Report: University Affairs Board - April 11, 2024

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Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall

REPORT NUMBER 240 OF THE UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS BOARD

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024

To the Governing Council,
University of Toronto,

Your Board reports that it held a meeting in the Council Chamber on Thursday, April 11, 2024 with the following members present:

PRESENT: Vikram Chadalawada (Chair), Geeta Yadav (Vice-Chair), Sandy Welsh (Vice-Provost, Students), David Newman (Executive Director, Student Experience), Faraz Alidina, Glen Bandiera, Amanda Bartley, Odelia Bempah*, K. Sonu Gaind, Natasha Hanif, David Kim, Nelson Lee, Somtochukwu Nnakenyi*, Konrad Samsel, Firdaus Sadid, Lauren Vollmer

REGRETS: Soban Atique, Helia Karami, Gretchen Kerr, Dveeta Lal, Wei-Tung Ling, Ron Levi

NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Robyn Parr, (Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students), Kelly Hannah- Moffat (Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture)

SECRETARIAT: Joanne Chou

IN ATTENDANCE:  
Jodie Glean,  Executive Director, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Ben Poynton Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Officer
Cheryl Gibbs, Manager, Student Policy Initiatives
Chad Nuttall, Assistant Dean of Students and International Initiatives
Carla DeMarco, Communications Manager
Ann Perry, Senior Issues and Media Relations Strategist, University of Toronto Communications
Brian Cunha, UTM Student Housing
Jayden Jung, Co-President, Bachelor of Information Student Association  
Parker Johnston, President, Engineering Society  
Johanna Hill, President, Museum Studies Student Association  
Justin Kim, President, Students' Law Society 
Adam Da Costa Gomes, President, Undergraduate Pharmacy Society*  
Friedemann Krannich, Interim Vice-President, Internal, University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union  
Samir Mechel, Vice-President, Finance & Operations, University of Toronto Students’ Union  
Jennifer Ward, Executive Director, Sexual Education Centre 
Artie Kronenfeld, Editor-in-Chief, The Varsity 
Jaime Kearns, President, Association of Part-Time Undergraduate Students
Aidan Thompson, University of Toronto Students’ Union
Emily Poirier, University of Toronto Students’ Union
Franca Ciannavei, The University of Toronto Sexual Education Centre 

(*attended remotely)

OPEN SESSION
 

  1. Chair’s Remarks


    The Chair of the University Affairs Board welcomed members and guests. He extended a warm welcome to Ms Robyn Parr, the newly appointed Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students.
  2. Report of the Senior Assessor


    At the invitation of the Chair, Professor Sandy Welsh began her report by echoing the Chair’s sentiments regarding the appointment of Ms Robyn Parr, the new Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Provost, to the University of Toronto. She extended her best wishes to all students that were heading into exams.

    Members had no questions.
  3. Annual Report: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) (2023)


    The Board received a presentation of the Annual Report: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), from Professor Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture, and Ben Poynton, AODA Office for the University. The report was also presented to the Planning and Budget Committee on April 9, 2024, for information.

    Following introductory remarks from Professor Hannah-Moffat, Mr. Poynton provided a summary of the 2023 report which highlighted activities across three campuses. He noted that the report focused the University’s commitment to embrace new standards and best practices related to accessibility; Creating Accessible Physical Spaces and Structures; Providing accessible services and tools to our community; Increasing our community’s understanding of universal design; and Centring lived experience of disability.  The highlights shared from the report showcased a vast breadth of initiatives, disciplines and collaborative partners doing this work.

    As part of his presentation, Mr. Poynton highlighted specific successes throughout the year towards these areas of focus. He also provided an overview of the upcoming AODA Multi-year Plan which would outline planned initiatives to realize the potential of a universally designed, flexible, responsive and barrier-free University.

    Mr. Poynton outlined the following priorities for 2024 and beyond for the AODA Office:

  • An in-depth comprehensive review of the institutional initiatives, activities and supportive AODA efforts.

