a diverse world – but there is still more work to be done. Together, let us champion inclusivity, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of excellence, progress and limitless possibilities.”

Elected for a three-year term, the chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, presiding at convocations, conferring all university degrees and acting as ambassador to the wider community and alumni worldwide. The chancellor also plays an essential role in advancing the university's interests within the local, provincial, national and international arenas.

Hall’s election follows a rigorous search process conducted by the College of Electors and chaired by Candice Jay. The college, which was established by the Governing Council in 1971, comprises members representing the constituent alumni associations of the University of Toronto ��ֱ�� Association (UTAA) and is charged with the responsibility of electing alumni governors and the chancellor.

“Dr. Wesley Hall is a widely respected and inspirational business leader, and he is deeply committed to creating opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities,” said Meric Gertler, president of ��ֱ��.

“His professional and personal accomplishments and talents make him eminently qualified to take on the position of chancellor. I am delighted that he has accepted this key role, and on behalf of the entire University of Toronto, I thank him for his willingness to contribute his immense talent and experience to the advancement of our academic mission.”

Hall is Executive Chairman and Founder of WeShall Investments, Kingsdale Advisors and the BlackNorth Initiative. WeShall Investments is a private equity firm with a diverse portfolio of companies predominantly led by BIPOC entrepreneurs. The BlackNorth Inititiave is committed to removing systemic barriers impacting the Black community.

He has improved the lives of thousands of children in the Caribbean and Canada, donating both his money and time. And he has been instrumental in mentoring many of Canada’s Black entrepreneurs and leaders.

“I am delighted with Dr. Wesley Hall's appointment as Chancellor-elect,” said Anna Kennedy, chair of ��ֱ��’s Governing Council.

“Dr. Hall's remarkable achievements in the business world and unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized groups resonate deeply with the University of Toronto’s values of equity and inclusivity. He is an authentic leader and a community builder, and we anticipate his transformative leadership will enrich our institution's culture and the experience of our students.”

In 2021, Hall partnered with the Rotman School of Management to introduce a new course on Black entrepreneurship and leadership, the first of its kind in North America. Developed in partnership with the BlackNorth Initiative, and with Hall as the lead instructor, the course has proven to be highly successful.

In 2023, ��ֱ�� conferred a Doctor of Laws honoris causa on Hall in recognition of his innovative corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, and for his outstanding service to the local community, as a champion for equity on behalf of the Black community. He has also received honorary doctorates from five other universities.

"In addition to his remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Wesley Hall’s philanthropic initiatives demonstrate his deep commitment to societal betterment,” said Jay in her role as chair of the College of Electors. “His clear focus on equity and opportunity, and his authentic and inspiring approach as an individual and leader distinguishes him as an outstanding candidate for the role of chancellor. He has a fantastic way of connecting with students and shares stories that inspire change and action. We cannot be more thrilled to welcome him as the next chancellor of the University of Toronto.”

Hall’s achievements in business, and his work to advance and broaden opportunities for the Black community, have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2021, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Canadian Business Leader of the Year. Long celebrated for his generosity and his commitment to charitable causes, Hall’s board service includes SickKids Foundation, Pathways to Education Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival and Huron University College. He also served on the Capital Markets Modernization Task Force for the Ontario Ministry of Finance.

Hall will succeed Chancellor Rose Patten, whose second term comes to an end on June 30, 2024. At that time, she will have completed the maximum length of service in the role permitted by the University of Toronto Act, 1971.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chancellor Patten for her tireless and exceptional work on behalf of the University over the past six years,” said President Gertler.

“I know it is deeply appreciated by the entire University community, and we all look forward to paying tribute to her in the weeks to come.”

��ֱ�� budget invests in teaching, research and student well-being as sector’s challenges mount

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:22:52 +0000

��ֱ�� budget invests in teaching, research and student well-being as sector’s challenges mount

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 04/09/2024 - 14:22

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(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

The University of Toronto is continuing to invest in students – with financial aid, new housing and innovative classroom technologies – and drive forward world-class research, all while taking steps to address headwinds buffeting Canada’s post-secondary sector.

