U of T News Team

As the leaves changed colour across the University of Toronto’s three campuses, more than 4,000 members of the Class of 2024 embarked on a new chapter in their lives by crossing the stage inside Convocation Hall.

They were among more than 5,700 U of T graduates to receive their U of T degrees this fall and among more than 21,500 to graduate this year – many having begun their studies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some of the highlights of fall convocation ceremonies as captured by U of T photographers:

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

With the autumn leaves providing a burst of colour overhead, graduates gather outside Convocation Hall with their friends and families.

(photo by Shauna Rempel)

Eagle Feather Bearer Kaitlin Phillips, Indigenous student support specialist at U of T Mississauga, leads the chancellor’s procession into Convocation Hall.

(photo by Polina Teif)

Graduates from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s master of social work, Indigenous trauma and resiliency program pose for a group shot on Front Campus.

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

New beginnings: A smiling grad shakes the hand of Wes Hall, who was officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor at the outset of this year’s fall convocation ceremonies.

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

Smartphone-toting friends and family members strain to capture graduates’ big moments inside Convocation Hall.

(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

Eagle Feather Bearer Adrianna Lewis, left, a master’s student in the Faculty of Information, shares a laugh with Sheree Drummond, secretary of U of T’s Governing Council.

(photo by Marc Alolod)

Proud U of T Scarborough graduates celebrate their achievement with a photo op outside of Convocation Hall.

(photo by Polina Teif)

A graduating student gets a helping hand in making a heart-shaped gesture following his convocation ceremony.

(photo by Polina Teif)

U of T convocation celebrations are often family affairs. This joyful embrace, with the tiniest family member joining in, says it all.

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:41:06 +0000

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 05/16/2024 - 20:41

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(photo supplied)

Topic

Wesley J. Hall, business leader and champion of equity, diversity and inclusion, will serve as the next chancellor of the University of Toronto.

Hall was elected by U of T’s College of Electors to serve a three-year term effective July 1, 2024.

He will be the university’s 35th chancellor since its founding in 1827.

“As I take on the role of the chancellor at the University of Toronto, I am deeply privileged and humbled to carry forward the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and advancement, values that strongly align with my personal beliefs,” said Hall, who holds several honorary doctorates and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

“I take on this role with a vision where every voice resonates, every perspective is honoured and appreciated, and every opportunity is open to all, regardless of background or experience. Rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental human right, this esteemed position is about dismantling barriers and paving the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.

“We are living in a diverse world – but there is still more work to be done. Together, let us champion inclusivity, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of excellence, progress and limitless possibilities.”

Elected for a three-year term, the chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, presiding at convocations, conferring all university degrees and acting as ambassador to the wider community and alumni worldwide. The chancellor also plays an essential role in advancing the university's interests within the local, provincial, national and international arenas.

Hall’s election follows a rigorous search process conducted by the College of Electors and chaired by Candice Jay. The college, which was established by the Governing Council in 1971, comprises members representing the constituent alumni associations of the University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA) and is charged with the responsibility of electing alumni governors and the chancellor.

“Dr. Wesley Hall is a widely respected and inspirational business leader, and he is deeply committed to creating opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities,” said Meric Gertler, president of U of T.

“His professional and personal accomplishments and talents make him eminently qualified to take on the position of chancellor. I am delighted that he has accepted this key role, and on behalf of the entire University of Toronto, I thank him for his willingness to contribute his immense talent and experience to the advancement of our academic mission.”

Hall is Executive Chairman and Founder of WeShall Investments, Kingsdale Advisors and the BlackNorth Initiative. WeShall Investments is a private equity firm with a diverse portfolio of companies predominantly led by BIPOC entrepreneurs. The BlackNorth Inititiave is committed to removing systemic barriers impacting the Black community.

He has improved the lives of thousands of children in the Caribbean and Canada, donating both his money and time. And he has been instrumental in mentoring many of Canada’s Black entrepreneurs and leaders.

“I am delighted with Dr. Wesley Hall's appointment as Chancellor-elect,” said Anna Kennedy, chair of U of T’s Governing Council.

“Dr. Hall's remarkable achievements in the business world and unwavering dedication to empowering marginalized groups resonate deeply with the University of Toronto’s values of equity and inclusivity. He is an authentic leader and a community builder, and we anticipate his transformative leadership will enrich our institution's culture and the experience of our students.”

In 2021, Hall partnered with the Rotman School of Management to introduce a new course on Black entrepreneurship and leadership, the first of its kind in North America. Developed in partnership with the BlackNorth Initiative, and with Hall as the lead instructor, the course has proven to be highly successful.