  • A new webpage that identified the existing standards, the institutional progress in achieving them, and concrete pathways to accomplish and maintain compliance. The webpage would be updated regularly and serve as an accountability mechanism and an ongoing resource for the University Community.

  • The University would draft an institutional multiyear accessibility plan, and engage in consultations with students, faculty and librarians across the tri-campuses.

  • The plan would encompass the five standards AODA, including customer service, information & communications, design of public spaces, transportation and employment. The plan was required under AODA and would serve as a guide as the University continued to meet and exceed expectations in all areas. 

In response to a member’s question regarding student housing, Mr. Poynton responded that the number of requests for barrier-free student housing units across the three campuses remained steady since the pandemic, with an average total of 20 requests per year across the tri-campus, and approximately 15 of these requests were for residences on St. George campus. This number of requests fell far below the University’s actual capacity to provide barrier-free student housing and there were over 95 barrier-free residence spaces available across the tri-campus (over 50 on St. George). The University’s Facility Accessibility Design Standard outlined the accessibility framework for residences, which followed the minimum requirement for accessible units set out by the Ontario Building Code. In addition, they did not anticipate an increase in the number of requests for barrier-free units in the next 5 years. The University was well-prepared to meet any increase in demand and was intentional in applying a broad definition of “barrier-free” to the design of new spaces and retrofitted facilities owned and occupied by the University. The University would expand the barrier-free housing capacity by 2026 with the construction of three new residences, two on St. George campus, and one at UTM.

In response to a member’s question regarding AODA office priorities, Mr. Poynton highlighted several key areas of focus that included:

  • Expanded education and training efforts to deepen the community’s understanding of accessibility and universal design;

  • Increased efforts to enhance the accessibility of the digital tools, particularly websites;

  • Expanded opportunities for community-building and connection for persons with disabilities to deepen a sense of belonging at the University; and

  • Additional areas would emerge from the community consultations to develop the University’s next AODA multi-year plan.

In response to a member’s question regarding impact, Mr. Poynton responded that since the University’s reporting on accessibility initiatives began in 2003, there was a rich history of successful initiatives that occurred within various divisions, faculties, and campuses. Each initiative delivered a unique impact on accessibility, and contributed to building an increasingly accessible landscape across the three campuses. He highlighted several impactful initiatives, noting the contributions made to the University’s policy and process landscape. He added that the community needed to embrace the work of accessibility as a shared responsibility; this required ongoing communication and consultations with the diverse community of people that identified as having a disability, and the ongoing education of the tri-campus community to achieve lasting impact.

In response to a member’s question regarding an example of a model of success with respect to heritage buildings,  Mr. Poynton responded by highlighting the accessibility initiatives and upgrades  with the University College building and Hart House.

The Chair thanked Professor Hannah-Moffat and Mr. Poynton for their presentation.

  1. Student Societies: Report on Financial Statements and Auditor's Opinion


    Professor Welsh provided an overview of the Report on Financial Statements and Auditor’s Opinion. She noted that in 2022-23, 16 student societies did not submit their financial statements by the date of last year’s UAB report, and 12 societies had audit exemption requests pending.

    Since last year’s report, OVPS had received outstanding financial statements and exemptions for the 2021-22 fiscal year from all that had not submitted, with the exception of the Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association, Innis College Student Society, Kinesiology & Physical Education Undergraduate Association, Master of Information Student Council, Undergraduate Pharmacy Society, University College Literary & Athletic Society, and University of Toronto Mississauga Residence Council. The Office of the Vice-Provost, Students will continue its work with these societies to ensure that the requirements of the Policy are met.

    Professor Welsh thanked Josh Hass, Coordinator, Student Policy Initiatives for his work in the role.

    No members had any questions.
  2. Student Societies: Requests for Fee Increases


    Professor Welsh began by thanking the student society leaders from across the three campuses, many of whom attended the meeting.  She highlighted the continued excellent service and support that the student society leaders provided to their members.