The 2024-2025 balanced budget, approved by Governing Council on April 4, plans for $3.52 billion in spending during the upcoming fiscal year, an increase of 4.9 percent over the previous period.

That includes hundreds of millions of dollars for student aid and an estimated extra $125 million related to increases in faculty, staff and librarian compensation following the repeal of Ontario’s Bill 124, which had placed strict limits on public sector pay increases for several years.

While the additional costs related to compensation required money to be redirected from other areas this year, more than $18 million will still be spent on everything from teaching innovations to upgrading classroom technologies, as well as supporting work on sustainability and inclusive research networks that seek to eliminate systematic barriers and advance members’ discoveries on a global stage.

The budget also details significant investments in capital projects that are planned or underway across the three campuses, ranging from student residences to new spaces for learning and research.

“The investments being made in teaching, learning and research across the University of Toronto’s three campuses make it possible for students and faculty to continue to excel in their chosen fields,” says Trevor Young, ��ֱ��’s vice-president and provost.

“They also underscore the university’s dedication to supporting the well-being and success of all its community members – both in the upcoming academic year and for many years to come.”

Demand for programs remains strong. Enrolment exceeded 99,000 students last fall and there are plans to increase domestic undergraduate spaces by 2,500 in the next five years, focusing on areas like nursing and medicine, including at the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH).

However, the university is forecasting slower revenue growth in the years ahead.

“We’re heading into a new planning environment compared to where we have been over the last decade,” says Jeff Lennon, ��ֱ��’s assistant vice-president, planning and budget.

He adds that the university continues to balance its budget and has benefited from strong returns on investments which will contribute to revenue growth next year. But he stresses that ��ֱ�� continues to face increasing financial pressure as a result of “extraordinary increases in compensation for faculty, staff and librarians following the repeal of Ontario’s wage restraint legislation, which has required the redirection of funds from other priorities.”

That’s in addition to the financial impact of slowing enrolment amid a more complex geopolitical environment, frozen provincial base operating grants and provincial restrictions on domestic tuition, he says.

Tuition fees for Ontario students, cut by 10 per cent in 2019, remain frozen, resulting in a $15-million impact to the university’s plan for next year. The cut and subsequent freezes to tuition have resulted in a $195-million reduction in annual revenue to the university as of 2023 relative to the pre-2019 framework that had allowed for annual domestic tuition increases of three per cent, Lennon says.

The continuing tuition fee freeze runs counter to the findings of a blue-ribbon panel, which last year recommended that the province lift the freeze on domestic tuition and called for a five-per-cent tuition increase next year for Ontario students and a minimum increase of 2 per cent in subsequent years. Last month, the Ontario government announced that it would provide $1.3 billion over three years to help stabilize the province’s colleges and universities, with particular assistance for institutions with more acute budget shortfalls.

Fees for ��ֱ�� domestic undergraduate students from outside the province, meanwhile, will see a five-per-cent increase in the upcoming year, while international fees will increase by an average of 2.1 per cent – although the cost to students for the latter will continue to be offset by $90 million that ��ֱ�� has earmarked for international student scholarships.

Another potential headwind is the federal government’s changes to international study applications for undergraduate students, which is meant to crack down on institutions that have rapidly recruited large numbers of students from outside Canada. While ��ֱ�� is not a target of the new rules, the changes may nevertheless create uncertainty for future students, Lennon says.

Despite these challenges, ��ֱ�� continues to make priority investments in several areas, including through its University Fund. For example, it is planning to spend $5.1 million to fund various divisional research and teaching initiatives, including: hiring new faculty; supporting programs that help students deal with the rising cost of living in Toronto; experimenting with AI in the classroom, flexible course delivery models and more opportunities for experiential learning; and adding programming around subjects such as data science, machine learning, global leadership, and life sciences.

There are also efforts to enhance access for underrepresented students through outreach programs, mental health supports and financial supports.

As in previous years, student aid remains a top priority in the 2024-2025 budget – with more than $380 million set aside for financial supports – part of the university’s pledge that no domestic student admitted to a ��ֱ�� program will be prevented from studying because of a lack of financial means.

