2022-23 Implementation Plan (Year 2)
2022-23
Belong
What is Victoria University doing to reinforce a strong, inclusive community?
Increase EDIA funding, resources, and programming for students.
Broaden collaboration with community agencies serving priority groups including high-school students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
✓ Expanded relationship with Success Beyond Limits, serving Jane-Finch neighborhood.
✓ Engaged Icon Talent Partners, a not-for-profit talent development organization focused on young professionals who identify as visible minorities, to explore internship pathways for Vic Ready students.
✓ Collaborated with Black North Initiative to develop an access program for under-represented scholars in STEM including Black and Indigenous students and currently pursuing funding opportunities.
✓ Engaged Icon Talent Partners, a not-for-profit talent development organization focused on young professionals who identify as visible minorities, to explore internship pathways for Vic Ready students.
✓ Collaborated with Black North Initiative to develop an access program for under-represented scholars in STEM including Black and Indigenous students and currently pursuing funding opportunities.
Continue to enhance diversity and inclusion in Victoria College academic programs.
✓ Launched “Diversity and Inclusion in the Victoria College Curriculum” working group with students, faculty, and staff in January 2023.
Increased promotion and storytelling about impact of Opportunity Awards.
✓ Higher visibility on website, social media, and e-newsletters.
✓ Liaised with UofT Student Recruitment and Faculty of Arts and Science, community groups to raise awareness of Opportunity Awards
✓ Liaised with UofT Student Recruitment and Faculty of Arts and Science, community groups to raise awareness of Opportunity Awards
Increase International Experiential Learning funding and opportunities for underrepresented students.
✓ Vic Global program launched September 2022; 60 students supported by summer 2023, especially low-income and Indigenous students and students with disabilities.
Launch of Presidential Intercultural Initiatives Program
✓ Earmarked $25K to support new intercultural initiatives organized by staff, librarians, and faculty to support staff and/or students.
Introduce EDIA and Anti-Black Racism training for all appointed employees.
✓ Phase 1 – Launched training in January 2023 to full-time employees.
✓ Phase 2 – Embedding training in onboarding of new hires is ongoing.
✓ Phase 2 – Embedding training in onboarding of new hires is ongoing.
Develop new offering in the Library's Indigenous-Settler Collections Learning Series.
✓ Three of a four-part online Learning Series was offered in 2022-23.
✓ The fourth event in the Learning Series, Decolonizing Indigenous archives and special collections, will be taking place September 6, 2023.
✓ The fourth event in the Learning Series, Decolonizing Indigenous archives and special collections, will be taking place September 6, 2023.
Increase mental health funding, resources, and programming.
Development of a program to offer work-integrated learning opportunities to Masters of Pastoral Studies students at Emmanuel College.
✓ Established framework for the program for MPS students to provide mental health supports for Victoria College international students through weekly counselling.
✓ Launch in Fall 2023.
✓ Launch in Fall 2023.
Provide additional training to student-facing staff in strengths-based advising and programming.
✓ Training and Conference took place in May 2023.
Introduce new employee wellness programs led by Vic Connect, Vic U's employee wellness committee.
✓ Began sourcing a vendor to deliver training for mental health first aid in the workplace and resilience in the workplace.
✓ Held Mindfulness and Meditation sessions.
✓ Launched monthly Vic Connect events to encourage relationship building.
• Contributed to campus-wide employee recognition and appreciation events
✓ Held Mindfulness and Meditation sessions.
✓ Launched monthly Vic Connect events to encourage relationship building.
• Contributed to campus-wide employee recognition and appreciation events
Strengthen community partnerships.
Reinforce graduate study opportunities between Emmanuel College and the Faculty of Music.
✓ Development of MOU between Emmanuel and UofT’s Faculty of Music initiated.
Nurture relationship with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations (MCFN).
✓ Vic U staff, faculty, and student attended 2023 Historical Gathering of the Mississaugas of the Credit.
✓ Collaborating with community members on Indigenous-Settler collections workshop.
✓ Collaborating with community members on Indigenous-Settler collections workshop.
Increase joint faculty hires between Victoria College and the Faculty of Arts & Science.
✓ Three joint faculty hires made in 2022-23.
Identify private industry partnerships to support institutional and presidential priorities.
✓ Initiated relationship with McKinsey to collaborate on institutional and student initiatives.
✓ Continued to engage with potential real estate partners to explore possibilities for future re-development of Victoria University’s lands.
✓ Continued to engage with potential real estate partners to explore possibilities for future re-development of Victoria University’s lands.
Expand the Victoria University Alumni Mentorship Program and deepen engagement.
✓ End of year social for mentor and mentees reinforced the enduring relationship with alumni and celebrated the success of the program.
✓ Process has begun to expand from 27 alumni pairs to 40.
✓ In process of launching a pilot program to Emmanuel College alumni in fall 2023.
✓ Process has begun to expand from 27 alumni pairs to 40.
✓ In process of launching a pilot program to Emmanuel College alumni in fall 2023.
Foster a strong and healthy relationship with labour unions and associations.
✓ Successfully negotiated USW renewal of Collective Agreement in Spring 2022.
✓ Successfully negotiated UTFA Vic Chapter benefit improvements in Fall 2022.
✓ Successfully negotiated CUPE renewal Agreement in Spring 2023.
✓ Successfully negotiated UTFA Vic Chapter benefit improvements in Fall 2022.
✓ Successfully negotiated CUPE renewal Agreement in Spring 2023.
2022-23
Encounter
How will Victoria University further develop an inspiring sense of place?
Propel capital planning
Completion of the 10-year capital plan which includes future renovations to the Birge Carnegie Library and Goldring Student Centre to meet future space demands and to facilitate the construction of the new Integrated Learning Centre on the site of the current Northrop Frye Building.
✓ Birge Carnegie: Preliminary concept layout phase complete; elevator feasibility studies complete; planning underway for a project architect.
✓ Goldring Student Centre: Space program and best fit analysis to accommodate Office of the Dean of Students & Office of the Registrar and Academic Advising completed. Design phase began.
✓ Integrated Learning Centre: Project plan launched including development of templates for Class D estimates, architect selection, and design development
✓ Goldring Student Centre: Space program and best fit analysis to accommodate Office of the Dean of Students & Office of the Registrar and Academic Advising completed. Design phase began.
✓ Integrated Learning Centre: Project plan launched including development of templates for Class D estimates, architect selection, and design development
Develop environmental sustainability plans.
Collect data to inform a Climate Action Plan
✓ Finalized geothermal feasibility and renewable energy studies.
✓ Collaborated with U of T COO of Property & Sustainability towards an aligned Vic U Climate Action Plan.
✓ Began discussions to adopt Blue Communities framework.
✓ Collaborated with U of T COO of Property & Sustainability towards an aligned Vic U Climate Action Plan.
✓ Began discussions to adopt Blue Communities framework.
Enhance IT framework in support of teaching and learning.
Improve communication technology infrastructure.
✓ Expanded wireless coverage throughout the campus prioritizing the academic and administrative buildings.
✓ Upgraded campus fiberoptic cable infrastructure, in partnership with the University of Toronto.
✓ Reconfigured wi-fi router locations and optimized coverage.
✓ Migrated VoIP to Teams Phone.
✓ Upgraded campus fiberoptic cable infrastructure, in partnership with the University of Toronto.
✓ Reconfigured wi-fi router locations and optimized coverage.
✓ Migrated VoIP to Teams Phone.
Reimagine the role of art at Victoria University.
Form an art committee to consider the role of art on campus.
✓ Development of Terms of Reference.
Create a “story wall” in E.J. Pratt Library to highlight the library’s special collections.
✓ Established project plan with expected launch in May 2024.
Increase art on campus using holdings that are currently in temporary storage.
✓ Installed alumna, Catherine Schmid’s Out of Darkness painting and maquette in Pratt Library’s Information Commons and a portrait of Ruth (Manning) Alexander Vic 5T0, the first female Chair of the Victoria University Board of Regents was installed in the Victoria University Common Room.
✓ Installed a new art display in the Burwash private dining room that includes modern and contemporary artworks with water as the theme.
✓ Installed artwork previously in storage in the President’s Office, Bursar’s Office and other offices on campus.
✓ Installed a new art display in the Burwash private dining room that includes modern and contemporary artworks with water as the theme.
✓ Installed artwork previously in storage in the President’s Office, Bursar’s Office and other offices on campus.
Collaborate with Victoria College academic programs in Material Culture & Semiotics, and Creativity and Society.
✓ Launched a Material Culture internship for a student in the Material Culture & Semiotics program supervised by Victoria University’s curator.
Collaborate with VIC GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums), a Victoria College student club, to support student-driven art projects at Vic U.
✓ Launched a virtual gallery tour of selected collections through close collaboration with an instructional librarian and an archivist.
2022-23
Explore
How will Victoria University build on our outstanding academic offerings?
Expand academic opportunities for students.
Expand Creativity & Society program from a minor program to a major program.
✓ Received proposal approval from Victoria College Council.
✓ Engaged with Faculty of Arts and Science and incorporated feedback.
✓ Negotiated cooperation agreements with Faculty of Arts and Science units.
