The UTSC Campus Affairs Committee met on January 27 for their meeting on tuition costs and campus services, as well as an agenda of dense budget documents and long-term plans that extend far beyond the current student body.

The committee’s role was not to approve these changes, but to review whether proper procedures were followed for the fee increases, parking changes, and housing renovations.

Special remarks about Shivank Avasthi 

The meeting opened with special remarks on the campus’s shared mourning of Shivank Avasthi delivered by Alison Mountz, Vice-Principal, Research & Innovation.

“We’ve been working closely with Shivank’s family to ensure that their wishes are respected, while also creating space and supporting our students as they grieve and come together in ways that are meaningful to them… Nothing has been done without intention, care and deep respect for those most impacted by this tragic act of violence.”

“Every member of our UTSC community will play a role as we continue important conversations and work to restore our collective sense of safety. Please show yourselves grace. Take time to look after your own well being and extend care by checking in with people around you, we will get through this difficult time of coming together and continuing to support one another as a community,” Mountz said. 

Service ancillary fee increases

The $2.1 million Premium Townhouse Project is a major modernization effort of campus townhouses starting this summer. The renovations will include removing carpet, upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, and refreshing outdated living spaces that have not been modernized in years. This project will start this year, and span six summers to avoid displacing students who live on campus during the year. 

“We’ll be starting our first summer as a bit of a pilot to see how things work, how the process is doing, and what the real costs are looking like,” said Greg Hum, Director, Housing & Residence Life.

Student Housing and Residence Life proposed fee increases of three to 16.7 per cent for the townhouses and apartment-style suites, but most increases would be between three and five per cent. Food and Beverage Services is also proposing a three per cent fee increase for the all-access meal plan at the Harmony Commons residence. 

Additionally, new multi-storey above-ground parking is being built — the Retail & Parking Commons — and is set to open in July 2026. The lot will add 1,092 spots, replacing the surface parking that was removed by the construction of new buildings on campus. To fund these expansions, the parking fees for all categories of UTSC permits are proposed to increase by three per cent. 

“The new president is asking people to come back into the office or be present on the campus. The medical school is opening. There’s more students coming to this campus — there’s a real pressure on parking,” said Andrew Arifuzzaman, UTSC Chief Administrative and Strategy Officer, while presenting on increased parking needs. 

Last year, Parking Services made a surplus of $1.5 million, but after depreciation expenses from the new Retail and Parking Commons parking garage, it came to a loss of $3.2 million. 

Student services fee increases

The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union UTSC Sports & Recreation Complex Levy is proposed to increase by four per cent, starting this summer. The levy was originally established after a referendum in 2010.

As a result, full-time students will pay an additional $8.62 per session, while part-time students will contribute an additional $1.73. The committee approved the fee increase.

The sessional Health & Wellness Service Fee is increasing by 11.3 per cent to $105.40, the Athletics and Recreation Fee is increasing by 0.79 per cent to $143.17, and the sessional Student Services Fee is increasing by 4.12 per cent to $226.74, which amounts to a $20.8 increase for full-time students and a $3.68 increase for part-time students.

These price increases come from rising student demands for services and the growing student body. Specifically, these funds will go towards mental health services, recreation facilities, and advising services.

The committee approved the increases. 

Student representation

There are currently four open student seats within the Campus Affairs Committee for undergraduate students. At the time of the meeting, only one seat had been filled. 

Since the meeting took place, a new call for applications has been sent out to the student body. The committee’s role is to oversee whether administrative decisions follow procedure and reflect adequate student consultation on issues related to fees, housing, and campus services.