In 2023, U of T conferred a Doctor of Laws honoris causa on Hall in recognition of his innovative corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, and for his outstanding service to the local community, as a champion for equity on behalf of the Black community. He has also received honorary doctorates from five other universities.

"In addition to his remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Wesley Hall’s philanthropic initiatives demonstrate his deep commitment to societal betterment,” said Jay in her role as chair of the College of Electors. “His clear focus on equity and opportunity, and his authentic and inspiring approach as an individual and leader distinguishes him as an outstanding candidate for the role of chancellor. He has a fantastic way of connecting with students and shares stories that inspire change and action. We cannot be more thrilled to welcome him as the next chancellor of the University of Toronto.”

Hall’s achievements in business, and his work to advance and broaden opportunities for the Black community, have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2021, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Canadian Business Leader of the Year. Long celebrated for his generosity and his commitment to charitable causes, Hall’s board service includes SickKids Foundation, Pathways to Education Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival and Huron University College. He also served on the Capital Markets Modernization Task Force for the Ontario Ministry of Finance.

Hall will succeed Chancellor Rose Patten, whose second term comes to an end on June 30, 2024. At that time, she will have completed the maximum length of service in the role permitted by the University of Toronto Act, 1971.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chancellor Patten for her tireless and exceptional work on behalf of the University over the past six years,” said President Gertler.

“I know it is deeply appreciated by the entire University community, and we all look forward to paying tribute to her in the weeks to come.”

Portugal’s president commemorates 75 years of Portuguese language program at U of T

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:13:31 +0000

Portugal’s president commemorates 75 years of Portuguese language program at U of T

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 09/21/2023 - 09:13

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Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signs the University of Toronto Distinguished Visitors Book at Simcoe Hall (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

The University of Toronto welcomed Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to the St. George campus last week to commemorate 75 years of the Spanish and Portuguese language program in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Rebelo de Sousa’s visit was part of a five-day trip to Canada that coincided with the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the first significant wave of Portuguese immigrants to the country.

Addressing U of T students and professors, as well as high school students and teachers, Rebelo de Sousa said “it’s an honour to me, my country and my people” to visit the university and acknowledged U of T’s early commitment to Portuguese language scholarship.

“That’s something I would call perspective,” he said. “We are very grateful for it.”

U of T President Meric Gertler welcomed the president, his delegation and attendees and said that U of T is honoured to play a part in expanding the ties between Canada and Portugal.

“The Portuguese community has deep roots here with business, cultural and community organizations contributing to Toronto’s rich cultural landscape,” he said, noting that Portuguese is fifth-most prevalent language spoken in Toronto, excluding English and French.

Rebelo de Sousa, for his part, highlighted the significance of Portuguese as a language of business, science, culture, and education.

“For all those who don’t speak Portuguese, learning the Portuguese language is now more than an exercise in intellectual curiosity,” he said. “It’s a safe investment in personal and professional development.”

The Portuguese delegation – which included senior government leaders and António Leão Rocha, Ambassador of Portugal to Canada – were welcomed by President Gertler, Anna Kennedy, chair of Governing Council, Professor Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, Professor Ana T. Pérez-Leroux, chair of the department of Spanish and Portuguese, and other U of T senior leaders.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa views items from the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library ’s Portuguese collection as U of T President Meric Gertler looks on (photo by Johnny Guatto)

During the event, two students from the Faculty of Music performed Portuguese folk songs and Pérez-Leroux moderated a question-and-answer session with students in the audience. There was a signing of memoranda supporting a continued agreement between the Camões Institute and the department of Spanish and Portuguese at U of T.

“U of T is fortunate to play a vital role in promoting and preserving the Portuguese language,” Woodin said.

“The Faculty of Arts and Science is proud to be home to the department of Spanish and Portuguese – a place where students can explore these major languages and literatures and appreciate the influential societal, artistic and intellectual history of Ibero-America.”

Toward the end of the event, President Gertler accompanied Rebelo de Sousa to the boardroom to view artifacts from the Portuguese collection at U of T’s Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library. They included: a first edition of a selection of shipwreck narratives called Historia tragico-maritima that was originally published as news flyers and sold in the streets of Lisbon; a collection of poems or romances by Bernarda Ferreira de Lacerda, one of the earliest women writers in Portuguese; and two works of poetry by António Botto and Judith Teixeira that are now considered key publications in Portugal’s LGBTQ history.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa shakes hands with a student (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Luis Antunes, a computer engineering student in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and president of the University of Toronto Portuguese Student Association (UTPA), said that as a recent immigrant to Canada, he noticed that not many young Portuguese people speak Portuguese.