✓ Submitted proposal to UofT governance for final approval.
✓ Engaged with Faculty of Arts and Science and incorporated feedback.
✓ Negotiated cooperation agreements with Faculty of Arts and Science units.
✓ Submitted proposal to UofT governance for final approval.
Increase Internship and Study Abroad opportunities.
✓ Successfully applied for federally-funded Global Skills Opportunity grant to expand international work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities, with a focus on traditionally underrepresented groups;
✓ Established “Vic Global” program that coordinates and supports international WIL.
✓ Created and distributed new Vic Global branding including a new logo.
✓ Established “Vic Global” program that coordinates and supports international WIL.
✓ Created and distributed new Vic Global branding including a new logo.
Refine academic HR policies, practices, and supports.
Review, create, and implement academic HR policies.
✓ Developed Vic U Faculty Life Cycle (i.e., phases faculty members may encounter their academic career) including tools to support events within the cycle;
✓ Developed offer templates and academic employment categories in Dayforce.
✓ A needs assessment has begun to review roles within the HR department to develop academic HR expertise.
✓ Developed offer templates and academic employment categories in Dayforce.
✓ A needs assessment has begun to review roles within the HR department to develop academic HR expertise.
Support academic research and faculty complement.
Encourage more interdisciplinary research opportunities at Emmanuel College.
✓ Submitted and received two Wabash grants that will support interdisciplinary training for trauma-informed approaches in teaching to Emmanuel’s faculty and staff.
✓ Held an interdisciplinary conference on aging and dying.
✓ Two Emmanuel faculty presented their interdisciplinary research on human care at a school in Korea.
✓ Received funding from Seeds of Hope to plan an Indigenous Garden and formed Indigenous Garden Advisory Group.
✓ Expanded faculty to include Spiritual Care and Practical Theology Professor and Buddhist Spiritual Care and Counselling Professor at Emmanuel College.
✓ Began search for UCC studies faculty appointment
✓ Held an interdisciplinary conference on aging and dying.
✓ Two Emmanuel faculty presented their interdisciplinary research on human care at a school in Korea.
✓ Received funding from Seeds of Hope to plan an Indigenous Garden and formed Indigenous Garden Advisory Group.
✓ Expanded faculty to include Spiritual Care and Practical Theology Professor and Buddhist Spiritual Care and Counselling Professor at Emmanuel College.
✓ Began search for UCC studies faculty appointment
2022-23
Transform
How will Victoria University nurture signature learning experiences?
Develop new signature learning experiences.
Collaborate with the University of Toronto on an implementation plan for Black and Racialized Student Summer Seminar.
✓ Participated in discussions with UofT’s Vice-Provost International Student Experience to develop student summer seminar model for underrepresented students.
Build Scholars-in-Residence in-person and online/international delivery programs.
✓ Added administrative support for the program.
✓ Launched phase 2 of online/international pilot session.
✓ Launched phase 2 of online/international pilot session.
Sustain signature learning experiences.
Identify leading edge infrastructure to enhance learning experience .
✓ Assisted in the upgrade of the technology in Emanuel Chapel.
✓ Upgraded all wireless access points to Wi-Fi 6.
✓ Developed applications for Office of the Registrar, Victoria College Principal’s Office, Emmanuel College Principal’s Office, Office of the Dean of Students, as well as the Online telephone directory.
✓ Incorporated local backup of critical SharePoint site to complement the retention policy of Microsoft.
✓ Migrated managed desktop from UTORcsi to Intune as well as upgrade all Windows 7 to Win 10/11. (Ongoing)
✓ Provide IT support to staff at Toronto School of Theology.
✓ Signed agreement to use the Network as a Service program from St George Campus.
✓ Upgraded all wireless access points to Wi-Fi 6.
✓ Developed applications for Office of the Registrar, Victoria College Principal’s Office, Emmanuel College Principal’s Office, Office of the Dean of Students, as well as the Online telephone directory.
✓ Incorporated local backup of critical SharePoint site to complement the retention policy of Microsoft.
✓ Migrated managed desktop from UTORcsi to Intune as well as upgrade all Windows 7 to Win 10/11. (Ongoing)
✓ Provide IT support to staff at Toronto School of Theology.
✓ Signed agreement to use the Network as a Service program from St George Campus.
Negotiate sustainable funding for tri-campus program for Scholars-in-Residence.
✓ Signed a new multi-year funding agreement with UofT’s Vice-Provost - Strategic Enrolment Management.
Expand and refine signature learning experiences.
Support BIPOC Emmanuel faculty in reviewing their pedagogical approaches from a racialized lens.
✓ Launched a peer mentoring program between six BIPOC faculty members.
Increase support towards innovative pedagogy on teaching for ministry.
✓ Obtained funding from Wabash to develop Emmanuel faculty training for trauma-informed pedagogy.
Offer alumni outstanding content, and online and in-person engagement opportunities.
✓ Surpassed newly engaged alumni goal by 140%.
✓ Held well-attended events including reunion events in Toronto, New York and Burlington, an LGBTQ2+ event, lectures and workshops, and professional networking opportunities for new alumni.
✓ Held well-attended events including reunion events in Toronto, New York and Burlington, an LGBTQ2+ event, lectures and workshops, and professional networking opportunities for new alumni.
Create Professional Development pathways for staff.
Implement more leader training and tools for managers.
✓ Completed Emerging Leader Training for middle managers, and additional training for senior leadership.
✓ Developed online resources and tools for managers.
✓ Developed online resources and tools for managers.
2022-23
Operational Readiness
How is Victoria University evolving to support current and future organizational needs?
Grow our philanthropic portfolio to support key fundraising priorities identified in the strategic framework.
✓ Launched the fundraising campaign Defy Gravity: The Campaign for Victoria University, supported by a newly formed Campaign Cabinet.
✓ Delivered a gift planning seminar.
✓ Delivered a gift planning seminar.
Begin to formalize crisis, risk and emergency plans and procedures.
✓ Completed risk assessment by external consultant and UofT.
✓ Established Issues Management committee.
✓ Campus safety and emergency management review is being undertaken by CAO.
✓ Established Issues Management committee.
✓ Campus safety and emergency management review is being undertaken by CAO.
Implement financial programs, policies, and resources to support changes in the sector.
✓ Implemented electronic payment process.
Explore transition to University Pension Plan (UPP).
✓ Established Steering Committee and Advisory Group.
✓ Held staff and faculty information sessions
✓ Held staff and faculty information sessions
Review and update institutional Health and Safety policies and processes.
✓ Completed Health and Safety Audit.
✓ Launched Discrimination Guideline and updates Human Resources Guideline on Civil Conduct and Workplace Harassment Policy
✓ Launched Discrimination Guideline and updates Human Resources Guideline on Civil Conduct and Workplace Harassment Policy
2023-24 Implementation Plan (Year 3)
2023-24
Belong
What is Victoria University doing to reinforce a strong, inclusive community?
Increase EDIA funding, resources and programming for students.
Hired the first Director of Equity, Inclusion and Transformative Practices in August 2023.
• Director mandated to lead the development and implementation of a strategy and initiatives that strengthen and sustain an equitable, inclusive, respectful, engaged, healthy work environment and positive organizational culture for staff, faculty, librarians and students.
• Priority goal is to draft an equity framework to help guide Victoria University’s EDIA priorities and initiatives.
• Priority goal is to draft an equity framework to help guide Victoria University’s EDIA priorities and initiatives.
Increased EDIA programs and resources throughout Victoria University.
• Formally endorsed The Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Higher Education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities at the start of Black History Month (February 2024). Developed by the University of Toronto Scarborough in collaboration with Black communities, academic institutions and institutional partners, the Charter is a commitment by institutions across Canada to combat anti-Black racism and foster Black inclusion in higher education.
• Established a Black History and Heritage Steering Committee.
• Implemented mandatory racial equity training (systemic and societal racism and unconscious bias) for all new staff and faculty during their onboarding.
• Formed two Vic U affinity groups open to students, staff, faculty and librarians: a Muslim Affinity Space and a Jewish Affinity Space. Affinity spaces bring together people with common interests, experiences and/or identities to support one another.
• Emmanuel College strengthened its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment by providing training for trauma-informed approaches in teaching to its faculty and staff.
• Emmanuel held a Town Hall to discuss its EDIA statement DEAR, Dignity, Equity, Accountability and Responsibility.
• Established a Black History and Heritage Steering Committee.
• Implemented mandatory racial equity training (systemic and societal racism and unconscious bias) for all new staff and faculty during their onboarding.
• Formed two Vic U affinity groups open to students, staff, faculty and librarians: a Muslim Affinity Space and a Jewish Affinity Space. Affinity spaces bring together people with common interests, experiences and/or identities to support one another.
• Emmanuel College strengthened its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment by providing training for trauma-informed approaches in teaching to its faculty and staff.
• Emmanuel held a Town Hall to discuss its EDIA statement DEAR, Dignity, Equity, Accountability and Responsibility.
Assembled an EDIA steering committee to support institutional policy and program development.
• Committee will play a vital role in guiding the development of policies, programs and initiatives that ensure the university's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility is reflected in all its activities.