The university is expanding its student residences with plans to add about 1,250 new spaces to its current inventory of more than 10,500 spaces across the three campuses. This past fall saw the opening of Harmony Commons at ��ֱ�� Scarborough and a deal that gives ��ֱ�� preferential access to CampusOne on the St. George campus. The new Oak House residence on Spadina Avenue is under construction and plans are underway for a new Phase IX Residence at ��ֱ�� Mississauga.

��ֱ�� is planning to invest $4.6 billion in 29 capital projects across the three campuses, which are to be funded through a mix of: cash reserves; debt; future cash contributions; and partnerships with donors and governments. Major projects under construction include the Lash Miller expansion and Academic Wood Tower on the St. George campus, as well as the Sam Ibrahim instructional centre and SAMIH building at ��ֱ�� Scarborough.

Future projects include the James and Louise Temerty Building on the site of the west wing of the current Medical Sciences Building, a new commerce building, the redevelopment of the 215 Huron site on the St. George campus and a literature, arts and media and performance building at ��ֱ�� Scarborough.

“These and other projects reflect the University of Toronto’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, fostering innovation and enriching the academic experience of students, faculty and staff across the three campuses,” says Scott Mabury, ��ֱ��’s vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships.

“Such forward-looking investments play a key role in making sure we remain at the forefront of academia, research and innovation on a global scale.”

��ֱ�� marks Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:09:13 +0000

��ֱ�� marks Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 11/10/2023 - 12:09

Cutline

Members of the ��ֱ�� community gathered at Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus for a Service of Remembrance ahead of Nov. 11 (photo by Polina Teif)

Topic

Remembrance Day services were held across the University of Toronto’s three campuses on Friday – one day ahead of Nov. 11 – to honour those who served and fell in the First and Second World Wars, as well as other conflicts.

On the St. George campus, members of the ��ֱ�� community gathered at Soldiers’ Tower for a service that began with the playing of the tower’s 51-bell carillon. It was followed by an Indigenous land acknowledgement by Rev. Richard Ruggle and words of welcome by Daniel Hendrickson, chair of the Soldiers’ Tower committee.

The event included a performance of the Naval Hymn, a historical reading, a memorial day prayer by Imam Abdul Hai Patel, a reading of In Flanders Fields – written by ��ֱ�� alumnus Lt.-Col. John McCrae – and a reflection by Rabbi Jonathan Jaffit.

��ֱ�� President Meric Gertler, Chancellor Rose Patten and Chair of Governing Council Anna Kennedy joined Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, and other representatives from government, the Canadian Armed Forces, ��ֱ�� alumni, students, staff and faculty in laying wreaths in honour of the fallen in the archway of Soldiers’ Tower.

A moment of silence was observed after the placing of the wreaths.

At ��ֱ�� Mississauga, a ceremony was held in front of the Davis Building with Alexandra Gillespie, ��ֱ�� Mississauga principal and ��ֱ�� vice-president, in attendance.

The service at ��ֱ�� Scarborough was held in the Meeting Place. It was attended by Wisdom Tettey, ��ֱ�� Scarborough principal and ��ֱ�� vice-president, and featured performances by the concert band, concert choir and string orchestra.

Here is how the Remembrance Day services were captured through the lenses of photographers at ��ֱ��:

(photo by Polina Teif)

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces attended the Service of Remembrance on the St. George campus.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Chancellor Rose Patten, Vice-Chair of Governing Council Anna Kennedy and ��ֱ�� President Meric Gertler attended the Remembrance Day ceremony on the St. George campus. The ceremony was also attended by Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister (second row).

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Members of the university community joined Alexandra Gillespie, ��ֱ�� Mississauga principal and ��ֱ�� vice-president (second from right), in placing wreaths during a Service of Remembrance in front of the Davis Building.

(photo by Polina Teif)

The Hart House choir performed near Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Wreaths were laid near Soldiers’ Tower by representatives of ��ֱ��, government, the Canadian Armed Forces and other members of the university community.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Piper Rory Sinclair performed following the wreath laying near Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus.