“I moved here two years ago, and I think it’s very important for us to maintain our cultural heritage and for future generations to still speak Portuguese,” said Antunes, adding that he admires the president’s professional career as a former law professor, journalist and political commentator.

“I’ve had family members who were his students when he was a professor. It was an honour to be able to meet him and share this moment with the rest of the UTPA members.”

U of T appoints Christine Szustaczek vice-president, communications

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:23:11 +0000

U of T appoints Christine Szustaczek vice-president, communications

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 04/03/2023 - 11:23

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Christine Szustaczek, an award-winning public relations and communications leader, has been appointed U of T's vice-president, communications for a five-year term (supplied image)

Topic

University of Toronto Communications

Meric Gertler

UTC

The University of Toronto has appointed Christine Szustaczek, an award-winning public relations and communications leader, as vice-president, communications for a five-year term.

Szustaczek’s appointment, which takes effect May 15, 2023 through June 30, 2028, was recently approved by the university’s Governing Council following a comprehensive international search. As head of University of Toronto Communications (UTC), Szustaczek will be charged with enhancing internal communications and sharing U of T’s story – including the wide-ranging impact of its world-leading research and scholarship – with a global audience.

An alumna and former U of T administrator, Szustaczek currently serves as vice-president, external relations at Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, where she is responsible for strategic communications, public relations, institutional events, marketing, brand strategy, government relations, community engagement, advancement and alumni relations.

“On behalf of the entire University of Toronto community, I am delighted to welcome Christine Szustaczek to the senior leadership team,” said U of T President Meric Gertler. “As leader of the tri-campus University of Toronto Communications, Ms. Szustaczek will play a critical role in advancing strategic external and internal communications and public engagement for the university.

“She brings to this important position a communications approach that combines academic rigour with real-world practice – and a remarkable record of leadership and accomplishment in higher education and the broader public sector.”

A trusted adviser to Sheridan’s president and vice-presidential colleagues, board of governors and deans and directors, Szustaczek previously held the position of chief communications officer at the college. During that period, she advanced internal communications, guided the institution through multiple complex issues and oversaw an important rebranding effort. Prior to that, she served as Sheridan’s associate vice-president, communications, public affairs and marketing, where she integrated the three distinct teams to advance institutional objectives. She began her time at Sheridan in the newly created position of director of corporate communications and external relations.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of vice-president, communications at the University of Toronto, one of the world’s top-ranked public universities,” said Szustaczek. “The opportunity to return to U of T and help lead an institution that fuels individual, economic, and societal transformation is both humbling and exhilarating. I look forward to working across the three campuses to serve our constituents and stakeholders, showcase people’s inspiring and game-changing work, and to explain to the public how U of T continually lives up to its character and delivers on the promise of its Defy Gravity brand.”

Szustaczek is widely regarded as an agile and collaborative leader who is highly skilled in managing relationships and developing people. Her work has been recognized by her peers with more than 50 prestigious awards, including the Heather Pullen Memorial Award for Ethical Public Relations and multiple awards from the Canadian Public Relations Society, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. She has also published in the Journal of Education Advancement and Marketing and the Journal of Professional Communication.

Before joining Sheridan, Szustaczek spent eight years running her own consultancy, helping a range of broader public sector agencies – including many colleges and universities – share their unique stories and communicate their impact.

She also spent six years working at U of T – first as a senior development officer and senior donor relations officer in the division of university relations and the Rotman School of Management, and then as director of communications and associate director of development in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. She also served as U of T Engineering’s acting executive director of advancement.

Szustaczek holds an honours bachelor of arts degree in international relations and a minor in economics from U of T, and a master’s degree in communications management from McMaster University. She is accredited in public relations by the Canadian Public Relations Society and is a member of the board of directors of the Alice and Murray Maitland Foundation and Sheridan College’s Screen Industries Research and Training Centre at Pinewood Studios in Toronto.

President Gertler thanked the advisory committee for its advice and guidance. He also thanked David Palmer, U of T’s vice-president, advancement, who has served so ably as interim vice-president, communications since Oct. 1, 2022.

UTAM achieves divestment pledge, sets more ambitious carbon footprint reduction target for endowment

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:01:01 +0000

UTAM achieves divestment pledge, sets more ambitious carbon footprint reduction target for endowment

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 11/07/2022 - 11:01

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(photo by David Lee)

U of T News Team

Topic

Our Community

University of Toronto Asset Management Corp.

Climate Change

Meric Gertler

Sustainability

The University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation (UTAM) has delivered on its pledge to fully divest the university’s endowment portfolio from direct investments in fossil fuel companies within 12 months – a commitment U of T President Meric Gertler announced one year ago.