Developed first equity survey for all university employee groups to obtain baseline data about our workforce so we can ensure we are an inclusive and welcoming workspace.
• Results are being analyzed and will be shared in Fall 2024.
Hired an Academic Adviser, Equity & Outreach.
• Adviser is developing plan to launch the VOLT Program (Victoria Opportunities for Leaders of Tomorrow) in Fall 2024. VOLT is an initiative to help BIPOC students at Victoria College, with a particular focus on Black and Indigenous students, excel academically and inspire them to pursue higher education and impactful careers that make a difference in society.
• Developed a postcard specifically for prospective BIPOC students considering attending the University of Toronto and redesigned the web page to align the content to better serve the needs of this group of students.
• Developed a postcard specifically for prospective BIPOC students considering attending the University of Toronto and redesigned the web page to align the content to better serve the needs of this group of students.
Secured additional scholarship opportunities for underrepresented students.
• Supported Vic students from under-represented groups with close to $240,000 in Opportunity Award funding in 2023-2024.
• Established seven new awards for new Canadians, refugees, students from the east end of the GTA, humanities students with academic excellence, and students with leadership/contributions to the student community.
• Secured the first endowed scholarship for Buddhist students at Emmanuel.
• Established seven new awards for new Canadians, refugees, students from the east end of the GTA, humanities students with academic excellence, and students with leadership/contributions to the student community.
• Secured the first endowed scholarship for Buddhist students at Emmanuel.
Continued research into our connections with Indigenous communities as part of our Truth and Reconciliation journey.
• Victoria University Library continues to build its Indigenous special collection, focusing on adding materials by Canadian Indigenous authors.
• The library continues to co-operate in the Ojibway Lodge request to withdraw copies of Selwyn Dudney's Sacred Scrolls of the Ojibway, a text he was not authorized to publish and which contains many errors.
• Preparing a research application for alloy testing of the Nêhiyaw (Cree) Syllabic type fonts housed in Vic Libraries.
• Held Nêhiyaw (Cree) Syllabics & Decolonizing Archives: Continuing the Conversation, the fourth event in the Indigenous-Settler Relations and Collections Learning Series, on Nov. 6, 2023.
• Founded a five-member working group to present and discuss research on the origins of the Nêhiyaw Syllabics.
• Vic Archivists reached out to the Hiawatha and Mississauga of the Credit in the summer of 2023 to let them know we have records of students from those communities attending Victoria College.
• The library continues to co-operate in the Ojibway Lodge request to withdraw copies of Selwyn Dudney's Sacred Scrolls of the Ojibway, a text he was not authorized to publish and which contains many errors.
• Preparing a research application for alloy testing of the Nêhiyaw (Cree) Syllabic type fonts housed in Vic Libraries.
• Held Nêhiyaw (Cree) Syllabics & Decolonizing Archives: Continuing the Conversation, the fourth event in the Indigenous-Settler Relations and Collections Learning Series, on Nov. 6, 2023.
• Founded a five-member working group to present and discuss research on the origins of the Nêhiyaw Syllabics.
• Vic Archivists reached out to the Hiawatha and Mississauga of the Credit in the summer of 2023 to let them know we have records of students from those communities attending Victoria College.
Increase mental health funding, resources, and programming.
Hired an Assistant Dean, Equity & Wellness.
• Started the process of creating student campaigns to raise awareness and access to campus mental health, well-being and accessibility supports and resources under the banner of the Okanagan Charter.
Expanded mental health supports for students, staff, faculty and librarians.
• Launched wellness intern support for undergraduate students. Two Master of Psychospiritual students from Emmanuel College offered personal counselling to Victoria College students as part of a practicum requirement for their counselling degree.
• Supported Emmanuel College Student Society in creating the “Sensory Room,” a designated room for resting and their well-being.
• Held two sessions of mental health first aid training for leaders, managers and supervisors.
• Received approval to hire an associate dean for wellness and community engagement.
• Implemented monthly theme-based activities for staff and faculty with a focus on personal connections.
• Supported Emmanuel College Student Society in creating the “Sensory Room,” a designated room for resting and their well-being.
• Held two sessions of mental health first aid training for leaders, managers and supervisors.
• Received approval to hire an associate dean for wellness and community engagement.
• Implemented monthly theme-based activities for staff and faculty with a focus on personal connections.
Developed “Re-Orientation” program for neurodiverse students.
• Theme of the 11th annual Minding Our Minds Conference in October 2023 was “Supporting Student Neurodiversity and Student Wellness.”
• During that event, Victoria University signed the Okanagan Charter, which calls on post-secondary institutions to embed health into all aspects of campus culture and to lead health promotion action and collaboration locally and globally.
• A Neurodiversity Day of Learning was held in May 2024 in collaboration with Hart House and Accessibility Services for all U of T students who identify as neurodiverse. A second day is planned for 2024-25.
• During that event, Victoria University signed the Okanagan Charter, which calls on post-secondary institutions to embed health into all aspects of campus culture and to lead health promotion action and collaboration locally and globally.
• A Neurodiversity Day of Learning was held in May 2024 in collaboration with Hart House and Accessibility Services for all U of T students who identify as neurodiverse. A second day is planned for 2024-25.
Offered winter break housing for students.
• Provided students with the opportunity to remain in residence over the winter break and supplied community programming, residence don support and on-call staff assistance.
Developing a Wellness at Work strategy.
• Incorporating an integrated approach to enhance employee well-being programming by engaging the university’s employee wellness committee Vic Connect and collaborating with the Office of the Dean of Students to promote a campus-wide culture of well-being, embedding the principles of the Okanagan Charter.
Strengthen community partnerships.
Strengthened partnerships with community organizations and advocacy groups to better serve and represent the needs of diverse populations.
• Outreach included Lifelong Leadership Institute’s Leadership by Design Program, the Herbie Carnegie Foundation, Visions of Science and ICON Talent Partners.
• Collaborated closely with EDIA-focused recruitment offices at the University of Toronto.
• Collaborated closely with EDIA-focused recruitment offices at the University of Toronto.
2023-24
Encounter
How did Victoria University further develop an inspiring sense of place in 2023-2024?
Propel capital planning.
Began renovations at the Goldring Student to create a student life and services hub.
• Office of the Registrar and Academic Advising moved into the 3rd floor space previously occupied by the Alumni Affairs & Advancement team in June 2024.
• Goal is to bring all student services together in one place–Registrar, the Office of the Dean of Students and the Victoria College Writing Centre–by the start of 2024-25 academic year.
• Goal is to bring all student services together in one place–Registrar, the Office of the Dean of Students and the Victoria College Writing Centre–by the start of 2024-25 academic year.
Kicked off the Birge-Carnegie capital project in May 2024 with substantial completion expected in late 2026.
• Architect and construction manager selected and site set up for construction.
Indigenous Healing Garden construction project expanded to include an accessible ramp linking to Emmanuel College building.
• Construction to start in Fall 2024 with substantial completion planned for Spring 2025.
• Accessibility walkway will increase the number of accessible entrances to Emmanuel College and Birge-Carnegie and make the garden easily accessible from Emmanuel. Project team working with the architectural firm on the technical and engineering requirements as well as updated costing.
• Accessibility walkway will increase the number of accessible entrances to Emmanuel College and Birge-Carnegie and make the garden easily accessible from Emmanuel. Project team working with the architectural firm on the technical and engineering requirements as well as updated costing.
Second RFP being prepared to transform the iconic Victoria College Chapel into a multi-purpose room.
• A new RFP will be issued to reflect revised design and technical specifications and the construction schedule revised accordingly.
• Alumni Brian Johnston Vic 8T1 and his wife Colleen donated $500,000 toward renovation. The university will match the donation.
• Alumni Brian Johnston Vic 8T1 and his wife Colleen donated $500,000 toward renovation. The university will match the donation.
Explore a master planning exercise to help build a vision for the future of Victoria University’s lands.
• While we do work in the Capital Plan to revitalize Victoria University's historic and beautiful campus to better serve students, advance the university's academic mission and provide an inspiring sense of place for the community, we will also conduct a comprehensive planning exercise to help build a vision for the future of our campus and neighbourhood.
Develop environmental sustainability plans.
Developed an RFP for a Victoria University-specific plan for net-zero emissions by 2050 in conjunction with U of T’s 2050 Climate Positive plan.
• Infrastructure and Sustainability will issue the RFP in Fall 2024 to retain environmental consultants.
• Upgraded existing lighting in Victoria College to high efficiency LED.
• Upgraded lighting fixtures in Emmanuel College to high efficiency LED.
• Replaced conventional roof on E.J. Pratt Library to higher efficiency roof membrane to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; did work on balcony to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; replaced air conditioning units in LAN room with higher efficiency motors.
• In the Isabel Bader Theatre, replaced some refrigerant condensing units with higher efficiency motors.
• Upgraded existing lighting in Victoria College to high efficiency LED.
• Upgraded lighting fixtures in Emmanuel College to high efficiency LED.
• Replaced conventional roof on E.J. Pratt Library to higher efficiency roof membrane to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; did work on balcony to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; replaced air conditioning units in LAN room with higher efficiency motors.