(photo by Don Campbell)

Wisdom Tettey, ��ֱ�� Scarborough principal and ��ֱ�� vice-president, delivered remarks at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Meeting Place at ��ֱ�� Scarborough.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Capt. Angela Lam of the 25 Field Ambulance medical unit of the Canadian Armed Forces delivered a historical reading about a ��ֱ�� alumnus who perished in the Italian campaign during the Second World War.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Cpl. Steven Abra played the Reveille near the end of the ceremony on the St. George campus.

��ֱ�� to mark Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:56:04 +0000

��ֱ�� to mark Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 11/07/2023 - 14:56

Cutline

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Each year, the University of Toronto community gathers to mark Remembrance Day with services to pay tribute to those who served and perished in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts.

With Remembrance Day falling on a Saturday this year, ��ֱ��’s in-person ceremonies will be held across the three campuses one day earlier – Friday, Nov. 10. Flags will be flown at half-mast in honour of soldiers and veterans, including ��ֱ�� students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Here’s how ��ֱ��’s campuses will mark Remembrance Day 2023:

St. George

The Service of Remembrance will take place at Soldiers’ Tower at 10:20 a.m. and will include a carillon prelude and postlude.

The ceremony will include words of welcome, a recitation of the poem “In Flanders Fields” – written by John McCrae, a physician and ��ֱ�� graduate who served in the First World War – and a historical reading about a ��ֱ�� alumnus who perished in the Italian campaign during the Second World War. The reading will be delivered by Capt. Angela Lam of the 25 Field Ambulance medical unit of the Canadian Armed Forces.

��ֱ�� President Meric Gertler, Chancellor Rose Patten and Governing Council Chair Anna Kennedy will place wreaths at Soldiers’ Tower, as will ��ֱ�� students, faculty and staff and representatives of the government and armed forces.

All members of the ��ֱ�� community are welcome to attend.

��ֱ�� Scarborough

��ֱ�� Scarborough’s Remembrance Day ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m. in the Meeting Place.

The service, which will be attended by Wisdom Tettey, ��ֱ�� Scarborough principal and ��ֱ�� vice-president, will feature performances by ��ֱ�� Scarborough’s concert band, concert choir and string orchestra.

��ֱ�� Mississauga

Members of the ��ֱ�� Mississauga community are invited to join the 2023 Service of Remembrance in front of the Davis Building, near the flagpole.

Alexandra Gillespie, ��ֱ�� Mississauga principal and ��ֱ�� vice-president, will attend the ceremony, which will commence at 10:45 a.m.

On-line toolbox shares ideas and adaptations from ��ֱ�� community members

ksoobria — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:36:42 +0000

On-line toolbox shares ideas and adaptations from ��ֱ�� community members ksoobria Mon, 08/14/2023 - 11:36

The events of the pandemic underlined the need for the university to consolidate and share knowledge regarding operations, and to continue to update and improve its processes. It was a time that brought into sharp focus ��ֱ��’s core mission of teaching and research. It also demonstrated the value of cross-functional teams working across campuses toward common goals, and the role of these teams in enabling an agile response to changing circumstances.

The University Resilience Project Team, initiated by Vice-President & Provost Cheryl Regehr in spring 2022, has completed its work in partnering with campuses and divisions to launch nine initiatives in response to feedback it collected from the community. One of these initiatives is an on-line toolbox, now part of the UTogether website. The toolbox is a source of examples and advice contributed by ��ֱ�� staff and faculty developed in response to the pandemic.

“The goal of the toolbox is to inspire further thinking and problem-solving in the post-pandemic era,” said Professor Nick Rule, Vice-Principal (Academic) & Dean, ��ֱ�� Mississauga and who led the RPT as Provostial Advisor on University Resilience.

“The RPT’s work illuminated the community’s need to discuss and acknowledge the significance of the pandemic. Compiling the innovative work of our faculty and staff through this resource is an important part of our path forward.”

The RPT was initiated by the Provost as a way for members of the university community to reflect on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to consolidate and retain the knowledge gained during that period.

From April to September of 2022, RPT members conducted extensive consultations with the ��ֱ�� community, focusing on the following key questions: lessons learned, identifying obstacles, things to change and innovations and practices to keep.

