July 13 th, 2017
2017-2018 PRIORITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS • PR EPARED FO R • Bruce Kidd, Principal and Vice-President Bill Gough, Dean & Vice-Principal, Academic Andrew Arrifuzzaman, Chief Administrative Officer Desmond Pouyat, Dean of Student Affairs Georgette Zinaty, Executive Director, Development & Alumni Relations Heather Black, Director, Human Resource Services Marc Cadotte, Acting Vice-Principal, Research
• PREAMB LE •
The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) is the official representative of all 14,000 undergraduate students at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC). As per our Mission Statement, the SCSU is committed to progressively, responsibly and effectively representing and serving the changing needs of students. That said, we, the Executive, are dedicated to fulfilling our mission statement by addressing the issues that systematically impact our members and the surrounding community. The following document comprises a few of the several concerns expressed by our members, and each concern is equipped with recommendations that would greatly improve the UTSC experience.
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Gender-Incl us i ve Was h ro o m s Creating an inclusive campus environment begins by acknowledging that there are varying needs and identities present. One step towards addressing these needs looks like the addition of gender-inclusive washrooms. Due to lobbying efforts on the part of SCSU, the University has committed to introducing gender-inclusive washrooms to the new Highland Halls building. While students are grateful for the proactive responsiveness of the University, there is still much more work to be done to create safer spaces for trans and non-binary students, staff and faculty. In the past, conversations around signage for the genderinclusive washrooms have been between previous SCSU President, Jessica Kirk, SC:OUT Executive, Alexandra Legault, and Andrew Arifuzzaman. VP Equity Nana Frimpong has continued to consult with SC:OUT Executives to ensure that their voices remain a priority in the process. The details of these plans continue to develop and it is imperative that the voices and needs of queer and gender non-conforming individuals remain central to any and all discussion.
Recommendations: 1. That the University of Toronto Scarborough consult with and take direction from trans and non-binary individuals around appropriate signage for the new Highland Hall building. 2. That the University of Toronto Scarborough proactively communicate with the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union and SC:OUT on emerging developments of gender-inclusive washrooms. Key Players: Andrew Arifuzzaman
Free Mens tr ual Pro d u cts at U TSC The University of Toronto Scarborough has already made immeasurable strides toward cultivating healthy campus initiatives. In Principal Kidd’s own blog post, he mentions that, “Work and healthy living does not have to be a zerosum game. With a healthy campus strategy, there are many ways to pursue the one without compromising the other.” Access to tampons and pads are directly implicated in efforts to create healthier campus communities, and the commitment should not be avoided based on costs. Currently, free menstrual products are being offered at the Mississauga Campus, due to the lobbying efforts of UTMSU last year. In New York, after legislation was signed to have free menstrual products available in public schools, correctional facilities, and women shelters, Mayor Bill de Blasio had this to say: “Feminine hygiene products are a necessity – not a luxury.” By providing free menstrual products, University of Toronto Scarborough will take the right step to be an accessible campus that is interested and invested in the well-being of their students.
Recommendations: 1. That UTSC to commit to offering free menstrual products in washrooms across the campus. 2. That UTSC commit to footing the cost of replacing menstrual product dispensers in washrooms across the campus. 3. That the University’s commitment extend to offering free menstrual products in men’s washrooms as well. Key Players: Andrew Arifuzzaman and Bruce Kidd
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Exten ding O per ati o n al H o u r s fo r Fo o d Ven d o r s With an extensive amount of international and domestic students living on residence, it is also important to consider making more food options available on campus later at night on both evenings and weekends. While summer hours will be inevitably shorter than the fall/winter semesters, our initial research shows us that the cuts made are simply inaccessible to the Scarborough Campus community (see Appendix A).
Recommendations:
As student representatives, our intention is to begin collecting data from service hubs around campus (including the Library, the Residence Centre, and Registrar) and students, to find out which vendors students would be interested in having their hours extended. As owners of the only student pub on campus, we recognize the importance of providing effective labour models that also satisfy the needs to students. We hope that by compiling a comprehensive data analysis of students and their needs for later hours on campus, we are able to present an appropriate case that balances their needs and fiduciary duties of the University’s food vendors.
Key Players: Andrew Arifuzzaman and Fran Wdowczyk
1. That the University of Toronto Scarborough utilize the data collected by Scarborough Campus Students’ Unions’ to extend hours of operation for food vendors on campus.
Tem por a r y Park i n g Per m i ts fo r Stu d en ts University of Toronto Scarborough is a commuter campus, where students have to use transit or drive to get to campus everyday. Access to adequate and efficient transit has been a constant concern for students at UTSC, and there have been efforts made by both the University and the SCSU in recent years to advocate for the City to invest in transit at Scarborough. While there are many transit-users, many students also drive to campus. With increases made to parking rates as of May 2017, $1 more per hour, and lack of parking spots have made driving to campus a difficult option for students. Currently, monthly parking permits are made available to faculty and staff, however this is not accessible by students who already bear the burden of high tuition fees. Further, there are currently no measures being taken to investigate the feasibility of implementing weekly passes for either students or faculty. Cost-saving measures for students can and should be implemented by the University (see Appendix B).
