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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: Three Alumni

Three alumni members of Governing Council will be elected by the College of Electors on February 23, 2023.

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 three (3) 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, 2023; and ending June 30, 2026. Of the 3 incumbents, two sitting Alumni Governors are eligible to stand for re-election; and the other Alumni Governor has reached the maximum service permitted and is not 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 15, 2022 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 2023

As part of this year's application process, there is particular interest in recruiting outstanding alumni who will help “DEFY GRAVITY” in the following ways and reflect the diversity and lived experience of the University’s alumni in their mid-career and beyond who also may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

  • Engaging and persuasive communicators with consensus-building skills and good judgment;
  • Creative, strategic and critical thinkers, with emerging ideas and technologies to reimagine the University of the future;
  • Can act as dedicated advocates for post-secondary education and its value including internal and external advocacy on behalf of the University;
  • Can commit time and energy as a volunteer to actively participate (in person) and master the complexity of the University; with a genuine interest in championing its evolution as a preeminent teaching and research institution;
  • Have an interest in shaping and guiding the changing student experience including promoting student success;
  • Have demonstrated insight into mental health as a critical factor, in the well-being of university life and the well-being of society;
  • Have demonstrated governance experience in large and complex organizations, particularly in a leadership role and also those who have experience in dealing with various levels of government;
  • Have demonstrated a robust volunteer service commitment including having already been an active and passionate volunteer on behalf of the University with a good foundation of knowledge of the University and its three campuses; have a strong community presence and networks;
  • Have a general knowledge of and experience in one or more areas important to the University (for example: real estate, capital projects, city building, senior leadership succession planning, risk management (including cyber & reputational), financial services (e.g. audit, budget and investments); and
  • Have international experience and/or exposure.
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 (anwar.kazimi@utoronto.ca) by Thursday, December 15, 2022, 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 (anwar.kazimi@utoronto.ca).

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