    Professor Welsh noted that fee increases for student societies was an annual item of business for the Board. Changes in student society fees were subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Policy for Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees, the Handbook for Student Societies, and the societies’ own constitutions and/or by-laws. In general, all requests for student society fee increases must be supported by constitutional and fair processes within student societies.
    1. University of Toronto Mississauga


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


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


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

      She also reported for the Board’s information on three student fee decreases:
    • On February 26, 2024, the Master of Information Student Council voted to cease collection of the Tech Fund fee, effective at the end of the Winter 2024 session.
    • On February 27, 2024, the Museum Studies Student Association voted to cease collection of the MISC/MUSSA Tech Levy fee, effective at the end of the Winter 2024 session.
    • On March 18, 2024, the Board of Directors of the University of Toronto Graduate Students' Union voted to cease collection of the Women’s Centre fee, meant to flow through to the Centre for Women & Trans People, effective at the end of the Summer 2024 session.

On motion duly made, seconded, and carried,

IT WAS RESOLVED

THAT, subject to confirmation of approval of the following fee change proposals by the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students Board of Directors and at the society’s annual general meeting, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of up to $8.59 per fall and winter session in the Health Plan portion of the fee;
  2. an increase of up to $6.63 per fall and winter session in the Dental Plan portion of the fee; and
  3. an increase of up to $0.16 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students portion of the fee.

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Bachelor of Information Student Association societyfee be established at $15.00 per fall and winter session ($7.50 for part-time students) and chargedto all Bachelor of Information students in the Faculty of Information.

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Engineering Society fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $1.02 per fall and winter session in the society portion of the fee ($0.96 for part-time students).

THAT, subject to ratification of referendum results by the Engineering Society Board of Directors, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Engineering Society fee be modified as follows:

  1. the establishment of $3.50 per fall and winter session in the Blue Sky Solar Racing Team portion of the fee through 2025-26 (full-time & part-time);
  2. the continuation of, and an increase of $0.05 per fall and winter session in, the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students portion of the fee through 2025-26 for full-time students;
  3. the establishment of $0.40 per fall and winter session in the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students portion of the fee through 2025-26 for part-time students;
  4. the continuation of, and an increase of $0.50 per fall and winter session in, the Human-Powered Vehicle Design Team portion of the fee through 2025-26 for full-time students;
  5. the establishment of $2.50 per fall and winter session in the Human-Powered Vehicle Design Team portion of the fee through 2025-26 for part-time students;
  6. the establishment of $3.50 per fall and winter session in the Robotics Association portion of the fee through 2025-26 (full-time & part-time);
  7. the continuation of the Skule Endowment Fund portion of the fee through 2025-26 (full-time & part-time);
  8. the continuation of the Skule Nite portion of the fee through 2025-26 for full-time students;
  9. the establishment of $2.10 per fall and winter session in the Skule Nite portion of the fee through 2025-26 for part-time students;
  10. the establishment of $1.50 per fall and winter session in the Women in Science and Engineering portion of the fee through 2025-26 (full-time & part-time);
  11. the establishment of $3.55 per fall and winter session in the Aerospace Team portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  12. the establishment of $1.75 per fall and winter session in the Concrete Canoe Team portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  13. the establishment of $1.50 per fall and winter session in the Concrete Toboggan Team portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  14. the establishment of $1.00 per fall and winter session in the Engineers in Action portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  15. the establishment of $1.50 per fall and winter session in the Engineers Without Borders portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  16. the establishment of $3.95 per fall and winter session in the Formula SAE Racing Team portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  17. the establishment of $1.00 per fall and winter session in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  18. the establishment of $2.10 per fall and winter session in the Robotics for Space Exploration portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  19. the establishment of $1.42 per fall and winter session in the Seismic Design Team portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students;
  20. the establishment of $1.75 per fall and winter session in the Supermileage Team portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students; and
  21. the establishment of $1.55 per fall and winter session in the UTWind portion of the fee through 2024-25 for part-time students.