The separately incorporated investment management organization says it has also made considerable progress toward its commitment to divest by 2030 from indirect investments in fossil fuel companies, which are typically held through pooled and commingled investment vehicles. The endowment portfolio, also referred to as the Long-Term Capital Appreciation Pool, comprises the university’s endowment funds plus other investment assets and was valued at approximately $3.8 billion as of April 30.

UTAM’s progress, which builds on its success in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the endowment portfolio, is captured in the organization’s latest responsible investing report.

“In October of 2021, we pledged to divest the endowment portfolio from holdings in fossil fuel companies, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions associated with the endowment portfolio by 2050, and to allocate 10 per cent of the endowment portfolio’s assets to sustainable and low-carbon investments by 2025,” President Gertler said.

Regarding the commitment to allocate at least 10 per cent of the endowment portfolio to sustainable and low-carbon investments by 2025, UTAM is making progress and is comfortable that it will reach that target ahead of schedule.

“As global challenges imperil the worldwide effort to meet our Paris Accord obligations, the advances made by UTAM and the University of Toronto reaffirm our own commitment to achieving those goals,” President Gertler said.

The report comes as U of T was ranked second in the world, and first in Canada, in a new sustainability ranking by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds. The ranking assessed the environmental and social impact of 700 post-secondary institutions around the world, and took into account sustainable investing strategies.

Beginning in 2023, UTAM plans to integrate its annual responsible investing update into its annual report (rather than issuing a separate report), a reflection of how deeply UTAM’s responsible investing commitment is embedded into its investment approach.

“Responsible investing is no longer novel or exceptional, but an integral part of good investment practice,” President Gertler said. “Normalizing responsible investing practices, particularly within the Canadian post-secondary education sector, has been one of UTAM’s central accomplishments.”

U of T has been a sustainable finance leader in the university sector. In partnership with McGill University, U of T led the creation of Investing to Address Climate Change: A Charter for Canadian Universities. UTAM also helped launch the University Network for Investor Engagement, facilitated by SHARE, to address climate-related portfolio risks with collective action, and was the first university-affiliated institutional investor in the world to join the United Nations-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance – a group of institutional investors committed to transitioning their investment portfolios to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Carbon footprint reduction target met ahead of schedule, more ambitious target set

UTAM has reduced the carbon footprint of the equity securities component of the endowment portfolio by more than 40 per cent, meeting its reduction target almost a decade ahead of schedule.

“That success allowed us to set a new, even more ambitious carbon footprint target,” said Chuck O’Reilly, UTAM’s president and chief investment officer. “In accordance with the Alliance’s target-setting protocol, we’ve set a new carbon footprint reduction goal of 50 per cent by 2030, measured against a 2019 baseline.

“Responsible investing is an ongoing commitment, requiring continuous refinement of our investment processes. Responsible investing helps us advance the university’s sustainability goals while delivering on our mission of producing strong investment results over the long term.”

UTAM engaged audit and assurance firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to review UTAM’s 2021 carbon footprint calculation; PwC’s independent limited assurance opinion is included in the 2021 Responsible Investing Report.

Two U of T professors named Canada CIFAR AI Chairs

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 18:15:23 +0000

Two U of T professors named Canada CIFAR AI Chairs

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 10/31/2022 - 14:15

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(Photos courtesy of Gillian Hadfield and Anatole von Lilienfeld)

U of T News Team

Topic

Our Community

Acceleration Consortium

Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society

Artificial Intelligence

CIFAR

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Law

Research & Innovation

Vector Institute

University of Toronto professors Gillian Hadfield, director of the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology & Society, and Anatole von Lilienfeld, of the department of chemistry in the Faculty of Arts & Science, have been named Canada CIFAR AI Chairs in recognition of their global leadership in artificial intelligence research.

Seven of the eight new chairs, including Hadfield and von Lillienfeld, are affiliated with Toronto’s Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, launched in 2017 through a partnership between U of T, federal and provincial governments and industry. The eighth chair has been appointed to Edmonton’s Amii.

Hadfield, a professor in U of T’s Faculty of Law and the Rotman School of Management, becomes the first Vector-affiliated social scientist to be named a CIFAR AI chair.

“It’s both inspiring and humbling to be joining the growing cohort of exceptional people that comprise Canada’s CIFAR AI Chairs,” Hadfield said. “I’m most looking forward to deepening interdisciplinary collaborations that I believe can contribute to meeting the challenge of building AI systems that promote human well-being in responsible and socially beneficial ways.”

Machine learning and physical chemistry specialist von Lilienfeld joined U of T last year. He is the Clark Chair in Advanced Materials at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence and a member of U of T’s Acceleration Consortium, an institutional strategic initiative at U of T that focuses on combining AI and robotics to accelerate the design and discovery of new materials.