Recommendations: 1. University of Toronto, Scarborough include students into the already-existing monthly parking permit program. 2. University of Toronto, Scarborough to also implement a weekly parking permit system available particularly for students. Key Players: Andrew Arifuzzaman and Fran Wdowczyk
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Equity Pro g r am Requi rem en t a n d E q u i ty Statem en t Students in every department need the experience of thinking critically about equity in their areas of study. The SCSU is aware that the University is taking steps to creating Indigenous space on campus. While this is an incredible step that the institution is taking, it is not enough. Including both the equity statement and the land acknowledgement would be taking a step further into the day to day actions and interactions that happen within our lecture halls. Inserting the equity statement and lang acknowledgement into every syllabus would show that not only is the institution taking a physical accommodation but a true recognition as to the differences that are constantly being worked upon. There was previous discussion towards including an Equity Breadth requirement however, the SCSU is proposing that the Equity Breadth requirement becomes a program requirement. Previously a report was drafted by the Equity and Diversity Office that outlines the courses in each department that pertain to an equitable lens.
Recommendations: 1. To add the equity and land acknowledgement statements into the syllabus template for easy access to standardized statements in every syllabus. 2. Encourage faculty to add the equity and land acknowledgement into all syllabi. 3. To implement an Equity Program Requirement for all programs. 4. To lobby the provincial government in creating an equity breadth requirement. Key Players: Bill Gough
In crease Mu l ti -Fai th Sp a c es o n C a m p u s The University of Toronto has declared through their Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence, that they will, “work to eliminate, reduce or mitigate the adverse effects of any barriers to full participation in University life that we find, including physical, environmental, attitudinal, communication or technological”. Creating spaces to accommodate different faith practices, is an opportunity for the University to follow through with their commitments. This University is a particularly diverse campus filled with various faiths and spiritual practices. Currently, there are only 3 rooms dedicated to those practices on campus - two in the Student Center and one in the Environmental Science and Chemistry Building. While the SCSU recognizes the lack of space on campus, the need for Multi-Faith space is particularly important for Muslim students. Muslim students are a large demographic on our campus, with the need to pray 5 various times a day. In order to ensure that students can both practice their faith and participate in class, it is necessary that the University of Toronto Scarborough commit to make Multi-Faith spaces more accessible.
Recommendations: 1. That the University of Toronto, Scarborough commit to allocating Multi-Faith space in each new development, including Highland Halls, IC2, and the new Residence Building. 2. That the University of Toronto Scarborough work with the Registrar’s Office to allocate unused classroom space for multi-faith purposes. Key Players: Andrew Arifuzzaman and Bill Gough
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A cademic Amn es ty fo r Stu d en t D ay o f A c ti o n In 2006, The University of Toronto released a statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence, stating that they, “strive to be an equitable and inclusive community, rich with diversity, protecting the human rights of all persons, and based upon understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of every person”. Fighting for an accessible, affordable post-secondary education for all students is one of many ways students across the country continue to strive for those goals as well. On February 1st, 2018, a Student Day of Action is taking place as a part of CFS’s ‘Fight the Fees’ campaign, demanding universal access to post-secondary education. Education is a right, and post-secondary education is becoming a necessity in today’s job market - approximately 70% of new jobs in Canada require some form of postsecondary education. Although last year, the University of Toronto granted academic accommodations, many students still faced repercussions in attempt to exercise their civil liberties and rights. This year, we ask that students at UTSC are given full academic amnesty to take part in this action.
Recommendations: 1. The University officially provide academic amnesty for all students who wish to participate in the Student Day of Action (DOA) on February 1st, including encouraging all course instructors to: • Refrain from penalizing a student’s attendance or participation marks • Provide reasonable access to materials covered on DOA • Provide alternatives to students for missed labs or practicals that take place on DOA Key Players: Bill Gough and Bruce Kidd
Bal l ot B oxes fo r Prov i n c i a l E l ec ti o n s With the upcoming provincial elections in June 2018, we request that the University connect with Elections Canada to bring special ballot boxes to our campus to create an opportunity for students to exercise their democratic rights. Providing a special ballot box in particular will make the voting process much more accessible, allowing students to vote on campus even if it is outside their electoral district. According to Elections Canada, the voter turnout for people aged 18-24 spiked from 38.8% to 57.1% between 2011 and 2015. A major determinant of that spike is due to the increase of students wanting to see their issues addressed through governmental reform. Bringing polling stations on campuses would increase student engagement for the 2018 provincial elections. It should be in the University’s best interest to assist students taking part in the provincial elections process and encouraging students to vote, which could impact and effect overall community growth and development.
