The Victoria University Board of Regents is responsible for the appointment of the President and senior officers who carry out day-to-day management and administrative functions — the chancellor, college principals, registrar, chief administrative officer and bursar, chief librarian and others.
The Board must satisfy itself that there are resources, policies and practices appropriate for creating an environment conducive to a high-quality experience for students, faculty, librarians, and staff, and maintaining excellent relations with alumni.
The Board is also responsible for:
- Ensuring proper accountability of Victoria University's financial affairs;
- Managing and maintaining Victoria University’s property;
- Investing Victoria University's money, including donations;
- Administering the pension plan;
- Establishing faculties, departments and chairs;
- Approving collective agreements and employee policies
The Regents are elected by the constituencies they represent — students, faculty, Victoria College alumni, Emmanuel College alumni, United Church appointees, ex-officio members and discretionary.
More information about the governance framework of Victoria University can be found in the Victoria University Act and the Board of Regents Bylaw No. 1 and No. 2.
News/Updates
Call for Nominations for the Chancellor of Victoria University (Oct. 27, 2025)
Nick Saul’s term as chancellor of Victoria University will come to a close in June 2026.
Nick Saul has been an exemplary chancellor for Victoria University. The Board of Regents of Victoria University would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude for his many contributions to the life of the university.
The by-law of the Board of Regents stipulates that the board form an advisory committee to search for a new chancellor. The advisory committee, led by the chair of the Board of Regents, Keith Thomas, invites nominations for the position of chancellor of Victoria University for a three-year term commencing in July 2026.
The chancellor of Victoria University is the ceremonial head of the institution, presiding at convocation, conferring degrees and serving as the chief ambassador for the university. Additionally, the chancellor is an ex officio member of the Board of Regents, chairs the Senate of Victoria University and is expected to attend special events and ceremonies throughout the academic year.
The chancellor is an advocate for the vision of the university, as articulated by its president, and plays an essential role in advancing the university’s interests and fostering relationships with stakeholders at the local, provincial, national and international levels.
The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the university’s distinctive mission, ethos and vision, and its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusive excellence; a passion for the Victoria community and for higher education; an excellent reputation, strong public profile and record of achievement in their chosen profession; demonstrated outstanding service to their community; strong communication and relationship-building skills.
The chancellor is appointed for a term of three years and may be reappointed for an additional term. The chancellor serves as a volunteer and receives no remuneration. The chancellor must be a Canadian citizen.
Victoria University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes nominations which reflect this vision. The Advisory Committee will accept confidential nominations until Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Please forward the nomination form and all supporting documentation to:
Anwar Kazimi, Secretary to the Board
Victoria University
73 Queen’s Park Crescent
Toronto, ON M5S 1K7
Email: vicu.regents@utoronto.ca
The name of the new Chancellor will be announced in late February 2026.
2026 Chancellor Nomination FormBoard Members
General Council of the United Church of Canada
Deepak Bhandari, Treasurer (BoR)
|
James Harbell
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Keith Thomas, Chair of the Board
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Robert Pemberton, Vice-Chair (BoR)
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Ephraim Stulberg, Vice-Chair, Finance and Audit Committee
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Victoria Stuart
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Ex officio
Professor Alex Eric Hernandez, Principal, Victoria College
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Professor HyeRan Kim Cragg, Principal, Emmanuel College
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Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen, President and Vice-Chancellor |
Nick Saul, Chancellor
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Victoria College graduates
Brandon Bailey
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Kate Cassaday
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Cynthia Crysler
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Jane Huang
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James Janeiro
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Brian Johnston, Chair of Property Committee
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Ari Kopolovic
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Pamela Marchant
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Emmanuel College Alumni
Valerie DeSouza
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Rev. Lauren Hodgson
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Rev. Jason Meyers
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Emmanuel College Teaching Staff
Professor Judith Newman
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Professor Nevin Reda El-Tahry
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Victoria College Teaching Staff
Professor Julia Forgie
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Professor Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo
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Professor Mark Solovey
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Professor Marga Vicedo
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Professor Ira Wells
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Professor Rebecca Woods
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Victoria College Students
Jack Cochrane
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Hana Greenberg |
Rohini Patra, ex-officio
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Anemone Leigh Van Leeuwen
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Armiti Zarbakhsh
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Emmanuel College Student
Chris Hawke, ECSS Chair
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Discretionary
Mark Austin
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Doug Houston
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Peter Politis, Vice-Chair of Property Committee
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Secretary to the Board
Anwar Kazimi, Board Secretary
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Board of Regents Committees
The Board of Regents has four standing committees:
Schedule of Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Regents are scheduled to be held on the following days:
| Date | Time | Location | Meeting agenda |
| Oct. 23 | 4-6 p.m. | Room EM119, Emmanuel College | Click Here |
| Dec. 11 | 2-4 p.m. | Victoria College Chapel | |
| Feb. 12 | 4-6 p.m. | Victoria College Chapel | |
| April 23 | 4-6 p.m. | Victoria College Chapel | |
| June 18 | 4-6 p.m. | Victoria College Chapel |
Meeting Minutes
2023/2024
Board positions
How can I attend a Board meeting?
All meetings of the Board are open. Requests to attend a Board meeting should be made to the secretary no later than the day prior to the meeting at vicu.regents@utoronto.ca. Seating will be made available to members of the University community and the public, space permitting. Seats that have not been reserved will be available on a first-come first-served basis. All committee meetings take place in closed session.