“It's an honour to be a part of this groundbreaking community,” said von Lilienfeld, who holds a cross appointment in the department of materials science and engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. “Joining Canada's CIFAR AI Chairs will be a great opportunity to further the use of AI for chemical and materials sciences.

“In our search for better, safer, more sustainable materials and products, AI is an invaluable tool that will help guide and accelerate our research and development.”

The CIFAR AI Chairs program is a cornerstone of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to recruit the world's top AI researchers to Canada and retain existing talent. It provides university-affiliated faculty with long-term, dedicated funding to support cutting-edge research programs and help train the next generation of AI leaders.

This latest round of appointments will advance Canadian research in fields of inquiry identified through the second phase of the strategy as priority areas: AI for health; AI for energy and the environment; the fundamental science of AI; and the responsible use of AI, CIFAR said in a statement.

“The new Canada CIFAR AI Chairs joining Amii and the Vector Institute are an extraordinarily talented group of researchers who will continue to educate and inspire the next generation of AI leaders and advance research in exciting and important areas,” said Elissa Strome, CIFAR’s executive director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.

Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, said the appointments – alongside the announcement a few days earlier of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, a program of Schmidt Futures, illustrate the importance of the thriving AI ecosystem in Toronto and across Canada.

“Canada led the early development of deep learning and the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy is building on the legacy of that pioneering work,” Cowen said. “Twenty-three researchers at U of T now hold AI chairs through this important program, and their transformative research – along with the work of all the CIFAR AI chairs, across the country – is advancing not only the development, but the responsible use of artificial intelligence and its applications to build a better, stronger future.

“Gillian Hadfield and Anatole von Lilienfeld will be important contributors to this vibrant, dynamic community of world-leading AI researchers.”

François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, said in a statement that AI is one of the greatest technological transformations and economic opportunities of our time.

“Congratulations to our eight new chairholders – you join other world-leading researchers who are driving efforts to build a stronger economy, develop cleaner energy, improve public health, and increase innovation in Canada,” he said.

U of T Faculty of Music accepts recommendations of Climate and Culture Review

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:33:39 +0000

U of T Faculty of Music accepts recommendations of Climate and Culture Review

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:33

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(Photo by David Lee)

U of T News Team

Topic

Our Community

Faculty of Music

Increasing the diversity of faculty and senior leadership, creating a more inclusive curriculum and developing guidelines for faculty and student interactions are recommended next steps in the executive summary of the Climate and Culture Review undertaken by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music.

Faculty of Music Dean Ellie Hisama has accepted the review, including all recommended actions that lay the groundwork to chart a course forward. The review was released on May 24 at two Faculty of Music town halls.

“I am glad to receive such a thorough report that takes an unflinching look at many of the issues that have been flagged to me by individuals,” said Hisama. “It’s distressing to learn about these experiences, but it is necessary to acknowledge what people have experienced, appreciate their willingness to speak about it, and reflect on the information shared before taking action.”

In July 2021, Hisama – then the incoming dean – commissioned the review to help gain a comprehensive understanding of the Faculty of Music. She chose an independent third party to conduct an impartial and confidential review aimed at addressing concerns that had been raised by members of the Faculty of Music community before her arrival.

“The review and recommendations are a top priority for me as the new dean, and I am committed to working to build a stronger, more inclusive faculty,” said Hisama. “The work ahead requires a community of people to participate and hold each other accountable. I look forward to further engaging with members of the Faculty of Music and the broader university on these issues.”

The review acknowledged work underway in the Faculty of Music such as the creation of the Task Force on Equity & Belonging, the creation of a new code of conduct and the hiring of an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) director who will assist the Faculty of Music in carrying out the report’s recommendations. In addition, the review suggested that the Faculty of Music examine course offerings and their content to include more musical traditions, composers and histories outside of Western classical music; take steps to lessen the isolation of students in one-on-one lessons to increase their sense of security; and continue to diversify the programming of its performances and guest artists.

Rubin Thomlinson LLP, a Canadian law firm focused on workplace and institutional investigations and assessments, conducted the review, which consisted of group interviews with key stakeholders and review of information from 470 responses to a confidential survey, 87 one-on-one interviews and reports provided by individuals and groups.

The review’s executive summary, which was discussed at town halls with students, staff, librarians, faculty and alumni of the Faculty of Music, outlines community concerns and provides recommendations under five broad categories: results of the Climate & Culture Review; fostering equity, diversity and inclusion; addressing and preventing sexual misconduct; increasing respect; and training and awareness.