The RPT spoke with 300+ academic, administrative and student leaders from every division and campus in small sessions; received 224 responses in a web-based survey advertised to the entire ��ֱ�� community; and gave 43 presentations to operational units, senior leadership and members of Governing Council.

Having heard from the community, the RPT worked in partnership with campuses and divisions to implement nine initiatives in response to the feedback received in their consultations. These initiatives fall into three categories: navigation, engagement and future proofing. The work of sustaining these initiatives is continuing in the hands of the RPT’s collaborative partners.

More details about the work on the RPT are available on the Provost’s website.

On-line toolbox shares ideas and adaptations from ��ֱ�� community members

(photo by Watchara Piriyaputtanapun/Getty Images)

Communications Staff

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Anna Kennedy succeeds Janet Ecker as chair of ��ֱ��’s Governing Council

siddiq22 — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 18:00:43 +0000

Anna Kennedy succeeds Janet Ecker as chair of ��ֱ��’s Governing Council

siddiq22 Thu, 07/06/2023 - 14:00

Cutline

Real estate executive Anna Kennedy is the new chair of the University of Toronto's Governing Council (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Topic

President Meric Gertler

A leader in Toronto’s real estate industry, Anna Kennedy says her four-decade career of organization-building has laid the foundation for her new role as chair of the University of Toronto’s Governing Council.

From 2011 to 2022, Kennedy was chief financial officer and chief operating officer of KingSett Capital, one of Canada’s leading real estate private equity firms. Prior to that, she enjoyed a 25-year tenure at Oxford Properties Group, progressing to the role of executive vice-president and chief financial officer.

She is board director and chair of the audit committee of the C.D. Howe Institute, a board member of Jona Capital and an advisory board member of the KingSett Canadian Real Estate Income Fund. This builds on her previous board experience at organizations such as Tricon Capital Group, REALPAC, Toronto CREW and Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke and her executive leadership at the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Kennedy will draw on this experience as she prepares for her role overseeing governance at the university. “��ֱ�� is a huge contributor to the economic growth and development of the City of Toronto," Kennedy says. “It is personally very rewarding for me to be able to contribute to this city building through my work on the Governing Council.”

Appointed to Governing Council in 2019, Kennedy began her term as chair of ��ֱ��’s governance body on July 1. She takes over from Janet Ecker, with whom she served as vice-chair during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Sandra Hanington, former president of the Royal Canadian Mint who has previous experience in the financial services sector and co-founded a youth mental health charity, was elected to serve as vice-chair. She was first appointed to Governing Council in 2020.

Janet Ecker (supplied image)

Ecker says it’s been an honour to be part of an institution that “values the old and the new.” She notes that her term coincided with the 50th anniversary of ��ֱ��’s unicameral governance model – a model that ensures financial decisions support the university’s academic mission and vice versa.

Ecker says she’s confident that Kennedy and Hanington will continue ��ֱ��’s track record of sound financial stewardship as Ontario universities face a challenging economic landscape.

“Despite the fact that ��ֱ�� is in very strong financial shape, the challenges that are coming at the university sector are going to be significant,” Ecker says.

“I think having Anna's business background and financial acumen – and Sandra’s as well – is going to be very helpful in working … to make sure that ��ֱ�� can continue to provide the incredible quality of education that is routinely recognized in international rankings.”

Kennedy, for her part, says she’s grateful to have worked alongside and learned from Ecker as she readies herself for serving as Chair of the Governing Council – a role that involves presiding over council and other meetings and providing executive oversight.

“It’s a pleasure to contribute to an institution with such a strong culture of achieving excellence through collegiality and collaboration while focused on broad inclusive excellence, fairness and respect,” she says.

“The university’s success in its equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives is truly inspiring. Diversity of thought and opinions lead to richer discussions, stronger decisions and better outcomes.”

Kennedy adds that she’s impressed by ��ֱ��’s “student-focused emphasis” on achieving excellence through innovative course delivery, experiential learning, mental health supports, robust financial aid and the ongoing support provided by the university’s extensive network of alumni around the globe.