Recommendations: 1. That the University of Toronto Scarborough lobby Elections Ontario to implement special ballot boxes on campus for the upcoming provincial elections in June 2018. Key Players: Andrew Arifuzzaman
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A cademic R i gh ts i n th e Syl l a bu s The UTSC student population is built up of many marginalized, low to middle income, and first generation students. Due to this, the institutional knowledge and resources that are received through their families and other means are not attainable on the same levels. The Academic Handbook states: “your course syllabus establishes a learning contract between you and your students […] it lays out what you expect of your students and what they can expect of you”. Through having Academic Rights within the syllabus and on a virtual platforms, such as Blackboard, the expectations and code of conduct of both students and professors are laid out clearly; creating accountability between both parties. Giving visibility to Academic Rights allows our students to further their success in knowing the resources that are available to them and allowing them to understand the expectations that their professors have for them. Knowing that support and awareness for their rights are made available by the institution that they attend, will further promote student satisfaction toward the University.
Recommendations: 1. University of Toronto, Scarborough to encourage professors in ensuring Academic Rights are included in the syllabus. 2. University of Toronto, Scarborough to add Academic Rights into the syllabus template for easy access to standardized statements in every syllabus 3. University of Toronto, Scarborough also work towards integrating Academic Rights into virtual platforms, such as Blackboard. Key Players: Bill Gough
5% C ap o n L ate Pen al ties The Academic Handbook states that, “the evaluation of student performance is made in a fair, accurate, consistent and objective manner against these academic standards”. The UTSC population is composed of low to middle income students. As a result, our students are juggling a multitude of priorities such as family obligations, part-time jobs, and their academics. This takes a toll not only on their grades but also on their mental health. The Health & Wellness Centre is not always accessible to students, despite their efforts, because of the stigma of mental health and the lack of appointment availability. On the other hand, students going to the Centre for sick notes also puts a strain on Health & Wellness resources and increases wait times for other students.
Recommendations: 1. For the University of Toronto, Scarborough to create an academic policy creating a 5% cap on late penalties. Key Players: Bill Gough
By having a cap on late penalties we are ensuring that the evaluation of our students’ academic performance is made in a fair, accurate, and consistent manner. To have a cap on late penalties will allow for student success. 7 | S C AR B O R O U G H C AM PUS ST U D E N TS ’ U N I O N 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 P R I OR I TI E S A N D R E COM M E N DATI ON S
Susta ina bi l i ty Meas u res at U TSC In response to the University of Toronto’s decision not to divest from their direct and indirect investments in the fossil fuel industry, Administration developed a report outlining their plans to strengthen sustainability measures. U of T’s President Meric Gertler proclaimed that, “Universities in particular have a crucial and unique role to play in helping to meet that challenge, and as a publicly supported academic institution, the University of Toronto has a responsibility to take decisive action.” Implementing a priority carpooling parking system is one of many ways the University of Toronto Scarborough can work towards meeting sustainability goals set by central administration. Driving cars is one of the leading greenhouse gas emitters in the city and worldwide, and many members of the UTSC community drive to and from campus. As a solution, UTSC could replicate a similar parking system by modeling carpool programs at U of T Mississauga and York University. In doing so, the University will encourage our UTSC community to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Recommendations: 1. University of Toronto, Scarborough to invest in getting 30 more bikes for the existing BikeShare program on campus. 2. University of Toronto, Scarborough to also implement a priority carpooling parking system. Key Players: Andrew Arifuzzaman and Fran Wdowczyk
Although people suggest using transit is a more environment friendly alternative to driving, 35% of Toronto’s greenhouse emissions are emitted by some form of transportation. One of the ways that people are solving this problem is by using bikes as an alternative to driving or using public transportation services. The U of T Scarborough has a successful BikeShare program, that runs out of the Sustainability Office. However, there are only 8 functional bikes in this program. Strengthening the BikeShare program is an effective solution that would build upon existing sustainability initiatives on campus.