U of T sues Easy EDU tutoring company

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 11 May 2022 14:40:18 +0000

U of T sues Easy EDU tutoring company

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 05/11/2022 - 10:40

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(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Faculty of Arts & Science

Rotman School of Management

U of T Mississauga

The University of Toronto and three of its professors have launched a lawsuit against a tutoring business alleging it routinely copies, without authorization, lecture slides, course syllabuses, tests and exams and sells them in “coursepacks” to post-secondary students on its website in violation of Canada’s Copyright Act.

The suit against Easy Group Inc. and related companies, operating variously as Easy EDU, Easy Education, Easy 4.0, and ez4edu, also cites the serious consequences faced by students who are sanctioned for receiving unauthorized academic assistance from the company.

Under U of T’s intellectual property policy, faculty members own the copyright in their classroom materials.

“Our faculty spend hours creating materials for their courses that are often based on their leading-edge research,” said Heather Boon, U of T’s vice-provost, faculty and academic life. “These materials are created for our students and for use in the faculty members’ classrooms.

“We will not permit private companies to make money from the unauthorized sale of our professors’ copyrighted materials. We are also concerned that this company creates a perception that the university and the professors have authorized the use of these materials and partnered with this for-profit tutoring service. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Easy EDU, purportedly founded in 2014 by Yuwei (Jacky) Zhang, claims to be one of North America’s largest education companies. It has offices across Canada as well as in China.

The lawsuit cites instances of copyright infringement by Easy EDU involving three U of T professors, who are acting as plaintiffs together with the university in the lawsuit: Robert Gazzale, an associate professor, teaching stream, of economics; Lisa Kramer, a professor of finance; and Ai Taniguchi, an assistant professor, teaching stream, of linguistics. The company’s online store of tutoring materials indicates that coursepacks from many other U of T courses are also being sold by the company.

The university’s lawsuit is seeking monetary damages, the return of the copyrighted materials and an injunction to stop any further copyright infringement. U of T has also asked for a full accounting and disgorgement of all revenues earned directly or indirectly from the sale of all products that contain university material, as well as an award of punitive and exemplary damages. U of T has committed to use any funds obtained from the lawsuit for student academic supports.

According to the company’s website, it offers more than 1,000 Canadian university course offerings every term and has served more than 210,000 students at universities across Canada. “Weekly course packages” are priced as high as $1,449.

The website states that Easy EDU offers its services to students at all three U of T campuses, as well as at the University of Waterloo, York University, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta and other higher education institutions across Canada.

The statement of claim alleges the company also infringed the professors’ moral rights by creating the impression within the educational community, and among students who have purchased Easy EDU’s services, that the professors and the university have endorsed the company to use their work.

“I have devoted years to preparing materials for my students. To have a company profit from the unauthorized use of my intellectual property is incredibly wrong. It is theft,” said Gazzale. “I am also saddened that tutoring companies are pushing the approach of trying to game the system, as opposed to trying to help students learn the material.”

Gazzale added that, during the pandemic, the economics department put extra effort into helping students who were facing challenges by offering extended online office hours and adjusting the hours of its free peer tutoring services to better serve students abroad.

U of T, meanwhile, provides a range of academic supports which students can access as part of their tuition, including 14 writing centres that offer one-on-one support, learning strategists, organized study groups, old exam banks, workshops and an academic success centre. International students also have access to additional workshops upon arrival and throughout the year.

The lawsuit alleges that Easy EDU also unfairly exploits students who, in good faith, pay significant fees for tutoring that can lead to life-altering consequences stemming from sanctions for academic misconduct. U of T alleges that in providing tutoring services, Easy EDU may in some cases be providing students with unauthorized academic assistance where it is not permitted, an offence under the university’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. That can lead – and has led – to sanctions for academic misconduct and cheating, including suspensions. For international students, suspensions can lead to cancellation of their study permits and a forced return to their home country.

Assistant Professor Taniguchi, whose linguistics courses attract many international students, expressed disappointment that Easy EDU preys on students’ fears of not doing well in an unfamiliar setting and potentially disappointing their family.

“Easy EDU exploits that fear and leads students down the path of possible academic offences,” she said. “Students are much better off asking for help from their U of T professors or teaching assistants than paying for a tutoring service that is violating copyright law.”

Before launching the lawsuit, U of T met with a representative of Easy EDU in October 2020 to discuss issues of academic infringement and integrity. In December 2020, Easy EDU stated in an email to the university that it would review its materials and “ensure there is absolutely no copyright infringement.”

According to the statement of claim, however, Easy EDU continued to create and sell tutoring packages that infringed copyright. The university’s lawyers sent a letter to Easy EDU in April 2021 asking the company to stop its unlawful use of teaching materials. No response was received.

