The Varsity

David Naylor (President)

The president is the university’s de facto CEO, ensuring that the university’s finances are in order, that its rules and governing institutions are functioning smoothly, and that the school has long-term strategic plans guiding its growth. Naylor answers to the provincial and federal governments, and to the Governing Council, a Senate-like ruling body of 50 community members, students, staff, and faculty who must give final approval to all important university decisions.

Shaun Shepherd (UTSU President)

BERNARDA GOSPIC/THE VARSITY

Shepherd leads the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) for a one-year term, with a team of elected and appointed student executives and their assistants, plus a handful of permanent staff. The union, which represents 44,000 students, collects and re-distributes around $16 in student fees per student each semester. The UTSU offers discounted movie and sports tickets, sells monthly TTC metropasses, distributes agendas, and provides campus-wide clubs with funding and leadership training. The

union is also heavily involved in advocacy, lobbying the provincial government on post-secondary issues and representing the student body’s concerns to the administration. During exam season, the union distributes care packages in libraries, and hosts a major concert and clubs fair every frosh week. Among his major election promises during his campaign last March, Shepherd vowed to pedestrianize St. George Street, the major thoroughfare on the downtown campus.

Michael Wilson
(Chancellor)

Wilson is the ceremonial head of the administration and the public face of the university. When you convocate, Wilson will be the one on stage, shaking your hand and handing you your degree. Wilson was formerly Minister of Finance in Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservative government, and the Canadian ambassador to the United States. He graduated from Trinity College in 1959. He was named Chancellor in May of this year.

Cheryl Misak
(Provost)

The provost’s job is to oversee the budget and all academic matters at the university. Misak supervises principals and deans, working to determine the university’s academic priorities, teaching practices, and research agenda. She is also responsible for long-term planning. The provost and her team of six vice-provosts (each with a distinct portfolio, from student life to academic operations) typically serve terms of five years or less, and return to professorships at the conclusion of their terms.

Jill Matus
(Vice-Provost, Students)

Matus and her office are responsible for determining all policies and procedures related to students and student life, across all three campuses. The Office of Student Life coordinates club approval, rents office space at 21 Sussex, and provides training to student leaders. The office is responsible for recruiting students, rewarding scholarships and distributing financial aid, as well as running the study abroad program.