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Governing Council

Governing Council
Governing Council

Steering U of T to our best possible future

Eight alumni governors share unique leadership skills to help shape U of T’s educational excellence, research priorities and global impact.

The volunteers shaping U of T’s future

Eight volunteer Alumni Governors elected by U of T's College of Electors represent U of T alumni interests on Governing Council, the senior body that oversees the academic, business, and student affairs of the University. Meet our current volunteers and explore how you could help.

Collectively and individually, governors are stewards of the University who:

  • Support and advance U of T's mission
  • Provide relevant input into U of T's vision
  • Advise on, oversee, and approve a range of University matters, within the framework of delegated authority
apply

Needed: two alumni

Two alumni members of Governing Council will be elected by the College of Electors on February 22, 2024.

Are you an alumni member committed to the mission of Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation? Are you looking for a way to make a significant volunteer contribution to the University of Toronto?

If so, consider applying for one of two (2) alumni governor seats on the Governing Council, the senior body that oversees the University’s academic, business, and student affairs.

The College of Electors is seeking candidates who:

  • Are inspired to enrich the University with special perspectives, experiences, and connections
  • Will actively participate in the governance of the University
  • Will reflect the diversity of the University’s alumni

Each seat is for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2027. The two incumbent Alumni Governors are eligible to seek re-election.

Download the application package (including guidelines and PDF fillable form) below or on the Governing Council website.

*The deadline to submit a complete application package will be Thursday, December 14, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.

Apply Now

Time commitment

Members of the Governing Council make a significant time commitment in their volunteer service to the University. This is a minimum of 200+ hours per year.

  • In addition to serving on the Governing Council, there is an expectation that governors will also serve on one or more of its Boards, Campus Councils, or Committees.
  • Regular in-person meetings are scheduled from September to June, usually begin at 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., and continue for about two or two and a half hours.
  • Governors also frequently attend University and community functions, where they serve as ambassadors of the University; along with being asked to serve on various ad hoc, search, or advisory committees.

Candidates located in the Greater Toronto Area will find it easier to meet these expectations.

Desired attributes for 2024

As part of this year's application process, there is particular interest in recruiting outstanding alumni who: reflect the diversity and lived experience of the University’s alumni; may contribute to the further diversification of ideas; are in their mid-career and beyond, and who will help "DEFY GRAVITY" with the following desired attributes:

Industry experience in:

  • Risk management including reputational risk; financial services: audit, budget, investments
  • Relevant fields such as real estate, capital projects, city building
  • Working with various levels of government, and public/private partnerships
  • International experience and/or exposure

Knowledge and skills in:

  • Governance in complex organizations in a leadership role
  • Consensus building, maintaining an open mindset, creativity, and adaptability to changing circumstances
  • Human resources and/or senior leadership succession planning
  • Mental health, as a critical factor in the well-being of university life and society

A robust volunteer service commitment demonstrated through:

  • Active and passionate volunteer activity on behalf of the University
  • Good knowledge of the University’s three campuses
  • A strong community presence and networks

Have an interest in:

  • Advocating for post-secondary education, internally and externally
  • Shaping the student experience and promoting student success
  • Championing the University as a preeminent teaching and research institution
How to apply

All applications are subject to a verification process by the Secretary of the College of Electors. An application will be certified as complete only if all of the following criteria are fulfilled:

  • The candidate is an alumnus/a of the University of Toronto as defined by the Act (reference application package for more details)
  • Each section of the application form has been completed following the directions contained in the Instruction Guide
  • Five (5) letters of reference provided: two (2) of the letters must be provided by U of T alumni
  • All sections of the application package are received by the Secretary of the College of Electors by email (coe@utoronto.ca) by Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Diversity

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Aboriginal/Indigenous People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Questions or comments? Please contact Anwar Kazimi, Secretary, College of Electors by email (coe@utoronto.ca).

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