Have you ever wondered who decides how much tuition you pay, who gives final approval for new buildings, and who establishes new policies such as the Code of Student Conduct? The Governing Council (GC) is the highest decision-making body at the University of Toronto and makes all of these decisions and more. It is composed of 50 members, appointed by the Ontario government or elected by alumni, faculty, staff and students. Eight of the 50 are students, only two of whom are graduate students. There are three boards associated with the GC: Academic Board, Business Board, and University Affairs Board.

As it currently stands, students may be "co-opted" (appointed) to the GC Boards without election. These students are not accountable to their constituencies, and the students they represent have no say in their selection. Why elect our GC members but appoint our Board members? All students on GC and its Boards should be accountable to their constituents. This can only be accomplished with input from the students through elections, or through the student governments. The GSU believes that the student governments should have direct representation on university government - perhaps with student government leaders as GC members. This will ensure the interests of students at University of Toronto are represented in a democratic and accountable way.

The GSU actively monitors the GC and speaks on issues that affect graduate students. All students (and in fact, any interested individual) may attend all meetings of Governing Council and its Boards. At the end of the 2001-2002 academic year, the GSU spoke strongly against proposed ticketing procedures which would have limited access to GC meetings. The GSU will continue to work to increase students' access to the GC. This includes continuing to insist that GC move its meetings to a venue that can accommodate all interested individuals when high attendance is expected.

What can you do? Attend GC meetings. Show your disapproval of regressive policies. Support the graduate students who speak for you, and be in touch about anything at GC that concerns you. Let the University know that you care about the decisions that affect you and demand that your voice be heard.

More information about the Governing Council, including agendas for meetings.