Governing Council

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.

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 and innovative 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 ​with empathy, and in a way that promotes civility
• Championing the University as a preeminent teaching and research institution

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 12, 2024 by 5:00 p.m.