She also commends ��ֱ�� President Meric Gertler’s “exemplary” leadership of a 196-year-old institution – including his work shepherding ��ֱ��’s Defy Gravity campaign, which she says will help ensure ��ֱ�� can continue to invest in the student experience, leading research and other bold initiatives.

“It is an honour and a privilege to contribute to, and lead governance oversight, at the University of Toronto,” she says. “It is a first-rate university focused on excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in partnership with so many leading international institutions, advancing the reputation of Toronto and Canada globally.”

Governing Council symposium draws ��ֱ�� leaders and governors – past and present

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:33:11 +0000

Governing Council symposium draws ��ֱ�� leaders and governors – past and present

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:33

Cutline

From left: Meric Gertler, Thomas H. Simpson, Richard B. Nunn, Judy Goldring, David Naylor and Robert Prichard (photo by Steve Frost)

Topic

Undergraduate Students

Subheadline

‘The whole event was about living history’

A recent symposium brought together 15 distinguished figures in the University of Toronto’s history to discuss the primacy of its academic mission – and the far-reaching impact of the decision to implement a unicameral governance model 50 years ago.

“In this current moment, when university governance is facing greater scrutiny, it is timely that we are marking this important milestone of 50 years of ��ֱ��’s unicameral governance model,” said Janet Ecker, chair of the Governing Council, at the event.

First adopted in 1973 under the leadership of former ��ֱ�� President Claude Bissell, the unicameral model brought together the elements of two separate governing bodies: the academically focused Senate and the business-focused Board of Governors.

Importantly, the governing body’s membership was composed of both internal and external stakeholders.

Governing Council Chair Janet Ecker speaks at a recent symposium (photo by Steve Frost)

Robert Prichard, ��ֱ��’s president from 1990 to 2000, told the panel that the impact of Bissell’s move “to bring everyone around the table” a half century ago is still being felt.

“Governing Council is one of the great strengths of the university,” Prichard said. “It has become a source of legitimizing strength for taking initiatives, for change, for re-shaping the university … so we could take our place among the world’s truly great universities.”

��ֱ�� was the first – and, for many years, the only – Canadian university to use a unicameral model of governance. It’s an approach that ensures business decisions support the academic mission and vice versa – and has played a key role in enabling ��ֱ�� to attract top scholars and researchers, along with the necessary funding to support their work.

Robert Prichard called Governing Council “one of the great strengths of the university” (photo by Steve Frost)

The council comprises 50 volunteers (known as governors) representing what are often referred to as the five estates – faculty, students, staff, alumni and community members appointed by the Ontario government.

In addition to Prichard, the May 12 symposium involved several current and former Governing Council members, including ��ֱ�� President Meric Gertler, and drew about 100 people to the Governing Council Chamber.

“The whole event was about living history,” says Secretary of the Governing Council Sheree Drummond. “It’s rare when you can reflect on important matters of the university from the past with the people who were actually there when it happened.

“This symposium was one of those times.”

David Naylor said ��ֱ��’s governance brings people together and helps the university innovate boldly (photo by Steve Frost)

��ֱ�� President Emeritus David Naylor told the panel that the unicameral model has been an essential boon to the university’s ability to compete globally.

“If you look at the great public universities of the world, we compete effectively, in what are in many cases disadvantageous circumstances, and defy gravity because of our structure, which includes phenomenal governance that pulls everyone together and allows us to innovate boldly,” he said.

In addition to the 50-member Governing Council itself, governance at ��ֱ�� also includes a variety of boards, councils and committees. Louis Charpentier, Secretary of the Governing Council from 1999 to 2015, said he believed this breadth of representation creates a connection between governance and the university community.

“There are so many governance bodies and so many people involved on each of our three campuses that I think it shows people actually care about what’s happening in governance,” Charpentier said. “They really want to be involved in the university’s decision-making process. Our Governing Council and all its bodies are not some distant groups making decisions for everyone.”

From left: Sheree Drummond, Jack Dimond and Louis Charpentier (photo by Steve Frost)

Other panellists noted that involvement in governance creates important opportunities for students.