• In the Isabel Bader Theatre, replaced some refrigerant condensing units with higher efficiency motors.
Enhance IT framework in support of teaching and learning.
Extended hours for IT support from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
✓ Provided support for night classes as well as events.
Reimagine the role of art at Victoria University.
Launched an art project in the foyer of Old Vic called Reflections on Art & History at Victoria University.
• Indigenous and Black student artists were invited to take over the space where the portraits of former presidents and principals are displayed and spark dialogue on how we present our history. The project was conceived of in collaboration with Victoria University’s Indigenous Advisory Circle, which is made up of Indigenous community leaders, students, faculty and staff.
2023-24
Explore
How did Victoria University build on our outstanding academic offerings in 2023-2024?
Expand academic opportunities for students.
Expanded curricular and co-curricular programming in priority area of Creativity & Society.
• Expanded course offerings to accommodate increased enrolment.
• Encouraged development of student organizations, including Creative & Society Student Union and student-run literary journal.
• Held an Exhibition Day in May to promote and reward student course work.
• Encouraged development of student organizations, including Creative & Society Student Union and student-run literary journal.
• Held an Exhibition Day in May to promote and reward student course work.
Increased internship and study abroad opportunities through Vic Global program.
• Increased spending for Vic study abroad awards from $100,000 in 2022-2023 to more than $150,000 in 2023-2034.
• Awarded three Bader International Bursaries to financially deserving students to attend the exchange program at Herstmonceux Castle in England.
• Awarded three Bader International Bursaries to financially deserving students to attend the exchange program at Herstmonceux Castle in England.
Received approval from U of T for a hybrid Master of Divinity program/degree.
• Students can take two-thirds of their courses online, which enables us to attract and accommodate students who either live outside of the GTA or cannot be on campus full time.
Expanded the Master of Theological Studies to four foci (Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Interreligious).
• Change reflects religious diversity of TST student demographics and prepares Buddhist and Muslim students to pursue doctoral studies.
Changed the name of Master of Pastoral Studies program to Master of Psychospiritual Studies.
• Reflects that the program is not just Christian-centric; change is aligned with other spiritual care professional organizations.
Renewed Memorandum of Understanding between Emmanuel College and the U of T Faculty of Music to deliver sacred music program.
• Expands the number of U of T music courses open to Emmanuel students.
• Increases collaboration between the two music programs. Emmanuel College offers the only Master of Sacred Music program in Canada.
• Increases collaboration between the two music programs. Emmanuel College offers the only Master of Sacred Music program in Canada.
Refine academic HR policies, practices, and supports.
Developing academic Employment Policy for Research staff.
• Establishing a clear framework that governs the terms of employment, recruitment, job duties, compensation and benefits for employees engaged in academic research roles in the university.
Conducted academic faculty compensation review.
• Collected research and data, analyzed competitive market information, reviewed salary ranges, and addressed disparities in an equitable manner.
Support academic research and faculty complement.
Created a new research centre at Victoria College: the Centre for Creativity.
• Launch event held May 9, 2024.
• Held a panel discussion in partnership with Toronto Jazz Festival in June 2024 on whether Toronto risks losing the next generation of musicians.
• Held a panel discussion in partnership with Toronto Jazz Festival in June 2024 on whether Toronto risks losing the next generation of musicians.
2023-24
Transform
How did Victoria University nurture signature learning experiences in 2023-2024?
Develop new signature learning experiences.
Began the first Emmanuel College Mentoring Program supporting final year students by connecting them with recent graduates for career advice.
• This initiative was supported by the success of the Victoria Alumni Mentorship Program.
Sustain signature learning experiences.
Achieved funding targets for the Scholars-in-Residence undergraduate summer research program.
• Program secured $180,000 in annual funding from partners including the Jackman Humanities Institute, the Faculty of Arts and Science, Office of the Vice-Provost, Strategic Enrollment Management and Bader Philanthropies, Inc., through Victoria University.
Expand and refine signature learning experiences.
Emmanuel College successfully responded to questions from the Association of Theological Schools following the accreditation process.
• College provided professional development opportunities to staff who support students.
• Created clearer communications processes and worked more closely with Vic U’s Dean of Students’ Office to support Emmanuel students.
• Created opportunities to help EC students become leaders, such as weekly spiritual gatherings and community lunches.
• Created clearer communications processes and worked more closely with Vic U’s Dean of Students’ Office to support Emmanuel students.
• Created opportunities to help EC students become leaders, such as weekly spiritual gatherings and community lunches.
Opened the Vic Ready Program to first-year students.
• Integrated a Vic Ready information session into 2023 Orientation Week to raise program awareness.
• Vic Ready program presented at a Vic One plenary resulting in our first cohort of first-year VR bootcamp participants.
• Vic Ready program presented at a Vic One plenary resulting in our first cohort of first-year VR bootcamp participants.
Expanded co-curricular academic offerings in Ideas for the World program to high school students.
• In November 2023, a group of high school students participated in a day-long university experience that included a lecture, discussion, campus tour and lunch with senior administrators.
Create Professional Development pathways for staff.
Hosted an interdisciplinary conference on aging and dying at Emmanuel.
• Invited academics from other universities and health-care professionals to present their research and their practices.
Grew the institution’s research culture by hiring a research officer and hosting inter-college research day.
• Hired part-time research officer in President’s Office to support faculty and students in developing grant applications to increase research footprint.
• Held a PechaKucha day in January 2024 where Victoria and Emmanuel faculty presented on specific research projects or their portfolio in effort to encourage more collaboration.
• Held a PechaKucha day in January 2024 where Victoria and Emmanuel faculty presented on specific research projects or their portfolio in effort to encourage more collaboration.
2023-24
Operational Readiness
How is Victoria University evolving to support current and future organizational needs?
Achieved stable financial performance, including meeting financial recovery for ancillary operations as reflected in the 2024-25 budget.
• Board of Regents approved a 2024-25 budget for Victoria University that includes new investments to support teaching, learning and student success. Separately, $3.7 million will be withdrawn from the endowment to fund a 16 per cent increase in scholarships, bursaries and awards.
• Budget calls for $55 million in spending, up from $49 million in 2023-24, and forecasts a $460,000 deficit.
• 2023-24 fiscal year expected to end with a surplus driven largely by higher revenue from: Summer residence beds being occupied for 23,000 nights, more than the 16,000 forecasted; a 98.7 per cent student residency bed occupancy rate during the academic year, up from 97 per cent projected in the budget; greater investment income due to higher interest rates.
• Budget calls for $55 million in spending, up from $49 million in 2023-24, and forecasts a $460,000 deficit.
• 2023-24 fiscal year expected to end with a surplus driven largely by higher revenue from: Summer residence beds being occupied for 23,000 nights, more than the 16,000 forecasted; a 98.7 per cent student residency bed occupancy rate during the academic year, up from 97 per cent projected in the budget; greater investment income due to higher interest rates.
Finalized the Federated Framework operating grants agreement with U of T.
• Operating Agreement for U of T funding to the three federated universities was renewed on June 12, 2024, and covers the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2028.
• Annual operating funding to Victoria University rises from the current $7 million to $10 million, to be phased in by 2025-2026 fiscal year.
• Agreement provides additional funding for student and registrar services, academic advising, library acquisitions and operations, and administration.
• Annual operating funding to Victoria University rises from the current $7 million to $10 million, to be phased in by 2025-2026 fiscal year.
• Agreement provides additional funding for student and registrar services, academic advising, library acquisitions and operations, and administration.
Updated procurement policy to be developed and approved in 2024-25.
• Developing revised procurement policy to ensure compliance with the latest Broader Public Sector’s Procurement Directives as well as ensuring that the university is receiving greatest value on its spending.
• The revised policy will include detailed operational procedures to provide departments/users with greater clarity of the required procurement process and to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Education sessions will be offered to staff.
• The revised policy will include detailed operational procedures to provide departments/users with greater clarity of the required procurement process and to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Education sessions will be offered to staff.
Achieved successful completion of early phase for UPP conversion, including the consent process, board approval and execution of the Transfer Agreement with the Joint Sponsors.
• Final approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario pending but transfer on track for Jan. 1, 2025.
• Communications plan developed with UPP.
• Communications plan developed with UPP.
Initiated development of an Emergency Management Plan, expanding the Little Green Button alert system and working to launch Motorola Rave Alert system.
• Drafting Emergency Management Plan, including communications plan.
• Expanded Little Green Button alert system to both libraries.
• Developing implementation plan for Motorola Rave Alert system, including plan for capturing and updating phone lists, as well as a communications plan.
• Expanded Little Green Button alert system to both libraries.
• Developing implementation plan for Motorola Rave Alert system, including plan for capturing and updating phone lists, as well as a communications plan.
Reviewed and updated institutional Health and Safety policies, programs and processes.
• Also created user-friendly Health & Safety section of the website.
Enhanced events and space management system and processes.
• Kicked off development of an event management and catering application to help streamline operations.
Alumni Affairs & Advancement raised $5.78 million.
• This represents 92 per cent of AA&A’s target for the year.