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Graduate Business Council society fee be increased by $1.62 per session (full-time only).

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Museum Studies Student Association society fee be established at $12.50 per session and charged to all full-time Master of Museum Studies students in the Faculty of Information.

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Students’ Law Society fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $5.00 per fall and winter session in the Public Interest Advocacy Summer Employment Program portion of the fee ($2.50 for part-time students).

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Undergraduate Pharmacy Society fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.61 per fall and winter session in the society portion of the fee.

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $1.21 per fall session and $1.22 per winter session in the society portion of the fee ($0.60 per fall session and $0.61 per winter session for part-time students);
  2. an increase of $17.35 per fall session and $17.34 per winter session in the Health Plan portion of the fee (full-time & part-time);
  3. an increase of $10.43 per fall session and $10.44 per winter session in the Dental Plan portion of the fee (full-time & part-time);
  4. an increase of $0.05 per session in the Bikechain portion of the fee ($0.03 per fall session and $0.02 per winter session for part-time students);
  5. an increase of $0.33 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students portion of the fee ($0.16 per fall session and $0.17 per winter session for part-time students); and
  6. an increase of up to $0.10 per fall session and $0.11 per winter session in the Centre for Social Justice - OPIRG portion of the fee (up to $0.05 per session for part-time students).

THAT, subject to ratification of referendum results by the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union Board of Directors, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.38 per session in the Sexual Education Centre portion of the fee ($0.19 per session for part-time students); and
  2. the establishment of $7.23 per session in the Regenesis portion of the fee ($3.62 for part-time students).

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the University of Toronto Students’ Union (legally, the Students’ Administrative Council)fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.76 per session in the society portion of the fee;
  2. an increase of $6.75 per fall and winter session in the Health Plan portion of the fee;
  3. an increase of $5.64 per fall and winter session in the Dental Plan portion of the fee;
  4. an increase of $0.02 per session in the Bikechain portion of the fee;
  5. an increase of $0.32 per session in the Canadian Federation of Students portion of the fee;
  6. an increase of $0.07 per session in the Community Housing & Employment Support Services portion of the fee;
  7. an increase of $0.13 per session in the Downtown Legal Services portion of the fee;
  8. an increase of $0.07 per session in the Student Refugee Program portion of the fee;
  9. an increase of $0.50 per session in the Sexual Education Centre portion of the fee; and
  10. an increase of $2.00 per fall and winter session in the Student Aid Program portion of the fee.

THAT, beginning in the Winter 2025 session, the University of Toronto Students’ Union (legally, the Students’ Administrative Council)fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.50 per session in the Student Commons Capital Levy portion of the fee; and
  2. an increase of $0.87 per session in the Student Commons Operating Levy portion of the fee.

THAT, beginning in the Fall 2024 session, the Varsity Publications society fee be modified as follows:

  1. an increase of $0.03 per session in the society fee for graduate students; and
  2. an increase of $0.11 per session in the society fee for undergraduate students.

CONSENT AGENDA


On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR BOARD APPROVED

THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 6, the Report of the Previous Meeting, be approved.

  1. Report of the Previous Meeting


    The Report of the Previous meeting was approved.
  2. Business Arising form the Report of the Previous Meeting


    There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.
  1. Date of Next Meeting: May 29, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.


    The Chair confirmed that the next meeting would be held on May 29, 2024 in the Council Chamber.
  2. Other Business


    There were no items of other business.

    The Board moved IN CAMERA.

IN CAMERA SESSION
 

  1. Appointment: Council on Student Services (COSS) 

    On motion duly made, seconded and carried

    IT WAS RESOLVED

    THAT Elizabeth Shechtman be appointed Chair of the Council on Student Services, effective May 1, 2024, and until April 30, 2025.


The meeting adjourned at 5:08 p.m.

April 24, 2024