Information for the Election of Members to Governing Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Governing Council?
It is the senior governing body that oversees the academic, business and student affairs of the University.
The Governing Council was established by the University of Toronto Act, 1971. Prior to July 1, 1971, the University had a Senate, that dealt with academic affairs, and a Board of Governors, that dealt with business affairs.
How do the decisions of the Governing Council affect me?
Decisions of the Governing Council have an impact on the daily life of members of the university community, and include approval of:
- academic programs
- budgets
- capital expansion
- employment policies
- fundraising
- research policies
- student life
- tuition fees
How many members are there?
50 members drawn from faculty, staff and students of the University as well as members of the community at large:
The President and Chancellor of the University serve by virtue of their positions (ex officio)
- 18 appointed members
- 16 individuals appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council
- 2 senior administrators appointed by the President
- 30 elected members
- 12 teaching staff
- 8 alumni
- 8 students:
- 4 full-time undergraduate
- 2 part-time undergraduate
- 2 graduate
- 2 administrative staff
How long do members serve on the Governing Council?
The members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council normally serve for three-year terms, as do elected alumni, teaching and administrative staff. Students are elected for a one-year term; the senior administrators appointed by the President also only have one year terms. No member may serve for more than 9 consecutive years.
How are the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Governing Council chosen?
The University of Toronto Act , 1971 requires an annual election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Governing Council by members of the Council. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman must be members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
How often does the Governing Council meet?
It meets approximately 7 times per year -- once every 4 to 6 weeks.
When does the Governing Council meet?
Meetings are normally scheduled on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Where does the Governing Council meet?
Meetings are normally held in the Council Chamber at Simcoe Hall, 27 King's College Circle, St.George Campus.
How long are the Governing Council meetings?
The meetings are usually completed within 2 ½ hours of the starting time.
Can anyone attend meetings of the Governing Council?
Yes. Meetings are usually held in open session. Some portions of the meetings may be held in camera, which means that only members may attend. These sessions are those in which intimate financial or personal matters of any person may be disclosed.
What does a member of the Governing Council do?
Members make sure the University is well-managed and that the decisions that are made by the Council are in the best long-term interests of the University.
How does a member do this?
An effective member of the Governing Council:
- Is informed about issues and process
- Asks relevant questions
- Exercises his/her vote
What is it like to be a student governor?
Please see the linked article on contributions of student governors. Click here .
What qualifications are required to become a member of the Governing Council?
The University of Toronto Act requires that members of the Governing Council be Canadian citizens. The Election Guidelines require that a member of the Governing Council be a member of the constituency which he/she represents.
How can I find out more information about the Governing Council and its work?
Consult the Governing Council web-site ( http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca ), or contact the Governing Council Office by phone at 416-978-6576 or by email at governing.council@utoronto.ca .
About the Nomination and Election Process for Governing Council
How does someone get nominated for a position on Governing Council?
A person must complete a nomination form and submit it to the Governing Council Office before the close of the nomination period.
What do I need to complete a nomination form?
You must obtain the signatures of a defined number of Nominators from the same constituency (10 for teaching staff; 20 for administrative staff and students).
A nominee must also provide proof of Canadian citizenship with the completed nomination form.
Nominees are requested to provide a candidate statement of 100 words or less which will be provided with the ballot in the election.
How do I find out my constituency?
Constituencies are defined in the Election Guidelines which are available on the Governing Council elections website (http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/elections.htm) or from the Office of the Governing Council. You may also contact the Chief Returning Officer by phone (416-946-7663) or by email ( nancy.smart@utoronto.ca ) for information regarding constituencies.
How do I find out when nominations are open?
The Call for Nominations is broadly distributed within the University community, and is also noted on the Governing Council web-site ( http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/elections.htm ).
Where can I get a nomination form?
During the Nomination period, nomination forms are available at the following locations:
When is the nomination period for 2008?
undefined Nominations for alumni, student, and teaching staff seats on the Governing Council will open on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.
Nominations for student and teaching staff seats will close on Friday, January 25, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Nominations for alumni seats will close on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
Can I nominate myself?
No, a candidate may not nominate him/herself.
Can I nominate someone else within my constituency?
Yes, you may arrange a nomination for another individual, but the nominee must agree to stand for election.
Can I nominate someone in a different constituency?
No, you may only nominate someone within your own constituency.
Can I nominate more than one person within my constituency?
Only if there is more than one position open within your constituency. You may not nominate more candidates than there are vacancies.
How do I vote?
Undergraduate and graduate students vote on the web. Members of the teaching and administrative staff as well as post-graduate medical students vote by mail ballot.
When do I vote?
undefined The voting period for undergraduate and graduate students will open on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 6:00 a.m. and close on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
Ballot papers for teaching staff and post-graduate medical students will be mailed the week of February 18, 2008. Elections will close Friday, March 14, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
When are the election results announced?
After all candidates have been informed of the results, an announcement will be made to the University community.
Other Ways to Become Involved in Governance at the University
Are there ways other than membership on the Governing Council that allow me to become involved with governance at the University?
Yes. You may apply to be considered for a position as a co-opted or appointed non-Governing Council member of a Board or Committee. Co-opted members are not required to be Canadian citizens.
What is a co-opted member?
They are individuals who are appointed to a Board to fill positions not assigned to members of the Governing Council. In the case of Committees, they are positions not filled by members of the Governing Council and/or the parent Board.
Which Boards and Committees have co-opted members?
The Academic Board, Business Board and University Affairs Board each have co-opted members. Co-opted members of the Academic Board may be members of one of its standing committees -- the Committee on Academic Policy and Program and the Planning and Budget Committee. (See
http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/bac.htm for information about all Governing Council Boards and Committees.)
How are co-opted members chosen?
A request for Co-opted members is distributed widely within the University in March. Each Board has a Striking Committee which considers the applications received, and makes recommendations regarding membership on the Board or Committee.
Please send any questions or comments to: governing.council@utoronto.ca