• Funding supports Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges’ annual funds, scholarships and bursaries, capital projects, academic programs and other university initiatives.
• A new prospecting model called the Prospecting Identification Tool was developed by the U of T Division of University Advancement to help identify major gift donors.
• 2,407 alumni were engaged with the university through events, volunteerism and donor meetings, of whom 973 were donors.
• Funding supports Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges’ annual funds, scholarships and bursaries, capital projects, academic programs and other university initiatives.
• A new prospecting model called the Prospecting Identification Tool was developed by the U of T Division of University Advancement to help identify major gift donors.
• 2,407 alumni were engaged with the university through events, volunteerism and donor meetings, of whom 973 were donors.
Advancement Investment Model to be implemented at Vic U.
• Board approved plan by Victoria University’s office of Alumni Affairs & Advancement, along with the Division of University Advancement at U of T, to implement the AIM model, which withholds a small fee on both endowed and expendable donations to help scale philanthropic impact across Victoria University and the U of T.
Updated Board of Regents website with more information about membership, meeting dates and how to attend meetings.
• Working with board secretary to post minutes in 2024-25.
Made progress toward divestment of holdings in fossil fuels, reported that progress at June 2024 board meeting and posted statement on website.
• First significant milestone was divestment in September 2023 of a property in Weyburn, Sask., bequeathed by a U of T alumna, which contained an active oil well. Proceeds of the sale are restricted to fund future sustainability projects at the university.
• Our indirect exposure is through our endowment fund, which includes pooled funds. On Dec. 31, 2023, approximately 3 per cent of those pooled funds had some exposure to fossil fuels.
• Confident we will be able to achieve divestment by 2030, which is consistent with the University of Toronto’s approach.
• Our indirect exposure is through our endowment fund, which includes pooled funds. On Dec. 31, 2023, approximately 3 per cent of those pooled funds had some exposure to fossil fuels.
• Confident we will be able to achieve divestment by 2030, which is consistent with the University of Toronto’s approach.
2024-25 Implementation Plan (Year 4)
2024-25
Belong
What is Victoria University doing to reinforce a strong, inclusive community?
Heightened the presence and visibility on campus of Indigenous peoples, cultures and cultural traditions.
• Broke ground and substantially completed construction of the Indigenous Healing Garden, including planting, to provide a place for reflection, prayer, healing and learning about Indigenous traditions and stewardship of the land.
• Library added 14 new titles by Canadian Indigenous authors to our Indigenous special collection.
• Library added 14 new titles by Canadian Indigenous authors to our Indigenous special collection.
Expanded on research into and held presentations on our connections with Indigenous communities as part of our Truth and Reconciliation journey and our effort to understand how key figures such as Victoria’s first president and principal Egerton Ryerson interacted with Indigenous peoples.
• Victoria University held an event on Sept. 30, 2024, to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Bonnie Jane Maracle spoke about her contributions to the Ryerson Research Panel Report and Halyna Kozar, a senior Reader Services and Collections staff member at Vic Librairies, presented preliminary research on archival material related to James Evans, a Methodist missionary purported to have created the Nêhiyaw (Cree) syllabic writing system.
• Submitted the Nêhiyaw (Cree) Syllabic type fonts for alloy testing, which will open new lines of inquiry for research about the communities where the fonts originated.
• Incorporating feedback from the Indigenous Advisory Circle on how to address art and history at Vic U with the support of Indigenous learning principles as part of our Reflections on Art and History at Victoria University initiative launched in September 2023.
• Held the ninth annual Campus (Re)Conciliations conference on Indigenous issues in higher education with the theme: How have Canadian campuses responded in the 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action?
• The E.J. Pratt Library is working on a 2025 Truth and Reconciliation Day exhibition that will include materials related to Indigenous communities and are part of ongoing research projects, by a range of researchers including Vic Library and Archives staff.
• At the request of the Ojibway Family Lodge, we withdrew copies of Selwyn Dudney's Sacred Scrolls of the Ojibway, a text he was not authorized to publish, and which contains many errors.
• Submitted the Nêhiyaw (Cree) Syllabic type fonts for alloy testing, which will open new lines of inquiry for research about the communities where the fonts originated.
• Incorporating feedback from the Indigenous Advisory Circle on how to address art and history at Vic U with the support of Indigenous learning principles as part of our Reflections on Art and History at Victoria University initiative launched in September 2023.
• Held the ninth annual Campus (Re)Conciliations conference on Indigenous issues in higher education with the theme: How have Canadian campuses responded in the 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action?
• The E.J. Pratt Library is working on a 2025 Truth and Reconciliation Day exhibition that will include materials related to Indigenous communities and are part of ongoing research projects, by a range of researchers including Vic Library and Archives staff.
• At the request of the Ojibway Family Lodge, we withdrew copies of Selwyn Dudney's Sacred Scrolls of the Ojibway, a text he was not authorized to publish, and which contains many errors.
Analyzed the results of our first workplace employment diversity survey of staff, faculty and librarians.
• Obtained valuable insights into the demographics of our employees, including ethnocultural identities, religious/spiritual affiliations and accessibility needs.
• Understanding who is and is not represented in our workforce is important so we can ensure we are an inclusive and welcoming workspace and can develop initiatives to address any gaps.
• Facilitated four in-person sessions to re-engage front-line employees to participate in the survey, which significantly increased the response rate from 22 per cent to 56 per cent among this group of employees.
• Understanding who is and is not represented in our workforce is important so we can ensure we are an inclusive and welcoming workspace and can develop initiatives to address any gaps.
• Facilitated four in-person sessions to re-engage front-line employees to participate in the survey, which significantly increased the response rate from 22 per cent to 56 per cent among this group of employees.
Increased EDIA programs and resources.
• Finalized the last phase of staff and faculty racial equity training by introducing mandatory training to new employees during their onboarding program.
• Updated the EDIA section of our website.
• Redesigned our event intake forms to ensure they align with the university’s priorities, that events are held in physically accessible spaces whenever possible, that groups from diverse backgrounds feel safe using our spaces, while at the same time any necessary security measures are in place to protect participants and audiences. All clients are required to abide by the university's contractual terms, which emphasize respectful behaviour and community values.
• Updated the EDIA section of our website.
• Redesigned our event intake forms to ensure they align with the university’s priorities, that events are held in physically accessible spaces whenever possible, that groups from diverse backgrounds feel safe using our spaces, while at the same time any necessary security measures are in place to protect participants and audiences. All clients are required to abide by the university's contractual terms, which emphasize respectful behaviour and community values.
Increased support and programs for staff and student health and wellness.
• Completion of the Goldring Student Centre capital project included additional student study spaces, including two quiet lounges, and access to wellness programs and mental health support and resources.
• Organized three peer-to-peer wellness and learning sessions available to all staff that were fully booked. Research shows peer-to-peer offerings foster a sense of community and belonging, as employees connect with and learn from one another.
• Expanded mental health first aid training, delivered by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, to student-facing employees, faculty and librarians.
• Introduced a new on-call adviser model in the Registrar’s Office so that students in distress that show up in person can see an academic adviser immediately even if they do not have an appointment.
• Completed a health and safety audit in collaboration with Infrastructure & Sustainability and the Joint Health & Safety Committee.
• Co-ordinated the implementation of user-friendly accessible health and safety policies and procedures on the Victoria University website.
• Obtained a grant from the Calvin Institute of Worship that supported research on trauma-informed ministry by international PhD students at Emmanuel College who are also practicing ministers. This initiative not only supported their doctoral work but also contributed to their sense of belonging within the academic and faith communities. As part of the project, we produced four trauma-informed worship resources.
• Converted one Emmanuel College washroom on the third floor to be more accommodating of gender and cultural needs, including the addition of gender-neutral signage, and free menstrual and hygiene products. Installed additional bidets in two washrooms to accompany our ablution facilities.
• Organized three peer-to-peer wellness and learning sessions available to all staff that were fully booked. Research shows peer-to-peer offerings foster a sense of community and belonging, as employees connect with and learn from one another.
• Expanded mental health first aid training, delivered by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, to student-facing employees, faculty and librarians.
• Introduced a new on-call adviser model in the Registrar’s Office so that students in distress that show up in person can see an academic adviser immediately even if they do not have an appointment.
• Completed a health and safety audit in collaboration with Infrastructure & Sustainability and the Joint Health & Safety Committee.
• Co-ordinated the implementation of user-friendly accessible health and safety policies and procedures on the Victoria University website.
• Obtained a grant from the Calvin Institute of Worship that supported research on trauma-informed ministry by international PhD students at Emmanuel College who are also practicing ministers. This initiative not only supported their doctoral work but also contributed to their sense of belonging within the academic and faith communities. As part of the project, we produced four trauma-informed worship resources.
• Converted one Emmanuel College washroom on the third floor to be more accommodating of gender and cultural needs, including the addition of gender-neutral signage, and free menstrual and hygiene products. Installed additional bidets in two washrooms to accompany our ablution facilities.
Improved accessibility, especially in our historic buildings.
• Constructed an accessible walkway on the east side of Emmanuel College, which will ensure full accessibility to the Indigenous Healing Garden and Emmanuel College.
