On March 1, the University Affairs Board (UAB) approved new budgets for Student Life at UTSG, the U of T Sport and Rec Program, Services and Facilities at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, and Hart House. These services’ operating plans for 2023–2024 included increased ancillary fees for full-time and part-time students across all three campuses. 

Between the three services, a full-time UTSG student will pay an additional $26.28 in 2023–2024 compared to 2022–2023, while a part-time student will pay an additional $5.27. A full-time student at UTM or UTSC will pay $1.52 more and a part-time student will pay 30 cents more. 

Rebuilding post-pandemic budgets

Beth Ali, U of T’s executive director of co-curricular athletics and physical activity programs, said inflation was among the “primary contributors” to increased operating costs. She added that revenue losses in the pandemic, especially from sponsorships, are another major factor necessitating fee increases.

Ali is hopeful that external revenue sources will eventually come back and help Sport and Rec reduce its reliance on student fees. She said that Under Armour, Pepsi, and the Duke of York have returned as sponsors and that “this past year was much better than the year before.” 

Sherry Kulman, Interim Warden of Hart House, reported that Hart House operations are also recovering from pandemic disruptions. According to Kulman, event bookings at Hart House have tripled since last year, while Gallery Grill — a restaurant on the second floor of Hart House — reopened on March 22, 2022. 

2023–2024 operating plans

While the UAB meeting focused primarily on fiscal planning, each of the services briefly highlighted some of the most crucial aspects of their operating plans. David Newman, executive director of student experience, said that Student Life, St. George Campus committed to TCard improvements and hosting an Indigenous Career Fair.

Ali added that Sport and Rec Programs, Services and Facilities is one of the largest employers of students on campus. Kulman described how Hart House is opening up new revenue sources including off-site catering while improving sustainability goals associated with the building.   

Newman said the fee changes represent a “moderate increase.” Full-time UTSG students will pay $91.14 for Health and Counselling, $109.16 for Student Services, $212.03 for Sport and Rec, and $119.53 for Hart House. Part-time UTSG students will pay $18.23 for Health and Counselling, $21.83 for Student Services, $42.41 for Sport and Rec, and $23.91 for Hart House.

Full-time UTM and UTSC students will pay $24.60 for Sport and Rec and $3.67 for Hart House. Part-time UTM and UTSC students will pay $4.92 for Sport and Rec and $0.74 for Hart House.

All of the presented operating plans were approved unanimously by the UAB.