Easy EDU has 30 days to file a statement of defence.

U of T provost withholds fees from Graduate Students’ Union after it fails to act on student panel ruling

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:41:16 +0000

U of T provost withholds fees from Graduate Students’ Union after it fails to act on student panel ruling

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 03/08/2022 - 16:41

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(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

U of T News Team

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Our Community

Cheryl Regehr

The University of Toronto’s vice-president and provost has decided to withhold some fees that were to be transferred to the Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU) following a lengthy dispute resolution process about the student society’s Boycott, Divestment, & Sanctions (BDS) caucus.

The amount that will be withheld is limited to the portion of student society fees that would have been allocated to the BDS caucus (equivalent to 0.86 per cent of the overall society fee, or $10,918 in the current academic year).

The BDS movement calls for the use of economic and academic boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel until the country “meets its obligations under international law.”

The provost’s decision follows a review by an independent student panel – the Complaint and Resolution Council for Student Societies (CRCSS) – after an initial complaint had not been resolved by UTGSU’s own internal processes. The CRCSS reported the results of its review in February 2021.

“The UTGSU has had a year to implement the ruling of the CRCSS,” said Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr. “The university administration calls upon the Graduate Students’ Union to now reconsider their inaction and implement the recommendations of the CRCSS.

“We would also remind all units and student organizations that the university’s Statement on Freedom of Speech states that ‘the University’s primary obligation is to protect the free speech of all involved’. Debate must not be limited by preordaining conclusions. Individuals can also not be forced to hold specific views on controversial issues in order to participate in any aspect of university life.”

The provost cited several reasons for this decision, including that clauses of the UTGSU own bylaws do not permit all members of the UTGSU to participate fully in the activities of the BDS caucus, as they exclude participation on the basis of beliefs.

In February 2021, the independent panel found that some of the UTGSU bylaws related to the BDS caucus violate the U of T Policy on Open, Accessible and Democratic Autonomous Student Organizations, as well as UTGSU’s own Anti-Discrimination Policy, on the basis of political beliefs or nationality. The panel recommended to UTGSU that the BDS caucus be structured in a way that allows for debate and discussion of a range of topics and allows members to opt out of the fee. This was noted as particularly important given that all UTGSU members are currently required to support the BDS caucus through compulsory fees.

The panel did not call for the BDS caucus to be abolished. It also did not consider whether the BDS movement is antisemitic.

The provost noted that while UTGSU has the freedom to choose to support the BDS movement and to have a BDS caucus, the society also has a responsibility to ensure that no UTGSU activities discriminate against its members on the basis of nationality, religion, or political views, and that UTGSU members are welcome to participate in all activities of the society.

Anti-Semitism Working Group report

The decision follows the recent publication of the report of the U of T Anti-Semitism Working Group, and the full endorsement of their recommendations by the university’s senior leaders. The working group recommended that academic units, administrative units, and student organizations in which enrollment is mandatory must not make participation in their activities or access to their resources conditional on taking a particular position on any controversial question.

It also stated that preconditions – including taking a position on an issue – must not be attached to participation in academic events or discussions, or in extra- or co-curricular events and programs, or for standing for office in student organizations or academic administrative leadership positions.

U of T has long affirmed that student societies and recognized campus groups are autonomous organizations. It holds freedom of thought, inquiry and speech as among its highest ideals, and such freedoms apply to its student body. However, autonomy must be exercised in a way that complies with the law and university policies.

The CRCSS exists to consider complaints about student societies, when internal society complaint mechanisms have been unable to find a resolution. For each decision, a panel of students is selected to review the complaint from a pool of representatives nominated by each of the student societies. The CRCSS acts independently from the university administration, as set out in the Policy on Open, Accessible, Democratic Autonomous Student Organizations.

‘The public health evidence is clear’: Salvatore Spadafora on U of T’s vaccine requirement

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:17:10 +0000

‘The public health evidence is clear’: Salvatore Spadafora on U of T’s vaccine requirement

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 08/11/2021 - 13:17

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Stefan Juckes, a patient-facing learner from U of T’s Faculty of Dentistry, receives a COVID-19 vaccination at a U of T-hosted clinic on the St. George campus earlier this year (photo by Johnny Guatto)

U of T News Team

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Our Community

Coronavirus

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

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As it prepares for a safe return to campus this fall, the University of Toronto has announced a vaccination requirement and implemented a comprehensive 12-step plan for students, staff, faculty and librarians that is informed by the latest public health guidance.

U of T will require all those intending to be on campus be fully vaccinated – as vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective ways to minimize the dangers of COVID-19.