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• REFERENCES • Academic Handbook: For Faculty (and Staff). Office of the Dean and Vice-Principal (Academic), 2012, http://hive.utsc.utoronto.ca/public/dean/faculty/Academic_ HandbookOctober_2012Final_000-7.pdf. The City of Toronto Zero Emissions Framework. Provident, Morrison Hershfield and Integral Group, March 2017, http://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/City%20Planning/ Developing%20Toronto/Files/pdf/TGS/Zero%20Emissions%20Buildings%20Framework%20 Report.pdf. Diamond Pool Parking. York University, http://parking.info.yorku.ca/diamond/. Gertler, Meric. “Beyond Divestment: Taking Decisive Action on Climate Change. Administrative Response to the Report of the President’s Advisory Committee on Divestment from FossilFuels.” University of Toronto, March 2016, http://www.president.utoronto.ca/secure-content/ uploads/2016/03/Beyond-Divestment-Taking-Decisive-Action-on-Climate-Change.pdf. Kidd, Bruce. “Toward a Healthy Campus.” Intervals - The UTSC Principal’s Blog, 31 May 2017, http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aboutus/blog/2017/05/31/towards-healthy-campus. Mayor de Blasio Signs Legislation Increasing Access to Feminine Hygiene Products for Students, Shelter Residents and Inmates. City of New York,13 July 2016, http://www1.nyc. gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/611-16/mayor-de-blasio-signs-legislation-increasing-accessfeminine-hygiene-products-students-. Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Excellence. University of Toronto Governing Council, 14 December 2006, http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/Assets/ Governing+Council+Digital+Assets/Policies/PDF/ppdec142006.pdf. UTSC By the Numbers. University of Toronto Scarborough, 2016. http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ home/sites/utsc.utoronto.ca.home/files/docs/UTSC-Impact-July16.pdf. UTSC Strategic Plan. University of Toronto Scarborough, 2014, https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ aboutus/aboutus/sites/utsc.utoronto.ca.aboutus/files/docs/UTSC_Strategic_Plan.pdf. Voter Turnout By Age Group. Elections Canada, http://www.elections.ca/content. aspx?section=res&dir=rec/eval/pes2015/vtsa&document=table1&lang=e.
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APPENDIX A
Vendor
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Tim Hortons
7:30am7:00pm
7:30am8:00pm
7:30am8:00pm
7:30am8:00pm
7:30am8:00pm
10:00am5:00pm
11:00am4:00pm
Tim Hortons Kiosk
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Market Place
11:00am3:00pm
11:00am3:00pm
11:00am4:00pm
11:00am4:00pm
11:00am2:30pm
CLOSED
CLOSED
Appendix A: Summer Hours for Tim Horton(s) and Marketplace vendors from 2016-17
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APPENDIX B NORTH LOT PERMITS Student Permit Rates 2017-18
Summer 2017
May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017
$183.23
Fall/Winter 2017/18
September 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018
$730.23
Fall 2017
September 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017
$408.93
Winter 2018
January 1, 2018 to May 1, 2018
$408.93
Prox Card (Non Refundable & Non Transferable)
Valid for the duration of the permit purchased
$10.00
Faculty & Staff Permit Rates 2017-18
North Lots G & H (payroll deduction) monthly
May 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018
Prox Card (paid in office, no payroll deduction option; non-refundable, non-transferable)
Valid for the duration of the permit purchased
Daily Visitor Parking North Lots G and H (accessed from Military Trail) and Lot F (accessed from Ellesmere Rd.)
Mon - Thurs
12:01 am - 3:59 pm
$8.50 Flat Rate, expiring 6:59 am the next day
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$76.12
$10.00
4 pm - 6:59 am next day
$5.00 Flate Rate, expiring 6:59 am
12:01am - 3:59 pm
$8.50 Flate Rate, expiring 6:59 am the next day
4 pm - 6:59 am next day
$3.00 Flat Rate, expiring 6:59am
All Day
$3.00
Friday
Sat - Sun
SOUTH LOT PERMITS Students with Accessible Parking Permits, Rates, 2017-18
Fall/Winter 2017-18
September 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018
$730.23
Faculty & Staff Permit Rates 2017-18
Annual Payroll Deduction, South Lot
May 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018 (renewed annually)
$98.96 mth
Evening Payroll Deduction (after 4 pm & weekends)
May 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018 (renewed annually)
$45.68 mth
TEMPORARY PERMITS
Temporary Permit
Monthly
$76.12
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ST.GEORGE AND UTM PERMITS AT UTSC JOINT UTSC/ST. GEORGE PERMIT PRICES AS OF JULY 1, 2017 - JUNE 30, 2018
UTSC South Lot permit & St.George Option 1
$148.84/mth
UTSC North Lots G & H permit & St.George Option 1
$126.00/mth
UTSC South Lot B permit & St.George Option 1
$138.94/mth
UTSC Lot K permit & St.George Option 1
$148.84/mth
UTSC North Lots G & H permit & St. George Option 2
$156.97/mth
UTSC South Lot permit & St.George Option 2
$179.81/mth
UTSC North Lots G & H permit & St. George Option 2
$156.97/mth
UTSC South Lot B permit & St.George Option 2
$169.91/mth
UTSC Lot K permit & St. George Option 2
$179.81/mth
Motorcycle Permits
Motorcycles
All times
No charge
Appendix B: Parking Rates at the University of Toronto Scarborough as of May 1st, 2017. Prices and schedules subject to change without notice.
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