• Completed Burwash Dining Hall High Table accessibility ramp.
• Modernized elevators in the Lillian Massey Building with enhanced accessibility features, improving access to multiple levels of the building ensuring the building is better positioned for broader academic and community use, including potential future partnerships.
• Completed Burwash Dining Hall High Table accessibility ramp.
• Modernized elevators in the Lillian Massey Building with enhanced accessibility features, improving access to multiple levels of the building ensuring the building is better positioned for broader academic and community use, including potential future partnerships.
Strengthened engagement and community partnerships.
• Developed and administered the first Victoria College Student Experience survey on all aspects of life at Vic: academic programs, supports, student life, residences, campus and facilities, etc. More than 23 per cent of students provided feedback and more than 93 per cent said they would recommend Victoria College to a friend.
• Launched the “Gather in the Goldring” event with free lunches and programming for students every day, supported by peer mentorship programs including transition mentors, international mentors, well-being peers and commuter dons.
• Redesigned and relaunched the Victoria College Faculty-Student Mentorship program to increase student engagement by opening it to all Year 2 students versus only incoming award-winning students. This is the only direct faculty-student mentorship program in the broader University of Toronto system open to all second-year students regardless of discipline.
• Launched “Third Thursdays with the Principal” office hour collaboration between VUSAC and Victoria College.
• Introduced a new award to recognize strong performing teams as part of the Staff Reward and Recognition Program.
• A new Student Awards Gala was held to celebrate students from Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges who received an academic merit or community involvement scholarship.
• Launched the “Gather in the Goldring” event with free lunches and programming for students every day, supported by peer mentorship programs including transition mentors, international mentors, well-being peers and commuter dons.
• Redesigned and relaunched the Victoria College Faculty-Student Mentorship program to increase student engagement by opening it to all Year 2 students versus only incoming award-winning students. This is the only direct faculty-student mentorship program in the broader University of Toronto system open to all second-year students regardless of discipline.
• Launched “Third Thursdays with the Principal” office hour collaboration between VUSAC and Victoria College.
• Introduced a new award to recognize strong performing teams as part of the Staff Reward and Recognition Program.
• A new Student Awards Gala was held to celebrate students from Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges who received an academic merit or community involvement scholarship.
Created Forums to strengthen the culture of civil discourse.
• Ran a series of events promoting civil discourse, the cultivation of dialogue across different points of view, and the respectful discussion of challenging subjects.
• Held the first event funded by the Presidential Intercultural Initiatives Program at Victoria University: a lunch time conversation with Tarek Al-Zoughbi, a Christian Palestinian American who was the Anne Duncan Gray visiting scholar at Emmanuel College.
• Organized a Vic One Plenary (open to others) on civil discourse on university campuses that featured Ian Williams (U of T Department of English), Janice Stein (Munk School), Pamela Paul (New York Times columnist) and Randy Boyagoda (U of T’s provostial adviser on civil discourse) as moderator.
• Expanded Ideas for the World to include two full-term sessions on “Difficult Conversations”: faculty-guided open conversations on topics such as transgender people in professional sports, Israel-Palestine relations, U.S. elections, cancel culture, and AI guardrails.
• Held two Dean’s Advisory Committee meetings (one for Victoria College and one for Emmanuel College) on the importance, hurdles and opportunities for civil discourse in the university with nearly 150 students and 30 faculty members in attendance.
• Held the first event funded by the Presidential Intercultural Initiatives Program at Victoria University: a lunch time conversation with Tarek Al-Zoughbi, a Christian Palestinian American who was the Anne Duncan Gray visiting scholar at Emmanuel College.
• Organized a Vic One Plenary (open to others) on civil discourse on university campuses that featured Ian Williams (U of T Department of English), Janice Stein (Munk School), Pamela Paul (New York Times columnist) and Randy Boyagoda (U of T’s provostial adviser on civil discourse) as moderator.
• Expanded Ideas for the World to include two full-term sessions on “Difficult Conversations”: faculty-guided open conversations on topics such as transgender people in professional sports, Israel-Palestine relations, U.S. elections, cancel culture, and AI guardrails.
• Held two Dean’s Advisory Committee meetings (one for Victoria College and one for Emmanuel College) on the importance, hurdles and opportunities for civil discourse in the university with nearly 150 students and 30 faculty members in attendance.
Improved employee onboarding process.
• Developed a digital handbook for newly hired staff, faculty and librarians that will be accessible both digitally and in print form.
Provided staff training on Inclusive Customer Service.
• Ongoing staff training in Ancillary Services focused on inclusive customer service and considering the needs of students, staff, faculty, librarians and external customers. Six sessions were held for 30 staff members that included topics such as inclusive service delivery and complaint resolution.
Provided more options to accommodate students with varied faiths and dietary needs.
• Menus in all areas, including catering, are now 90 per cent compliant with halal standards. More than 60 per cent of menus can be classified as vegetarian, more than 45 per cent as vegan, and we use no tree nuts or peanuts.
• Introduced kosher meals at Ned’s Cafe.
• Celebrated at least one ethnic/cultural event a month at Burwash and Ned's, including Diwali, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Christmas.
• Streamlined Ramadan meals program through a reservation system to avoid food waste and improve record keeping.
• Celebrated World Vegetarian Day by serving only vegetarian entrees in Burwash and Ned’s.
• Introduced kosher meals at Ned’s Cafe.
• Celebrated at least one ethnic/cultural event a month at Burwash and Ned's, including Diwali, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Christmas.
• Streamlined Ramadan meals program through a reservation system to avoid food waste and improve record keeping.
• Celebrated World Vegetarian Day by serving only vegetarian entrees in Burwash and Ned’s.
2024-25
Encounter
How did Victoria University further develop an inspiring sense of place in 2024-2025?
Renovated our space.
• Completed the Goldring Student Centre capital project that brought all student services together in one place—the Office of the Registrar and Academic Advising, the Office of the Dean of Students and the Victoria College Writing Centre.
• Victoria College Chapel was revitalized to preserve its heritage while enhancing accessibility, lighting, acoustics and climate control, creating a modernized, inclusive space for academic ceremonies, spiritual programming, and community gatherings.
• The Birge-Carnegie Revitalization is well underway. The goal is to create new student learning and study spaces adapted to emerging teaching and learning needs as well as a new hub for Vic U administrative and support units.
• A Buddhist Prayer Room was changed to a Buddhist Practice and Reading Room, a first of its kind at Emmanuel College building where students meditate while reading books.
• Holography lab was relocated from U of T to the Victoria University campus. This move brings technology and research into the heart of campus, combining art and science to enrich interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance students’ experiential learning.
• The Office of the Registrar and Academic Advising reintroduced an in-person welcome reception for newly admitted Victoria College students and their parents to learn more about Vic and the kind of community they would be joining.
• Installing sound panels in two Emmanuel College classrooms with acoustic issues, including echoing, to improve the learning and teaching experience.
• Victoria College Chapel was revitalized to preserve its heritage while enhancing accessibility, lighting, acoustics and climate control, creating a modernized, inclusive space for academic ceremonies, spiritual programming, and community gatherings.
• The Birge-Carnegie Revitalization is well underway. The goal is to create new student learning and study spaces adapted to emerging teaching and learning needs as well as a new hub for Vic U administrative and support units.
• A Buddhist Prayer Room was changed to a Buddhist Practice and Reading Room, a first of its kind at Emmanuel College building where students meditate while reading books.
• Holography lab was relocated from U of T to the Victoria University campus. This move brings technology and research into the heart of campus, combining art and science to enrich interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance students’ experiential learning.
• The Office of the Registrar and Academic Advising reintroduced an in-person welcome reception for newly admitted Victoria College students and their parents to learn more about Vic and the kind of community they would be joining.
• Installing sound panels in two Emmanuel College classrooms with acoustic issues, including echoing, to improve the learning and teaching experience.
Creating an integrated plan for buildings and capital projects across the entire campus.
• Initial phases of the Campus Space Utilization Audit and Planning Study and the Vic Vision and Campus Master Plan are underway. A consultant has been engaged to conduct the space audit and planning study.
• A third-party consultant was selected through an RFP process to develop Victoria University’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy.
• A third-party consultant was selected through an RFP process to develop Victoria University’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy.
Secured gifts to renovate Vic’s Beautiful Campus.
• Raised $1.5 million from philanthropist siblings Judy and Blake Goldring to name the Goldring Reading Room in the new Birge Carnegie building.
• Received an anonymous legacy gift of $5 million for the Pratt Library.
• Received an anonymous legacy gift of $5 million for the Pratt Library.
Upgraded IT services.
• Expanded wireless coverage in Victoria College, Emanuel College and Isabel Bader Theatre to improve internet access.
• Planning is underway to upgrade campus IT infrastructure. Phase 1 will begin in the 2025–26 fiscal year, focusing on replacing old fibre optic cables to improve performance and ensure reliable service in case of disruptions.
• Planning is underway to upgrade campus IT infrastructure. Phase 1 will begin in the 2025–26 fiscal year, focusing on replacing old fibre optic cables to improve performance and ensure reliable service in case of disruptions.
