Become a member of the Governing Council, which oversees the university’s academic, business and student affairs. Your role as a steward of the university will help defend its interests and maintain its reputation as a leading educational institution worldwide.

As one of eight alumni among the council’s 50 members, you’ll get to be involved in:

• making major changes to academic programs and units
• updating or changing policies on admissions, awards, tuition, ancillary fees, research and grading practices
• establishing multi-year budget guidelines and capital plans
• allocating resources to support of the university’s priorities
• evaluating or changing campus and student services
• acquiring or disposing of assets.

How to become a member
Alumni members are elected by the University of Toronto’s College of Electors for three-year terms, starting each year on July 1. Governing Council members can serve for no more than nine years. Check out the nomination forms for more details.

To qualify as an alumni member, you must be:

• a Canadian citizen
• not a student, or member of the teaching or administrative staff of the university
• an active participant in the university and/or community groups
• willing to learn about the university’s governance
• able to attend regular meetings on campus between September and June.

Governing Council members attend 18 meetings a year—including seven council meetings—and are expected to volunteer on two boards and/or committees. Council meetings are normally held on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. at Simcoe Hall, at 27 King’s College Circle on the St. George Campus.

Current Alumni Members of Governing Council
The current Governing Council features eight alumni members among the 50 members of the Council representing all estates of the University community.

More about current alumni members.