“When I sat on Governing Council, at the table were Bob Rae, Bill Davis and David Peterson,” said Geeta Yadav, a student governor in the early 2000s (and a current alumni governor) who is now a dermatologist. “To sit at the table as a 19-year-old with three former premiers of Ontario…it was an enormous learning opportunity. It’s really powerful to be part of that dialogue and a beauty of the governance system we have set up.”

Yadav adds that the university benefits by having student voices on Governing Council. That includes international students, who became eligible for membership on the council after the ��ֱ�� Act was amended by the province in 2014 to remove the citizenship requirement for members of Governing Council, apart from the president and the chancellor.

Clockwise from left: Geeta Yadav, Susan Froom, Andrea Sass-Kortsak and Raymond Cummins (photo by Steve Frost)

“I remember a number of international students who wanted to run for Governing Council, but they weren’t able to,” said panelist Susan Froom, a governor from 2014 to 2023 who represents part-time undergraduate students. “So, we had to lobby the provincial government to change the act. It was a time when the students were using the system to make change for the better.”

Froom added that bringing international students into the council dovetailed with President Gertler’s priority of strengthening international partnerships.

“It was the right moment in time to do that because it fit in with the vision of how we could make a more inclusive and stronger university by having those voices of international students at the table,” Froom said.

From left: Richard B. Nunn and Judy Goldring (photo by Steve Frost)

Former Governing Council Chair Judy Goldring similarly noted the change emphasized that “more than anything else, the unicameral system promotes representation” at the university.

Another panelist, ��ֱ�� Mississauga Professor Emeritus Raymond Cummins, noted that Governing Council, through its Academic Board (of which Cummins was chair from 2002 to 2006), has also been essential for protecting the university’s key principles.

“Academic Board is one of the champions of academic freedom in the university,” said Cummins, noting that acclaimed author Salman Rushdie once spoke to the board about the subject.

Toward the end of the symposium, President Gertler called the adoption of the unicameral model a “significant milestone in the life of this institution” and praised the university’s “tendency to obsess over the system, reflexively revisiting it every few years and asking, ‘Is it working better?’”

��ֱ�� President Meric Gertler participates in a panel discussion (photo by Steve Frost)

(The symposium’s panelists also included Jack Dimond, former secretary of the Governing Council; Professor Emeritus Ellen Hodnett, former teaching staff governor and former chair of the Academic Board; Associate Professor Andrea Sass-Kortsak, former teaching staff governor and former chair of the Academic Board; Richard B. Nunn, former government appointee and former chair of Governing Council; and Thomas H. Simpson, former governor (student, alumni, and government appointee) and former chair of Governing Council.)

Governing Council

Linda Johnston appointed ����ֱ�� vice-president and ����ֱ�� Scarborough principal

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as ����ֱ�� Chancellor

����ֱ�� Chancellor Rose Patten celebrated for her exceptional leadership

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

����ֱ�� budget invests in teaching, research and student well-being as sector’s challenges mount

����ֱ�� marks Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

����ֱ�� to mark Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

St. George

����ֱ�� Scarborough

����ֱ�� Mississauga

On-line toolbox shares ideas and adaptations from ����ֱ�� community members

Anna Kennedy succeeds Janet Ecker as chair of ����ֱ��’s Governing Council

Governing Council symposium draws ����ֱ�� leaders and governors – past and present

Linda Johnston appointed ��ֱ�� vice-president and ��ֱ�� Scarborough principal

Rose Patten presides over 133rd – and final – convocation as ��ֱ�� Chancellor

��ֱ�� Chancellor Rose Patten celebrated for her exceptional leadership

��ֱ�� budget invests in teaching, research and student well-being as sector’s challenges mount

��ֱ�� marks Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

��ֱ�� to mark Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

��ֱ�� Scarborough

��ֱ�� Mississauga

On-line toolbox shares ideas and adaptations from ��ֱ�� community members

Anna Kennedy succeeds Janet Ecker as chair of ��ֱ��’s Governing Council

Governing Council symposium draws ��ֱ�� leaders and governors – past and present