Introduced new sustainability measures in Food Services and Hospitality.
• Food Services partnered with ChopValue, a company that specializes in recycling used bamboo chopsticks and transforming them into furniture, to recycle about 4,000 pairs of chopsticks a year.
• Furthered efforts to help reduce waste and the university's carbon footprint by raising our target of using locally grown produce and ingredients to 50 per cent from 35 per cent.
• Ninety per cent of take-out packaging in Catering is compostable, up from 75 per cent.
• Single-use plastic water bottles were removed from Catering as part of the Blue Community initiative, after having been removed from Ned’s in early 2024.
• Emmanuel College purchased stainless utensil sets and additional plates for community meals.
• Collaborated with VUSAC to create a kitchen garden to supply vegetables to the community.
• Catering and Ned’s Cafe now contribute to the EAT After Eight program providing meals after 8 p.m. to students to help mitigate food insecurity. The initiative began in 2024 with donations from Burwash Dining Hall.
• Furthered efforts to help reduce waste and the university's carbon footprint by raising our target of using locally grown produce and ingredients to 50 per cent from 35 per cent.
• Ninety per cent of take-out packaging in Catering is compostable, up from 75 per cent.
• Single-use plastic water bottles were removed from Catering as part of the Blue Community initiative, after having been removed from Ned’s in early 2024.
• Emmanuel College purchased stainless utensil sets and additional plates for community meals.
• Collaborated with VUSAC to create a kitchen garden to supply vegetables to the community.
• Catering and Ned’s Cafe now contribute to the EAT After Eight program providing meals after 8 p.m. to students to help mitigate food insecurity. The initiative began in 2024 with donations from Burwash Dining Hall.
Use of the Fixx work order system has grown as the result of extended training for lead hands and the maintenance, grounds and housekeeping teams.
• This has enabled more consistent work order distribution, faster response times and the rollout of a new system to track key performance indicators.
• Total work orders completed across Infrastructure & Sustainability increased by 3 per cent year-over-year, supporting improved service delivery and more data-informed operational decision-making.
• Total work orders completed across Infrastructure & Sustainability increased by 3 per cent year-over-year, supporting improved service delivery and more data-informed operational decision-making.
Four new banners hung in Emmanuel College’s entrance, one each celebrating the Muslim and Buddhist faiths, alongside a pair of Christian banners.
• The banners are part of the college’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion as they visibly recognize our diverse traditions and different identities in artistic and inclusive ways.
Developing orientation package for summer camps.
• Package talks about how to use our physical spaces respectfully, without damaging them, how to behave on campus (noise, no smoking, etc.)
• Infrastructure and Sustainability will issue the RFP in Fall 2024 to retain environmental consultants.
• Upgraded existing lighting in Victoria College to high efficiency LED.
• Upgraded lighting fixtures in Emmanuel College to high efficiency LED.
• Replaced conventional roof on E.J. Pratt Library to higher efficiency roof membrane to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; did work on balcony to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; replaced air conditioning units in LAN room with higher efficiency motors.
• In the Isabel Bader Theatre, replaced some refrigerant condensing units with higher efficiency motors.
• Upgraded existing lighting in Victoria College to high efficiency LED.
• Upgraded lighting fixtures in Emmanuel College to high efficiency LED.
• Replaced conventional roof on E.J. Pratt Library to higher efficiency roof membrane to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; did work on balcony to reduce utilities costs and thermal losses; replaced air conditioning units in LAN room with higher efficiency motors.
• In the Isabel Bader Theatre, replaced some refrigerant condensing units with higher efficiency motors.
2024-25
Explore
How did Victoria University build on our outstanding academic offerings in 2024-2025?
Emmanuel College had record enrollment for the 2024–25 academic year.
• 93 students entered basic degree programs – one third more than the previous year -- for a total of 237 students enrolled across all programs. That is more than double the number of incoming basic degree students from eight years ago.
Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges jointly appointed Dr. Mona Tokarek LaFosse to the new position of Assistant Professor of New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies.
• This is the first time that Victoria University’s two colleges have jointly appointed a faculty member through an open search process and the first time they have jointly appointed someone to a permanent position.
Expanded support services for students, including those applying for high-value scholarships.
• The registrar, Victoria College principal and Vic U president are actively engaged in encouraging and supporting students to apply for high-value graduate scholarships, conducting outreach to eligible students, providing feedback on their résumés, and holding mock interviews. This year, for the first time, two Vic students won Rhodes Scholarships and one received a McCall McBain Scholarship.
• Launched the STAR (Skills Towards Academic Recovery) program to support students whose status has changed to academic suspension. It provides the tools and skills development to help them successfully return to their studies and complete their undergraduate degree.
• Hired an additional front-line adviser in the Registrar’s Office to respond to the increased demand on the phone, in person and via email for student academic support.
• Launched the STAR (Skills Towards Academic Recovery) program to support students whose status has changed to academic suspension. It provides the tools and skills development to help them successfully return to their studies and complete their undergraduate degree.
• Hired an additional front-line adviser in the Registrar’s Office to respond to the increased demand on the phone, in person and via email for student academic support.
Victoria College Research Day set records, new financial support offered.
• Record number of applicants to present as well as record number of participants.
• Allocated $1,000 for the first time to help offset costs for students (mainly printing), which has been a barrier to participation
• Launched inaugural “after-hours” creativity showcase featuring readings, visual art, holograms, sound installation and dramatic performance.
• Allocated $1,000 for the first time to help offset costs for students (mainly printing), which has been a barrier to participation
• Launched inaugural “after-hours” creativity showcase featuring readings, visual art, holograms, sound installation and dramatic performance.
Completed inaugural continuing status review.
• This resulted in Emmanuel College’s first associate professor teaching-stream promotion.
Emmanuel College implemented a trauma-informed pedagogy program, supported by robust engagement from faculty and PhD students.
• Program was part of Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning and Association of Theological Schools grants.
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2024-25
Transform
How did Victoria University nurture signature learning experiences in 2024-2025?
Professor Alex Hernandez appointed principal of Victoria College.
• Hernandez installed as 12th principal on Dec. 4 and spoke of the importance of honouring the college's history while empowering students to excel in their fields to shape the future.
Embarked on new partnership with Toronto International Festival of Authors.
• TIFA, Canada’s largest literary festival, will hold many of its events at the Isabel Bader Theatre.
• Developed a new experiential learning program for student volunteers assisting every aspect of TIFA’s festivals.
• Developed a new experiential learning program for student volunteers assisting every aspect of TIFA’s festivals.
Launched the VOLT (Victoria Opportunity for Leaders for Tomorrow) Scholars program to help Black, Indigenous and/or racialized students achieve excellence in STEM and other subjects.
• Work this year included defining the funding package, bolstering targeted recruitment efforts, and building a bridging program – the inaugural Scholars Connect on-campus weekend was held in June. Scholars Connect is a transition program for incoming Opportunity Award students, to set them up for success in first year, and then transition them into the VOLT Scholars Program, which begins in second year.
Launched “Vic Volunteers” program in partnership with Daniels Spectrum community centre in Regent Park, giving Vic U students volunteer tutoring opportunities.
• Program provided 570 hours (about 3 and a half weeks) of tutoring by Vic U students to children in a community centre.
Began fundraising for a new endowed professorship to honour Dr. Jean Augustine.
• The professorship will allow Victoria University to appoint a leading scholar to look at new ways of fostering critical thinking, problem solving and innovation—skills that students need to succeed in today’s workforce.
• Victoria University is an ideal home for the professorship because it offers the only undergraduate education program on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus through the education stream of Victoria College’s award-winning Vic One program for first-year students, as well as its Education and Society program, the most popular of the six minor programs offered exclusively by Victoria College.
• Victoria University is an ideal home for the professorship because it offers the only undergraduate education program on the University of Toronto’s St. George campus through the education stream of Victoria College’s award-winning Vic One program for first-year students, as well as its Education and Society program, the most popular of the six minor programs offered exclusively by Victoria College.
Increased EDIA programming for students and diversity among faculty, lecturers.
• Increased diversity among part-time faculty appointments and among lecturers invited for Vic One plenaries.
Secured gifts for new programs and positions.
• Raised $3 million to endow the Wutai Shan Venerable Dayi Shi Professorship in Buddhist Spiritual Care, the largest gift in Emmanuel College’s history. This is the first professorship for Buddhist spiritual care in Canada.
• Raised $100,000 from the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto to create the Jaffari Community Centre scholarships for students in Emmanuel College’s MPS Muslim focus.
• Raised $100,000 from the Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Toronto to create the Jaffari Community Centre scholarships for students in Emmanuel College’s MPS Muslim focus.
Created Professional Development pathways for staff.
• Delivered one session of conflict resolution training for six managers and three sessions for 60 staff in Hospitality Services.
• Launched a customized coaching program for key managers in the CAO/Bursar portfolio with a focus on leadership development.
• Enabled staff in Ancillary Services to cross-train in or be seconded to another department to develop additional skills.
• Launched a customized coaching program for key managers in the CAO/Bursar portfolio with a focus on leadership development.
