Did you know that Innis College is the only Arts & Science college at U of T that has representation in governance? Our governing body, the Innis College Council (ICC), is composed of twenty students and twenty staff/faculty/alumni. I knew that – sort of. It was surely mentioned once or twice throughout my years at Innis. Maybe even at Orientation, once upon a time. ‘Tis a blur. 

That said, I may or may not have paid much attention to what this government-thing does on the regular. My interest in the goings-on of the ICC truly began several months ago, when I wanted money from them. They have this thing where the Student Services Committee (a subsidiary) funds Innis-centric projects proposed by students – but that’s a story for another time.

After that significant exchange, I grew curious about what else the ICC gets up to. I told myself that I’d attend one of their regular meetings (which happens four times a year) and get myself a taste of the Council in action. As fate would have it, I forgot to attend the first Fall meeting… No, actually, I’m not fully to blame here. According to the ICC handbook, the meetings are typically held in October, December, February, and April. So as any noncommittal investigator worth their salt would do, I completely blanked out until the first of October. Lo and behold, the meeting was held on September 24^th. So, I missed it. Oh, deary me, whatsoever shall I do?

[checks Innis website, sees recently uploaded meeting minutes, downloads PDF]

It’s a good thing the meeting minutes for the four most recent meetings are publicly available. It is from these that I learned of the happenings during the 344^th meeting of the Innis College Council. 

It was a riveting 65-minute saga of reports and updates, truly an edge-of-your-seat, gripping tale of peril and excitement. We got construction updates, staff appointments, broken elevators, the whole shebang. I couldn’t possibly tell you everything that happened, for you would surely collapse from the overstimulation. But, if you think you can take it, I dare you to read the full minutes (FOUR WHOLE PAGES!!!). For those of a milder constitution, I present to you my most memorable moments (primarily the Principal’s Report).

The report consisted of an update on Innis’ administrative and teaching staff, as well as some news about the construction project. First and most definitely not least, Principal Charlie Keil’s reign has been extended by two years (started in 2015). It was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. I only have good things to say about our principal; he has been integral to my sense of belonging in the Innis community. 

More Charlie means more tubular times. For example, the Principal’s Dinners that are a regular occurrence at the beginning of the academic year are a source of good food and even better company. However, this year he didn’t bring any candy when I attended so I’m going to have to give it 4.5 stars instead of the usual undisclosed rating. 

There is one small thing I’m a bit worried about though. Are we going to have to live with the fact that our principal for the next two years likes mashed potatoes and green peas? A preference for such nutritionally rich cuisine is of great concern and must be monitored closely.

I digress; the principal’s appointment has been extended. Yay! The vice-principal, Eva-Lynne Jagoe, also received an appointment extension. Double yay! 

There’s been some shuffling around in the Communications Office, with defections to the Department of Statistical Sciences and the creation of a new position that has been infiltrated by the Engineering Student Recruitment and Outreach Office. Forgive me, dear Reader, for I must admit that my eyes glazed over when I was reading this part. I have nary a clue about some of the names that popped up, but they keep the wheels turning and form an integral part of the administrative machine. I should probably do something about getting to know more of our staff, they are notorious for being ridiculously approachable.

Now, onto construction. If you haven’t been living in the College’s offline elevator, you would have noticed that Innis College is still under construction. Back in May, a trusted source told me that the expected completion date was in January, and us fourth-years would get to experience at least one semester of the brand-new Innis. Well, about that…

As of the 24^th of September 2026, re-opening is projected to take place between late March and May 2027. Cue the sad music and general sense of defeat. As a fourth-year planning to graduate in June next year, I am a bit disappointed that I might not be able to experience the renovated building as a student. I started my undergraduate degree with the building under construction, and I might just end it in that state.

Will I be able to see The Innis Herald office? Will I ever get to eat at The Innis Café? Oh, roof-level lounge and outdoor terrace, where art thou? Such a tragic state of affairs, truly.

This three-month delay is due to an instalment issue with a major part of electrical infrastructure, so it is essential and couldn’t have been anticipated. There’s also something about ‘protracted progress’ on the ‘deferred-maintenance roof project’ so they say. 

Oh well, guess it is what it is. I’m a little salty, but these things happen and we must work with what we have. Innis is still a groovy place to be, so to my graduating peers, the new building will have to be for those who come after. But please, I implore you oh progenitors of U of T construction delays, might I see it at Spring Convocation at the very least?

Sorry, I got a little worked up there. There was also a shout-out to Professor Sharon English for teaching creative writing in the Writing & Rhetoric Program since 2008. Such long service is much appreciated, especially now that we’re entering an age where literacy is under threat.

And that’s pretty much it, wild am I right? If you’re curious, the next meeting is in December… or November – who knows? The ICC does important work (thanks for funding my project!) and we as students have a duty to engage with the body that [checks notes, inhales] oversees and advises the entirety of college activities, decisions, and plans, ensuring they are consistent with the College’s values and goals and responsive to the needs of the Innis community [exhales].

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

Later days!

Link to website – https://innis.utoronto.ca/get-involved/icc/