“The public health evidence is clear: Vaccination provides the best protection from COVID-19,” says Professor Salvatore Spadafora, special adviser to U of T’s president on COVID-19 and senior adviser to the dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

Students living in residence and community members engaging in certain activities are required to be vaccinated. In addition, anyone visiting U of T’s three campuses is required to first declare their vaccination status, with those who answer “no” or “prefer not to say” needing to take rapid-screening tests twice a week and produce a negative result within 72 hours of heading to campus, among other public health measures.

U of T News recently caught up with Spadafora to ask him about U of T’s vaccination requirement.

Will vaccines be required in the fall?

Yes. The university has been unequivocal about COVID-19 vaccines. Any U of T community member who comes to campus in the fall will be required to self-declare their vaccination status before they can participate in in-person activities. If, for some reason, an individual is not able to be vaccinated, they will need to participate in the university’s rapid screening program. They will also have to take additional public health measures.

U of T is requiring proof of vaccination for all students living in residence and all students, faculty, staff and librarians participating in specific activities such as music performance, varsity athletics and certain educational placements.

All members of our community should become vaccinated as soon as possible. We have hosted vaccination clinics on all three of our campuses and continue to post current vaccination clinic information on our ��Ƶ website. We are committed to supporting those who need assistance getting access to vaccination. The public health evidence is clear: Vaccination provides the best protection from COVID-19.

How does U of T’s approach compare to other universities?

U of T’s requirement to declare vaccination status before coming on campus was first announced last month. Other universities are following the vaccination framework that U of T has developed and implemented.

We are following the example of partner organizations such as the University Health Network (UHN).

What if community members can’t be vaccinated for personal or health reasons?

We understand that there may be specific and personal circumstances that prevent someone from being vaccinated. There are exemptions allowed on religious or medical grounds. All members of the U of T community will need to attest to their vaccination status. Those who are not vaccinated need to participate in the university’s rapid screening program, use at-home kits twice weekly and have a negative result 72 hours before coming to campus. They may also have additional public health measures required of them.

Should there be government-mandated policies for post-secondary institutions?

The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) and Colleges Ontario have jointly called for a province-wide policy that requires the vaccination of post-secondary students, staff and faculty. They cite growing concerns about the Delta and other variants of COVID-19, and argue that a co-ordinated and consistent province-wide policy that provides universal regulations for the post-secondary sector would help to ensure optimal public health protection for all.

U of T is a member of the Council of Ontario Universities and agrees that this would be a welcome development. A provincial policy would help to remove confusion and ambiguity about the requirements for everyone in the post-secondary sector. We are also actively supporting advocacy by COU and the advocacy led by provincial and regional groups such as the Toronto Region Board of Trade, who are calling for a COVID-19 Safe Pass.

In the absence of a province-wide policy, how did U of T develop its approach?

In the absence of a government mandate, we developed our policies using the tools available to us, including the advice of local public health authorities. Both the Region of Peel and Toronto Public Health endorsed our plan and quoted from their previous letters about how they endorse any policy that enhances levels of vaccination on campus.

We have also drawn deeply on U of T’s own public health experts who are leaders in their field.

Where should U of T community members go if they have questions?

U of T has produced several FAQs to assist students, staff, faculty and librarians navigate a safe return to campus in the fall, including our vaccination policies. Divisions and faculties are also issuing COVID safety guidelines that are specific to their research and teaching activities.

I strongly encourage students, faculty, staff and librarians to visit the ��Ƶ page to find the latest updates.

U of T News Team

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Visit ��Ƶ for the latest updates

U of T News Team

In photos: U of T graduates celebrate fall convocation 2024

Wesley J. Hall elected to serve as the 35th chancellor of the University of Toronto

Portugal’s president commemorates 75 years of Portuguese language program at U of T

U of T appoints Christine Szustaczek vice-president, communications

UTAM achieves divestment pledge, sets more ambitious carbon footprint reduction target for endowment

Carbon footprint reduction target met ahead of schedule, more ambitious target set

Two U of T professors named Canada CIFAR AI Chairs

Read more about Gillian Hadfield

Read more about Anatole von Lilienfeld

U of T Faculty of Music accepts recommendations of Climate and Culture Review

U of T sues Easy EDU tutoring company

U of T provost withholds fees from Graduate Students’ Union after it fails to act on student panel ruling

Anti-Semitism Working Group report

‘The public health evidence is clear’: Salvatore Spadafora on U of T’s vaccine requirement

Read a letter from U of T President Meric Gertler

Visit ������Ƶ for the latest updates

Visit ��Ƶ for the latest updates