University of Toronto Governing Council

Ministry

Colleges and Universities

URL

https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/secretariat

Address

27 King's College Circle
Toronto
M5S1A1

Phone

416 978-6576 / governing.council@utoronto.ca

Fax

(416) 978-6089

Background

University of Toronto Act, 1971, C. 56, S. 2 (Unconsolidated)

Function

The Governing Council oversees the academic, business and student affairs of the University.

Membership

The Governing Council has 50 members. The chancellor and the president are ex officio members. Sixteen members (who are neither students, administrative nor teaching staff) are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Eight members (who are neither students, administrative nor teaching staff) are elected by and from among the alumni. Twelve members are elected by and from the teaching staff. Eight student members are elected, as follows: four elected by and from among the full-time undergraduate students, two elected by and from among the graduate students, and two elected by and from among the part-time undergraduates. Two members are elected by and from among the administrative staff, and finally, two members are appointed by the president from among the officers of the university. The council elects a chair and a vice-chair annually from among the appointees of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

 

Term

Members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council serve a three-year term. They are eligible for reappointment but may not serve continuously for more than nine years. However, a member is again eligible for appointment one year after the expiry date of the ninth consecutive year. A member of the council holds office until a successor is appointed. When a member is unable to serve, a new member is appointed to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Meetings

Members are expected to attend in-person the regular meetings of the Governing Council (six meetings between September and June). Meetings are typically held on a Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Members are also expected to serve on two other governance bodies (each has six two-hour meetings between September and June).

Remuneration

Appointees do not receive remuneration and are not reimbursed for travel expenses.

Appointments & Vacancies