I am writing to seek your assistance in the process of nominating candidates for the position of Chancellor of the University of Toronto for a three-year term, ideally commencing July 1, 2018.

The Honourable Michael H. Wilson’s second term as Chancellor will come to an end on June 30, 2018. At that time the Chancellor will have completed the maximum service length permitted by the University of Toronto Act, 1971. Chancellor Wilson’s tireless and exemplary work on behalf of the University over the past six years is deeply appreciated by the entire University community.

The College of Electors, a body established by the Governing Council, is responsible for the election of the Chancellor as well as for the election of Alumni Governors. As required by policy, a Chancellor Search Committee has been struck and has begun to meet. Other than the Chair of the Governing Council and the President, the membership comprises the Executive Committee of the College of Electors. The membership is:

Dr. Geeta Yadav, Chair, College of Electors
Mr. Oliver Jerschow, Vice-Chair, College of Electors
Professor Meric Gertler, President
Mr. Kevin Golding, Alumni, University of Toronto Mississauga
Ms. Claire Kennedy, Chair of the Governing Council
Ms. Tracey King, Alumna, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Ms. Alison Stirling, Alumna, Faculty of Information

The Chancellor is the titular head of the University, and, with the President and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Governing Council, represents the University to the external community. In this role, the Chancellor is an advocate for the vision of the University as it is articulated by the President and endorsed by the Governing Council. They play an essential ambassadorial role in advancing the University’s interests within local, provincial, national, and international arenas.

The ideal candidate will be a distinguished person with a record of demonstrated excellence in their chosen field and in service to the community. They will have a strong public presence, profile, and well-developed relationship-building skills. The Chancellor is elected for a term of three years and may serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Chancellor serves as a volunteer and receives no remuneration; they are required by statute to be a Canadian citizen.

The Chancellor Search Committee will accept online nominations until the Committee makes its recommendation to the College of Electors, the body responsible for the election of the Chancellor. The Chancellor position profile and nomination form is available online. Nominations and requests for further information may be submitted in confidence to:

Patrick McNeill
Secretary, Chancellor Search Committee
Office of the Governing Council
patrick.mcneill@utoronto.ca