• Enabled staff in Ancillary Services to cross-train in or be seconded to another department to develop additional skills.
Emmanuel College completed the first year of a three-year trial of a Buddhist Continuing Education program.
• This non-degree continuing education program is run jointly by Emmanuel College and the Buddhist College of Canada. This program, whose classes are held at the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Peterborough, Ont., covers the foundational principles of Buddhism and delves into its practical applications in contemporary life.
• 24 Emmanuel students completed the first course in November 2025.
• 24 Emmanuel students completed the first course in November 2025.
Expanded Wednesday Spiritual Gatherings as a venue for Emmanuel College students’ public leadership practices.
• Included more experiential learning and creativity and introduced more experimental elements in rituals.
For the first time, Emmanuel College faculty worked together to review their course syllabi with a focus on incorporating and respecting the beliefs and practices of multiple religious traditions.
• This review was conducted with the guidance of a guest professor and has been integrated into the college’s ongoing process of curricular assessment and development.
Library curated special exhibits.
• The E.J. Pratty Library curated an exhibit of Nancy Drew books by student Tamara Doiny, the recipient of the 2024 F. David Hoeniger Book Collection Prize.
• The library hosted a physical and online exhibit of artifacts from the First World War, which opened on Remembrance Day and includes items from the E.J. Pratt Library Special Collections, the Victoria University Archives and the Royal Canadian Military Institute.
• Vic Libraries & Archives worked closely with the U of T Italian Studies Department and USMC to support the international conference Ottocentismi by curating and hosting an exhibition from April 28-June 15, featuring the Mario Pratesi fonds.
• The library hosted a physical and online exhibit of artifacts from the First World War, which opened on Remembrance Day and includes items from the E.J. Pratt Library Special Collections, the Victoria University Archives and the Royal Canadian Military Institute.
• Vic Libraries & Archives worked closely with the U of T Italian Studies Department and USMC to support the international conference Ottocentismi by curating and hosting an exhibition from April 28-June 15, featuring the Mario Pratesi fonds.
2024-25
Operational Readiness
How is Victoria University evolving to support current and future organizational needs?
Began development of Strategic Plan 2026-2031.
• Engaged strategic planning experts to assist with a first draft of the new strategic plan and to inform the consultation process.
• Focused on strategy and planning at the Senior Administrative Management retreat as the current strategic framework will expire in June 2026.
• Focused on strategy and planning at the Senior Administrative Management retreat as the current strategic framework will expire in June 2026.
Jennifer Ankrett appointed as Chief Administrative Officer and Bursar.
• Ankrett is Victoria University’s first woman Chief Administrative Officer and Bursar.
The Victoria University Board of Regents approved a 2025–26 budget that will enrich the student experience through new investments in health and wellness, scholarships, bursaries and awards, enhanced eating and study spaces, and more opportunities for commuter students.
• The $58.7 million budget represents a modest $3.9 million increase from 2024–25.
• Victoria is also projecting to end the 2024-25 fiscal year with a modest budget surplus, compared to the $400,000 deficit that was originally approved.
• Victoria is also projecting to end the 2024-25 fiscal year with a modest budget surplus, compared to the $400,000 deficit that was originally approved.
Transitioned the university's pension plan to the University Pension Plan of Ontario.
• Included obtaining approval of all regulatory compliance and governance requirements as well co-ordinating investment, data and pension administration transfer to UPP’s dedicated team.
• Engagement and learning sessions were offered to employees.
• Engagement and learning sessions were offered to employees.
Alumni Affairs & Advancement raised more than $14.3 million in 2024-25.
• That represents more than 200 per cent of AA&A’s target for the year.
• Now at 63 per cent of Vic U’s Defy Gravity Campaign goal of $80 million (more than $50 million raised).
• Hired a new associate director of advancement to assist in raising support for Vic U’s strategic initiatives.
• Now at 63 per cent of Vic U’s Defy Gravity Campaign goal of $80 million (more than $50 million raised).
• Hired a new associate director of advancement to assist in raising support for Vic U’s strategic initiatives.
Negotiated the renewal of two collective agreements with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3902 Unit 2 (sessional lecturers, teaching assistants, writing instructors and undergraduate tutors).
• The renewal collective agreement process for both employee groups and their unions provided a constructive forum to address fair wage increases, enhanced benefits and working conditions while fostering a collaborative and positive relationship between management and employees.
Launched data and policy initiatives to increase transparency and accountability.
• Developed institutional and unit-level data dashboards to identify trends, support decision-making, monitoring performance, improve efficiency and enhance communication.
• An institutional policy review was launched to assemble and standardize Victoria University’s policies and policy instruments. Next steps will include resolving policy conflicts and gaps, and the development of a public online policy library.
• An institutional policy review was launched to assemble and standardize Victoria University’s policies and policy instruments. Next steps will include resolving policy conflicts and gaps, and the development of a public online policy library.
Developing a strategic plan to diversify ancillary revenue sources.
• Already increased event booking at the Isabel Bader Theatre by almost 12 per cent (a 23 per cent increase in revenue) and expanded opportunities to generate high parking revenue.
Implemented EventPro, a new space and events software, supported by new pages on the website and an online catering menu.
• EventPro will increase the efficiency and accuracy of the event planning process.
Responded to increased student housing demand and increased number of beds.
• Added 21 new beds by converting some singles to doubles and some doubles to triples.
Conducted a search for a new chief librarian.
• Board of Regents expected to approve candidate in June 2025.
The annual Friends of the Library book sale was the most successful ever.
• Sale raised $122,000.
• Volunteers set up more than 1,000 boxes of material or approximately 25,000 items.
• Cash register volunteers processed more than 5,000 transactions.
• During the sale more than 130 people volunteered.
• Volunteers set up more than 1,000 boxes of material or approximately 25,000 items.
• Cash register volunteers processed more than 5,000 transactions.
• During the sale more than 130 people volunteered.
Alumni Affairs & Advancement engaged more than 3,000 alumni overall and newly engaged 477 alumni through an array of alumni events and other offerings.
• 175 per cent of alumni engagement goal achieved through initiatives such as the annual Coxford lecture and the Victoria Alumni Mentorship Program.
Responsible Investment Policy is being developed with the goal of seeking Board’s approval in Fall 2025.
• Work builds on our commitment to divest from direct fossil fuel producing firms by 2030.
Enhanced procurement practices for high-value items by increasing the use of Merx electronic tendering services.
• All RFPs exceeding $100,000 are now published on Merx.
Expanded the use of electronic payment processes.
• Conducted an outreach campaign to existing vendors and suppliers to convert to electronic funds transfer and to require new vendors to be paid by EFT where possible.
Increased support for the Board of Regents and enhanced transparency of governance matters.
• Hired a governance and special projects co-ordinator to increase the capacity of the Board of Regents Secretariat.
• Worked with Communications and Marketing to revise the Board of Regents section of the website to fulfill a longstanding commitment for greater transparency in governance matters.
• We now post the mandates of the standing committees; the dates and locations of board meetings; the meeting agenda (a week in advance of the board meetings); approved minutes; the board membership and photographs of the members.
• Reviewing Senate procedures to ensure that they are in compliance with the Victoria University Act.
• Worked with Communications and Marketing to revise the Board of Regents section of the website to fulfill a longstanding commitment for greater transparency in governance matters.
• We now post the mandates of the standing committees; the dates and locations of board meetings; the meeting agenda (a week in advance of the board meetings); approved minutes; the board membership and photographs of the members.
• Reviewing Senate procedures to ensure that they are in compliance with the Victoria University Act.
Vic University Library and Archives completed its five-year external review that included recommendations for the Vic U Information Technology Services team and the Library Information Technology team.
• As a result, we consolidated IT Services and Library IT to provide unified IT Services consistent to users and the wider Vic U community.
• Two library full-time staff formed a new digital services team in the library, focusing on digitization, digital preservation and digital curation, and unique value-added projects.
• Two library full-time staff formed a new digital services team in the library, focusing on digitization, digital preservation and digital curation, and unique value-added projects.
Developed new process for handling requests for information.
• Developed a standard operating procedure guiding related processes.
• Responsibility for managing requests for information was transferred to the Director of Communications and Marketing.
• Responsibility for managing requests for information was transferred to the Director of Communications and Marketing.
Developed an RFP for a new website.
• Work on the website expectedly to be substantially completed in 2025-26.
Significantly increased followers and engagement on all social media channels and created a Vic U Flickr account.
• Critical metrics such as net audience growth, impressions, engagements (e.g. likes, retweets, shares), video views and clicks on links in our posts have increased year-over-year.
• Overall, our social channels experienced a net growth of 7.5 per cent. LinkedIn achieved a substantial growth rate of 23.5 per cent.
• Overall, our social channels experienced a net growth of 7.5 per cent. LinkedIn achieved a substantial growth rate of 23.5 per cent.
Revived the Emmanuel College print magazine EC News as another tool to engage alumni, the public and stakeholders.
• Publication had been dormant since the pandemic.
Developed a policy on when we issue institutional statements.
• Policy states institutional statements should be rare, be made on issues relevant to Victoria University and bring value to the discussion/influence the issue.
Coming 2025
